Program Overview

Statistics and Actuarial Science

The Statistics and Actuarial Science program offers a wide range of statistical techniques and their application. The program combines applied and theoretical training in state-of-the-art statistical methodology, hands-on consulting experiences, a project in data analysis or in the development of new statistical methodology, and the opportunity to gain work experience and course credit through the co-operative education program.

Program Requirements

The Statistics M.Sc. program requires a total of 36 units, consisting of a 6-unit project and a further 30 units of course work, of which at least 24 must be at the graduate level. Course work includes participation in the Statistical Consulting Service (over two semesters). Students who have completed the undergraduate Statistics major or honours program at SFU or have received approval of the Graduate Chair based on an equivalent program are required to complete 24 graduate course units plus 6 project units for a total of 30 units in total.

Program Length

Students with a good undergraduate background in statistics will normally complete the course work in four terms or fewer. The project, including the defense, is expected to require up to two terms, including terms in which students are completing course requirements. Students with backgrounds in other disciplines or with an inadequate background in statistics may be required to complete certain undergraduate courses in the department in addition to the formal calendar requirements.

Resources

• Questions to ask your prospective supervisor upon admission to the M.Sc. program
  • Tips for preparing for the Statistics M.Sc. program
• Find examples of research by our former M.Sc. students here

Degree Programs

• Statistics M.Sc.
• Statistics Ph.D.
• Actuarial Science M.Sc.

Undergraduate Programs

• Statistics
• Actuarial Science
• Data Science

Graduate Programs

• Statistics M.Sc.
• Statistics Ph.D.
• Actuarial Science M.Sc.

Research Areas

• Statistics
• Actuarial Science
• Data Science

Admissions and Transferring

• Statistics Admission
• Actuarial Science Admission
• Data Science Admission

Tuition and Financial Support

Tuition fees are described in the SFU Calendar. In addition to the required core courses, the department also offers other graduate-level statistics courses in areas such as biostatistics, functional data analysis, and space-time models. These courses are listed and described in the SFU Calendar. Moreover, students may be permitted to take courses in other departments.

Academic Resources

• M.Sc. and Ph.D. Defences
• Statistical Consulting
• Graduate Students
• Sessionals
• Employment
• Forms
  • Submit Expense Report on FINS
• Intranet Grad Students

News and Events

• Statistics Canada Info Session

Department

• Faculty
• Staff
• Statistical Consulting
• Graduate Students
• Sessionals
• Employment
• Forms
  • Submit Expense Report on FINS
• Intranet

Accreditation

The program is accredited by the relevant authorities, and graduates have the foundational training to continue on to Ph.D. studies. The M.Sc. program prepares students for careers as statisticians in industry, government, consulting, and research organizations.