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 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.
The Regulations and Guidelines for Graduate Programs in the Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences (referred to in the following as the “MSS Regulations and Guidelines”) provide detailed information about the graduate programs offered at the Department.
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 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
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.
Academic Standing Requirement
Students are required to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.7 throughout the course of the program.
In addition, students are required to achieve a GPA of at least 3.0 on the first three graded courses completed in their programs.
Failure to maintain the required GPA will normally result in a recommendation by the Associate Chair (Graduate Studies) to FGSR that the student be placed on academic probation or required to withdraw.
Financial Information
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 MSS Regulations and Guidelines. 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.
Graduate Courses
Graduate courses can be found in Course Listings , under the following subject headings:
Mathematics (MATH)
Mathematical Physics (MA PH)
Statistics (STAT)