Mathematics w/ Actuarial Option or Actuarial Science

Colleges and Universities A-Z Penn State
1

<p>I have been accepted into Penn State where I will most likely be attending. I declared myself as a Finance major and was accepted into Smeal. I want to become an Actuary and planned on double majoring in Finance and either Mathematics with the Actuary Option or Actuarial Science. I was leaning towards the B.S. in Mathematics because I feel that will provide me with more depth and a broader education where as the Actuarial Science degree is very specialized.</p>

<p>The problem is that I don't know how double majoring works at Penn State where you are taking a major in two different schools--Eberly and Smeal in this case. Though if I majored in Actuarial Science a lot of the classes will overlap the classes needed for a Finance degree and will probably be the easier of the two paths.</p>

<p>So which degree do you feel is more useful in becoming an Actuary and do you think a double major in two different schools will be too much work? </p>

<p>Thank you for any help and/or advice.</p>

2

<p>Irish. I can only tell you what I do know for sure.You officially declare a major in spring semester sophomore year. Once you are accepted into one major you may then apply to another college as a major in their area. I do know that my son had already met with the 2nd majors dept head by this time. He is double major eberly/engineering. I know of another student double major in music/eberly. Do not know about business. I do know of student that graduated from smeal as actuarial science major (schreyers). He is doing extremely well in NYC at a major firm. </p>

<p>Once at PSU make it a point to get to know your advisor very well. It is very helpful.</p>

<p>Good Luck.</p>

3

<p>it will be a lot easier to get the classes you need if you stay in Smeal.. you will get preference over eberly/math majors</p>