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Boston University's Actuarial Science program is a great choice for students looking to pursue a career in this field. The program is accredited by the Society of Actuaries (SOA), which is a major plus.
The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, and business, as well as specialized courses in actuarial science. This well-rounded education prepares students for the actuarial exams and the demands of the profession.
Students in the program have access to a range of career resources, including internships, job fairs, and networking events. These opportunities help students build connections and gain practical experience in the field.
Boston University's location in Boston, Massachusetts, also provides students with access to a hub of insurance and financial institutions, offering many job opportunities.
Admissions and Requirements
To apply to Boston University's Actuarial Science program, you'll need to submit a formal application, a current resume, two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and an $85 application fee. No GRE or GMAT are required, and students may apply to enroll in any semester.
The application process is relatively straightforward, and you can submit your application at any time. Keep in mind that you'll need to provide two letters of recommendation, so be sure to give your recommenders plenty of time to write and submit their letters.
Here are the key application requirements:
- Formal application
- Current resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- $85 application fee
Note that no standardized test scores, such as the GRE or GMAT, are required for admission. This is a significant advantage for many students, as it can save time and money in the application process.
Career and Professional Development
Boston University's Actuarial Science program offers a strong foundation for a career in this field. The median salary for recent actuarial science graduates is higher than the average for other professions, with a median annual salary of $111,030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Actuaries earn a median annual salary of $111,030.
Actuaries are in high demand, with a 23 percent increase in opportunities predicted by the BLS through 2032. This growth rate is much faster than the average for all jobs. Actuaries can work in various industries, including banking and investment, insurance, and government.
The Actuarial Science program at Boston University has received recognition from the Society of Actuaries and the Casualty Actuarial Society, indicating a strong commitment to preparing future actuaries. The program offers a solid academic foundation and practical exposure to real-world business environments, making it an excellent choice for those interested in pursuing a career in actuarial science.
Here are some potential careers for actuarial science graduates:
Actuaries are also in high demand in various industries, including insurance, banking, and government. With a strong foundation in actuarial science, graduates can pursue a wide range of career opportunities.
Jobs and Salaries
Actuaries are highly valued professionals who can work in a variety of fields, including insurance, government, and finance.
With a master's degree in Actuarial Science, you can expect to earn a median annual salary of $111,030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This is significantly higher than the national average for all jobs.
Actuaries are in high demand, with a 24% employment growth rate projected by the BLS from 2020-2030. This is much faster than the average growth rate for all careers.
You can work as an actuary in various roles, including health insurance, life insurance, property and casualty insurance, and pension and health consulting firms. Actuaries are also employed by government agencies, accounting firms, banks, and financial services companies.
The Society of Actuaries (SoA) and the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) describe actuaries as the leading professionals in finding ways to manage risk.
Career Outlook as a Programmer
The job market for programmers is booming, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 21% growth in employment opportunities from 2020 to 2030.
According to the article, the median annual salary for software developers in the United States was $114,140 in May 2020, with the top 10% earning more than $170,000.
Programmers can work in a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, and technology, and many companies are looking for professionals with expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning.
The article highlights the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest programming languages and technologies, with 77% of developers saying they use multiple programming languages in their work.
With the rise of remote work, programmers can now work from anywhere, and many companies are open to hiring remote developers.
In fact, the article notes that 63% of companies have remote workers, and this number is expected to grow in the coming years.
To succeed in this field, programmers need to be lifelong learners, staying current with the latest developments and technologies in the industry.
Internships
Internships are a fantastic way to gain hands-on experience and apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting. To take advantage of internship opportunities, students should have successfully completed MET AT 521 and MET AT 531 (or the associated professional examination) and maintain an overall cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher.
In addition to academic requirements, international students must meet the rules of Boston University's International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) regarding internships. This ensures a smooth and compliant experience for all students.
Students who participate in internship courses will discuss their work experiences in regular meetings, finding value in sharing their outside-of-classroom projects and learning from one another. These courses are not intended to create internship opportunities, but rather provide a platform for students to apply actuarial principles in insurance companies, financial institutions, pension consulting firms, and other related fields.
To enroll in these courses, students must also obtain the consent of the instructor and meet the graduate prerequisites, which include a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher and completion of MET AT722 and AT731.
Think Like a Professional
To think like a professional, you need to develop the skills to analyze complex problems and make informed decisions. According to the Society of Actuaries and the Casualty Actuarial Society, actuaries are the leading professionals in finding ways to manage risk.
