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Program Requirements
Note: University regulations apply to all students at Laurier. If there is any discrepancy between the program or progression requirements outlined on this page and those in the university's academic calendars, the academic calendars are the official sources of information. The information below is from the latest calendar, and you may be following progression requirements from an earlier calendar. Students are responsible for checking the appropriate calendar. Contact your program coordinator should you notice any discrepancies.
PHd in Mathematics students, see Mathematical and Statistical Modelling Program Requirements.
Graduate studies at Wilfrid Laurier University are administered under the regulations of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies as described in the current graduate academic calendar. The information here is supplemental.
The Master of Science in Mathematics offers students a unique blend of pure and applied mathematics. Students learn and gain research experience in mathematics from both theoretical and practical points of view. The core subject matter includes:
- Pure mathematics
- Mathematical modelling
- Applied mathematics
- Statistics and data analytics
The MSc in Mathematics program is designed to be completed in one year (three terms) by well-prepared students. Students normally begin the program in September, or, with permission of the department, in January. Full-time students must complete the program within two years of initial registration. To count a course or the Seminar toward the Master’s degree, a student must obtain a grade of at least B-.
The MSc may also be completed through part-time studies.
Program Requirements
The MSc in Mathematics is normally completed in three consecutive terms, beginning in the Fall or the Winter terms. Full-time students must complete the program within two years of initial registration. A grade of at least B- is needed to count a course or the Seminar for credit towards the Master's degree.
The MSc in Mathematics may be completed through full-time or part-time studies and is offered in three options: thesis option, project option and course-based option.
You must complete:
- MA680: Seminar in Mathematical Modelling in Finance and Science,
- MA699: Master's Thesis, and
- three approved courses (1.5 credits).
For the thesis option, at most 0.5 credits at the 500 level may be counted towards the program credit requirement.
You must complete:
- MA680: Seminar in Mathematical Modelling in Finance and Science,
- MA695: Major Project, and
- five approved courses (2.5 credits).
For the project option, at most 1.5 credit at the 500 level may be counted towards the program credit requirement.
Field of Concentration
See the Field of Concentration information for the complete list.
To complete a field, you must complete a minimum of 2.0 credits (including all required courses) listed in the field and MA695: Major Project must be in your field of concentration.
You must complete:
- MA693: Graduate Seminar and
- eight approved courses (4.0 credits).
For the course-based option, at most 2.0 credits at the 500 level may be counted towards the program credit requirement.
Field of Concentration
See the Field of Concentration information for the complete list.
To complete a field, you must complete a minimum of 2.5 credits (including all required courses) listed in the field.
Field of Concentration (MSc)
You can take an optional field of concentration. A maximum of one field of concentration is permitted as part of the MSc in Mathematics degree. There are six approved fields:
Analysis and Geometry
- Required courses (1.0 credit): MA618 One of MA550 or MA650
- Elective courses: MA504, *MA550, MA555, MA619, MA622, *MA650, ,MA655
Computational Finance
- Required courses (1.0 credit): MA671, ST674
- One of: MA507, MA571
- MA555, MA570, MA572, MA632, MA651, MA655, MA670, MA677, ST562, ST662, ST663, ST673, ST690, ST691, ST692, ST694
Discrete Mathematics and Algebra
- Required courses (1.0 credits):One of: MA523 or MA538 One of: MA625 or MA675
- Elective courses: MA504, MA517, *MA523, *MA538, MA572, MA622, *MA625 MA632, *MA675
* indicates course can be counted as an elective course for this field if it is not used as a required course.
Financial Mathematics and Risk Management
- Required courses (1.0 credits):MA670, MA677
- Elective courses: One of: MA507 or MA571
- MA555, MA570, MA572, MA632, MA635, MA651,MA655, MA671, ST559, ST562, ST662, ST663, ST673, ST674, ST690, ST691, ST692, ST694
Mathematical Modelling
- Required courses (1.5 credits):One of: MA507 or MA571
- MA655, MA680
- Elective courses: MA505, MA555, MA572, MA619, MA651, MA660, MA664, ST674
Statistics and Data Analytics
- Required courses (1.0 credits) from: ST662, ST692, ST694
- Elective courses: One of: MA507 or MA571
- MA555, MA572, MA632, MA651, MA677, ST544, ST559, ST561, ST562, *ST662,ST663, ST673, ST674, ST690, ST691, *ST692, *ST694,
* indicates course can be counted as an elective course for this field if it is not used as a required course.
Students should develop their programs in consultation with their supervisor, Graduate Co-ordinator or designate.