Program: Mathematics, Specialization in Actuarial Science, B.S. - Bowling Green State University (2024)

Jun 06, 2024
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

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2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

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Although it is an ancient academic discipline, mathematics is still one of today’s most dynamic and influential fields. One aspect of mathematics consists of abstract ideas and challenging problems; recent successes include the proofs of the Poincaré Conjecture, the Sphere-Packing Conjecture, and Fermat’s Last Theorem. The other aspect of mathematics is its use in other human endeavors, where its impact is stunning. Mathematics has always been indispensable in commerce, physics, and engineering. In recent years, mathematics has driven developments in telecommunications, medicine, computers, finance, insurance, weather forecasting, car and airplane design, and many more. All of the mathematics courses in the major introduce new ways of thinking and develop discipline in thinking carefully and expressing this thought through problem solutions or carefully written arguments.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in mathematics are expected to:

  • Understand what mathematics and statistics are, how they are done, and how they relate to other disciplines;
  • Use the language of mathematics and statistics to communicate basic ideas, techniques, and results;
  • Objectively and critically evaluate information and assess performance, using mathematical ideas;
  • Demonstrate appreciation for the beauty, utility, and impact of mathematics and statistics;
  • Apply mathematical problem-solving techniques in novel situations;
  • Use appropriate technology to attack a wide variety of mathematical tasks successfully.

This specialization is only available in the B.S. degree. This specialization is intended for students interested in a career as an insurance or pension actuary.

BG Perspective (BGP) Requirements

Must complete at least 1 course in each of the following:

English Composition and Oral Communication
_____________________________ ________

Quantitative Literacy
_____________________________ ________

Must Complete at least 2 courses in each of the following:

Humanities and the Arts
_____________________________ ________
_____________________________ ________

Natural Sciences - at least one Lab Science required
_____________________________ ________
_____________________________ ________

Social and Behavioral Sciences
_____________________________ ________
_____________________________ ________

Complete total required BGP credit hours by selecting courses from any of the above categories:

_____________________________ ________
_____________________________ ________
_____________________________ ________
_____________________________ ________

University Requirements

Designated courses in Humanities and the Arts and the Social and Behavioral Sciences domains may be used to fulfill both the BGP requirement and one of the following university requirements:

Cultural Diversity in the US ____________
International Perspective ____________

Composition Requirement:
WRIT 1120

Total BGP Credits: Must be at least 36

Arts & Sciences Requirements (WLC)

World Languages and Cultures (_____ yrs of HS_______)

Consult the Undergraduate Catalog or the Arts and Sciences Student Handbook regarding approved course options in the different language and culture areas.
​ ________1010_________________ ________
​ ________1020_________________ ________
​ _____________________________ ________
_____________________________ ________

Lab Science

_____________________________ ________

Multidisciplinary Component

Select from approved offerings, in consultation with an advisor and a faculty mentor. Four courses total, each with a different subject prefix. At least two courses at 3000/4000 level. Courses applied to the Arts & Sciences MDC may not be used to fulfill other Arts and Sciences degree requirements, nor may they be used to fulfill major, minor, BGP or other program requirements.
_____________________________ ________
_____________________________ ________
_____________________________ ________
_____________________________ ________

Major Requirements

Note: The MATH 1310requirement may be met by taking MATH 1340-MATH 1350.

Suggested electives for this program are ACCT 2220, FIN 3500.

  • MATH 1310 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry (QL)
  • MATH 2320 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry II
  • MATH 2330 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry III
  • or

  • MATH 2350 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry III with Vector Fields
  • MATH 3220 - Discrete Mathematics
  • MATH 3320 - Elementary Linear Algebra
  • MATH 4250 - Financial Mathematics
  • MATH 4260 - Actuarial Mathematics I
  • MATH 4270 - Actuarial Mathematics II
  • MATH 4320 - Linear Algebra with Applications
  • MATH 4410 - Probability and Statistics I
  • MATH 4420 - Probability and Statistics II

Select Two Courses From:

  • MATH 4440 - Statistical Learning
  • or

  • MATH 4450 - Applied Probability
  • or

  • MATH 4470 - Exploratory Data Analysis
  • or

  • STAT 4160 - Time Series Analysis

Total Credits: 43-44; 2.0 GPA in Courses Listed Below

Additional Requirements

Arrangements have been made to waive the stated prerequisites to FIN 4200. The economics courses may be counted toward the social sciences requirement. It is essential that students consult with the program advisor on a regular basis.

  • CS 1010 - Introduction to Python Programming
  • or

  • CS 2010 - Programming Fundamentals
  • ECON 2020 - Principles of Microeconomics
  • ECON 2030 - Principles of Macroeconomics
  • STAT 4020 - Regression Analysis
  • ACCT 2210 - Accounting and Business Concepts I
  • FIN 3000 - Business Finance

Lab Science Sequence:

Students must take an approved Arts & Sciences lab science sequence.

No minor is required

Electives and Non-Credit Courses

For Graduation You Will Need:

  1. 122 credit hours minimum.
  2. Minimum GPA 2.00.
  3. At least 30 credit hours of BGSU course work.
  4. 40 credit hours at the 3000/4000 level.
  5. Completion of all degree requirements, including the BG Perspective Core.
  6. A major, and if required, a minor, specialization or emphasis.

