Why study this program?
The Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences offers graduate programs leading to the degree of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Mathematical Finance, Mathematical Physics, Statistics, Biostatistics, Data Science, Statistical Machine Learning, and Modelling, Data, and Predictions.
Currently there is no course-based MSc program in Statistical Machine Learning, no thesis-based MSc or PhD programs in Modelling, Data, and Predictions, and no PhD program in Biostatistics.
Prospective graduate students should consult the Department about facilities available and the background required for the field in which they are interested.
Entrance Requirements
For the MSc, the Department’s minimum admission requirements are a four-year undergraduate degree with a strong background in mathematics, physics and/or statistics, with an admission GPA of at least 3.3 on the 4- point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution.
For the PhD, the Department’s minimum admission requirements are an MSc degree in mathematical, physical, or statistical sciences, with an admission GPA of at least 3.3 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution.
Previous credentials for applicants to Mathematical Finance should be in Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Engineering or Finance.
Previous credentials for applicants to Statistical Machine Learning should be in Mathematical and Statistical Sciences or Computing Science.
The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework.
Where applicable, applicants must provide proof of English Language Proficiency (refer to English Language Requirement). Any one of the following is acceptable:
- a minimum TOEFL score of 100 (Internet-based) with a minimum score of 22 in each individual skill area, or equivalent;
- a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.0 on each band;
- a minimum PTE overall score of 68 with a minimum of 60 in each category;
- a minimum CAMBRIDGE score of 176 with at least 169 on each subscore.
All test scores must be less than two years old.
Applicants are encouraged to contact academic staff before applying and identify professors who would be willing to provide supervision.
Applicants are also required to submit the following
- A Curriculum Vitae
- A brief (two pages maximum) Personal Statement
- Three letters of reference
- Publications (up to a maximum of three) may be submitted but are not required
- GRE scores (General and Mathematics) may be submitted but are not required.
Satisfying the minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee admission.
Students entering the program with no MSc or with an MSc from this Department must complete a minimum of 32 units in coursework, including a 2-unit colloquium requirement, and a thesis. Courses taken during the MSc in this department may be included in this total.
Students entering the program with an MSc from outside the Department must complete a minimum of 20 units in coursework, including a 2-unit colloquium requirement, and a thesis.
Core Courses (18 units)
At least 12 units of the core courses must be completed in the Entrance Year of the doctoral program
Optional courses
- All coursework must be chosen in consultation with the supervisor
- All coursework to be counted towards the program requirements must be approved by the Associate Chair (Graduate Studies).
- Additional coursework may be required.
Advisory Exams
All doctoral students in Statistics must take Advisory Exams at the beginning of the first term of their program. Students who obtained an MSc degree in Statistics from this University are exempt. Students who changed program category from the MSc in Statistics to the PhD in Statistics are exempt provided they meet their Entrance year requirement.
Graduate Colloquium (2 units)
- Students must complete two terms of MATH 601 and give a presentation in the Graduate Colloquium, unless this requirement was fulfilled as an MSc student in the Department.
Thesis
- Registration in 900-level THES. The principal requirement for the PhD is a substantial contribution to knowledge, embodied in a thesis.
Training and Consulting Centre
As part of the educational experience, PhD students in the Statistics program can participate as consultants in the Training and Consulting Centre (TCC), after having completed 39 hours as TCC observers. They are academically evaluated by the Director of the TCC. Graduate Research Assistantship Fellowships may be provided to the thesis-based graduate students involved in the TCC as consultants.
Entrance Year Academic Standing Requirement
By the end of the second term in the program, PhD students must have passed four core courses with a minimum GPA of 3.6. Core courses taken as an undergraduate or MSc student are included in this calculation.
Failure to meet the required GPA may result in a recommendation by the Associate Chair (Graduate Studies) to GPS that the student be placed on academic probation or required to withdraw.
Courses
Graduate courses can be found in Course Listings, under the following subject headings:
Mathematics (MATH)
Mathematical Physics (MA PH)
Statistics (STAT)
For most students in a thesis-based program, the Department provides funding through graduate teaching and research assistantships, as well as scholarships and awards, subject to conditions and limitations set by the Faculty of Science and the Department. Detailed funding information will be included in the Departmental Offer Letter, if applicable.
In the MSc and PhD programs in Mathematical Finance, students are required to take MBA courses at the School of Business. These courses have additional fees associated with them which are not covered by the usual program fees in case of MSc (thesis-based) and PhD programs in Mathematical Finance. For the same reason, students in the course-based MSc program in Mathematical Finance may incur additional fees compared to other course-based MSc programs at the Department. In many cases, the Department will assist with (or completely offset) these additional costs for students in a thesis-based MSc or PhD program in Mathematical Finance.
For general information, please visit the Tuition and Fees page on the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research site.The Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research administers over $29 million each year in scholarships, awards, and financial support for graduate students, as well as financial and loan advising. Additional scholarships are also available for specific faculties and programs.
Please refer to the detailed program information or email mathgrad@ualberta.ca.
General inquiriesPlease check out some of our most frequently asked questions (FAQS) to see if your question has been answered, or contact the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) during our office hours.
Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (FGSR)
Killam Centre for Advanced Studies
2-29 Triffo Hall
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E1