Why Graduate Studies at SFU's School of Criminology?
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia, the School of Criminology at Simon Fraser University has a well-versed complement of full-time faculty members contributing to groundbreaking research nationally and internationally.
The School boasts several well-funded research centres and institutes providing numerous research opportunities for graduate students in diverse areas of study.
Prospective students choose SFU knowing that the University provides a world-class education while offering competitive tuition rates, teaching assistantships and scholarship opportunities.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
MASTER OF ARTS
Students are required to complete course work and an original MA thesis. Students entering the program are expected to identify a potential senior supervisor. Most students who choose this option either continue on to a PhD program or pursue a career in research, policy analysis or teaching.
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
Students entering the PhD program will have opportunities to conduct research with internationally renowned faculty members. This program includes course work and an original PhD thesis. The School also provides teaching opportunities for PhD candidates.
MULTI-FACETED EXPERTISE
DIVERSE COHORT
The School of Criminology has both a strong national and international focus. Undergraduate and graduate students join us from all parts of Canada.
At the international level, persons enrolled in the MA and PhD programs have come from the following countries:
- Australia
- Belgium
- China
- Denmark
- Ethiopia
- Ghana
- Guatemala
- India
- Japan
- Jamaica
- Nigeria
- Norway
- South Africa
- United Kingdom
- United States
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
The School of Criminology offers competitive tuition rates. Various teaching assistantships and scholarship opportunities are available for all graduate students. The School also offers the possibility of sessional instructing opportunities to its PhD students.
Graduate students may apply to multiple funding opportunities internally, and students are encouraged to apply for major external awards.
The School awards Graduate Fellowships in variable amounts to all eligible MA and PhD students each academic year.
- Major Entrance Scholarships
- Graduate Fellowships
- SFU Private Awards
- President's PhD Scholarships
- Travel & Research Awards
- Major External Awards
ADMISSIONS PROCESS
Our admissions process is based upon a comparison of qualifications among those who apply.
Our primary considerations for admissions include:
- Previous academic performance
- Graduate performance potential
- Research interests
No GRE score is required.
We consider a broad range of information about each candidate, admitting students with a background in one or more of the behavioural- or social sciences, or with legal training, who are interested in becoming specialists in criminology.
Our objective is to enroll a cohort each year that is both academically accomplished and diverse in interests, background, and experience.
HOW TO APPLY
Prospective students complete a two-step online application process before submitting all paper documents.
The application process includes submission via the online application system the following documents:
- Unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- Names and email addresses of three (3) references
- Statement of area of research interest
- Evidence of completion of prerequisite courses (or equivalent)
- Academic writing sample(s)
- English language test scores (if applicable)