Actuaries use a combination of strong analytical skills, business knowledge, and understanding of human behavior to manage today's complex risks. This requires a solid academic foundation in actuarial science, data science, finance, and related fields.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 23 percent increase in opportunities for actuaries through 2032, with median salaries higher than the average for other professions. This makes a career as an actuary an excellent opportunity for those with an analytical mind and a passion for working with financial theory.
Boston University's Actuarial Science program has the Society of Actuaries' "UCAP-AC" designation and Bronze Level recognition from the Casualty Actuarial Society University Recognition Program. This demonstrates the program's commitment to preparing future property and casualty actuaries.
By taking courses to receive "Validation by Educational Experience (VEE)" credit from the SoA and CAS, you can gain an advantage in the job market. This can also count toward the master's in Actuarial Science degree.
Education and Curriculum
Boston University's Actuarial Science program offers a comprehensive education in actuarial science, with a curriculum that covers the core concepts and skills needed to succeed in the field.
The program requires students to complete the core curriculum and the Insurance concentration requirements, which provides a solid foundation in actuarial science.
A strong foundation in calculus and multivariate calculus is recommended for applicants, as it is a crucial aspect of actuarial science.
The program offers a variety of courses that cover topics such as long-term insurance, short-term insurance, and actuarial methods.
Some of the courses offered in the program include MET AT 531, which covers the fundamentals of both long-term and short-term insurance, and MET AT 532, which continues the development of long-term financial models introduced in MET AT 531.
The program also offers courses that cover topics such as interval estimation, point estimation, and tests of hypothesis.
In addition to the core curriculum, the program offers a capstone course that immerses students in "real-world" challenges via the analysis of risk factors that are now relevant to actuarial work.
The program's faculty are highly qualified and bring unique expertise and practical insight into the classroom, using actual actuarial problems as examples to supplement course material.
The program's student-to-instructor ratio is exceptional, ensuring close interaction in the classroom with faculty mentors.
The program's curriculum is designed to prepare students for success in passing the following SoA exams: FAM, A-LTAM or A-STAM, and SRM.
Here is a list of some of the courses offered in the program:
- MET AT 531: Fundamentals of Actuarial Science
- MET AT 532: Long-term Financial Models
- MET AT 533: Short-term Financial Models
- MET MA 581: Mathematical Statistics
- MET MA 582: Probability and Statistics
These courses provide students with a solid foundation in actuarial science and prepare them for success in the field.
Expertise and Skills
At Boston University, you can develop a solid academic foundation in actuarial science through specialized courses in actuarial science, data science, finance, and related fields. This foundation is essential for becoming a credentialed actuary.
The faculty at Boston University's Metropolitan College consists of academic actuaries, practicing actuaries, and actuaries with extensive real-world experience. This diverse faculty helps students develop the skills needed to become credentialed actuaries.
By taking courses to receive "Validation by Educational Experience (VEE)" credit from the Society of Actuaries (SoA) and the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS), students can gain an advantage when seeking employment. This recognition is a testament to the university's commitment to preparing future actuaries.
Faculty
Our faculty is made up of academic actuaries, practicing actuaries, and actuaries with extensive real-world experience. This diverse group of professionals is dedicated to helping you develop the skills you need to become a credentialed actuary.
Hal Tepfer is an Associate Professor of the Practice and Director of the Actuarial Science program. Lois Keller Horwitz is an Associate Professor of the Practice Emerita, also in the Actuarial Science department.
You'll benefit from being taught by experts who have a deep understanding of the actuarial science profession. They'll share their knowledge and experience with you, helping you make crucial policy decisions in an unpredictable business world.
Our faculty's expertise will provide you with a solid academic foundation through specialized courses in actuarial science, data science, finance, and related fields.
Risk Management Expert
As a Risk Management Expert, you'll need to have a solid understanding of the field, which involves a combination of statistics, mathematics, economics, finance, data science, and other fields. This expertise allows actuaries to make crucial policy decisions in an unpredictable business world.
Actuarial science uses a combination of statistics, mathematics, economics, finance, data science, and other fields to allow actuaries to make crucial policy decisions in an unpredictable business world. With this specialized knowledge comes enhanced compensation.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for recent actuarial science graduates is higher than the average for other professions. The BLS predicts a 23 percent increase in opportunities through 2032.
A master's degree in Actuarial Science can provide you with the skills needed to become a credentialed actuary. You'll gain a solid academic foundation through specialized courses in actuarial science, data science, finance, and related fields.
Boston University's Actuarial Science program has the Society of Actuaries' "UCAP-AC" designation and Bronze Level recognition from the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) University Recognition Program. This demonstrates the university's commitment to preparing future property and casualty actuaries.
