Statistical Sciences: Statistics PhD; Field: Actuarial Science and Mathematical Finance

PhD Program

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Admission to the PhD program is competitive, and applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies.

  • Applicants may be accepted via direct entry with a bachelor's degree in statistics from a recognized university with at least an A– average. The department also encourages applicants from biostatistics, computer science, economics, engineering, mathematics, physics, or any discipline where there is a significant quantitative component.

  • Three letters of recommendation.

  • A curriculum vitae.

  • A letter of intent or personal statement outlining goals for graduate studies.

  • Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements.

Completion Requirements

Course Requirements

  • During Year 1, students must complete the following 3.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs):

    • (1.5 FCEs) All of:

      • STA2111H Probability Theory I,

      • STA2211H Probability Theory II, and

      • STA2503H Applied Probability for Mathematical Finance.

    • (0.5 FCE) One of:

      • STA2501H Advanced Topics in Actuarial Science or

      • STA4246H Research Topics in Mathematical Finance.

    • (1.0 FCE) One of:

      • STA2101H Methods of Applied Statistics I and STA2201H Methods of Applied Statistics II or

      • STA2311H Advanced Computational Methods for Statistics I and STA2312H Advanced Computational Methods for Statistics II or

      • STA3000Y Advanced Theory of Statistics.

Comprehensive Examination Requirements

  • Within Years 1 and 2, students must complete a two-part comprehensive examination: 1) an in-class written comprehensive exam and 2) a research comprehensive exam.

    • Students must attempt the in-class written comprehensive by the end of Year 1. If a student fails this portion of the comprehensive exam, one further attempt will be allowed by the end of Year 2. Students who achieve A or A+ grades in all required coursework are exempt from the in-class written exam.

    • Students must attempt the research comprehensive exam by the beginning of Year 2, which includes a technical report and an oral presentation. If a student fails this portion of the comprehensive exam, one further attempt will be allowed at the end of Year 2.

    • Students must pass both the in-class written exam and the research exam to continue in the program.

Thesis Requirements

Conducting original research is the most important part of doctoral work. The thesis document must constitute significant and original contribution to the field. Students will have yearly meetings with a committee of no less than three faculty members to assess their progress. The completed thesis must be presented and defended within the Department of Statistical Sciences in addition to being presented and defended at the School of Graduate Studies.

Residency Requirements

Students must also satisfy a three-year residency requirement, whereby students must be on campus full-time and consequently in geographical proximity to be able to participate fully in the University activities associated with the program.

Mode of Delivery: In person
Program Length: 4 years full-time (typical registration sequence: Continuous)
Time Limit: 6 years full-time

 

Statistical Sciences