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Programs of Study

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers graduate programs leading to three degrees:

  1. Master of Applied Statistics (MAS)

    The MAS is a highly structured program incorporating both courses and practicum (an applied statistics project). A full-time student with an honours degree in statistics normally requires two years to complete the degree requirements. No new admissions in Winter.

  2. Master of Science (M.Sc.)

    Mathematics:
    Option 1. Research based program. This program consists of graduate courses and a thesis. A full-time student is expected to complete the degree requirements in two years.
    Option 2. Course based program. This is an intensive three semester (one year) program based on graduate courses and a project. No new admission in Winter.

    Statistics:
    This program consists of graduate courses and a thesis. Full-time students should complete the degree requirements within two years.

    All Masters programmes start in the Fall term; only under exceptional circumstances Option 1 of Mathematics and Statistics programmes shall take new students in the Winter term.

  3. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
    The PhD programs in mathematics and in statistics consist of graduate courses, a two-part comprehensive examination, and a thesis embodying the results of original research of a high calibre. Students are expected to complete the PhD degree requirements in three to four years. Upon completion of the thesis, a final oral examination and defence of thesis must take place.

The department is also a participating member in two interdisciplinary programs: the M.Sc. in Computational Science and the PhD in Theoretical Physics. Students interested in either of these programs should direct their inquiries to the corresponding program coordinators:

Complete regulations concerning programs of study can be found in the Memorial University Calendar. Below we summarize the relevant information for the programs offered by our department.

Master of Applied Statistics (MAS)

Admission is limited and competitive. To be considered for admission to the Master of Applied Statistics program, an applicant should normally hold at least a high second-class honours degree (or equivalent) from a recognized and respected institution. In addition, an applicant shall normally have completed undergraduate courses in statistics which cover the curricula of the following undergraduate courses:

The program of study for the degree of Master of Applied Statistics includes the successful completion of:

  • Stat-6590 A Course in Statistical Consulting
  • Stat-6510 Mathematical Statistics
  • Stat-6560 Continuous Multivariate Analysis
  • Stat-697A/B Graduate Seminar Series in Statistics

and at least three additional courses selected from:

  • Stat-6503-6589

A practicum, consisting of an applied statistics project and an associated report, is also required. The purpose of the project is to provide the student with practical experience in the application of statistics to another discipline. The report for the project must demonstrate a satisfactory general mastery of statistical knowledge.

Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Admission is limited and competitive. To be considered for admission, an applicant should normally hold at least a high second-class undergraduate degree (or equivalent) and have a basic knowledge of the proposed field of specialization.

M.Sc. in Mathematics

There are two programs leading to the degree of Master of Sciences in Mathematics: one thesis based (Option 1) and the other course based (Option 2).

Every candidate for any of the M.Sc. programmes in Mathematics is required to complete successfully

  • Math-6310 Functional Analysis
  • Math-6351 Advanced Linear Algebra
  • Math-696A/B Graduate Seminar Series

in addition to

Option 1: The succesful completion of at least three additional 3-credit hour graduate courses chosen from the departmental course offerings, excluding Math-6299. A thesis is required as per General Regulations, Theses and Reports.

Option 2: The succesful completion Math-6332, Math-6299 and at least three additional graduate courses selected from the from the departmental course offerings.

M.Sc. in Statistics

Every candidate for the M.Sc. in Statistics is required to complete successfully

  • Stat-6510 Mathematical Statistics
  • Stat-6560 Continuous Multivariate Analysis
  • Stat-697A/B Graduate Seminar Series in Statistics

and at least four additional graduate courses. A thesis is required, as well.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Every candidate shall complete at least two courses in the area of specialization. Candidates not holding a Master's degree shall, in addition, complete the course requirements for a Memorial University of Newfoundland Master's degree in mathematics or statistics, as appropriate. Any candidate may be required to take additional courses.

Every candidate shall also complete a Comprehensive Exam, consisting of two parts:

  • The qualifying review consists of written examinations and takes place as soon as the Supervisory Committee deems appropriate, but not later than the end of the candidate's third semester in the doctoral program. Its main purpose is to ensure that the candidate has a reasonably broad general knowledge of mathematics or statistics, as appropriate.
  • The intermediate review consists of an oral presentation on the candidate's thesis topic followed by an oral examination based on the presentation, although questions of a general nature relating to the field of specialization are also permitted. It must take place no later than the end of the candidate's seventh semester in the doctoral program. Its purpose is to ensure that the candidate has specialized knowledge in his/her chosen area sufficient to do original research of a high level.
PhD in Mathematics

Admission to the PhD program is limited and competitive. A Master's degree in mathematics or related area from a recognized university is normally required for entry into the PhD program. Exceptional students holding a Bachelor's degree (Honours or equivalent) in mathematics may be considered for direct admission into the PhD program. Students currently registered in Memorial University of Newfoundland's M.Sc. program in mathematics (Option 1) who have a minimum grade of 85 in all courses (no less than 4 courses) in the first year of their programme may be eligible to be transfered into the PhD program. Such transfer must be initiated by the student's supervisor, supported by the Graduate Studies Committee and approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies.

PhD in Statistics

Admission to the PhD program is limited and competitive. A Master's degree in statistics from a recognized university is normally required for entry into the PhD program. Students currently registered in Memorial University of Newfoundland M.Sc. program in statistics who have a minimum grade of 85 in all courses (no less than 4 courses) in the first year of their programme may be eligible to be transfered into the PhD program. Such transfer must be initiated by the student's supervisor, supported by the Graduate Studies Committee and approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies.

In addition to general departmental requirements, each candidate for the PhD in statistics will be required to present at least one paper at a graduate seminar on a topic to be approved by his or her supervisor as well as a successful Internal Defense at least one month before the thesis submittion.

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