Programs
As one of the largest departments of mathematics and statistics in Canada, we are able to offer Honors and Major programs in a variety of fields, as well as Minors in the two disciplines:
- The Honors/Major in Mathematics also are available for students in the Faculty of Arts.
- The Honors/Major Mathematical Physics program are administered by the Department of Physics.
Several of our Major programs were previously called Specialization programs. Students in Specialization programs can finish their degrees, but we do not admit new students into Specialization programs.
Honors versus Major
The difference between Honors and Specialization programs is one of degree (so to say!).
Our Honors programs are for students who are passionate about and fully committed to the discipline. These programs are built around our suite of Honors courses. Program disciplines are developed in depth, and students reach the level of rigour used by practising mathematicians and statisticians by the time they graduate. Graduates of our Honors programs have many options. Most graduates pursue postgraduate degrees, and many establish careers in research. Others take up careers in post-secondary education, industry, and government.
Our Major programs are for students who want to have a strong background in modern mathematics or statistics but who either are not ready to commit to the challenge of an Honors program or want to have options to explore their interests in other disciplines. Graduates of our Major programs establish rewarding careers in a remarkable variety of areas, including post-secondary education, industry (health, finance, computing, etc.), and government. With the right choice of courses, Major students also have the option to pursue postgraduate studies.
Some students who are not completely sure about their strengths or interests start off in a Major program and later switch to an Honors program. Some go the other way. We are always very flexible and will work hard to find the program that is right for you.
Employers are interested in graduates of all of our programs because of the skills they acquire: not only do we train our students to think with precision, but we also nurture their creativity and ability to solve problems.
Download the Common Course Requirements for BSc Major and Honors Degrees
Double Majors and Minors
Students with interests in more than one discipline can obtain degrees with qualifications in two disciplines. Students in the Faculty of Science can do so via the BSc Renewal degree programs; students in the Faculty of Arts can do so via the BA degree program.
Bachelor of Science Renewal (BSc) versus Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Since the Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences is housed in the Faculty of Science, most of our programs lead to a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree. However, it is possible to access some of our programs through the Faculty of Arts, leading to a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree.
In particular, students registered in the Faculty of Arts formally can include mathematics or statistics in their degree program by pursuing one of the following:
- BA Honors in Mathematics;
- Major or Minor in Mathematics;
- Minor (but not a Major) in Statistics.
The BA Honors in Mathematics allows students to balance the study of mathematics and the arts. The program does not have a Minor requirement, so students can design their degree for a general liberal education or for a specific career.
A Major/Minor in Mathematics or the Minor in Statistics often is combined with a Major/Minor in Economics, but other unique combinations certainly are possible (for example a Major in Philosophy or Music and a Minor in Mathematics).
For more information, see the Mathematics program page or the Statistics program page.