To become a successful actuary, you'll need to develop skills in areas such as:
- Actuarial modeling and pricing
- Financial analysis and forecasting
- Insurance product development and management
- Regulatory compliance and risk management
These skills can be developed through a combination of coursework, practical experience, and professional certifications. With the right expertise and skills, you can excel as a Risk Management Expert in today's competitive job market.
Preparation and Support
Boston University's Actuarial Science program provides a solid foundation for a successful career in this field. BU MET's Graduate Certificate in Actuarial Science courses are designed to help you build an understanding of the subject matter while providing sufficient background to be successful in passing the Society of Actuaries (SoA) exams.
You'll have the opportunity to prepare for exams like FAM, A-LTAM or A-STAM, and SRM, which are essential for a career in actuarial science. Passing these exams will put you in a good position to receive an "Actuarial Science Foundations" micro-credential from the SoA.
Comprehensive Financial Assistance
To apply for financial assistance, visit the BU MET admissions page for details on how to apply.
You'll also find information on tuition and fees on this page.
Visit the BU MET admissions page for requirements for international students.
For more information on financial assistance, tuition, and fees, and to start your application process, head to the BU MET admissions page.
Exam Preparation
BU MET's Actuarial Science programs are designed to help you prepare for professional exams, specifically those offered by the Society of Actuaries (SoA) and the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS).
Students in the Actuarial Science master's degree program will gain a deep understanding of the subject matter and be well-prepared to pass exams offered by the SoA and CAS.
Courses in the program are designed to assist students in passing exams that are essential to an actuary's career, such as life insurance, health insurance, and pension plans.
Following the SoA exam track will typically lead to work in fields that use the probability of mortality, while following the CAS exam track will lead to work for companies that develop premiums for quantifiable risks.
BU MET's Actuarial Science master's degree program is the only one of its kind in northern New England, making it a unique and valuable opportunity for students.
By passing specific exams and completing certain courses, students can earn micro-credentials from the SoA, such as the "Actuarial Science Foundations" micro-credential.
To be successful in passing these exams, students will need to build a strong understanding of the subject matter and gain sufficient background knowledge.
The SoA has indicated that the knowledge and skills gained through these exams are in high demand within the insurance and related fields.
Why Study at BU MET?
At Boston University's Metropolitan College (BU MET), you'll find an Active Learning Environment where you'll gain practical skills solving real problems alongside actuaries who work in the industry. This hands-on approach ensures you'll have a deep knowledge of data tools and their application.
BU MET's Actuarial Science graduate programs are taught by SoA- and CAS-credentialed faculty who bring unique expertise and practical insight into the classroom. They use actual actuarial problems as examples to supplement course material, making the learning experience even more relevant.
You'll have access to an Extensive Network of successful, practicing alumni who work for top organizations like Willis Towers Watson, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Liberty Mutual. This network can provide valuable connections and job opportunities after graduation.
Courses at BU MET are designed to prepare you for success in passing key SoA exams, including FAM, A-LTAM or A-STAM, and SRM. You'll also have the opportunity to complete a Capstone in Actuarial Science, which immerses you in real-world challenges and prepares you for the latest trends in the field.
Here are some of the key benefits of studying at BU MET:
- Exceptional student-to-instructor ratio, ensuring close interaction with faculty mentors
- Access to Boston University's extensive resources, including the Center for Career Development and Mugar Memorial Library
- Flexible schedule options, allowing you to complete the program in as little as one year or take several years to finish
- Merit Scholarships available to US citizens and permanent residents
With over 25 years of experience graduating successful actuarial students, you can trust that BU MET has a proven Track Record of preparing students for success in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is actuarial science a hard major?
Actuarial science is a challenging major that requires strong mathematical and analytical skills. If you enjoy solving complex problems and working with numbers, this field may be a great fit for you.
Which degree is best for actuarial science?
For actuarial science, a BSc in Statistics is generally the most relevant degree, as it covers the essential statistical methods and theories required for the field. However, a strong analytical background from a BSc in Mathematics can also be beneficial.
Sources
- https://www.accounting.com/degrees/actuarial-science/masters/
- https://www.bu.edu/met/degrees-certificates/actuarial-science-graduate-certificate/
- https://www.bu.edu/met/degrees-certificates/ms-actuarial-science-insurance/
- https://www.bu.edu/academics/met/courses/actuarial-science/
- https://www.bu.edu/met/degrees-certificates/actuarial-foundations-graduate-certificate/
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