Mathematics and Statistics
In this combined degree, you’ll study how to use data to predict future outcomes.
Potential careers
What can you do with a mathematics and statistic degree? Here are a few jobs that relate to the program:
- accountant
- actuary
- big data analyst
- biostatistician
- bioinformatician
- budget analyst
- business metrics analyst
- claims adjuster
- climatologist
- control statistician
- cybersecurity specialist
- cryptographer
- database administrator
- data manager
- data Scientist
- economist
- environmental scientist
- ecologist
- financial analyst
- financial Trader
- insurance underwriter
- high school or middle school teacher
- logistics specialist
- market Analyst
- marketing consultant
- mathematical modeller
- numerical analyst
- operations research analyst
- quantitative analyst
- robotics analyst
- science writer
- software developer
- sports analytics specialist
- survey researcher
- systems operation analyst
- statistician
- scientific computing and computer simulations expert
- university professor or college instructor
Some of these roles may require post-graduate studies or training.
Find a career that fits you
- Explore your career options at an appointment with a career educator.
- Attend career development workshops as you search for work.
- Enrol in the Your Career Starts Here course to generate career ideas and plan your next steps.
Experience & connections
Opportunities in the mathematics and statistics program
- With the Co-op Program you can alternate study with paid work.
Opportunities outside your program
- With a work study position you can develop skills during your study term.
- Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community while you build skills.
Networks you can connect to
Here are a few professional associations related to mathematics and statistics:
- Canadian Mathematical Society
- Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences
- Statistical Society of Canada
- Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics
- Mathematical Association of America
- Canadian Industrial and Applied Mathematics Society (CAIMS)
- BIGMath Network
- American Mathematical Society
- Association for Women in Mathematics
- American Institute of Mathematics
- Mathematical Sciences Research Institute
Hands-on learning opportunities
These courses in the mathematics and statistics program offer extensive hands-on learning.
Co-op
Co-op work terms
Alternate academic study with paid work terms to gain workplace experience
Course-based
Math 322 - Combinatorial designs
Learn techniques and algorithms useful in scheduling applications, communications and experimental design
MATH 348 - Numerical Methods
Learn the basics of numerical methods and numerical approximations
MATH 41 - Applied Algebra
Learn the mathematics of error-correcting codes and cryptography
MATH 423 – Graph Theory
Learn about networks and optimization algorithms in graphs and networks
Math 424 - Structural Graph Theory
Learn about algorithmic techniques for graphs and networks
MATH 447 - Nonlinear Programming
Learn advanced techniques for solving nonlinear optimization problems in engineering and data science
MATH 475 - Topics in Math Biology
Develop and use mathematical models for biological and ecological systems
STAT 354 - Sampling Techniques
Plan and conduct a sample survey
STAT 453 - The Design and Analysis of Experiments
Design, perform, collect data for and analyze a scientific experiment
STAT 454 - Topics in Applied Statistics
Learn topics in applied statistics through projects and advanced statistical computing
STAT 457 - Time Series Analysis
Use forecasting models for time series of financial and econometric data
STAT 459 - Survival Analysis
Develop statistical models for lifetime data with applications in other fields
STAT 460 – Bayesian Statistics
Learn a powerful method used for statistical data analysis and parameter inference
STAT 464 – Statistical Computing
Learn and use the most common computing tools and methods used in statistics
Research project
MATH 379 - Nonlinear Dynamical Systems and Chaos
Research and present a project on dynamic systems
MATH 377 - Mathematical Modelling
Research and present a project on using mathematics to depict and understand physical, biological or social systems
MATH 449 - Scientific Computing
Research and present a project on the use of advanced numerical methods to solve real world problems
MATH 477 - Stochastic Financial Modelling
Research and present a project on financial models
MATH 498 - Seminar and Independent Project
Pursue an independent project, prepare a written report and present a seminar
STAT 498 - Seminar and Independent Project
Pursue an independent project, prepare a written report and give a talk in a statistics seminar
Professional and technical skill development
MATH 248 - Computer Assisted Mathematics
Learn the management and visualization of data using the Python programming language
STAT 123 - Data Science
Develop computational and inferential thinking skills to use data to make good decisions
STAT 321 - Data Management and Presentation
Learn how to manage and present data
Work experience
Work experience work terms
Take part in a modified co-op program requiring one or two work experiences
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Undergraduate Student Research Awards
Faculty of Science Undergraduate Research Awards (SURA)
Jamie Cassels Undergraduate Research Awards
Get paid to work on a research project with a professor
G-B Kennedy Math and Stats Assistance Centre
Work as a grader or tutor.
These courses are not always offered as described.
What you'll learn
Every student at UVic builds skills all employers look for. At UVic Co-op & Career we call these "competencies". This is what you’ll learn in the mathematics and statistics program.
Logic and critical thinking
- work with abstract reasoning and be able to make ideas precise by formulating them mathematically or statistically
- analyze, test, and interpret technical arguments, and form independent judgements
Problem solving
- use mathematics and statistics to help guide possible lines of inquiry
- solve complex problems by dividing them into simpler sub-problems
- gather and organize relevant qualitative and quantitative information
- sharpen or focus mathematical or statistical questions as a problem-solving strategy
- identify and assess methods of analysis
- construct abstract models using mathematical and statistical tools
- use computers and software
- engage your creativity in the quest for novel solutions
- document problem-solving steps and reliably certify the validity of your methods and results
- interpret and evaluate
Communication
- work effectively in a multi-disciplinary environment
- accept comments and feedback, and learn from them
- explain mathematical or statistical concepts to non-experts
- justify choices made during problem solving and interpretation of results
- present the results and assessment of a problem-solving strategy
- clearly communicate logical arguments to a range of audiences
Mathematical, statistical and numerical literacy
- recognize the value of mathematical and statistical thinking, training and approach to problem solving
- be familiar with how mathematics or statistics helps accurately explain abstract or physical phenomena
- recognize and appreciate the connections between theory and applications
- read mathematical and statistical literature, including survey articles, scholarly books, and online sources
- be able to independently expand your mathematical or statistical expertise