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Faculty of Science
Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences
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Mathematical and statistical sciences, University of Alberta

Course Based Master of Science in Modeling, Data and Predictions

Are you good in Math or Stats? Are you aspiring for a data-science related career? The course based MDP program is designed to help you achieve your goals!
Admission Status
Open
Accepting applications for Fall 2024 Semester Start
Deadline for submissions is
March 31, 2024
Program Details
Faculty:
Science
Delivery Mode:
On Campus
Program Type:
Course Based
Program Duration:
16 months - Full time
Part time options available
Degree Level:
Master of Science
U Alberta MDP logo

Program overview

This course-based Master's Program in Modeling, Data and Predictions (MDP) is a graduate training program in data science designed to be completed in 16 months. Graduates of the MDP program will earn a MSc Degree in Mathematical and Statistical Sciences with specialization in Modeling, Data and Predictions. Created by the Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, this training program will emphasize the practical aspects of mathematical and statistical modeling, data analysis, statistical machine learning algorithms, and modern computational methods. Upon completion of this program, graduates will possess a unique combination of data modeling and data analytics skills, as well as important soft skills for workplace, and be ready to pursue data science related careers in industry and government.

Why pursue a Master's Degree in MDP?

Our innovative MDP program is the only course-based Master's program in Canada that integrates mathematical modeling with statistical modeling and machine-learning modeling. The strong emphasis on the foundational modeling and computational skills give our students a competitive edge on the job market.

Unique Combination of Courses

The design of our core and elective courses is aimed to provide students with important statistical methods for data analysis, machine learning methods for big data analytics, and computational and programming skills that are essential for data scientists.

An innovative feature of the MDP program is its emphasis on in-depth understanding of the modeling process (statistical modeling, machine learning modeling, mathematical modeling, and computational modeling) so that students can be creative using models to solve problems.

Capstone Project and Internship Opportunities

Capstone projects provide students with applied learning and hands-on experience in the workplace. Students have the flexibility to choose between an interdisciplinary research project and working for companies and government agencies, typically in data analyst intern positions. Projects will be tailored to each trainee and help them explore their interests and achieve their career objectives.

Faculty Mentors

A strong team of Faculty Mentors is the backbone of MDP program’s strength. Our Faculty Mentors are leading experts in their research fields, with rich experience and success in interdisciplinary and industrial research training of students. They teach MDP courses and provide individualized mentorship to students.

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Professional Development Workshops

Another unique feature of the MDP program is its Professional Development Workshops. These workshops will connect students with personnel from industry and government with the purpose to nurture students with interpersonal skills and prepare them for smooth transition to the workplace. Topics will range from effective communication, knowledge translation, creative problem solving, working in a collaborative environment,  writing a strong resume, and preparing for a job interview.

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Where can an MDP Master's take you?

Industries such as finance, retail, healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture and forestry, oil and gas, marketing, public sector organizations, and government agencies all have a high demand for data scientists.

Steer the course for more accurate and secure business strategies

From devising new approaches to risk management and executing high-performance applications resistant to fraud, to analyzing user behaviour for improved customer experience, and evolving trade algorithms for wider, more flexible application–there’s no shortage of opportunities in a wide range of industries for data scientists with the right training.

Assist in proactive planning using future projections

Apply predictive modelling techniques to analyze behaviour patterns in complex data. Unearth fraud schemes or insurance claims before they become high-cost losses, use customer data to surface insights about desirable product features, forecast upcoming expense trends or improve pricing models - all to gain a competitive edge.

Gain accurate and data-backed insight to steer marketing campaigns

Data scientists provide crucial insight into customer satisfaction using advanced techniques like sentiment analysis modeling, helping improve agility and surety in business decision-making. Implement strong predictive models to create recommendation engines that suggest products based on user behaviours, purchase history, brand category, site searches, and more.

Make an impact in the lives of citizens and communities

From infectious disease modeling to optimizing emergency response strategies, data scientists positively impact in the lives of everyone in their community. And, this effect can be long-lasting– data analysis helps identify or improve political strategies and public policies, strengthening new and existing systems to the benefit of all citizens.

Andrei Afilipoaei

What students are saying

With its emphasis on real-world applications and job-oriented approach, the Masters program in Modeling, Data and Predictions offers an excellent selection of topics in the area of data analysis and its related fields. In particular, the program’s emphasis on statistics, applied mathematics, and computer and coding literacy furnishes its students with a strong and varied skill-set that serves as an invaluable asset in the professional sphere.

Andrei Afilipoaei
Current First-year MDP Student
Nuzhat Nazmul

What students are saying

Dive into the future with MDP! As a current student, I'm thrilled to share my journey transitioning from management consulting to the MSc in Modeling, Data, and Prediction at the University of Alberta. Immerse yourself in the perfect mix of top-tier faculty and a rock-solid curriculum, crafting an environment that's propelling my data science skills and personal and professional growth.

Nuzhat N. Nishi
Current First-year MDP Student
Alex Mak

What students are saying

The MDP program fosters a wonderful environment for anyone who is interested in working in the fields of data science and data analytics. It provides me opportunities to gain hands-on experience using Python, R and other industry-leading tools to analyze diverse datasets, implement machine learning algorithms, and develop predictive models used in machine learning. The unique focus of the MDP program compared to other graduate data science programs in Canada allows me to stand out in front of other data scientists.

Alex Mak
Current First-year MDP Student
Langqing Zou

What students are saying

The MDP Program has transformed my academic and practical skills, greatly enriched by the supportive faculty and inspiring cohort. Every learning and collaboration opportunity in this program offers a journey of personal and professional growth.

Langqing Zou
Recent MDP Graduate (Dec 2023)
Colby Jamieson

What students are saying

The best part about the MDP program was meeting students with all sorts of different academic and professional backgrounds, but all with a love of data science! During my time with the program I also gained the knowledge and confidence to start my own business venture.

Colby Jamieson
Recent MDP Graduate (Dec 2023)
Kent Butt

What students are saying

Through this program’s theoretical and practical exploration of applied mathematics and statistics, I can now approach any problem, from pandemic modelling to big data, and come up with a solution. The MDP program was an extremely intellectually satisfying use of a couple of years, and my journey learning mathematics now feels complete.

Kent Butt
Current Second-year/Senior MDP Student
Shreya Kala

What students are saying

Embarking on the MDP journey has been transformative, exploring data science concepts, understanding renowned techniques to the lowest level, and engaging in enlightening professional workshops. The faculty, coordinator Ms Jane, and others provide unwavering support, making it more than a program; it's a journey of growth and connections. Surrounded by a vibrant student community in the rapidly growing city of Edmonton, it's an ideal environment to be part of.

Shreya Kala
Current First-year MDP Student

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Faculty Contacts

Have questions regarding the MDP Program? We would love to hear from you and answer your questions!
DIRECTOR

Prof. Michael Li

PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Ms Jane Cooper

Fax: 1 (780) 492-6826