Doctor of Philosophy in Theoretical and Computational Science University of Lethbridge

The Ph.D. program is a four-year program. The format for the degree consists of coursework and a thesis. The student must pass a written and an oral comprehensive examination within the first two years of the program.

The thesis is the most significant component of work towards the degree and 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.

Because of the nature of the Ph.D. program, the thesis forms the central requirement of the program. The thesis will be written under the direction of a supervisor or supervisor. Consequently, it is necessary for a candidate to establish contact with potential supervisors prior to application for admission. Candidates seeking potential supervisors should contact either the relevant academic department or the School of Graduate Studies.

Benefits of the program and potential learning outcomes and skills/knowledge that students will acquire while completing the 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 Ph.D. graduates in mathematics have gone through successful careers by securing postdoctoral positions and pursuing academic and research opportunities.