Program Overview

Graduate Embedded Certificate in Data Science (Mathematical and Statistical Sciences)

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.

Entrance Requirements

For the MSc, the Departments 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 Departments 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.

Applicants must provide proof of English Language Proficiency, which can be demonstrated by:

• 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:

• 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.

Program Requirements

For the DS embedded certificate, it is required that students complete the Graduate Teaching and Learning Certificate Level 1 (GTL Level 1) plus 9 units chosen from the following list:

• BIOL 501 - Applied Bioinformatics
• CMPUT 551 - Topics in Computing Science (this course requires solid programming skills; it is highly recommended to first take CMPUT 174 and CMPUT 175)
• CMPUT 659 - Topics in Artificial Intelligence
• MATH 508 - Computational Finance
• STAT 501 - Directed Study I
• STAT 502 - Directed Study II
• STAT 503 - Directed Study III
• STAT 504 - Directed Study IV
• STAT 505 - Directed Study V
• STAT 568 - Design and Analysis of Experiments
• STAT 575 - Multivariate Analysis
• STAT 578 - Regression Analysis

Other courses may be approved in consultation with the Associate Chair (Graduate Studies) at the Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences.

Upon successful completion of the graduate program, inclusive of the designated DS embedded certificate courses, and the GTL Level 1, the student will be awarded the Graduate Embedded Certificate in Data Science in addition to their graduate degree.

Courses

Graduate courses can be found under the following subject headings:

• Mathematics (MATH)
• Mathematical Physics (MA PH)
• Statistics (STAT)

Tuition and Fees

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.

In the MSc and PhD programs in Mathematical Finance, students are required to take MBA courses at the School of Business, which have additional fees associated with them that are not covered by the usual program fees in the case of MSc (thesis-based) and PhD programs in Mathematical Finance.

For general information, please refer to the Tuition and Fees page.

Scholarships and Financial Support

The Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies 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.