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The doctoral program typically spans 4-5 years, during which candidates must conduct original research, fulfill coursework obligations, and successfully defend their dissertation. Research Guidance -- Upon admission, each student is assigned a primary research advisor. Their academic journey is then overseen by a three-member faculty committee, including their primary advisor. The final dissertation must present novel, publishable contributions that significantly advance the chosen field of study, culminating in an oral defense before an examination committee.
A master’s degree from SFU or its equivalent from a recognized institution
OR
A bachelor's degree, with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5/4.0, or a grade point average of at least 3.67/4.33 (A-) based on the last 60 credits of undergraduate courses. Students admitted directly from a bachelor's degree must complete at least 50% of the course work units required for the relevant program's master's program if no course work is required as part of the doctoral degree;
OR
Completion of at least 75% of the course work units required for the relevant program’s master’s program, with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5.
English Language Requirements:
Internet-based TOEFL: 93 with minimum of 20 in each category
Paper-based TOEFL: 580 and TWE 5
IELTS (academic): overall band score of 7.0 of the academic (NOT general) test with a minimum of 6.5 in each section
CAEL: overall 70; minimum 60 in each section
Pearson Academic (PTE): overall 65; minimum 60 in all of their sections
Cambridge English Qualifications: C1 Advanced - minimum score of 193; C2 Proficiency - minimum score of 200
Duolingo English Test (DET): Provisionally through the Fall 2026 admission cycle - Duolingo English Test (DET) 130 overall with a minimum of 120 in each section.