The Department offers two different MSc degrees: one in Statistics, and, in collaboration with the School of Population and Public Health, one in Biostatistics. Students may switch between these, but should select one when they apply. All students have a capstone experience, either an 8-month full-time co-op placement (internship) or a supervised research project (or thesis). All programs have an expected completion time of 20 months. Upon completion, students will be well-equipped to take on positions as statisticians in government or industry or to continue in a PhD program in Statistics.
In collaboration with the Department of Computer Science, we also offer a 10-month professional MSc degree in Data Science, which is administered separately. For more information, please see the Master of Data Science web page.
Key Program Benefits
- Competitive funding package
- One-on-one mentorship by world-leading faculty members
- Interaction with amazing fellow graduate students
- Access to a renowned co-op program providing real-world experience and placement
- Supportive environment: graduate student parental leave, collegial department, universal health care system
- Modern facilities, right in the center of a vibrant campus in a cosmopolitan city
General MSc Requirements
The total number of required credits is 30, with at least 24 credits in courses numbered 500 and above. Students typically register for a minimum of 18 credits in their first year, and a minimum of 12 credits in their second year. The Department requires that students maintain an average of at least 75% in order to stay in the program.
In addition to these formal requirements, students are expected to develop proficiency in the use of statistical computing software, with R and python being particularly important.
To broaden their knowledge and experience in the discipline, students are expected to take advantage of other opportunities provided by departmental activities, such as by attending seminars and other presentations. All students typically deliver a presentation to the department at the end of their studies which summarizes their co-op, project, or thesis work.
Typical Coursework
All MSc students take sequences of courses in applied statistics, statistical consulting, and mathematical statistics. Students in in the Statistics track also take a course in advanced probability. Those in the Biostatistics track take an additional sequence in the School of Population and Public Health as well as, ideally, demonstrating sustained involvement with a health research team. Please consult the Graduate Handbook for the list of specific requirements, or contact the Graduate Program Manager.
Co-op Program
The co-op program is intended to help prepare interested and qualified students for careers in statistics and involves 8 months of work placement supervised by practicing professionals. Citizenship or permanent residence is not required to participate. For further information on how to apply for the Statistics Graduate Co-operative option, please contact the Science Co-op office or the Departmental Graduate Program Advisor.
Co-op placements are for the eight month period from May (at the end of the first year in the MSc program) until the end of December. Students apply in October of their first year.
Capstone Project or Thesis
Students in the MSc program who are not in the co-op option are required to write either a project report (3 credits) or a thesis (6 credits). Most students will write a project report, and only students who are able to demonstrate exceptionally strong research skills will be permitted to register in the thesis option. The choice is typically determined in concert with the research supervisor at the end of the first summer.
Students choose their own project/thesis supervisors, but are not necessarily expected to find their own topics. However, students should have some thoughts on areas of interest. Most MSc projects and theses have an applied orientation and often consist of solving or at least investigating data analysis problems. A theoretical thesis would normally be most suitable for students planning to continue to a PhD program.