What are the differences between the honours and specialization programs?

Concordia's department of Mathematics & Statistics offers many specialization and honours programs (check out our post on all math programs here). Both streams require more credits than a major, but what exactly makes them different?

The following mathematics programs are offered as honours or specialization:

• Honours/Specialization in Actuarial Mathematics

• Specialization in Actuarial Mathematics and Finance

• Specialization in Mathematical and Computational Finance

• Honours/Specialization in Pure and Applied Mathematics

• Honours/Specialization in Statistics

Enrollment in a specialization will be on a selective basis, whereas the major will be open to all students. The specialization is a concentrated program appropriate for someone with career plans in the respective area. It can prepare students for employment in such areas and is recognized as a more intensive degree (compared to a major). Note that the programs Actuarial Mathematics and Finance and Mathematical and Computational Finance are only available as specializations and not honours.

The Department of Mathematics & Statistics offers honours programs as a six-credit extension to its specialization programs in Pure and Applied Mathematics, Statistics, and Actuarial Mathematics. The extra six credits are earned in one of the Project Courses: MATH 496, STAT 499, or ACTU 493.

The Department does not allow direct entry to honours programs upon admission to Concordia University, so admission is to the specialization, not honours. Students seeking entry to an honours program should speak to the Department’s honours director after completing 30 credits in their specialization. Students admitted to an honours program require an overall GPA of at least 3.30, and at least 3.50 in their program of specialization with no more than one grade below B-. Students must find a supervisor for their project and register for the appropriate Project Course.

Please refer to the course calendar or your program advisor for more details and to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information when making any decisions.