Program Overview

Program Guide

Actuarial Science

The Actuarial Science program is an interdisciplinary degree that provides broad instruction in the mathematical and statistical concepts underlying the operations of life, property, and casualty insurers, governmental agencies, and consulting and financial firms. Along with strong mathematical and computational skills, the program is designed to enhance leadership ability and communication skills.

Description of Major

This program is available only at the main campus in Tallahassee, FL, and is not available via online or distance learning. It is classified by professional actuarial societies as "advanced undergraduate education" and "graduate education and research."

Admission Criteria

• The state of Florida has identified common program prerequisites for this university degree program.
• Specific prerequisites are required for admission into the upper-division program and must be completed by the student at either a community college or a state university prior to being admitted to this program.
• A "C" grade or better in all coursework is required for admission.

Prerequisite Coursework

• COP XXXX (3) - A scientific programming course designed for computer science majors
• ECO X013 (3) - Principles of Macroeconomics
• ECO X023 (3) - Principles of Microeconomics
• MAC X311 (4) - Calculus with Analytic Geometry I
• MAC X312 (4) - Calculus with Analytic Geometry II
• MAC X313 (5) - Calculus with Analytic Geometry III
• ACG X021 (3) - Introduction to Financial Accounting (recommended)

Requirements

Requirements for Graduation

The College of Arts and Science requires proficiency in a foreign language through the intermediate (2220 or equivalent) level or sign language through the advanced (2614 or equivalent) level.

Requirement for Progression to and Continuation in the Upper-Division Major

A final grade of "C minus" or better is required in all courses to be counted toward these degrees. Upon formal admission to the major, a student must not accumulate more than 2 unsatisfactory grades (grades below a "C minus" or grades of "U") in courses required for the major. Actuarial Science majors must also maintain a GPA of 2.50 for all major and collateral courses.

Major Program of Studies

In addition to prerequisite coursework, the following coursework is required:

• Required Mathematics and Statistics (15 hours)
  • MAP 4170 (4) - Introduction to Actuarial Mathematics
  • MAP 4175 (4) - Actuarial Models
  • STA 4321 (3) - Introduction to Mathematical Statistics
  • MAP 4174 (1, 1, 1, 1) - Actuarial Topics
• Required Business Collateral Minor (12 hours)
  • ACG 2021 (3) - Introduction to Financial Accounting
  • FIN 3403 (3) - Financial Management of the Firm
  • RMI 3011 (3) - Risk Management and Insurance
  • FIN 4504 (3) - Investments
• Additional Course Requirements (18-19 hours)
  • Completion of the program should be planned with an academic advisor, with regard to the student's background and goals.
  • Students must complete six courses from the following three specialized areas: two courses from specialized mathematics and statistics, one course from approved insurance, finance, and economics, one course from other math and statistics, and two additional courses from any of the three categories.

Digital Literacy and Oral Communication Competency

• Digital Literacy: COP 3014 (3) - Programming I (should be taken as part of prerequisites) fulfills this requirement for the major.
• Oral Communication Competency: Students must demonstrate the ability to orally transmit ideas and information clearly. This requirement may be met with a University-approved college-level course.

Minimum Program Requirements Summary

• Total Hours Required: 120
• General Education: 36
• Prerequisite Coursework: 22
• Major Coursework: 45-46
• Foreign Language: 0-12 (depending on placement)
• Digital Literacy: 0 beyond prerequisites
• Oral Competency: 0-3
• Electives to bring total hours to 120

Mapping

Mapping is FSU's academic advising and monitoring system. Academic progress is monitored each Fall and Spring semester to ensure that students are on course to earn their degree in a timely fashion. Transfer students must meet mapping guidelines to be accepted into their majors.

Remarks

1. A minimum of 45 hours at the 3000 level or above, 30 of which must be taken at this University.
2. Half of the major course semester hours must be completed in residence at this University.
3. The final 30 hours must be completed in residence at this University.
4. Students who plan to earn the B.A. degree must complete a foreign language through the intermediate (2200 or equivalent) level and nine additional hours in the fields of history and humanities.

Employment Information

• Salary Information: Available from the National Association of Colleges and Employers or the Occupational Outlook Handbook provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Representative Job Titles Related to this Major: Actuary, Actuarial Student, Analyst, Actuarial Specialist, Financial Consultant.
• Representative Employers: Insurance, Consulting, and Financial Firms, Governmental Agencies.