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:
- (CAIMS)
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
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