Actuarial Science Degree Online: A Comprehensive Guide

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Pursuing an actuarial science degree online can be a convenient and flexible option for those interested in the field.

Actuarial science is a field that deals with the study of risk and uncertainty in finance and insurance.

Online actuarial science programs can be completed in 2-3 years, depending on the institution and the student's pace.

These programs are designed to provide students with a solid foundation in mathematical and statistical techniques, as well as knowledge of financial and economic principles.

Some online actuarial science degree programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Actuarial Education (ACAE), which is a mark of quality and recognition in the field.

By pursuing an actuarial science degree online, students can gain the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in actuarial science, without having to sacrifice their current lifestyle or location.

What is Actuarial Science?

Actuarial science is the study of managing risk in finance, insurance, and other industries. It's a field that combines math, statistics, and business to help organizations make informed decisions about investments, policy pricing, and risk management.

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Actuaries use complex mathematical models to analyze data and predict future outcomes, which is essential for calculating insurance premiums and determining the likelihood of certain events occurring.

Actuaries work in a variety of settings, including insurance companies, pension funds, and government agencies, and are often responsible for creating and implementing policies that minimize risk and maximize returns.

Degree Overview

An actuarial science degree online can be earned in as little as 2-3 years, depending on the program and your previous experience.

The curriculum typically includes courses in mathematics, statistics, and economics, which provide a solid foundation for a career in actuarial science.

You'll also learn about financial modeling, risk management, and data analysis, all of which are essential skills for actuarial professionals.

An online actuarial science degree can be a great option for those who want to balance work and school, as many programs are designed to accommodate working professionals.

Major

A major is the primary field of study within a degree program. It's usually the most significant part of your degree, taking up the majority of your coursework.

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In the United States, a typical major can be as short as 30-40 credits, but some majors like engineering or computer science can be much longer, often requiring 60-80 credits or more.

A major can be a broad field of study, such as business or psychology, or a very specific one, like astrophysics or environmental science.

If you're considering a graduate degree in a related field, there are several options worth exploring. The university offers a range of programs that can help you build on your existing knowledge and skills.

Accountancy MAcc is a popular choice, providing advanced training in financial accounting, taxation, and financial reporting.

If you're interested in data analysis and modeling, the Statistics MS program may be a good fit. This program covers statistical theory, data analysis, and machine learning.

The Financial Analysis MS program is another option, focusing on financial modeling, risk management, and investment analysis.

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Quantitative Finance and Risk Management MS is a specialized program that combines finance, mathematics, and computer science to help you develop skills in financial modeling and risk management.

The Statistics PhD program is designed for students who want to pursue a career in academia or research, providing advanced training in statistical theory and methodology.

If you're interested in data science, the Statistics and Data Science MS program may be a good choice. This program covers statistical theory, machine learning, and data visualization.

Here are some related graduate degree options:

  • 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

Developed by Experts

Our actuarial science program is developed by experts in the field, ensuring you receive a top-notch education.

Dr. Mason holds a PhD in Mechanics with a doctoral minor in Mathematics from the University of Minnesota, making him a leading figure in mathematical sciences.

Our programming curriculum is based on the contributions and curriculum of Dr. Charles Severance, a world-renowned online CS educator who holds a PhD in Computer Science from Michigan State University.

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Mr. Glenn brings nearly 15 years of experience in the field to our Actuarial Science program, having graduated with a BS in Actuarial Science from the University of Illinois and serving on the Advisory Board of the Actuarial Science program at Indiana University – Purdue University Fort Wayne.

Our team of experts has worked closely together to build out the Actuarial Science Major, ensuring you receive a comprehensive education that prepares you for success in the field.

Academic Scholarships

Academic scholarships are available to accepted students, ranging from $5,000 to full tuition.

Students who have completed two Society of Actuaries exams, including one exam P, before classes begin, are eligible for a $40,000 scholarship award.

Funds for these scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Accounting and Finance

In the Accounting and Finance concentration, you'll learn the basics of financial accounting, including the decision-making environment and accounting cycles. This foundation will serve you well in understanding how accounting information is used within a firm.

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Accounting courses cover topics like budgeting, responsibility accounting, and cost allocations, which are essential for making informed business decisions. You'll also learn about cost behavior, decision models, and capital budgeting.

