Statistical Science Specialists
Choose a specialist pathway focused on mathematical foundations and statistical methods, or on modelling, computing and applied problem-solving.
Explore specialist programs →
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
SPECIALIST • MAJOR • MINOR
Undergraduate programs in statistics and data science
The science of
turning data into knowledge.
Explore six program options that develop the mathematical, statistical and computational skills to understand data, evaluate evidence and solve problems across disciplines.
Statistics Major and Minor
Build a flexible foundation in statistics, or complement your primary field of study with statistical knowledge and analytical skills.
Explore Statistics programs →Data Science
Combine statistics and computing through an interdisciplinary specialist, or develop applied data science skills through a minor.
Explore Data Science programs →01 / Statistical Science Specialists
Two paths.
One discipline.
The two Statistical Science specialist programs offer different emphases within the study of statistics. Choose the pathway that best reflects your interests.
- Theory and Methods
- Build strong mathematical foundations in probability, statistical theory and the development of statistical methods.
- Methods and Practice
- Focus on statistical modelling, computing and solving applied problems.
- Program type
- Specialist
- Program descriptions
- Consult the Faculty of Arts & Science Academic Calendar for complete requirements.
02 / Statistics
Build a foundation.
Keep your options open.
Statistics can stand at the centre of your studies or complement another field. These programs help students develop the knowledge and analytical skills to work with data.
- Statistics Major
- Develop a flexible foundation in statistics that can be combined with another major.
- Statistics Minor
- Complement your primary field of study with statistical knowledge and analytical skills.
- Program types
- Major and Minor
- Program descriptions
- Consult the Faculty of Arts & Science Academic Calendar for complete requirements.
03 / Data Science
Statistics meets
computation.
Data science brings together statistical thinking, computing and the tools needed to work with complex data. The department offers both specialist and minor pathways.
- Data Science Specialist
- Explore an interdisciplinary program offered with Computer Science that combines statistics and computing.
- Applied Data Science Minor
- Develop computing and applied data science skills without the advanced mathematics required by other programs.
- Program types
- Specialist and Minor
- Program descriptions
- Consult the Faculty of Arts & Science Academic Calendar for complete requirements.
Why study statistics?
Make sense
of data.
Data is everywhere. Statistics helps us identify patterns, develop models, make predictions, evaluate evidence and draw reliable conclusions.
Our programs bring together mathematical foundations, programming and computational skills. You learn not only how to analyse data, but how statistical methods work, why they work and when their conclusions can be trusted.
#1
In Canada for statistics
#2
Worldwide for researcher excellence
#7
Worldwide in statistics
35% / 11%
Projected employment growth for data scientists and statisticians, respectively, between 2027 and 2032*
A global alumni community
From Toronto
to the world.
Our alumni community extends around the world. The brochure's alumni snapshot maps the countries where graduates were employed as of 2025.
12K+
Worldwide alumni
47
Countries
Experience and opportunity
Take learning
beyond class.
Build experience, develop professional skills and explore how statistical thinking is used in different sectors.
Arts & Science Internship Program (ASIP)
ASIP offers eligible students paid work experience. The current Faculty of Arts & Science program listing identifies the Data Science Specialist and both Statistical Science Specialist programs as ASIP-eligible. Check the current ASIP eligibility information before applying.
Learn about Statistical Sciences internship opportunities ↗Internships and careers
Where can statistics take you?
Graduates pursue careers in technology, finance, health, government, research and more. Common job titles recorded by more than 12,000 alumni include:
- Data Scientist
- Professor of Statistics
- Software Engineer
- Quantitative Analyst
- Software Developer
- Consultant
- Senior Analyst
- Business Analyst
- Director of Data Science
- Data Engineer
- Methodologist
- Financial Analyst
Learning and mentorship
Find your people.
Learn together.
STA130 Mentorship Program
Connects first-year students with experienced upper-year students who offer guidance on navigating university life, developing effective study habits and exploring academic opportunities.
Second-Year Learning Community
A learning community for second-year students in the major or specialist programs. Upper-year mentors, faculty and professionals answer questions about academics, graduate school and employment.
Statistical Science Alumni Mentorship
Built into the introductory course for Statistical Sciences, Actuarial Science and Data Science degrees, this mentorship gives first-year students early access to peer support and guidance.
Student communities and academic support
The Statistical Sciences Student Union (SSU) and Students in Data Science and Statistics (SDSS) connect undergraduate students through academic support, networking and community events. The Stats Aid Centre offers further learning support.
ASA DataFest
A global data analysis competition where undergraduate teams solve real-world problems, analyse datasets and present their findings to industry judges.
Undergraduate research
Ask questions.
Make discoveries.
Work alongside world-class researchers. Faculty research ranges from using data to understand problems in health, the environment, finance and society to developing new mathematical theories and computational methods.
Undergraduate students can explore faculty-supervised projects, undergraduate summer research awards and the Statistical Sciences Research Program (UTSSRP).
Explore undergraduate opportunities ↗
New student? Start here.
Choose your
starting point.
Admissions to Arts & Science
Apply to the Faculty of Arts & Science at the St. George campus. Students interested in Statistics generally apply through the Physical & Mathematical Sciences admission category.
Students normally apply to a program of study after completing their first year, subject to the enrolment requirements for each program. Program application dates, stages and steps are available through the Faculty of Arts & Science Program Toolkit.
How to apply to Arts & Science ↗Faculty of Arts & Science Program Toolkit ↗
Already a student?
Choose your program through ACORN
- Select Enrol & Manage under Academics in the menu on the left.
- Click on Programs.
- In the Add a Program box, enter the code for your program.
- ASSPE1687
- Data Science Specialist
- ASMIN0160
- Data Science Minor
- ASSPE2270
- Specialist in Statistical Science: Methods and Practice
- ASSPE2290
- Specialist in Statistical Science: Theory and Methods
- ASMAJ2289
- Statistics Major
- ASMIN2289
- Statistics Minor
Program descriptions are summaries. Consult the Faculty of Arts & Science Academic Calendar for complete requirements.
View the Academic Calendar ↗