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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.
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
- 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.
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.