<p>Hi everyone, I have a place to study economics in UW, but would like to know how I can go about studying actuarial science in the business school. I understand they have a small cohort, but is this a viable plan and how should i go about doing it? Thanks for the help!</p>
<p>I assume you are a freshman. In order to get a degree in Actuarial Science, you have to be admitted into the School of Business. After you Freshman year, you can apply for admissions. In order to qualify, you need to have completed the following:</p>
<p>Communications Part A
Econ 101 or 111 (Micro)
Psychology 202 or 281 (Intro)
Math 211, 217, 221 (Calc)</p>
<p>[Admissions</a> requirements for current UW-Madison students](<a href=“http://www.bus.wisc.edu/undergrad/admissions/current.asp]Admissions”>http://www.bus.wisc.edu/undergrad/admissions/current.asp)</p>
<p>If you want to major in Economics, then you can just take Actuarial classes. Look at page 3 if you just want to take the exams.</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.bus.wisc.edu/undergrad/majors/pdfs/ActSciRecommendedCoursesAug2007.pdf[/url]”>http://www.bus.wisc.edu/undergrad/majors/pdfs/ActSciRecommendedCoursesAug2007.pdf</a></p>
<p>You can apply to the School of Business during the semester that you will have completed 24 credits in residence and the 4 required courses mentioned above. If you are admitted to UW Madison for Fall 2009, you apply by April 1, 2010 assuming you will complete the 24 credits in residence by the end of that semester.</p>
<p>thanks for all the responses so far. </p>
<p>@opera dad: if i were to take the actuarial classes and exams, will that set me apart from a regular econs undergraduate?</p>
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<p>“set apart” for what purpose? Being the quarterback on the football team?</p>
<p>It will set you back compared to someone with an Actuarial Science degree.</p>
<p>Economics is in L&S, Actuarial Science is in the Business School- the school/college have different degree requirements. They are also different majors, with different course requirements. It is probably possible to do both majors- this would require some planning to fit the requirements for each major in your schedule and would require getting the business degree I believe as you can’t get both simultaneously. This is the sort of planning you would discuss with your advisor while a student, don’t expect all plans to be made this summer. </p>
<p>It sounds as though you want to be an actuary- plan your freshman schedule to meet those goals. Economics courses can supplement your knowledge base, but actuarial courses without getting that degree will not prepare you to meet its job requirements like those with the degree. You will not find job postings for “economist” like you will for “actuary”. As you progress in your college career you will better understand your goals and the differences between the two fields. For now, focus on meeting the harder requirements- take courses needed to get into the business school to keep your options open, your initial courses will include courses helpful for an economics major.</p>