ACTUARIAL SCIENCE
College: Arts and Sciences
Degree: B.S.,  B.A.
Limited Access: NO
Contact: Dr. Bettye Anne Case; Dr. Steve Paris; Ms.Esther Diaguila
Address: 208 Love Building
              Tallahassee, FL 32306-4510
Phone: (850) 644-2202
E-Mail: case@math.fsu.edu, paris@math.fsu.edu, or advisor@math.fsu.edu

Description of Major
This interdisciplinary degree 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. The program is also flexible enough to provide background for graduate or professional study in many areas. It was the first actuarial program in a state university in Florida and has many graduates well placed in the industry.  It is classified by the professional actuarial societies as "advanced undergraduate education" and "graduate education and research."

Prerequisite Coursework:  22 hours
COP XXXX (3) Computer Language (Pascal, FORTRAN, C, C+, or C ++.  CGS 3406 C++ or COP 3014 Programming I preferred)
ECO X013 (3) Principles of Macroeconomics
ECO X023 (3) Principles of Microeconomics
MAC X311 (4) Calculus I
MAC X312 (4) Calculus II
MAC X313 (5) Calculus III
In addition, the department recommends that the following courses be taken during the freshman/sophomore years:
MAP X302 (3) Ordinary Differential Equations and/or
ACG X021 (3) Introduction to Financial Accounting and/or
STA X122 (3) Statistics

Requirements for graduation in the College of Arts and Sciences include: a minimum of six hours each in written communication, humanities, and natural science, and three hours each in history and mathematics. These should be completed as part of the general education/Liberal Studies program. In addition, students must be proficient in a foreign language through the intermediate (2220 or equivalent) level or sign language through the advanced (2614 or equivalent) level.

Admission Requirements to Major Program of Studies
Students desiring to major in Actuarial Science and having completed, with grades of C- or higher, MAC 2311 and at least two other of the courses listed above under Prerequisite Coursework will be admitted to the program. A student who has accumulated more than five grades below “C-“ (including grades of “U”) in mathematics or computer sciences courses, taken for college credit at FSU or elsewhere, whether repeated or not, will not be permitted to continue in the program.

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.   You may view the map for this major at
www.academic-guide.fsu.edu.

Major Program of Studies at FSU:  45-46 hours
In addition to prerequisite coursework noted above, the following coursework is required. A minor in business is incorporated; hence an additional minor is not 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
MAT 4930r (1, 1, 1, 1) Actuarial Topics
Required Business and Economics (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
Economics requirements are satisfied through the prerequisite courses.

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 above categories.

Computer Skills Competency:  0 hours beyond prerequisites.  CGS 3406 (3)  C++ or COP 3014 (3) Programming I.

Oral Communication Competency:  0-3 hours
Students must demonstrate the ability to orally transmit ideas and information clearly.  This requirement may be met through appropriate high school speech training or with an approved college-level course.

Minimum Program Requirements ­Summary
Total Hrs. Required 120
Liberal Studies 36*
Prerequisite Coursework 22*
Major Coursework 45-46
Foreign Language 0-12 (depending on placement)
Computer Skills 0 beyond prerequisites
Oral Competency 0-3
Electives to bring total hours to 120
*Prerequisite coursework in mathematics and economics should also be used to satisfy requirements of Liberal Studies.

Remarks:
1. 60 hours must be earned at a senior institution.
2. The final 30 hours must be in residence at FSU.
3. A minimum of 40 hours must be earned at the 3000/4000 (junior/senior) level.
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
Representative Job Titles Related to this Major: Actuary, Actuarial Student, Analyst, Actuarial Specialist, Financial Consultant.

Representative Employers: Insurance, Consulting, and Financial Firms, Governmental Agencies.