Thesis Requirements

MA students in the School of Criminology complete courses plus a thesis. The written thesis is presented in an "oral examination," otherwise called a thesis defence, according to the Graduate General Regulations (GGR) governing Examinations and the Preparation for Examinations.

Thesis Style and Format

Visit the SFU library Thesis Resources website for detailed information regarding thesis formatting, SFU-specific regulations and policies, and thesis templates.

Completion Time

Although it is generally expected that the MA program should be completed in six terms (two years), according to GGR 1.2.2, MA students may complete all of the requirements for their degree within a maximum of nine terms (three years) of enrolment. Extensions beyond nine terms may be available in extenuating circumstances. Leaves of absence are counted towards the maximum according to GGR 1.4.5.

Preparation for Examination of Master’s Thesis

When a student’s thesis is substantially completed (i.e., all but the ‘tidying’) the student should meet with their supervisory committee to discuss whether the thesis is ready for defence. Preparation for the examination of a master's degree shall not take place until the thesis is substantially complete and in the required format. See thesis resources available to you by the library.

When it has been decided that the thesis is ready for defence, a date may be set. At least SIX WEEKS before the proposed defence date, the Supervisor and the Graduate Program Assistant will complete the Approval of Examining Committee form, and the student will provide the thesis abstract and all research ethics approval letters and renewals (if applicable) to the Graduate Program Assistant. At least FOUR WEEKS prior to the defence date, the student will submit their defence-ready thesis in PDF format to the Graduate Program Assistant.

The Supervisor is responsible for the composition of the examining committee, including the examiner arrangements. Supervisors should consult GGR 1.9.1 for regulations surrounding the composition of the committee, paying specific attention to the requirement that the examiner for a thesis defence in FASS may not be a member of the same academic unit as the student defending, unless in exceptional circumstances and with a waiver from the FASS Dean.

The final step after defence is submission of the thesis to the library for publication. The library maintains strict deadlines each term; students who fail to meet this deadline will be required to register (and pay all associated fees) once again in the following semester.

If a student completes all requirements for the degree within the first month of a term, they may be eligible for an early completion refund. Students interested in this option should read the eligibility requirements on the Graduate Studies Completion + Graduation page and be mindful of all associated deadlines.

Contact the Graduate Program Assistant at crimgrad@sfu.ca for more information.