Master of Science in Mathematics University of Lethbridge

The MSc program is 24 months for full-time students and 48 months for part-time students. The format for the degree consists of at least 3 graduate-level courses and a thesis. All students will take Algebra (Math 5405), Analysis (Math 5505), and a third course. In some cases, a student may be required to include undergraduate courses as well, if additional background preparation is required.

The thesis is the most significant component of work towards the degree and usually involves original research. The first step for any prospective student is to select a potential supervisor and in consultation with the supervisor, organize a research plan including possible thesis topics, before admission to the program. Faculty research interests are a critical factor in this preliminary decision.

The department is attempting to expand and strengthen its research activities and graduate students will play an important role in this endeavor. Almost all faculty members in the department receive external or internal funding to support their research programs.

Graduate degrees traditionally have been awarded for the successful completion of a satisfactory thesis. The thesis route expresses the fundamental tradition of academic scholarship. It also relates to the University's undergraduate programs, because the creation of a thesis in any discipline calls for a range of skills that are central to the liberal education tradition, including analysis and synthesis of ideas, empirical investigations, the construction and articulation of arguments, and writing skills.

Students with a BSc major in mathematics with a strong GPA should be well-prepared to enter the MSc program.

The mathematics program will allow you to develop a variety of mathematical skills, such as: dealing with abstract concepts, analyzing and solving problems, constructing mathematical arguments, analyzing and interpreting data, finding patterns and drawing conclusions, applying mathematical theories to physical theories, and using mathematical software. You will also learn to present arguments and conclusions with accuracy and clarity, organize your work and time effectively, as well as build on your critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills.

Being a mathematician is touted as being the best of all jobs. In 2009, the Wall Street Journal published a study ranking Mathematician, Actuary, and Statistician as the top three careers. Other recent surveys grading job satisfaction according to income, job security, stress, and work environment all ranked jobs involving mathematical reasoning and knowledge at the very top.

Here are just a few of the options open to you once you've earned your degree:

Researcher, Cryptologist, Statistician, Actuary, Economist, Investment Banker, Computer Scientist, Systems Analyst, Software Developer, Physicist, Geologist, Meteorologist, Astronomer, Ecologist, Epidemiologist, Biomathematician, Biostatistician, Operations Research Analyst, Sales Manager

The University of Lethbridge MSc graduates in mathematics have gone through successful careers. Many of them decided to continue in a Ph.D. program and pursue a research career.