History of the College

The College of Computational, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences (CCMPS) has roots in three historic colleges that became the foundation of what we now know as the University of Guelph. In 1964, the University of Guelph was formed from the merger of Ontario Agricultural College (OAC), the Ontario Veterinary College, and the Macdonald Institute. Wellington College was added later that year to offer degree programs in arts and sciences.

In 1969, Wellington College was divided into the College of Arts, the College of Physical Science, and the College of Social Science. Meanwhile, engineering had been taught within OAC since its establishment in 1874. In 1989, OAC’s School of Engineering merged with the College of Physical Sciences to form the College of Physical and Engineering Sciences. In 2017, the College’s name was changed to the “College of Engineering and Physical Sciences."

In June 2025, the University of Guelph’s Senate voted to dissolve the College of Engineering, and Physical Sciences and its associated School of Engineering, effective July 1, and create two new colleges: College of Computational, Mathematical and Physical Sciences, and College of Engineering. This was the first time in nearly 20 years that a new faculty had been created at the University of Guelph.

Today, the College is one of eight at the University, and is a hub for research and innovation in fundamental and applied sciences, teaching and learning. World-leading faculty are pioneering research that advances our understanding of critical scientific topics. Reputable undergraduate and graduate programming, with ample opportunities for experiential learning, make CCMPS and the University of Guelph an enticing destination for top students. The College's research and partnerships position it as a key contributor to the University of Guelph and the local economy, with its impact felt around the world.