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Doctor of Philosophy in Computing Science
Overview
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) a master's degree in Computing Science or related field from Simon Fraser University or its equivalent from a recognized institution
or
b) 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.
Every PhD student is guaranteed a minimum funding of $30,000 per year for four years.
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.
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)