<p>So I was interested in getting a dual degree in Finance and Actuarial Mathematics. But upon further research, I found that the math department offers both the actuarial math and the financial math as possible concentrations (I previously thought they were combined as one). </p>
<p>My question is which of the math concentrations would go best with a concentration in Finance? Also, what are some major differences (career wise and material wise) between actuarial math and financial math?</p>
<p>Thanks guys.</p>
<p>Side note, I consider myself a decent math student, but definitely no math genius. Is one program significantly harder than the other?</p>
<p>Financial math is both more useful and harder. The degree will give you the mathematical foundation to understand the concepts behind quantitative finance. Unless you know you want to be an actuary, I would not take the actuarial route. Even if you end up deciding you want to be an actuary, passing the exams is more important than majoring in actuarial math, and while actuarial math will specifically prep you for the exams, but you will learn enough in financial math to be able to teach yourself the necessary material to pass them if you want. I do warn you though, financial math is certainly harder. Once the majors break away from each other (first 4 courses are the same for each, last 4 are different), financial math becomes pretty hard. Math 451, 525, and 526 are pretty difficult (472 is not bad).</p>
<p>Dang thanks, that was really helpful. Financial Math does sound much more interesting with respect to its application, perhaps I’ll give that a shot.</p>