205
Graduate Programs
205.39
Mathematical and Statistical Sciences
205.39 Mathematical and Statistical Sciences
Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences
632 Central Academic Building
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G1
E-mail: gradmail@math.ualberta.ca
205.39.1 General Information
The Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences offers graduate programs leading to the degree of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in a number of fields in the general areas of pure mathematics, applied mathematics, mathematical finance, mathematical physics, statistics, biostatistics, and statistical machine learning. The Department also offers a Postgraduate Diploma in Statistics for applicants who wish to take a recognized package of courses with a view to increasing their mastery of an accreditation in Statistics. Prospective graduate students should consult the Graduate Chair with regard to facilities available and the background required for the field in which they are particularly interested.
Entrance Requirements
The Department generally does not accept students with an overall grade point average of less than 3.3 in their undergraduate years at the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification from another institution. Where applicable (see §203.2.4), a minimum TOEFL score of 600 (paper-based) or 100 (internet-based) is required for all graduate students. Additional information on specific requirements for admission to the MSc and PhD programs is found below, under the respective degree headings.
Financial Assistance
Graduate teaching assistantships are available for candidates working toward a higher degree. They involve at most 12 hours of work per week including teaching, class preparation and working time. Teaching assistantships will normally be limited to at most five years for students in the PhD program and to two years for students in the MSc program. Support will not be extended to more than a total of six years. Research assistantships are also available.
205.39.2 The Degree of MSc
Entrance Requirements
Candidates for the MSc must have an Honors degree or equivalent from a recognized university, with a strong background in mathematics and/or statistics. Candidates whose background is deemed to be deficient will be required to register as qualifying students and take additional courses.
Program Requirements
The minimum requirement for the MSc degree is either 
18 in graduate courses and a thesis, or 24 in graduate courses and a project equivalent to 6. Approval of the Graduate Chair of the Mathematical and Statistical Sciences Department is needed to take graduate courses that are not in mathematical or statistical sciences.
The minimum period of residence is two four-month terms of full-time attendance at the University of Alberta.
Length of Program
The MSc program will normally be completed in 20 months; however, it may be done in a minimum of one year.
205.39.3 The Degree of PhD
Entrance Requirements
To be admitted as a provisional candidate for the PhD, a student must normally hold the equivalent of an MSc degree in mathematical or statistical sciences from the University of Alberta.
Program Requirements
In addition to the examinations called for by the general regulations, the student must successfully complete an entrance year which includes two full terms of course work. The program of a full-time student in each of these terms shall normally include at least three mathematical and statistical sciences courses, or courses in approved or allied fields (graduate or senior undergraduate). In addition, each PhD candidate must satisfy a minimum course requirement specified by the Regulations and Guidelines for Graduate Programs in the Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences. In any case, 6 must be in mathematical and statistical sciences courses at the 500-level or 600-level, in areas other than that of the student’s thesis. The principal requirement for the PhD is a substantial contribution to knowledge, embodied in a thesis.
To satisfy the residence requirement for the PhD, candidates must spend at least two years in advanced study and research after the master's degree.
Length of Program
The time required to complete the program will vary according to the previous training of the applicant and the nature of the research undertaken; however, a minimum of three years is normally required after the BSc or two years after the MSc.
205.39.4 Programs in Mathematical Physics
The Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Mathematical Physics may be taken in the Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary investigations of the mathematical and physical aspects of theories and mathematical models used in physics.
The entrance requirement for the Master of Science degree in Mathematical Physics is a four-year degree in Mathematical and Statistical Sciences or Physics with a GPA of 3.0 or better, or equivalent. The MSc degree may be obtained in a course-based or thesis-based program. For the course-based program 24 in graduate courses at the 500-level or higher from a list of approved courses must be taken, and a project is required. For the thesis-based program 18 in graduate courses at the 500-level or higher from a list of approved courses must be taken, and a thesis is required. The course work must include courses from both the Departments of Physics and Mathematical and Statistical Sciences.
The entrance requirement for the PhD program in Mathematical Physics is, normally, an MSc degree in Mathematical and Statistical Sciences or Physics, or equivalent. The PhD program requirements are essentially the same as those for the PhD in Mathematical Sciences with certain modifications in the required course work, advisory examination and entrance year as outlined in the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research Regulations. These modifications are meant to enhance the interdisciplinary nature of the program.
205.39.5 The Postgraduate Diploma in Statistics
Entrance Requirements
A four-year undergraduate degree from the University of Alberta with a grade point average of 3.0 in the work of the final two years, or the equivalent qualification from another institution.
Program Requirements
The Postgraduate Diploma in Statistics requires the successful completion of 21 statistics courses from the Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences. At least 12 must be at the 500-level or higher; any remaining courses must be at the 400-level or higher. Any courses taken at the 300-level or any courses other than Statistics courses that may need to be taken in order to acquire the appropriate background, may not be counted toward the Diploma. The selection of courses must be approved by the Graduate Committee of the Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences. There is no residence requirement.
Length of Program
The Postgraduate Diploma must be completed within four years from the time of admission.
205.39.6 Programs in Mathematical Finance
The Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Mathematical Finance may be taken in the Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences.
The entrance requirement for the Master of Science degree in Mathematical Finance is a university degree that lasts four years or longer. The MSc degree may be obtained in a course-based or thesis-based program. For the course-based program 24 graduate courses at the 500-level or higher from a list of approved courses must be taken, and a project is required. For the thesis-based program 18 graduate courses at the 500-level or higher from a list of approved courses must be taken, and a thesis is required. The course work must include courses from both the Faculty of Business and the Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences.
The entrance requirement for the PhD program in Mathematical Finance is normally an MSc degree, or equivalent. The PhD program requirements are essentially the same as those for the PhD in Mathematical Sciences with certain modifications in the required course work, advisory examination and entrance year as outlined in the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research Regulations. These modifications are meant to enhance the interdisciplinary nature of the program.
205.39.7 Graduate Courses
Graduate courses can be found in §231, Course Listings, under the following subject headings:
Mathematics (MATH)
Mathematical Physics (MA PH)
Statistics (STAT)
