Statistical Sciences: Statistics MSc

Master of Science

Program Description

Students in the MSc program can conduct research in the fields of 1) Statistical Theory and Applications or 2) Probability. The program offers numerous courses in theoretical and applied aspects of Statistical Sciences, which prepare students for pursuing a PhD program or directly entering the data science workforce.

The MSc program can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis. Program requirements are the same for the full-time and part-time options.

Fields:
1) Statistical Theory and Applications;
2) Probability

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Admission to the MSc program is competitive, and applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Admission requirements for the Statistical Theory and Applications field and the Probability field are identical. Successful applicants have:

    • An appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university in a related field such as statistics, actuarial science, mathematics, economics, engineering, or any discipline where there is a significant quantitative component. Studies must include significant exposure to statistics, computer science, and mathematics, including coursework in advanced calculus, computational methods, linear algebra, probability, and statistics.

    • An average grade equivalent to at least a University of Toronto mid-B in the final year or over senior courses.

    • Three letters of reference.

    • A curriculum vitae.

  • 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.

Program Requirements

  • Both the Statistical Theory and Applications field and the Probability field have the same program requirements. All programs must be approved by the Associate Chair for Graduate Studies.

  • Students must complete a total of 4.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs), of which 2.0 must be chosen from the list below:

    • STA2101H Methods of Applied Statistics I

    • STA2201H Methods of Applied Statistics II

    • STA2111H Probability Theory I

    • STA2211H Probability Theory II

    • STA2112H Mathematical Statistics I

    • STA2212H Mathematical Statistics II

  • The remaining 2.0 FCEs may be selected from:

    • Any Department of Statistical Sciences 2000-level course or higher.

    • Any 1000-level course or higher in another graduate unit at the University of Toronto with sufficient statistical, computational, probabilistic, or mathematical content.

    • One 0.5 FCE as a reading course.

    • One 0.5 FCE as a research project.

    • A maximum of 1.0 FCE from any STA 4500-level modular course (each are 0.25 FCE).

  • All programs must be approved by the Associate Chair for Graduate Studies. Students must meet with the Associate Chair to ensure that their program meets the requirements and is of sufficient depth.

  • Part-time students are limited to taking 1.0 FCE during each session. In exceptional cases, the Associate Chair for Graduate Studies may approve 1.5 FCEs in a given session.

Program Length

3 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S);
6 sessions part-time

Time Limit

3 years full-time;
6 years part-time