[Introduction] For undergraduates who choose to study in Canada, the statistics major has been popular in recent years. After engineering and business, basic sciences are also popular majors for many international students. You can choose to major in statistics for your undergraduate studies and a wide range of graduate majors, because statistics or mathematics is the foundation of all subjects. For your graduate studies, you can choose actuarial science, mathematics, business finance, business analysis, or biostatistics, etc. Employment prospects after graduation from these basic majors is also ideal and are considered popular employable majors.

Introduction to the Canadian Mathematics & Statistics major

Statistics is a branch of applied mathematics, mainly through the use of probability theory to establish quantified models; to gather, review, analyze and draw conclusions from data; to make interpretations and predictions, and provide basis and reference for relevant decision-making. It is widely used in various disciplines, from physics and social sciences to humanities. It is even used in business and government decisions. As the world’s digitization process continues to accelerate, more and more people hope to sum up some rules of experience from data to provide a basis for subsequent decision-making. Statistics majors are not just about listing numbers, but it involves investigation, collection, analysis, prediction and so on. The range of applications is very broad.

Generally speaking, statistics majors mainly include general statistics and Economics & Statistics. Students should acquire skills in mathematics and/or economics, master the basic theories and methods of statistics and be able to skillfully use the computer analysis data. They can engage in statistical investigation in enterprises, statistical information management, quantitative analysis and other development, application and management work, or work in scientific research and education departments engaged in research and teaching of senior specialized talents.

What knowledge and skills do students learn in Canadian Mathematics & Statistics majors?

Generally speaking, the core courses of undergraduate statistics majors are: Probability Theory, Introduction to Applied Statistics, Management Statistics, Probability Theory and Mathematical Statistics, Regression Analysis, Applied Probability Statistics, Investigation, Sampling and Observation Data, Application of Best Statistics, Forensic Medicine Statistics, Application of Statistical Models, Stochastic Processes, Modern Applied Statistics, Research Planning, Statistical Analysis of Securities Investment, Applied Multivariate Statistical Analysis and more.

Applicants for graduate studies are required to have a background in statistics, actuarial science, and mathematics. If they have a strong background in metrology such as economics, computer, and engineering, and have studied statistics, computer programming (C++, S-Plus, R and SAS software), calculus, linear algebra, probability and statistics. Its core courses are: mathematical statistics, descriptive statistics, national accounting, macroeconomic statistical analysis, sampling survey principles, multivariate statistical analysis, computer applications, political economics, western economics, accounting, currency and banking, international finance, etc.

Employment prospects for graduates majoring in mathematics and statistics in Canada

Statistics, like mathematics, is a service discipline, and there is no exact job match. As long as there is data in the industry, statistics are needed, because people in this industry are originally specialized in obtaining (generating) data, such as banking, insurance, retail, public health, pharmaceuticals, etc., and analyzing data is beyond the expertise of people in the industry. For example, scientific researchers in pharmacy or biology can propose formulas for new drugs, but how are clinical trials for new drugs designed? Can the results show that the new drug is better than the old one? What is the credibility of the conclusions? Some patients who participated in the experiment withdrew or died before completing the experiment, and there was a data gap. How do they deal with these samples? These questions cannot be answered by visual observation or simple addition and subtraction calculations. At this time, statistical methods are required.

Undeniably, there seems to be higher chances of employment in the banking, insurance and medical fields, because these industries have become highly dependent on data analysis. However, with the development of all fields and businesses, more and more industries have begun to demand for data analysis professionals. Don't worry about whether the job matches your major directly. If the employer needs someone to work in statistics, graduates can use what they learned in school.

At present, statistics majors are generally better developed in countries abroad, and related jobs are more highly paid.

Careers for graduates from the Canadian mathematics and statistics major

Because of the many branches of statistics, students can find jobs in any industry, and there are many positions available. For example:

  1. Actuary

Actuaries apply mathematical models to forecast and calculate the probable future costs of insurance and pension benefits. They design life, health, and property insurance policies, and calculate premiums, contributions and benefits for insurance policies, pension and superannuation plans. They may assist investment fund managers in portfolio asset allocation decisions and risk management. They also use these techniques to provide legal evidence on the value of future earnings.

  1. Information System Analyst

Information system analysis and consulting consultants are responsible for the research, development and implementation of information system development plans, policies and procedures, and provide opinions on information system issues. They work mainly in information technology consulting companies and information technology departments of private or public institutions, or they can be self-employed.

  1. Statistical Analyst

Statistical analysts are responsible for the demand surveys, data analysis and data model of the project. They participate in the survey, analysis and realization of the temporary data analysis demand of each project. Through understanding customers' needs, sorting out and compiling data analysis reports, finding and analyzing problems in a timely manner, providing decision support for customers' development, tracking new technologies and new ideas in the data analysis industry, and providing innovative solutions based on customers' actual situations.

Salaries for Canadian Mathematics & Statistics graduates

  • Actuary: If you get the Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA) qualification in the United States, the annual salary of an actuary with 10-15 years of experience is between $128,000 and $275,000 USD;
  • Information System Analyst: average annual income $81,150 USD;
  • Statistical Analyst: average annual salary is $79,191 USD;

List of majors related to Mathematics & Statistics in Ontario, Canada (undergraduate degree of 4+ years)

Name of Program School Type of Credential Open to International Students Start Date
Mathematics (regular/co-op) University of Waterloo Bachelor Degree Open September
Mathematics and Statistics McMaster University Bachelor Degree Open September
Data Sciences (5-year double degree) University of Ottawa Bachelor Degree Open September
Science Western University Bachelor Degree Open September
Science Queen’s University Bachelor Degree Open September
Statistics (BSc) York University Bachelor Degree Open September
Data Science (BSc) Wilfrid Laurier University–Waterloo Campus Bachelor Degree Open September

Summary: Our views on the Mathematics & Statistics major from the education consultants of UtoCanada

In the future, the employment trend of statistics majors will become more and more widespread. According to Employment and Social Development Canada’s forecast, in 2024, professionals who are proficient in statistical data methods will become more competitive in the workplace. Whether it is in making business decisions related to information processing, health care, or political policy, statistics are essential. Industries related to "big data," such as social media, also demand for statistical professionals. Statistics majors can be employed in various fields, such as package manufacturing, pharmaceutical companies, insurance companies, government agencies, consulting companies, etc. If students majoring in statistics want to make themselves more competitive in the workplace, they must also expand their training in other industries, such as finance, biology, engineering, or computer science.