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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.

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Program at-a-glance

This program consists of course work and a thesis for a minimum of 30 units selected in consultation with the Graduate Chair or supervisor.

Students are expected to complete the program requirements in 12 to 15 terms (4 to 5 years).

To earn a PhD degree in Computing Science, students must meet all breadth and depth requirements. To satisfy breadth requirements students must take the required number of credits/courses in specified breadth areas. 

  • Area I: Theoretical Computing Science
  • Area II: Networks and Systems
  • Area III: Artificial Intelligence
  • Area IV: Databases, Data Mining, Computational Biology
  • Area V: Graphics, HCI, Vision, and Visualization

Fulfillment of the research-oriented depth requirement is carried out with guidance and examination provided by the student's supervisory committee. Completion of the depth requirement involves defending a research thesis or project.  

PhD students demonstrate depth of knowledge in their research area through a public depth seminar and oral examination. Once the depth exam is passed, students then write their thesis proposal, after which they are required to defend its originality and feasibility within a second seminar and oral examination. Finally, students submit and defend a thesis based on their independent work which makes an original contribution to computing science.

Program Requirements

Students must complete

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.

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.

Supervision

A supervisory committee, at either the MSc or PhD level, consists of the student's supervisor, at least one other computing science faculty member, and optionally other members (typically faculty) as appropriate. Note that a student may have two co-senior supervisors. The choice of the 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.

More information and regulations on supervisory committees can be found in Section 1.6 of the Graduate General Regulations.

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fee structure is based on a per term (not per unit) fee per term for domestic students and  international students.

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Financial Support & Funding

Read more about various funding opportunities for graduate students as set out on the Graduate Studies website, or review department specific opportunities

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Further Program Information

Discover more details about this program on our 'current students' pages

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