Graduate Studies: An Overview
Discover What’s Possible at UNBC
Graduate study is more than the next step in your education—it is a chance to push boundaries, ask new questions, and shape knowledge that can change communities and industries. At UNBC, graduate students in Mathematics and Statistics don’t just learn from experts, they work alongside them on research that connects theory with practice and ideas with impact.
Here, you will find a learning environment where small classes and close mentorship give you room to grow. You will also find a community that values curiosity, collaboration, and equity—qualities that define both the research we do and the people we welcome. Whether your passion lies in pure mathematics, applied mathematics, applied statistics, or cross-disciplinary discovery, UNBC is a place where your ideas matter and your contributions will be recognized.
Our Graduate Program
The Master of Science in Mathematics and Statistics offers both thesis and project pathways, giving you the flexibility to shape your graduate journey:
- Thesis option – combine graduate seminar, electives, and an original thesis project.
- Project option – focus on advanced coursework alongside a research project.
- Graduate Seminar – develop your presentation, writing, and peer-feedback skills.
- Supervision – every student has a dedicated supervisor from the start, ensuring your research goals are supported from day one.
Graduate students are not only learners, they are also mentors and collaborators—leading tutorials, contributing to the Mathematics Academic Centre for Excellence (MACE), and working with undergraduate students on projects and outreach.
Research Strengths
Our faculty members are engaged in diverse areas of research, creating opportunities for graduate students to explore problems at the heart of mathematics and statistics, and at the intersections with science, engineering, and health.
Mathematics
- Number Theory
- Numerical Analysis
- Partial Differential Equations
- Dynamical Systems
- Applications in Biology and other Natural Sciences
- Ordered Algebraic Structures
- Mathematics Education
- Application of Mathematics to Biology, Ecology and Health Sciences
Statistics
- Biostatistics
- Statistical Computing
- Genetic Epidemiology
- Survey Methodology
- Experimental Design
- Multivariate Statistics
- Statistical Learning / Machine Learning
- Application of Statistics in Biology and Health Sciences
Student Opportunities
Graduate study at UNBC is about more than coursework. Students gain real-world experience through:
- Research collaborations with engineering, computer science, health sciences, and environmental science.
- Data analysis for community partners, providing hands-on experience with real datasets.
- Student clubs and outreach activities, which add to the strong sense of community within the department.
- Teaching laboratories and classroom involvement, offering students valuable paid teaching experience.
- Participation in Pacific Institute for Mathematical Sciences summer schools and workshops, fostering connections with graduate students from across western Canada.
Funding opportunities include internal awards, provincial scholarships, and federal graduate scholarships. Teaching and research assistantships are often available and discussed directly with supervisors.
Best Practices for Graduate Success
Across Canada and North America, the most successful graduate students share a few common approaches:
- Find the right fit early – identify supervisors whose research excites you and reach out with a clear, focused introduction.
- Set expectations with your supervisor – agree on meeting schedules, communication preferences, and authorship norms.
- Create a plan – map out milestones for coursework, proposals, research, and defense, and revisit it each term.
- Engage in mentoring networks – learn from your supervisor, peers, and other faculty to build a supportive circle.
- Respect research integrity – follow responsible conduct guidelines and, when relevant, prepare a basic data management plan.
- Embrace equity and collaboration – graduate school is about discovery, but also about community; respectful, inclusive teamwork supports creativity and well-being.
Ready to get started? View our current graduate student opportunities here.
