Doctoral Program

At the Doctoral level, the Department offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Archaeology. The program requires submission of a thesis and can be completed in 12 terms, but students have up to 18 terms. The program requires completion of at least 33 units that include 13 units of graded coursework.

Applications open October 1, and are due January 15 for entrance the following September.

(October 2024 applications, January 2025 due date, September 2025 program start)

Admission Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the University admission requirements as stated in Graduate General Regulations 1.3 in the SFU Calendar.

  • a master's degree from Simon Fraser University or its equivalent from a recognized institution (preferably in a related field)
  • a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5/4.33 is required for to be considered for entrance awards
  • submitted evidence, usually references from qualified referees, of the applicant’s ability to undertake advanced studies in the area of interest
  • proof of English Language proficiency

Program Elements

Orientation

Orientation and a Meet and Greet on the first Thursday of the fall term.

Course Requirements

Three graded courses, two terms of graduate seminar, colloquium & prospectus, a comprehensive examination, and a thesis defence.

INTENSIVE COLLABORATION

SFU faculty will support the design and delivery of your dissertation.

DEFENCE

Juried defences for the PhD program take place on the SFU campus.

If you have any questions you can't find an answer for on these pages, please contact the Graduate Program Assistant at archgrad@sfu.ca