Program Overview

Overview of the Doctor of Philosophy in Computing Science

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Computing Science is a research-intensive program that has a primary emphasis on the thesis. The Program provides an environment for interdisciplinary education in theoretical and applied Computer Science.

Through training in formal coursework and hands-on research in areas such as artificial intelligence, computer systems and networks, computer graphics, and data mining, graduates will be capable of working with integrity to design, improve, and apply cutting-edge computational techniques to support a career in academia, industry or the public sector.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the graduate programs in computer science is competitive: only the best qualified applicants are offered a seat. Therefore, it is imperative that students familiarize themselves with the admission requirements in order to ensure they submit a strong application.

• The minimum requirements for admission to the doctoral program:
  • a master's degree in Computing Science or related field from Simon Fraser University or its equivalent from a recognized institution
  • or
  • The School's Graduate Admissions Committee may offer, at its discretion, PhD admission to exceptional students holding only a bachelor's degree and without a master's degree or equivalent in computer science or a related field.
    • In this case, the student should have obtained a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5/4.33, or a grade point average of at least 3.67/4.33 (A-) based on the last 60 units of undergraduate courses.

PhD Milestones

• Students are expected to complete the program requirements in 12 to 15 terms (4 to 5 years).
• By end of year 1 (3rd semester): Form a supervisory committee, with approval of the GPC.
• By end of year 2 (6th semester): Breadth OR Depth Exam completed.
• By end of year 3 (9th semester): Depth Exam AND Proposal completed.

Program Requirements

Students must complete

• four graduate courses in computing science for a minimum of 12 units
• and a thesis
• CMPT 899 - PhD Thesis (18)
• Students without an MSc or equivalent
  • complete additional four graduate courses in computing science for a minimum of 12 units selected in consultation with the Graduate Chair or supervisor.

Supervision

A supervisory committee, at either the MSc or PhD level, consists of the student's supervisor, at least one other computing science faculty member, and optionally other members (typically faculty) as appropriate. Note that a student may have two co-senior supervisors. The choice of the supervisor should be made by mutual consent of the graduate student and faculty member based on commonality of research interests. The student and supervisor should consult on the remainder of the committee members.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fee structure is based on a per term (not per unit) fee per term for domestic students and international students.

Financial Support & Funding

Graduate students at SFU Computing Science are normally provided with financial support through a combination of teaching assistantships, graduate fellowships, sessional instructor positions, and a variety of merit-based scholarships.

• Every PhD student is guaranteed minimum funding $30,000 per year for four years.

Other Program Options

• Big Data (Master of Science)
• Computing Science (Master of Science)
• Computing Science Dual Degree (Master of Science)
• Cybersecurity (Master of Cybersecurity)
• Visual Computing (Master of Visual Computing)
• Computing Science (Doctor of Philosophy)
• Computing Science Dual Degree (Doctor of Philosophy)
• Big Data (Graduate Diploma)
• Cybersecurity (Graduate Diploma)
• Visual Computing (Graduate Diploma)