Mathematics & Statistics

M.Sc, M.A.Sc, M.Eng, Ph.D

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics is home to an outstanding group of faculty researchers with international reputations in their fields of specialization. These represent a wide variety of areas including pure mathematics (algebra, algebraic geometry, analysis, dynamical systems, number theory and probability theory), mathematical physics, mathematics applied to engineering (control theory, information and communication theory), mathematical biology, and both theoretical and applied statistics.

The Department has strong collaborative ties between its Mathematics and Engineering faculty and members of other departments within the Faculty of Applied Science especially in the areas of communications and control theory. Another interdisciplinary collaboration centers on biostatistics and involves cross-appointed researchers at the Clinical Trials Group in the Faculty of Health Sciences and our own statisticians. Our research program is also enriched by the proximity of Kingston’s Royal Military College in Kingston.

The research environment is further enhanced by a very active group of graduate students. Enrolment over the last few years has been steady at about 60 full-time students of whom over two-thirds are enrolled in our doctoral program. One-third of our graduate students come from abroad so the Department has a pronounced international flavour. On top of this are a steady stream of visiting scholars and post-doctoral fellows.

Since all this activity is concentrated in a single building containing the faculty members' and graduate students' offices as well as computing facilities and laboratories, we are able to create a strong and vibrant research community – one that will make you feel at home as it stimulates your growth as a scientist.

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"I can’t put a measure on how much I’m enjoying the experience. Queen’s is a fantastic place to be in terms of research opportunities. They have such a large number of well-respected researchers, and they never hesitate to share their expertise with you. Our department is big enough to do meaningful research and small enough to be close-knit. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be."

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Degrees Offered / Length of Program

• M.Sc., M. Eng., M.A.Sc.:
  
  • Pattern I: Course work and a research thesis; 18-24 months
  • Pattern II: Course work and a research project; 12 months
• Ph.D.: Course work, comprehensive exam and research thesis; 4 years

Degrees Level Expectations & Learning Outcomes

MSc.- view this information as a pdf (43KB)

PhD - view this information as a pdf (43KB)

Supervisors and Fields of Study

It is extremely important to contact potential supervisors in advance. In most cases students will receive funding from their research supervisor, and so the support of a supervisor is crucial for gaining admission.

Fields of study:

• Algebra and Number Theory
• Analysis, Geometry and Topology
• Applied Mathematics
• Mathematics & Engineering
• Probability and Statistics

Employment Opportunities

Our graduates typically go on to rewarding careers in academic positions, research positions and finance. These include: Postdoctoral Fellow, Assistant Professor, Senior Business Analyst, Biostatistician, Clinical Data Analyst.

Funding Information

• M.Sc.: up to $20,000 per year
• Ph.D.: $21,500 minimum per year

The funding package can consist of teaching assistantship or teaching fellowship, research assistantships, internal awards and external awards. We encourage all students to apply for additional funding through NSERC, OGS and other sources. Entering graduate students who are awarded federal government tri-council awards are automatically provided a top-up from Queen’s in the first year of their program.

Academic Prerequisites

• M.Sc.: 4-year Bachelor’s degree (Honours preferred) with a minimum B+ average in the third and fourth years.
• Ph.D.: Master’s degree with a minimum B+ average in all courses, demonstrated research potential and clear interests

Other Requirements

In addition to completing an application form and providing transcripts and letters of recommendation applicants are asked to provide the following:

• List of relevant courses taken. Provide a description of the courses taken in mathematics, statistics, or related areas in the third year and beyond. Provide titles and authors of textbooks used and list chapters/topics covered.
• Sample of written work. Doctoral programme applicants should submit a copy of the abstract of their MSc thesis. Master’s programme applicants should submit a copy of the abstract of their fourth-year thesis or project, if applicable.

Test Requirements

Those applicants whose native languages do not include English will be required to obtain a satisfactory standing in an English Language Proficiency Test as part of the application process. 

Program Profiles

• Patrick Reynolds - passionate about math...