What Are the Differences Between Canadian and U.S. Math Graduate Programs?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the differences between mathematics graduate programs in Canada and the United States, focusing on application processes, acceptance criteria, funding opportunities, and the implications of obtaining a master's degree in Canada before pursuing a Ph.D. in the U.S.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that many Canadian Ph.D. programs require applicants to have a master's degree, while others note exceptions, such as the University of Toronto, which may accept students directly from undergraduate studies.
  • There is a belief among some that funding for master's students in Canada is typically available, although this is based on general observations rather than specific confirmations for mathematics programs.
  • One participant mentions that at most schools, acceptance into a master's program is necessary before potentially being accelerated into a doctoral program based on academic performance.
  • Questions are raised about the competitiveness of Canadian master's programs compared to U.S. Ph.D. programs, with concerns about the perceived need for exceptional qualifications to transition from a Canadian master's to a U.S. Ph.D.
  • Participants inquire whether obtaining a master's in Canada would classify them as domestic or foreign applicants when applying to U.S. Ph.D. programs, particularly regarding GRE requirements.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the general policies of Canadian graduate programs, with multiple competing views on acceptance criteria and funding availability. The discussion remains unresolved on several points, particularly regarding the specifics of transitioning between Canadian and U.S. programs.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include a lack of definitive information on the policies of specific universities, variations in funding availability, and the differing requirements for transitioning between master's and Ph.D. programs across institutions.

PieceOfPi
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I am a senior math major in the US who would like to go to a graduate school in mathematics. I am still in a process of finding where to apply. Most of the schools that I have been looking so far are in the U.S., but recently I realized there are some decent schools in Canada as well (U British Columbia, McGill, etc.). I know nothing about Canadian schools, so I was wondering what it is like to apply and possible go to a math graduate program in Canada. Is there any significant difference between US programs and Canadian programs?

One thing I heard is that most of the Canadian Ph. D. programs would accept you only if you have a master's degree, but is this true? I also heard they also pay for master's students as well, but is this just a rumor?
 
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PieceOfPi said:
One thing I heard is that most of the Canadian Ph. D. programs would accept you only if you have a master's degree, but is this true? I also heard they also pay for master's students as well, but is this just a rumor?
The general policy is Master's first, then PhD, but you can check the universities' websites if there are any exceptions to that. I know UofT seems to accept students straight out of undergrad, so maybe there's other universities like that. Funding for Master's students does seem to be provided usually, at least that's what I could gather looking at various universities' websites. I've looked for Physics, not Maths, though, so I don't know if there are any differences. Your best bet is to just check the particular departments you're interested in, because there aren't really any general answers to your questions, and if there are, you can always find an exception.
 
At most schools you'll have to first be accepted into the masters program then if your marks are high enough in first year or first term, you can be accelerated into the doctoral programs. In some schools you can be accepted straight into the doctoral program with very high undergrad marks.
 
I'm also considering applying to math grad schools in Canada.
1. Do you have to be really exceptional to enter the MS in Canada but then do your phD in the US?
2. Also, if I get my MS in Canada but then apply to phD programs in the US, do I have to take classes and the comprehensive exam at the phD program in the US? Or will I just go straight into the phD research?
3. If I get my MS in Canada but then apply for phD in US, will I be considered a domestic or foreign applicant? If I'll be considered foreign, then having to get nearly a perfect score for the math GRE to apply to US phD programs won't be fun..
4. How much easier is it to get into the top Canada MS programs compared to the top US phD programs?
 
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