Actuarial Science Degree: Unlocking Financial Opportunities

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An actuarial science degree can open doors to a wide range of financial opportunities. Actuaries are in high demand, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 22% growth in employment from 2020 to 2030.

Actuaries use mathematical models to assess risk and develop strategies to mitigate it, which is a valuable skill in many industries. This requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to communicate complex ideas to non-technical stakeholders.

The median annual salary for actuaries is around $140,000, with top earners making over $250,000.

What to Expect

As you pursue an actuarial science degree, you can expect a lot of support and opportunities to succeed. Arcadia University's Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science provides course coverage for four Society of Actuaries (SOA) preliminary exams: Probability, Financial Math, Short Term Actuarial Mathematics, and Statistics for Risk Modeling.

You'll also have access to approved courses for all Validation by Educational Experience (VEE) topic areas through the Society of Actuaries. This means you'll be well-prepared for a career in actuarial science.

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Arcadia University's Actuarial Science program offers flexibility, allowing you to pursue related fields such as statistical programming, teaching, and accounting if you choose not to pursue the actuarial exam track. The program has a variety of courses, majors, and minors that cater to individual interests.

The Actuarial Science faculty at Arcadia University come from diverse professional and academic backgrounds, including an FSA Certified actuary with over 25 years of experience in the industry. This ensures that you'll receive guidance from experts in the field.

Here are some of the benefits of being a UCAP Advanced Status program:

  • Exam fee reimbursements
  • Free study materials for some students

With a high demand for Arcadia graduates by local firms, you can expect a strong job market after graduation. Recent graduates have been hired by companies such as Aon, WTW, Illumifin, MunichRe, Independence Blue Cross, TransAmerica, and Penn Mutual Insurance.

Actuarial Science Degree

The Actuarial Science degree is a unique and in-demand field that requires a combination of analytical and mathematical skills, business knowledge, and understanding of human behavior. This degree is designed to prepare students for a career as an actuary, specializing in the evaluation of insurance and financial risks.

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The Actuarial Science BBA program at Temple University's Fox School of Business is a 124-credit program that is approved by the Society of Actuaries and Casualty Actuarial Society as satisfying VEE (Validation by Educational Experience) requirements. This means that students who complete this program will have a solid foundation in actuarial science and will be well-prepared for the required professional exams.

Students who pursue an Actuarial Science degree will take courses such as Actuarial Analytics, Actuarial Modeling, and Actuarial Probability and Statistics, in addition to general education and business courses. Here are some of the specific courses students will complete:

  • Actuarial Analytics,
  • Actuarial Modeling,
  • Actuarial Probability and Statistics,
  • Calculus,
  • Corporate Finance for Actuarial Science,
  • Managing International Risk and
  • Theory of Interest.

The Actuarial Science Major is designated as a Center of Actuarial Excellence by the Society of Actuaries, and it provides students with a strong foundation in mathematics and statistics, as well as exposure to a wide range of business disciplines. This intensive program is designed to produce highly skilled students who are well-prepared for a career in actuarial science.

Program Overview

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MTSU's Actuarial Science program is award-winning.

The program is located in the College of Basic and Applied Sciences.

It teaches students how to solve real problems in every industry.

The program is featured in the March episode of the MTSU "Out of the Blue" television magazine show.

Dr. Don Hong is mentioned in relation to the program.

Career and Education

Graduates of an actuarial science degree program are in high demand in various fields, including insurance, finance, risk management, and pension industries. They have the skills and knowledge to analyze and solve complex problems related to risk measurement and loss prediction.

Actuaries are also in demand in government and academia, as well as in roles related to data science and machine learning. The demand for actuarial professionals is expected to remain strong in the future.

A Bachelor of Business Administration in Actuarial Science can provide a deep understanding of financial risk management. The program typically requires 124 credits and includes a strong foundation in mathematics and statistics.

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Some potential actuarial science positions include actuarial analyst, actuarial auditor, and annuity pricing actuary. These roles require specific skills and knowledge, and may involve working with complex data and mathematical models.

Here are some examples of potential actuarial science positions:

  • Actuarial analyst
  • Actuarial auditor
  • Annuity pricing actuary
  • Chief actuary / vice president
  • Consulting actuary
  • Data analyst
  • Financial actuary
  • General liability actuary
  • Health actuary
  • Investment researcher
  • Investment valuation analyst
  • Life reinsurance pricing analyst
  • Life valuation analyst
  • Model validation financial actuary
  • Mortality valuation analyst
  • Product actuary
  • Risk and hedging analyst
  • Risk management analyst
  • Specialty pricing actuary
  • Underwriter

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) is a great way to kickstart your career in business. Temple University's Fox School of Business offers a 124-credit curriculum that will refine your analytical and mathematical skills.

You'll have the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of financial risk management through the Actuarial Science program. This program is designated as a Center of Actuarial Excellence by the Society of Actuaries.