Any substitution or waiver of courses required for your major or minor programmustoriginate in the department/school offering the major or minor andmustbe approved by the College Office.

To ensure a timely graduation, see aCollege Advisorduring the semester prior to your intended graduation.

Remember to complete anApplication for Graduationby the end of the second week of classes during the fall semester or spring regular session, or by the end of the first week of the summer semester. For the specific dates, check your DARS. You may log onto MyBGSU to complete the online application. After the deadlines, you will need to complete an application in person in the College Office.


Program: Mathematics, Specialization in Actuarial Science, B.S. - Bowling Green State University (2024)

FAQs

What can I do with an actuarial math degree? ›

Here are six jobs to consider pursuing with an actuarial degree:
  • Auditor. ...
  • Data analyst. ...
  • Financial planner. ...
  • Investment analyst. ...
  • Business analyst. ...
  • Underwriter.
Apr 18, 2024

What type of math is used in actuarial science? ›

Actuarial mathematics is used to support solutions to a number of different problems in business and government. Calculus is required in actuarial mathematics because this topic of mathematics is concerned with change. Many problems solved by actuaries involve change over time.

Where to study actuarial mathematics? ›

Why study Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics at Heriot-Watt? Our undergraduate actuarial programmes are all fully accredited by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA). Our full suite of undergraduate programmes is accredited by the Royal Statistical Society.

What is the difference between mathematical science and actuarial science? ›

You will cover a number of similar topics across the disciplines, which can include calculus, algebra, exponentials, statistical regression, matrices, probability. They do differ in some of the maths they used. Where maths cover all topics, physics and actuarial science focus on applied maths.

Is actuarial math hard? ›

How hard is actuarial science? Majoring in actuarial science is challenging. On a scale from 1-10 (1 being the easiest), I'd say it's around a 7 or 8. It requires that you have fairly good math skills and that you really enjoy it.

Do actuaries make a lot of money? ›

Actuaries are well compensated. Experienced fellows have the potential to earn from $150,000 to $250,000 annually, and many actuaries earn more than that. Compensation may vary significantly according to years of experience, industry, geographic region, and responsibilities.

Do actuaries do math all day? ›

An actuary uses lots of math, probability, and statistics all day long. I love that about being an actuary. That's one of the main things that attracted me to the career. If you like math, you probably really like the challenge that math provides too.

Do you need calculus for actuarial? ›

To prepare for an actuarial career, you should take three semesters of calculus, two semesters of probability and statistics, two semesters of economics, one or two semesters of corporate finance, business communications and a well-rounded group of liberal arts courses.

What area of math do actuaries use the most? ›

Actuaries primarily use probability, statistics, and financial mathematics.” It's important to remember, however, that like any career that deals with vital assets like salary, health insurance, employee benefits, and retirement benefits, actuaries are rigorously tested to ensure their skills.

What degree is best for actuary? ›

He explains, "Getting into an actuarial career can begin with any bachelor's degree. Most actuaries major in mathematics, actuarial science, statistics, or another analytical field. Professional certification requires coursework in economics, statistics, and corporate finance."

Where is the highest demand for actuaries? ›

Geographic profile for Actuaries:
StateEmployment (1)Employment per thousand jobs
New York2,8900.31
Pennsylvania1,8800.32
Illinois1,8600.31
New Jersey1,6100.38
1 more row
Apr 3, 2024

Where is the best place to study actuary? ›

Best universities to study actuarial science
  • DePaul University.
  • University of Windsor.
  • Middle Tennessee State University.
  • University of York International Pathway College.
  • University of Cincinnati.

Which university has the best actuarial science program? ›

Best Colleges for Actuarial Science: 10 Top-Ranked Picks
  • New York University. ...
  • University of Georgia. ...
  • University of Georgia. ...
  • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Global Score. ...
  • Florida State University. Global Score. ...
  • University of Texas - Austin. Global Score. ...
  • Ohio State University. Global Score. ...
  • Purdue University. Global Score.
Feb 2, 2024

What can I do with actuarial mathematics? ›

Actuaries analyze the financial costs of risk and uncertainty. They use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to assess the risk of potential events, and they help businesses and clients develop policies that minimize the cost of that risk. Actuaries' work is essential to the insurance industry.

What level of math is actuarial science? ›

Which specific courses should I take if I want to become an actuary? To further your actuarial studies, you should complete calculus I, calculus II, calculus III and linear algebra. You should also have some basic business courses (e.g. accounting or finance) or economics courses (micro- or macro-economics).

What is the highest paying actuary job? ›

The highest-paid actuaries are:
  • Chief Actuaries.
  • Principal Actuaries.
  • Partner Actuaries.
  • Lead Consultants.
  • Investment Actuaries.

Is actuary a good major? ›

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 23.2% employment growth for actuaries between 2022 and 2032. In that period, an estimated 7,000 jobs should open up. Actuarial science is a discipline that uses mathematics, statistics and financial theory to measure, manage and mitigate financial risk and uncertainty.

Can actuaries be replaced by AI? ›

Can AI replace actuaries? AI is unlikely to completely replace actuaries. While AI and machine learning (ML) can automate certain tasks, such as data processing and preliminary analysis, the role of actuaries involves complex decision-making, strategic planning, and ethical considerations that require human judgment.

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