ACTUARY!? Need some advice...

College Search & Selection
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<p>I am interested in finding a program that emphasizes actuarial science. So far, I see that NYU and St. Johns have majors in this field--does anyone else know of top schools with an actuary program? Many schools have mathematics, economics, related subjects--but not a specific program. Is there anyone who has gone forward in this major? How is the coursework in terms of depth and difficulty? I know that the field is competitive, but want an interesting, challenging career that involves mathematics, economics, current affairs, etc. Unfortunately, its hard to find people who have even heard of this occupation, let alone have experience in it--but I figure if I can find anywhere, it would be on CC. </p>

<p>Thanks for any suggestions/advice!</p>

2

<p>Wharton does.....</p>

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<p>I know it's not considered a "top" school, but Temple also offers an Actuarial Science major. Actuarial Science is the most difficult major to gain entry into at Temple, as applicants are supposed to have completed (at least when I attended Temple) AP Calculus in ordered to be admitted to the program as a first semester freshman. For more information visit these websites:</p>

<p><a href="http://www.sbm.temple.edu/dept/rihm/actuarial/actuarial-undergrad.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.sbm.temple.edu/dept/rihm/actuarial/actuarial-undergrad.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>and</p>

<p><a href="http://www.temple.edu/bulletin/Academic_programs/schools_colleges/fox/programs/actuarial_science/fox_actuarial_science.shtm%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.temple.edu/bulletin/Academic_programs/schools_colleges/fox/programs/actuarial_science/fox_actuarial_science.shtm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

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<p>You'll find tons of information at
<a href="http://www.beanactuary.com%5B/url%5D"&gt;www.beanactuary.com&lt;/a>
and
<a href="http://www.soa.org%5B/url%5D"&gt;www.soa.org&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>You may be surprised to learn that the hotbed of actuarial education is the Midwest! (A lot of insurance companies are headquartered here. UIUC and UW-Madison are probably the largest in terms of number of students.) </p>

<p>The schools with actuarial programs give you a step up by having you take one or two exams while in school. However, I've spoken with an acquaintance who is a recruiter for a large actuarial firm, and she said they are interested in people with other majors as well, especially math, computer science, economics, etc. One of the perks of major firms is that you are given time off to study for the exams.</p>

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<p>Actuaries are just math nerds, you can go anywhere. Those tests are tough, choose a great math program like Princeton's if you can.</p>

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<p>i think Michigan has one, not sure though.</p>

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<p>Michigan does have one......</p>

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<p>See the link below for a discussion of this on actuary.com:
<a href="http://www.actuary.com/actuarial-discussion-forum/showthread.php?t=4523%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.actuary.com/actuarial-discussion-forum/showthread.php?t=4523&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Most of the top state U's (Michigan, Chapel Hill, Berkeley, etc.) offer actuarial majors, but most practicing actuaries got there via a Math or Stats degree. Many schools consider an actuarial major too limiting, too "pre-professional," to be offered at the undergrad level.</p>

<p>Statistics is a more generally available department/major offered separate from the mathematics department - primarily at universities with strong engineering schools. </p>

<p>I'm aware of Stats departmental programs at Northwestern, Rice and Hopkins.</p>

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<p>Lots of universities have undergraduate statistics majors including Harvard, Berkeley, UCLA, UCR, Rutgers, Michigan, Illinois, Wharton, Columbia etc. Princeton did but I think it is now only a graduate department.</p>

<p>My guess is that Bala's advice is valid. Learn how to think and learn enough math, statistics and probability. Then you can pass the actuarial exams.</p>

<p>Here's the advice from a website called beanactuary.com that seems to be sponsored by the Casualty Actuarial Society:</p>

<p>Preparing for an Actuarial Career While in College</p>

<p>If you are interested in becoming an actuary, there are things you can do to prepare for the career while in college.
Overview of College Curriculum</p>

<pre><code>* Aim for a broad-based education that concentrates on business and mathematics.
* A degree in business, math, or actuarial science is helpful, but don't rule out a major in other subjects like economics, liberal arts, or finance. A double major is not necessary. but might be a plus.
* Whatever your major, it is essential to have a strong mathematical background. Your curriculum should include math courses, such as calculus, probability, statistics, and any courses your school offers in actuarial science.
* Business courses, such as finance, accounting, management, economics, and computer science, will increase your career options.
* Courses in English, speech, and business writing will help you acquire the communications skills actuaries need.
* Because actuaries are involved in a growing variety of social and political issues, courses in the social sciences and humanities will help round out your capabilities.
</code></pre>

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<p>Columbia has a Statistics-Economics major for undergrads and an Actuarial Science program for graduates. Also, there are many internship opportunities in Manhattan, and it is important to get lots of internships if you want to become an actuary. Columbia is listed on the SOA’s list of colleges that prepare students to become actuaries.</p>

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<p>The OP asked this question 5 years ago.</p>