Statistics (BA, BSc)
Why study Statistics?
Statistics is the science of information that lets you discover patterns behind data. As a statistician, your understanding of probability theory lets you make decisions in the face of uncertainty. Statisticians also conduct surveys, analyze data, devise new methods of analysis and give advice on the statistical results of experiments such as clinical trials. Though it’s impossible to predict the future with 100 per cent accuracy, studying statistics will teach you creative problem solving, abstract thinking and analytical skills.
When you study statistics, you learn to uncover the mathematical structure of random systems such as the economy, health and survival, the weather, and the stock market. You will also receive a solid foundation in linear algebra, calculus, probability and computational methods and learn to use professional software tools for mathematics and data analysis applications.
An undergraduate degree in statistics prepares students for graduate work in statistics or in a professional career in business, industry, medical research or government agencies.
Program highlights
- The Science First-Year Experience Program → for students from other Canadian provinces. Connect with other first-year science students and engage in interdisciplinary, research-based approaches to the foundational sciences. Learn more
Program structure
A Bachelor of Arts or Science degree takes a minimum of three or four years (90 – 120 credits) of full-time study, depending on your academic background.
Program options
- Honours in Statistics (66 credits)*
- Specialization in Statistics (60 credits)
*Admission is to the Specialization. Students in the specialization program seeking admission to the honours program may apply to the departmental honours advisor – normally following the completion of 30 credits.
Courses
Co-op program
The Co-op program gives you the chance to complete paid work terms that last 12 to 16 weeks. As a Co-op student, you will work for firms where you may:
- Update industry and market statistics
- Plan experiments
- Perform data analysis
- Develop databases
- Manipulate algorithms
- Test survey hypotheses
Other programs of interest
- Honours
- Specialization
- Co-op

If you want to learn how to predict the future, consider actuarial mathematics. Actuaries use their mathematical and statistical wizardry to solve problems involving risk and uncertainty.
Department
Department of Mathematics & Statistics
Faculty
- Honours
- Specialization
- Co-op

Mathematics is a universal language that explains the currents of the ocean, string theory, the spiral of a snail’s shell or the growth of a fern.
Department
Department of Mathematics & Statistics
Faculty
- Major
- Minor

Mathematics is a language that answers real-world questions in science and engineering. Statistics is the science of information.
Department
Department of Mathematics & Statistics
Faculty