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Statistics (BSc) or (BA)

Statistics is the science of structuring, explaining, and processing data into something knowable. Pulling knowledge from data helps us plan and improve our lives.

Program Type
Bachelor
Faculties
Unit
Locations
Program Start
September and January
Program Options
Combined degree
Honours
Major
Minor
Study abroad

Why choose this program?

Studying statistics at Dalhousie will open a window to understanding the world. You’ll have access to a well-rounded set of courses that will help you build a solid scientific base.

Master the science of data. At Dalhousie, you will gain hands-on expertise in statistical computing, data visualization, and predictive modeling using industry-standard software.

Careers

A BSc degree in Statistics provides great preparation for a variety of careers. Our undergraduate courses are approved by the accreditation committee of the Statistics Society of Canada, so that our graduates can apply for the Associate Statistician designation. 

Statistics makes a great undergraduate degree with wide applicability and is an essential component of any program in the sciences or social sciences.

80% Within six months of graduation, nearly 80% of Faculty of Science graduates surveyed had found full-time employment in their field or were continuing their studies. 

What you will learn

Statistics is the science of structuring, explaining and processing data into something understandable. It doesn’t matter if you want to design computer games, study the safety of nuclear power plants, or conduct political polls; scientists of all kinds work with numbers to measure and explore the world.

Sample courses

  • Introductory Statistics for Science and Health Sciences

  • Writing for the Sciences

  • Differential and Integral Calculus I/II

  • Matrix and Linear Algebra I

  • Introduction to Probability and Statistics
  • Statistical Methods for Data Analysis and Inference
  • Introduction to Data Mining

  • Statistical Rethinking: Applied Bayesian Statistics

  • Regression and Analysis of Variance

  • Probability

  • Advanced Statistical Theory I

  • Stochastic Processes

  • Applied Multivariate Analysis

Our undergraduate courses are accredited by the Statistics Society of Canada, which means you can receive an Associate Statistician designation. At the advanced level, we cross-list our fourth-year courses with graduate courses, so you can study alongside our graduate students.

Gain experience outside of the classroom

  • Be mentored by an upper-year student

  • Enroll in co-op

  • Apply for one of 70+ Faculty-coordinated summer research awards available each year

  • Gain teaching and communication skills as a teaching assistant or working with a science outreach organization

  • Attend career prep workshops 

  • Other opportunities include science communication internships, and student society leadership roles.


Customize your degree

The following Statistics program options are offered by Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Science or Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Connect with an academic advisor after you start your studies to explore options such as:  

  • Concentrated Honours Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Statistics
  • Combined Honours Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Statistics 
  • Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts with Major in Statistics
  • Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts with Double Major in Statistics 
  • Minor in Statistics

Add a minor to your BA or BSc in Statistics to expand your skill set and perspective with a second discipline, allowing you to study everything you’re passionate about at Dal. Visit the Academic Calendar to browse the minors you can take with this degree.

Complete a certificate alongside your regular degree requirements and graduate with additional skills in specialized areas. Options include:

  •  Actuarial and Financial Mathematics  
  • Applied and Computational Mathematics  
  • Data Analytics  
  • Science Communication and Leadership

As a Science Co-op student, you’ll undertake three work terms interspersed with your academic study terms. Science Co-op degree programs allow you to apply your growing knowledge directly while providing paid career-related experience helping to offset academic costs while arming you with the information you need to make educated career choices.

The Dalhousie Integrated Science Program (DISP) is a unique, immersive first-year option for motivated students looking to complete their first year of a science degree. You’ll work effectively in teams, explore connections across scientific disciplines, and complete a hands-on research project while building critical skills in data analysis, tech, and scientific communication.

The Statistics program is the largest group of statisticians in the Maritimes. Statistics is a great undergraduate degree that you can apply to many future professions and an essential component for anyone in the sciences or social sciences.

Admission requirements

Minimum admission requirements

To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:

  1. Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
  2. Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
  3. Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).

Admission to many Dalhousie programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

Program-specific admission requirements

To enter the Economics program in your first year, you must meet the following high school course requirements:

  •  Minimum overall average: 75%
  • Academic English 12
  • Pre-calculus Math 12 
  • Three additional academic subjects  

Note: All Bachelor of Science students enter the Faculty of Science as undeclared majors. This gives you the freedom to explore your scientific interests during your first year.  
   
You will officially declare your Statistics major, minor, or specialized options at the end of your first year using your first-year science and math prerequisites.


Need Pre-Calculus, Chemistry, Physics, or another admission requirement? Our online, self-paced UPrep courses can help you earn the prerequisite you need, upgrade your marks, and build confidence before starting your degree at Dal. Explore UPrep courses.

Learn more