More school (M.Sc. → Ph.D.) Fields that used advanced analytical/quantitative skills: financial math statistics data science/analytics (insurance, banks, …) scientific computing Professional school (law, business, teachers’ college, etc.) Ph.D. graduates often go to academia, but also skilled positions in industry/government (My students: academics, banks, location analytics, applied biology [fisheries/conservation], public health)
big versus small universities critical mass in your field of research interest supervisor $$, requirements, etc. which country? almost anywhere: Canada, US, UK, Europe, Australia, Brazil … look for scholarships etc. maybe opportunity to travel during your degree
Research and training opportunities in pure and applied mathematics (“mathematics”) statistics and big data (“statistics”) scientific computing and computational science (“CSE”) financial math (“M-Phimac”)
Courses, TA responsibilities, seminars, … Research may start right away or within a year - finding a supervisor is essential! At Mac: may transfer directly from M.Sc. to Ph.D. Direct entry to Ph.D. programs common in the US Qualifying and/or comprehensive exams in most Ph.D. programs
See web page algebra, algebraic geometry, number theory analysis applied math (mostly ODEs and PDEs) geometry and topology math biology mathematical logic/model theory
project-based M.Sc. in less than 12 months! gain knowledge and experience prior to professional program or Ph.D. possible joint-degree “cotutelle” programs
Core courses: STATS 743 (A&B), 770 (A&B), 771 (A&B), 752 Four additional courses are required: Four 700-level STATS courses; or Three 700-level STATS courses plus one 600-level STATS course; or Two 700-level STATS courses plus two 600-level STATS courses. Substitutions possible Typically completed in two or three terms.
Core courses: STATS 743 (A&B), 770 (A&B), 752 Thesis plus 3 additional courses Three 700-level STATS courses; or Two 700-level STATS courses plus one 600-level STATS course; or One 700-level STATS course plus two 600-level STATS courses. Thesis \(\approx\) two one-term 700-level courses Typically defend thesis in term 3 or 4 Discuss the thesis expectations and timeline with your supervisor. Must have a willing supervisor to be accepted, but not necessary at the time of application
No core courses: course requirement varies With an M.Sc. degree in Statistics/related area, or transfer into Ph.D. from M.Sc.: two 700-level STATS (or comparable) courses. With a B.Sc. Statistics/related area: 4 700-level STATS (or comparable) courses. Coursework must be approved by the supervisor. M.Sc. → Ph.D. transfer is common Comprehensive part 1 (written, January of first year); part 2 (written report + oral exam, term 3 or 4) Thesis: defend after 4 years
interdisciplinary “school” at McMaster crosses Science, Engineering, de Groote School of Business (Health Sciences) 60+ supervisors across these programs (lots in math & stats)
scientific computing, typically numerical fluid mechanics, optimization, epidemic models, data science … not software engineering not computer science
CSE 700, 701; C++ programming and numerical analysis CSE 780/790 (data science, statistical learning) CSE 745/746 (parallel computation) many cross-listed courses: optimization, neuroscience, … bi-weekly seminar
math (at least linear algebra; preferably numerical analysis, diff eqs, real analysis …) some computation: R, Python, C++ …
Most programs require a B+ honours degree (average based on math courses taken in last one or two years) Admission to some programs can be very competitive; minimum grade averages are not indicative … Lots of information available online: websites, social media, Graduate Ambassadors Email grad advisors and potential supervisors, directors of specialized programs, etc. Approach potential supervisors in parallel with submitting an application Strong research potential is important, especially for Ph.D.try to build up credentials (project courses, USRAs, etc.)
Statement of research interests Reference letters (at least 2) from professors knowledgeable about your mathematical abilities invest time in allowing professors to get to know you so that they can provide meaningful information! GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) scores (for the US) Transcripts Application fee
Total pay is on the order of $28 - $30K domestic, international PhD, more for international MSc tuition and fees \(\approx\) $7K domestic slightly higher with scholarships in flux!
NSERC CGS-M www.nserc.ca Canadian citizens/PRs A- (80%) average minimum in each of last 2 years approx. $17,500 OGS osap.gov.on.ca Canadian citizens/PRs A- (80%) average minimum in each of last 2 years approx. $15,000 ($5,000 per term) MITACS, Commonwealth, Canada-US Fulbright, French Embassy, etc. Universities often top-up these awards
November to January grad school application deadlines February 1 application deadline at McMaster (sooner is better) December 1 NSERC CGS-M (direct to NSERC web site) no deadline for OGS (part of grad school application) GRE registration deadline for subject test is early September
Super important, especially for Ph.D. Compatible research area and compatible personality/work style/etc. Engage with potential supervisors, and talk to current and/or past students (in private!) How to contact a supervisor Know what they do (check web page, read papers, etc.) Explain how your interests/background/skills/experience match with their research program Don’t spam
Supervisor not required for application, but required for admission to some programs You will be accepted if: Your application stands out or A supervisor picks your application out of the pile
Application Procedure for McMaster (Mathematics & Statistics): math/stats web page School of Graduate Studies: https://graduate.mcmaster.ca/