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Computing Science
The master of science (MSc) in computing science is a research-intensive program that has a primary emphasis on the MSc thesis. The program provides an environment for 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
Applicants must satisfy the university admission requirements as stated in Graduate General Regulations 1.3 in the SFU Calendar and have a bachelor's degree or the equivalent in computing science or a related field. Direct admission is only permitted into the thesis option.
Program Requirements
This program consists of course work and the requirements from either a thesis, project or course option for a minimum of 30 units.
Course work must be selected in consultation with the supervisor or graduate program chair.
Students must complete
five graduate courses in computing science for a minimum of 15 units
and requirements from one of the options below
Thesis Option
students must complete
a thesis
Project Option
and three additional graduate courses in Computing Science for a minimum of nine units
and a project
Course Option
and five additional graduate courses in Computing Science for a minimum of 15 units
and portfolio
Accelerated Master's
SFU students accepted in the accelerated master’s within the School of Computing Science may apply a maximum of nine graduate course units, taken while completing the bachelor’s degree, towards the upper division electives of the bachelor’s program and the requirements of the master’s degree. These courses need to be selected in consultation with the supervisor. For more information go to: https://www.sfu.ca/gradstudies/apply/programs/accelerated-masters.html.
Program Length
Students are expected to complete the program requirements in six terms.
Other Information
Course Work
Students are required to complete breadth requirements selected from five different areas. This is to be done in consultation with the supervisor or graduate program chair if the supervisor has not been appointed yet. For more information on breadth requirements and restrictions, see program website.
Supervisory Committee
A supervisory committee consists of the student's supervisor, at least one other computing science faculty member, and others (typically faculty) as appropriate. The choice of 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.
Transfer from MSc to PhD Program
As per GGR 1.3.7b, students who are enrolled in the MSc program may apply to transfer to the doctor of philosophy (PhD) program after two terms and normally before the seventh term. Students must have a CGPA of 3.5 or above, completed 75% of the required master's course work and evidence must be provided that the student is capable of undertaking substantial original research.
Thesis Option
Students in the thesis option will demonstrate depth of knowledge in their research area through a thesis defence based on their independent work. Students should consult with their supervisory committee members, and formulate and submit a written thesis proposal for approval no later than the third term. Thesis students enroll in CMPT 898 during the terms in which they are conducting thesis research.
Under special circumstances, students in the thesis option, with approval of the graduate program chair, may transfer to the course or project option.
Project Option
Students in the project option will choose an area of specialization and submit a project report. Project topics may include a comprehensive survey of the literature of some computing science related research areas; implementation and evaluation of existing techniques/algorithms; development of interesting software/hardware applications. Project students enroll in CMPT 897 during the terms in which they are conducting project work. The project is examined as a thesis and will need to be submitted to the library as per Graduate General Regulation 1.10.4.
Academic Requirements within the Graduate General Regulations
All graduate students must satisfy the academic requirements that are specified in the Graduate General Regulations, as well as the specific requirements for the program in which they are enrolled.