Financial mathematics is a key aspect of the finance concentration, where you'll study financial assets valuation and the risk-return relationship. This knowledge will help you understand the principles of finance and make informed investment decisions.

The accounting and finance courses will introduce you to product costing in manufacturing and service sector firms, giving you a well-rounded understanding of financial management.

Program Details

The curriculum for an actuarial science degree is designed to prepare students for the workforce. It's developed with input from Fortune 500 companies and experts in the field, ensuring graduates have the necessary skills to hit the ground running.

Math is a crucial part of the program, with students required to take Calculus 1, 2, and 3, as well as Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, and Mathematical Statistics. These math classes are rigorous and challenging, but essential for a career in actuarial science.

To give you a better idea of the program's requirements, here are the math and programming courses students can expect to take: PythonR Programming LanguageR Markdown & StudioCalculus

Program Details

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The program was developed in consultation with Fortune 500 companies and experts in the field to ensure it meets the needs of employers.

The curriculum is designed to prepare students to take two Society of Actuaries exams, the "P" and "FM" exams, as well as their Casualty Actuarial Society equivalents.

Math classes beyond Calculus II are rigorous, making them the hardest class in the program.

Students will take Calculus 1, 2, and 3, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, and Mathematical Statistics as part of their math requirements.

In addition to math, students will also take Economics, Accounting, and Intro to Programming.

Here are the programming languages students will learn:

  • Python
  • R Programming Language
  • R Markdown & Studio
  • Calculus

Students can pursue a variety of bachelor's degrees, including Business Administration, Computer Science, and Accounting, among others.

The program meets the VEE (Validation by Educational Experience) requirements of the Society of Actuaries and Casualty Actuarial Society.

Students can earn VEE credits by passing specific courses with a grade of BC or better, which can be seen in the table below:

Research

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At Temple, you'll have the opportunity to work closely with faculty in state-of-the-art research facilities to tackle some of the industry's biggest challenges.

You'll work with and learn from thought leaders, contributing to the advancement of the field in areas such as crisis risk management and public reaction to crises.

The Fox School of Business is dedicated to helping students navigate their academics and make informed decisions about their career paths through the Center for Undergraduate Advising.

Gamma Iota Sigma is a student club that creates a sense of community among majors and helps members build toward successful professional careers in risk management, insurance, and actuarial science.

Here are some research areas you can contribute to:

  • Crisis risk management and public reaction to crises
  • Corporate governance in the insurance industry
  • Enterprise risk management
  • Financing of catastrophic risk

St. John's University offers a range of programs to help you develop skills in risk management, from undergraduate degrees to graduate certificates.

You can earn an undergraduate degree in Actuarial Science, which prepares you to use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to study uncertain future events.

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The Advanced Certificate in Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) is a 15-credit graduate program that provides foundational skills, insights, and capabilities for managing organizational risks.

The Certificate in Risk and Insurance is a 24-credit certificate program, based at the Manhattan campus, and admits students in the fall semester.

The Master of Science in Enterprise Risk Management (M.S. E.R.M.) offers a comprehensive education in corporate risk management, teaching students financial, legal, and economic theories.

You can also earn a Master of Science degree in Risk Management and Risk Analytics, which prepares you for a successful career in the insurance industry.

The minor in risk management provides an introduction to the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed for success in risk management, including insurance principles and risk management issues.

An M.B.A concentrating on Enterprise Risk Management from St. John's University helps you build the skill set for a risk management process, highlighting leadership and governance risk.

An M.B.A concentrating on Risk Management and Insurance from St. John's University teaches you how to identify liabilities and mitigate risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What degree is best for an actuary?

For an actuary, a bachelor's degree in mathematics, actuarial science, statistics, or a related analytical field is typically required. These degrees provide the foundation for a successful actuarial career, but certification also requires passing a series of exams.

Is there a shortage of actuaries?

Yes, there is a shortage of actuaries due to high demand outpacing supply. This shortage is driven by the evolving needs of the insurance and financial industries.

Can you become an actuary online?

Yes, you can pursue an actuarial science career online through certificate programs designed for working professionals. Online programs provide a flexible pathway to entry-level actuary positions.

Aaron Osinski

Writer

Aaron Osinski is a versatile writer with a passion for crafting engaging content across various topics. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he has established himself as a reliable voice in the online publishing world. Aaron's areas of expertise include financial journalism, with a focus on personal finance and consumer advocacy.

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