The Actuarial Science Major is housed in Fox's Department of Risk, Actuarial Science, and Legal Studies. This department provides highly skilled students with a strong foundation in mathematics and statistics.

You'll be exposed to a wide range of business disciplines through this intensive program. This will prepare you for a career as an actuary, specializing in the evaluation of insurance and financial risks across various industries.

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Careers

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Actuaries are in high demand across various industries, including insurance, finance, and risk management. They have the skills and knowledge to analyze and solve complex problems, making them valuable assets to employers.

Graduates of the Actuarial Science (B.S.) major can expect a strong job market, with the demand for actuarial professionals expected to remain strong in the future.

Actuaries can pursue a wide range of career paths, including actuarial analyst, actuarial auditor, and chief actuary/vice president. They can also work in roles related to data science and machine learning.

Some potential actuarial science positions include:

  • Actuarial analyst
  • Actuarial auditor
  • Annuity pricing actuary
  • Chief actuary / vice president
  • Consulting actuary
  • Data analyst
  • Financial actuary
  • General liability actuary
  • Health actuary
  • Investment researcher
  • Investment valuation analyst
  • Life reinsurance pricing analyst
  • Life valuation analyst
  • Model validation financial actuary
  • Mortality valuation analyst
  • Product actuary
  • Risk and hedging analyst
  • Risk management analyst
  • Specialty pricing actuary
  • Underwriter

Many employers value MTSU actuarial science degree alumni, with notable companies including Acuff and Associates, Aetna, and Zurich Insurance.

If you're considering a graduate degree in finance, you may be interested in related fields that can help you advance your career.

Accountancy is a related graduate degree that can provide you with a solid understanding of financial accounting and reporting.

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If you're interested in pursuing a career in risk management, a degree in Actuarial Science can be a great choice.

Pursuing a degree in Financial Analysis can also be beneficial for those interested in financial careers.

Financial Analysis and Quantitative Risk Management is another related graduate degree that can provide you with advanced knowledge of financial analysis and risk management.

Here are some related graduate degrees in finance:

  • Accountancy MAcc
  • Actuarial Science MS
  • Financial Analysis MS
  • Financial Analysis and Quantitative Risk Management MS
  • Quantitative Finance and Risk Management MS
  • Statistics MS
  • Statistics PhD
  • Statistics and Data Science MS

Examinations

To become an actuary, you'll be required to pass a series of professional exams that test students in various mathematical and business analytic applications.

These exams are administered by the Society of Actuaries and Casualty Actuarial Society, which are the governing bodies that set the standards for the profession.

The exam series is specifically designed to assess a student's knowledge and skills in areas such as probability, statistics, and finance.

Temple's Actuarial Science Major program is tailored to help prepare students for these exams, with coursework that mirrors the exam format.

By passing these exams, you'll be well on your way to becoming a certified actuary and starting a successful career in the field.

Early Actuaries

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Early actuarial pioneers like James Dodson laid the groundwork for the field, leading to the formation of the Society for Equitable Assurances on Lives and Survivorship in London in 1762.

James Dodson's work on long-term insurance contracts was a game-changer, and it's still studied today.

William Morgan is often considered the father of modern actuarial science for his contributions in the 1780s and 90s.

Equitable Life was the first to use the word "actuary" for its chief executive officer in 1762, marking a significant shift in the field's terminology.

Companies that didn't adopt mathematical and scientific methods, like those pioneered by Equitable, often failed or were forced to adapt.

Financial Protection

Actuaries are in high demand in the fields of insurance, finance, risk management, and pension industries, as they have the skills and knowledge to analyze and solve complex problems.

Graduates of Actuarial Science programs are well-compensated professionals, with a top-ranked job that is not only nationally but also internationally recognized.

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Actuaries work in various industries, including the insurance industry, consulting companies, financial institutions, government, labor unions, and more.

Actuaries use analytical/math skills, business knowledge, and understanding of human behavior to evaluate ways to predict future outcomes and manage risk.

The demand for actuarial professionals is expected to remain strong in the future, making it a stable and secure career choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do actuaries make good money?

Yes, actuaries are typically well-compensated professionals, with a median annual salary of around $111,030 in the US as of 2021. Experienced actuaries can earn even higher salaries, especially in senior roles or specialized fields.

Is actuarial science a hard major?

Actuarial science is a challenging major that requires strong mathematical and analytical skills. If you're up for a demanding yet rewarding field, actuarial science might be the perfect fit for you.

Anne Wiegand

Writer

Anne Wiegand is a seasoned writer with a passion for sharing insightful commentary on the world of finance. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics, Anne has established herself as a trusted voice in the industry. Her articles on "Gold Chart" and "Mining Stocks" have been well-received by readers and industry professionals alike, offering a unique perspective on market trends and investment opportunities.

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