Actuarial Mathematics
Overview
THE ACTUARIAL MATHEMATICS PROGRAM
No doubt you’ve seen the job title “actuary” listed among those with the highest starting salaries as you conducted your search for colleges, degree programs, and promising careers. You know it involves math, which you enjoy, and wonder, could this be the career for me?
The field of actuarial mathematics is one of the most prestigious and well-compensated. As an actuary, you will answer questions that help shape decisions in everyday life by analyzing financial risks and helping organizations manage those risks.
The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Actuarial Mathematics at Bryant focuses on the study of mathematics and statistics to give you a range of skills and broad knowledge to design and manage programs that control risks. Coursework builds strong analytical skills, business knowledge, and an understanding of human behavior. Courses in the Actuarial Mathematics major are taken as early as your first year, so you are exposed immediately to the principles of your degree program.
You may also choose to pursue the Actuarial Mathematics minor, which requires coursework in statistics and actuarial mathematics, and electives in finance, economics, and computer programming.
FUTURE CAREERS, POST-GRAD OPPORTUNITIES
With superior practical and academic experience, Bryant students are well prepared for graduate school and professional success as actuaries, financial analysts/consultants, pension consultants, statistical analysts, and educators. Actuarial mathematics graduates enjoy some of the highest entry-level salaries and a comfortable work-life balance, rarely working more than 45 hours per week.
ACTUARIAL MATHEMATICS FACULTY
Bryant’s Actuarial Mathematics faculty includes one member designated as an associate of the Society of Actuaries and another who is a fellow of the society and came to the University after many years of professional experience in the actuarial field. The faculty actively consult in the actuarial business field and are well published in scholarly and professional journals.
Requirements
For a major:
|
First-Year Gateway Experience |
|
Global Foundations of Character and Leadership (GFCL100) |
|
Global Foundations of Organizations and Business (GFOB100) |
|
Writing Workshop (WRIT106) |
|
Bryant IDEA: Innovation and Design Experience for All (IDEA101) |
|
|
|
Upper-Level Gateway Course |
|
|
|
Actuarial Mathematics Major Requirements |
|
Actuarial Statistics I (AM230) |
|
Actuarial Exam P Prep (AM232) |
|
Software Applications (MATH354) |
|
Actuarial Statistics II (AM231) |
|
Actuarial Statistics III (AM332) |
|
Mathematical Interest Theory I (AM340) |
|
Mathematical Interest Theory II (AM342) |
|
Life Contingencies I (AM421) |
|
Life Contingencies II (AM422) |
|
Pension Fundamentals (AM451) |
|
Advanced Probability (AM333) |
|
Investments (FIN312) [Students may double count FIN312 toward a Finance minor] |
|
Liberal Arts Core Requirements |
|
Microeconomic Principles (ECO113) |
|
Macroeconomic Principles (ECO114) |
|
Introduction to Literary Studies (LCS121) |
|
Calculus and Analytic Geometry I (MATH121) |
|
Calculus and Analytic Geometry II (MATH122) |
|
Linear Algebra (MATH226) |
|
Two (2) Humanities Survey Courses |
|
Liberal Arts Distribution – Modes of Thought |
|
Two (2) Social Science Modes of Thought |
|
One (1) Historical Mode of Thought (Upper Division) |
|
One (1) Literary Mode of Thought (Upper Division) |
|
Two (2) Scientific Modes of Thought (Include One Lab Science) (One science course must be taken at the 300 or 400 level) |
|
Business Administration Minor Requirements |
|
Principles of Financial Accounting (ACG203) |
|
Introduction to Information Technology and Analytics (CIS201) |
|
Financial Management (FIN201) |
|
Management Principles and Practice (MGT200) |
|
Foundations of Marketing Management (MKT201) |
|
Electives - Subject to programmatic constraints, students may elect to take additional business courses, not to exceed a combined total of 30 credit hours in the College of Business. |
|
A minimum of 124 credit hours required for graduation. |
For a 12-credit minor:
|
Statistics II (MATH350) |
|
Mathematics of Finance, Insurance, and Pensions (AM341) |
|
Pension Fundamentals (AM451) |
|
Choose one course from the following:
|
To learn more, please contact:
Kristin Kennedy, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair
Department of Mathematics
kkennedy@bryant.edu
ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES
Rohan Laungani '12
Studied: Actuarial Mathematics, Economics Currently: Actuarial associate, PricewaterhouseCoopers
“It’s up to each student to take advantage of all the resources on campus,” says Laungani, founder of the Francophones de Bryant and the Dragon Dance Team. “At Bryant, opportunities are endless.”
The recipient of the Actuarial Foundation’s John Culver Woody Award, Laungani, who has lived in India and Nigeria, passed two actuarial exams before Commencement. He is now working at PwC’s New York City headquarters. “Bryant’s faculty and staff go above and beyond to assist in any area of your life, whether you are current student or alum, they are always there to support you day and night.”
WALL STREET TRAILBLAZER
Nanette (Buziak) Lexow '93
Currently: Managing Director, Head of Equities Trading, ING Investment Management
Few firms were hiring during the recession when Lexow graduated. But her degree in actuarial mathematics and internship experience enabled her to find work in finance. Now head of a Wall Street trading desk at a global investment manager, she’s been recognized as a trailblazer for women by Trader’s Magazine “for breaking the gender barrier in trading and advancing up the career ladder on the buyside and sellside.”
Lexow, who is known professionally by her maiden name, attributes her climb to her strong commitment and being “courageous enough to take on some of the ugly projects nobody else wants.”
INSPIRING BY EXAMPLE
Phyllis Schumacher, Ph.D.
Professor of Mathematics
How is someone’s credit score determined? What are the chances of a certain candidate winning the election? These questions can be answered by actuaries, whose work helps shape decisions in everyday life. Despite teaching what some would argue is the toughest program at Bryant, students and alumni cite Schumacher’s unflappable nature, helpfulness, and innate kindness. Amanda Zagame ’11 recalls working on her Honors Capstone project with Schumacher. “Despite being on sabbatical, she came to campus every week to support and guide me through the intensive process.” Zagame is a teaching fellow at Boston University.
