Actuary Major Dilema

<p>Hey guys,
I'm a college freshman looking to become an actuary, but I'm not sure about my major.
I am definitely doing a math major. My class offers classes for the material on the first two exams. My school also offers a BBA in Actuarial science, but its a ****load of credits. My school also offers a 'business & the liberal arts' minor which is only 32 credits and has classes such as oral communications in business, business writing, etc. Is it worth it to double major in math and actuarial science, or should I just do the math major with the bala minor?</p>

<p>You can double major in math and actuarial science, but that will be a lot of work.</p>

<p>Just a math major should be sufficient, but make sure you take classes in Probability Theory, Theory of Interest & Derivatives, Life Contingencies and Financial Mathematics. Many math programs give you a wide variety of upper class electives or tracts that you can take depending on what you want to do with your degree.</p>

<p>Just a standard math major focusing on topology, physics, or computer science, etc., isn’t going to cut it for passing the actuary exams.</p>

<p>Of course you can always just study on your own for the exams. The hiring companies care about what exams you have passed, not the degree you have. You can become an actuary with a degree in anything really…but of course most actuaries have degrees in math, actuarial science, statistics, finance, or economics (with a math concentration).</p>

<p>The exams are very difficult without a significant math background.</p>

<p>The major Actuarial Science seems too narrow for me.</p>

<p>I could be wrong, but are you at CUNY Queens College? We have a BALA minor but I suppose other schools probably offer something similar to what you described.</p>

<p>You will be fine with just a math major. If your school offers it, minor in actuarial science, otherwise take the following electives (plus those mentioned by OminousRun): Intro to Finance, Intro to Investments, and Intro to Accounting.</p>

<p>yep im at queens college
thanks for the advice everyone</p>

<p>I’m also a student at Queens College and if you look more carefully, it’s not a degree in actuarial science. They simply just have classes that would help you pass the exams.</p>

<p>[QC</a> Queens College](<a href=“http://www.qc.cuny.edu/Academics/Degrees/DMNS/Math/Courses/Pages/ActuarialExam.aspx]QC”>http://www.qc.cuny.edu/Academics/Degrees/DMNS/Math/Courses/Pages/ActuarialExam.aspx)</p>

<p>I’m considering this as well.</p>

<p>Qc has an actuarial science major. Check the BBA’s</p>

<p>Trying to teach actuaries to communicate? I understand the well rounded educated person theory, BUT…actuaries who are really good, i mean really good, cant communicate and should not communicate with mere mortals. If you want to be an average actuary then take those interpersonal communications warm fuzzy classes.</p>

<p>TheresaCPA, STOP GIVING AWFUL ADVICE. Just because someone chooses to specific major/field does not mean they should be subject to stereotypes. It is impossible to have someone who is strong at math and can communicate?</p>

<p>Honestly, that is some of the worst advice I’ve ever seen. Communication is key to success in all areas of life.</p>