The Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science offers a master's degree in Statistics - Finance .
The MMath in Statistics-Finance is a Collaborative Master's Program in Finance, offered by the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, and the School of Accountancy.
Admission requirements for students admitted into the regular MMath Statistics-Finance program are as follows:
- a four-year honour's Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with a strong background in quantitative methods. Such a background may be in mathematics, statistics, actuarial science, economics, engineering, physics, provided there is a strong component of high level mathematics in the program. Strong communication skills are also highly desirable.
- an overall B+ (78%) average from a Canadian university (or its equivalent);
- three letters of reference, at least two from academic sources;
- proof of competency in English (if applicable), including a TOEFL score of at least 600 and TWE of at least 4.5 for students required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language. A score of at least 250 is required on the computer version of the TOEFL. (See Academic Regulations - English Language Proficiency Certification for other acceptable tests of English.)
- Applicants will initially be assessed by a special interdepartmental committee consisting of faculty from Accounting and, Statistics and Actuarial Science.
- Students whose academic background does not meet the admission requirements, but who otherwise show outstanding promise for graduate work in finance, may be admitted as qualifying students. Admission to the qualifying program does not guarantee admission to the Master's program. The number of courses required in the qualifying period will depend on the student's prior educational background. Interested applicants should consult with the Director of the Centre for Advanced Studies in Finance.
Application Deadline for September admissions is February 1st.
Degree Requirements
Statistics-Finance (Course Work Option)
Normally, this program consists of two academic terms (Fall and Winter), followed by a work term with an industrial partner in the Spring term, and then one additional academic terms (Fall).
The academic requirements are:
- nine one-term (0.50 unit weight) courses,
- satisfactory completion of the research and teaching seminar,
- and the Master's Research Paper.
The required courses are ACC 770/ACTSC 970, ACC 771/ACTSC 971, ACC 772/ACTSC 972, ECON 727, and STAT 850, 901, 902, 906. In addition, students are required to take one additional graduate level course approved by the advisor. Recommended course electives are ECON 601, CS 676, ACTSC 845, ACTSC 846/STAT 846 or CO 778/ACTSC 973.
Statistics-Finance (Thesis Option)
- five one-term (0.50 unit weight) courses,
- satisfactory completion of the research and teaching seminar,
- and the Master's Thesis.
The required courses are ACC 770/ACTSC 970, ACC 771/ACTSC 971, ACC772/ACTSC 972 plus 2 elective courses approved by the advisor.
A special interdepartmental committee, consisting of faculty from the School of Accountancy and the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, will review the record of a candidate whose cumulative average at the end of any term is below B (75%) and the candidate may be required to withdraw from the program.
Only students who have been admitted into the Statistics-Finance program can receive the MMath degree with the Statistics-Finance designation.