Actuarial Science
Bachelor of Art in Mathematics with a concentration in Actuarial Science
Have you ever wished you could see into the future? As an actuarial science student, you may not be able to see into the future exactly, but you can help predict it!
Actuarial science is the study and analysis of risk, using math and business skills to assess the probability of future events. It prepares students to become actuaries or risk analysts, most often employed by insurance companies.
It’s easy to see why this is such a growing field: Jobs in actuarial science are proposed to climb 20% by 2028, and New York boasts the highest-paid actuaries in the country.
Why study Actuarial Science?
Here's what makes the Mount's Actuarial Science program unique:
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Math + Actuarial Science = Marketability: Our Actuarial Science program is a concentration within the Mathematics major. That means that you’ll be getting two specialities in one degree (employers love this kind of versatility!). Plus, having a strong background in math is vital to understanding actuarial science.
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VEE credits: In order to become a certified actuary, you need to take a series of exams and two-three courses that are “Validation by Educational Experience” (VEE) courses. The Mount’s Actuarial Science courses are VEE certified, so you can already check off requirements just by completing the concentration!
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One-on-one: The Actuarial Science program offers small class sizes and individualized attention from professors. They’re ready to help you study for two of the actuarial exams that can be taken senior year, and you’ll benefit from the expertise of both our Math and Business professors.
Francisco Mojica ’19 Risk Analyst at Statewide Underwriting Services“Taking on the actuarial science concentration is great because it combines both mathematics and business courses. The critical thinking skills required for the math major, plus the business perspective provided from business classes, gives you a holistic approach to the topic.”
Francisco Mojica ’19
Risk Analyst at Statewide Underwriting Services
What to expect as an Actuarial Science student
Learn about Actuarial Science concentration academic requirements and courses here.
With the Actuarial Science concentration, you will take the traditional courses required of math majors plus eight business courses in finance, economics, and accounting to round out your knowledge.
There are two paths or specializations to pursue within the study of Actuarial Science: life and health insurance or home and auto. Don’t worry about picking your preference now; the Mount’s courses will prepare you for both options!
In order to become an actuary, you have to pass a series of exams, but you can begin working in the field after passing the first two. These two exams can even be taken while you're still a student, and your professors will be happy to help mentor you as you study for them (and cheer you on when you pass!).
Be prepared for your future
A great way to make your studies more meaningful is with an internship to gain real world experience in actuarial science. The Career Center will be happy to work with you to set up such an internship, and you never know, it might even lead to a job offer!
Take Francisco Mojica ’19, for example. He was the first student to complete our concentration in Actuarial Science, and just a week before graduation, received a job offer from the same company he’d been interning at for the past year. Francisco began his job as a risk analyst at Mid-Hudson Co-Operative Insurance just a few days after graduation.
Christina Alvey
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