<p>In order to become an actuary, what deparment would I have to apply to? Business? Science? Math?</p>
<p>My university had a specific actuarial science department within the business school. I remember that people could apply directly to the business school or apply to the letters and science school and transfer into the business school. This seems like an institution specific question though and might be better answered by an admissions person at the school you are looking at.</p>
<p>Also, I might want to join a business frat in college.... but if actuarial sciences isn't offered at the business school, will I feel like "an outsider" if I join a business frat?</p>
<p>Sorry this is out of my depth. I had two roommates who were studying to be actuaries so that was how I knew that they had their own department. I gather that business frats are composed of individuals taking courses in the business school. My guess would be that the frat thing is just fine, as it's not like all the people in the business school take the same courses together.</p>
<p>You can major in math (that was what my dad did). You can major in actuarial science, if your school has a program. I suspect you can major in other things - you just have to be able to convince someone to hire you, and pass the exams (which is far from trivial).</p>
<p>Where you apply depends on the school you attend. As mentioned, some schools have a specific actuarial science program. Among those who do, this may or may not be in the business school. At Wisconsin for instance, it is within the business school. Other schools, such as at the University of Texas at Austin (where I attend), the actuarial program is both an option for a major as well as a specific set of courses anyone in any major can take. I am a math major in the actuarial science track. Those outside the math major who wish to become actuaries can take the same courses to prepare them for the actuarial exams in addition to those courses required for their major. People complete this with a wide variety of majors from business, engineering, economics and foreign languages.</p>
<p>The bottom line is that the path you take will depend on the school you attend.</p>
<p>I see... actuarial science seems like a very specialized course of action.. maybe statistics a broader major?
I was wondering, would it be better to get a bachelor's in finance, and then go for a master's in statistics, or to get a bachelor's in statistics, and then see what's good from there?</p>
<p>So if I decide major in actuarial science, or as flyero said, major in math w/ a track in actuarial science, is it feasible to get a master's in something different?</p>
<p>Perhaps a master's in statistics?</p>
<p>lol or maybe psychology degree....</p>
<p>I have a friend who became an actuary after majoring in English, and then graduating from law school. Most of his cohorts were math majors in college.</p>
<p>The Society of Actuaries has complete information about educational and testing requirements on their web site: SOA</a> - Education</p>
<p>Thanks for the link! I guess what I'm asking is how similar is actuarial science to a statistics degree?</p>
<p>You need an excellent math background to become an actuary.
You do not need a masters or phD, but it couldn't hurt. </p>
<p>Many insurance companies have an employment track for their actuary students so you get paid while you also study and work through the exams. I
believe there are 10 exams. Its sortof like a fellowship and being a TA; only you are working for an insurance company as a junior executive. And it pays better than being a grad student.</p>
<p>Many graduates of math (stats) programs go on to take the actuarial test. It's a good fit. And math is broad enough that if you change your mind on actuary work you can find other things.</p>
<p>Actuarial science program is going to prepare you for the first 4 exams the most (still not easy to pass even with all that preparation). Stats is probably the second most related major. If you go to a school with no act sci courses, then you are gonna need to teach yourself pretty much all of the materials. The best option I think is to find a school you can major in stats while allowing you to take some act sci courses on the side so you get some preparation without throwing all eggs in one basket.</p>
<p>Ultimately though, it all depends on your own aptitude, talent, and a lot of hardwork/discipline to go through the exam process. You should try taking the first one as soon as you can (perhaps after freshman year) since you will have a rough idea about the difficulty and rigor (though I was told the first two are "easy" compared to the ones that come after) and then decide what you want to do accordingly.</p>
<p>If you already have AP Stats and Calculus, you can probably study on your own for the first exam (if you got nothing to do this summer).</p>
<p>Most business fraternities will accept any of related major (communication, info systems, engineering, math) as long as the candidate intends to enter the business world.</p>
<p>This link, Be an Actuary, </p>
<p>Be</a> An Actuary </p>
<p>will tell you all you need to know.</p>