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Aug 31, 2024
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2018-2019 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Mathematics with a Concentration in Actuarial Science, B.S.
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The actuarial profession is one of the most respected, well-compensated and rewarding fields today. It is consistently rated as one of the best jobs in America based on factors such as job environment, salary, employment outlook, stress level and growth opportunities. The Actuarial Science program at the University of Saint Joseph will give you the knowledge and skills necessary to meeting the demands of an actuarial career. You will be prepared to pass actuarial exams and stand out as a candidate for summer internships.
Actuaries are professionals trained in mathematics, statistics, economics and finance to solve problems involving long-term financial impacts on future events. Their skills are greatly valued by organizations that need to quantify financial risks. Actuaries are in high demand and are most commonly employed in the insurance, financial services and health care industries, as well as in government agencies.
The Actuarial Science program at USJ prepares students to enter the actuarial profession upon graduation. Our curriculum follows the educational recommendations of the two largest actuarial-related professional societies in the U.S.: the Society of Actuaries (SOA) and the Casualty Actuary Society (CAS). The mathematics curriculum will equip students with a strong foundation in the theory and applications of calculus, linear algebra, probability, statistics and theory of interest, as well as effective reasoning and problem-solving skills. Students will be prepared to pass the first two actuarial exams, Exam P (Probability) and Exam FM (Financial Mathematics), before graduation. Required courses in economics, accounting and finance provide necessary knowledge of the professional environment in which actuaries work. The skills you will gain in the Actuarial Science program will give you access to numerous opportunities for internships offered by the insurance and financial services companies in the Hartford region.
Program outcomes
The student will:
- Understand and apply the fundamental principles, concepts and techniques of major areas of mathematics, including calculus, linear algebra, discrete mathematics, probability, statistics and financial mathematics.
- Demonstrate strong problem-solving skills: state problems carefully, articulate assumptions, be willing to try different approaches, devise and test conjectures, reason logically to conclusions and interpret results
- Read mathematical literature with understanding; interpret graphs and diagrams
- Communicate mathematical ideas with clarity and coherence through writing and speaking
- Demonstrate familiarity with applications of mathematics to problems in a variety of fields, including business, insurance, finance and risk management.
- Demonstrate proficiency in using computer technology as a tool for solving problems and as an aid to understanding mathematical ideas.
- Demonstrate success in learning mathematical concepts independently.
- Be prepared to take the first two actuarial exams before graduation.
- Gain practical experience in actuarial science through internships, independent projects or research.
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Admission and continuation requirements
A minimum grade of C- must be earned in each of the required and supporting courses, and a minimum GPA of 2.33 must be earned with all required and supporting courses.
Required courses (36 credits)
Supporting coursework (15-18 credits)
Suggested 4-year plan of study
First year
Fall |
Credits |
MATH 170 |
Calculus I |
4 |
MATH 165 |
Discrete Mathematics |
3 |
ECON 101 |
Macroeconomics |
3 |
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Liberal arts/elective |
3 |
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Liberal arts/elective |
3 |
TOTAL |
16 |
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Spring |
Credits |
MATH 180 |
Calculus II |
4 |
ECON 102 |
Microeconomics |
3 |
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Liberal arts/elective |
3 |
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Liberal arts/elective |
3 |
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Liberal arts/elective |
3 |
TOTAL |
16 |
2nd year
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Fall |
Credits |
MATH 220 |
Calculus III |
3 |
MATH 251 |
Probability and Statistics I |
3 |
COMP 110 |
Computer Programming I |
3 |
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Liberal arts/elective |
3 |
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Liberal arts/elective |
3 |
TOTAL |
15 |
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Spring |
Credits |
MATH 252 |
Probability and Statistics II |
3 |
MATH 340 |
Actuarial Problem Solving |
3 |
ACCT 201 |
Principles of Accounting I |
3 |
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Liberal arts/elective |
3 |
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Liberal arts/elective |
3 |
TOTAL |
15 |
Students should prepare for and take the SOA/CAS Exam P/1 at the end of the 2nd year spring semester.
3rd year
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Fall |
Credits |
MATH 320 |
Linear Algebra |
4 |
ACCT 202 |
Principles of Accounting II |
3 |
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Liberal arts/elective |
3 |
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Liberal arts/elective |
3 |
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Liberal arts/elective |
3 |
TOTAL |
16 |
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Spring |
Credits |
MATH 345 |
Theory of Interest |
3 |
ACCT 205 |
Managerial Accounting |
3 |
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Liberal arts/elective |
3 |
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Liberal arts/elective |
3 |
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Liberal arts/elective |
3 |
TOTAL |
Students should prepare for and take the SOA/CAS Exam FM/2 at the end of spring semester |
15 |
4th year
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Fall |
Credits |
MATH 499 or
MATH 485
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Coordinating Seminar
Internship
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3 |
Upper level |
Math/ Management elective |
3 |
Upper level |
Math/ Management elective |
3 |
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Liberal arts/elective |
3 |
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Liberal arts/elective |
3 |
TOTAL |
15 |
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Spring |
Credits |
MGMT 305 |
Financial Management |
3 |
Upper level |
Math/ Management elective |
3 |
Upper level |
Math/ Management elective |
3 |
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Liberal arts/elective |
3 |
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Liberal arts/elective |
3 |
TOTAL |
15 |
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