Math/Economics Degree vs Statistics with a concentration in Actuarial Science

<p>Hi I got accepted to both a Double Major in Mathematics and Economics(B.Math) and another program which is a Major in statistics and a concentration in Actuarial Science(B.Math). Does anyone know which once would be better. I am literally on the fence between the two so any advice would be great! Thanks </p>

<p>What would you like to do for a career? Both will be broadly applicable in different industries.</p>

<p>Better for what? Better for YOU? We don’t know YOU and you didn’t give any info. You don’t have to have an actuarial concentration to persue that line of certification. It may be helpful, but not necessary.</p>

<p>Math and Econ is a broader major, that will open more doors. Stats with a concentration in Actuarial Science is more applied and leads directly to specific jobs.
I could imagine Stats &Econ very well, by the way.
Are you a future freshman? Typically, the classes you take freshman year are rather versatile and form a common core that would let you switch from one to the other rather easily if you change your mind.
Are you at a school where you have to declare a major before you enroll (ie., Cal Poly SLO, TAMU…) -if not, choose one and feel free to change your mind, as 70-80% freshmen do. :)</p>

<p>I’m not sure that math/econ will necessarily open more doors than stats/AS - I think it just depends on what you want to do and what other experiences and classes you take. The lay of the land will be a whole lot broader if you do math/econ.</p>

<p>Personally, were I choosing I would do statistics/actuarial science, but that’s because I love statistics and have thought about being an actuary for a long time (since high school. I actually had a HS teacher discourage me from doing the job - and lol, now it’s one of the most in-demand fields. Who could’ve known?). Although you might be interested in how health care reform is changing the job:</p>

<p>[Is</a> This The Hardest Job in America?](<a href=“Is This the Hardest Job in America? - WSJ”>Is This the Hardest Job in America? - WSJ)</p>

<p>With less clear equations/regulations, a little liberal arts education in the abstract (which you would get from math or econ) could be very helpful. And actuaries do average $93,000 a year!</p>

<p>Sorry, poorly worded. I meant it in terms of versatility postgraduation, possibilities for more types of jobs, vs. actuarial science leads to actuary (1 category). Actuaries are indeed much in-demand :)</p>

<p><a href=“http://www.beanactuary.com”>http://www.beanactuary.com</a> can help you with preparing for such a career. An actuarial major is not required, but check the recommended course work, including the Validation by Educational Experience (VEE) course lists for your school.</p>