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Actuarial Science

The actuarial science-math program develops your analytical skills to evaluate the likelihood of future events.

Preparing You for Success

You learn the basics of risk prediction and management as you prepare for actuarial science’s certification exams. Courses prepare you for three exams offered by the Society of Actuaries and Casualty Actuarial Society: P (Probability), FM (Financial Mathematics) and MLC (Models for Life Contingencies).

The math department’s actuarial science major is different than the major offered in the Foster College of Business. Both majors require the same foundational course, but electives in the mathematics program continue to emphasize the analytical and problem-solving nature of math.

By the time you graduate, your experiences include:

  • Close relationships with faculty in small classes
  • Opportunities to present research at conferences
  • Networking and professional development through conferences

Making Your Mark

Actuarial science majors are valuable to insurance companies, consulting agencies and investment firms. Recent graduates found jobs at Allstate, RLI, Willis Towers Watson and the Warranty Group.

Sample Program Plan
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Major Requirements

Mathematics Core - 21-22 hrs.

  • MTH 121: Calculus I - 4 hrs.
  • MTH 122: Calculus II - 4 hrs.
  • MTH 223: Calculus III - 4 hrs.
  • MTH 207: Elementary Linear Algebra with Applications - 3 hrs.
  • MTH 325: Probability and Statistics I - 3 hrs.
  • CS 100: Introduction to Programming Concepts and Languages - 3 hrs.
    or CS 101: Introduction to Programming - 4 hrs.

Additional Required Courses - 33 hrs.

  • MTH 326: Probability and Statistics II - 3 hrs.
  • MTH 335: Topics in Actuarial Science (two different topics) - 6 hrs.
  • MTH 427: Applied Statistical Methods - 3 hrs.
  • ATG 157: Accounting Principles - Financial - 3 hrs.
  • ECO 221: Microeconomics - 3 hrs.
  • ECO 222: Macroeconomics - 3 hrs.
  • IME 313: Operations Research I - 3 hrs.
  • IME 314: Operations Research II - 3 hrs.
  • FIN 322: Business Finance - 3 hrs.
  • *FIN 325: Investment Analysis - 3 hrs.

*Or another finance course with departmental approval.

Elective Courses (choose two) - 6 hrs.

  • MTH 301: Combinatorics - 3 hrs.
  • MTH 302: Introduction to Graph Theory - 3 hrs.
  • MTH 305: Modern Geometry - 3 hrs.
  • MTH 307: Linear Algebra - 3 hrs.
  • MTH 310: Introduction to Number Theory - 3 hrs.
  • MTH 345: Differential Equations - 3 hrs.
  • MTH 371: History of Mathematics - 3 hrs.
  • MTH 390: Mathematical Modeling - 3 hrs.
  • MTH 403: Complex Variables I - 3 hrs.
  • MTH 404: Modern Algebra I - 3 hrs.
  • MTH 405: Modern Algebra II - 3 hrs.
  • MTH 406: Elementary Topology - 3 hrs.
  • MTH 414: Partial Differential Equations - 3 hrs.
  • MTH 420: Introduction to Analysis - 3 hrs.
  • MTH 421: Advanced Calculus - 3 hrs.
  • MTH 428: Topics in Applied Statistics - 3 hrs.
  • MTH 435: Stochastic Processes - 3 hrs.
  • MTH 490: Topics in Mathematics - 3 hrs.
  • MTH 491: Directed Individual Studies in Mathematics - 1-16 hrs.
  • MTH 494: Senior Project in Mathematics I - 0 hrs.
  • MTH 495: Senior Project in Mathematics II - 3 hrs.

A maximum of 25 percent of the total undergraduate program credit hours including required courses may consist of courses from the Foster College of Business. For example, in a 124-credit-hour program a maximum of 31 credit hours of business courses may be taken.

Students wishing to take business or programming courses in addition to those required courses listed above should consider choosing from among the following, subject to the restriction noted above: ATG 158, BLW 342, BUS 100, CS 102, FIN 425, and ML 250.