Future Students

Academics

Actuarial Science

College of Sciences


 

QUICK JUMP
  Actuarial Science
  Core and Option Courses
  Careers in Actuarial Science
  Salaries
  Suggested Strengths, Interests, and Preparation
  Scholarships and Financial Aid
  Campus Organizations and Activities
  Contact Information

Actuarial Science

Actuarial science, an option within the mathematics major, focuses on the study of research, planning, forecasting, and decision making methods for insurance, pension, and retirement programs. Actuaries develop mathematical models that evaluate the current financial implications of future events.
• Offered at WSU: Bachelor of science in mathematics with an actuarial science option
• Available at: Pullman

Core and Option Courses

In addition to the courses listed below, students must complete courses to meet University general education requirements and College of Sciences requirements, as well as a writing portfolio. Students should consult the General Catalog for course planning and must meet course requirements as outlined in the General Catalog in order to graduate.

MATHEMATICS CORE COURSES
Cpt S 121—C Programming
     or two of the following:
     • Cpt S 153—BASIC Programming
     • 203—FORTRAN
     • 251—C Programming
Math 171 & 172—Calculus I & II
Math 220—Introductory Linear Algebra
Math 273—Calculus III
Math 300—Mathematical Computing
Math 315—Differential Equations
Math 360—Probability and Statistics
     or 443—Applied Probability
Math 398—Mathematical Snapshots
Math 401 & 402—Introduction to Analysis I & II
Math 420—Linear Algebra
Math 421—Algebraic Structures
Physics 201—Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Engl 402—Technical and Professional Writing
Four Math electives (consult with advisor)

ACTUARIAL SCIENCE OPTION COURSES
Econ 101—Fundamentals of Microeconomics
Econ 102—Fundamentals of Macroeconomics
Acctg 230—Introduction to Financial Accounting
Math 340—Introduction to Mathematical Modeling
Math 364—Principles of Optimization
Acctg 231—Introduction to Managerial Accounting
B Law 210—Law and the Legal Environment of Business
Math 448—Numerical Analysis
Math 456—Introduction to Statistical Theory
Ins 320—Risk and Insurance
Econ 301—Theory of the Firm and Market Policy
Econ 411—Introduction to Econometrics
Math 464—Operations Research and Game Theory

Careers in Actuarial Science

• Most actuaries are employed by insurance companies. They also perform research planning, forecasting, and decision making for pension and retirement programs.
• The actuary field is often ranked as the number one best job in the nation in terms of factors such as income, security, and environment. Job opportunities are growing steadily, and the profession has the advantage of being resistant to recessions.

Salaries

• The 2000 Jobs Rated Almanac ranked average starting salaries for actuaries at $38,000, mid-level salaries at $71,000, and top-level salaries at $132,000.
• Professional advancement and income depend on an actuary’s progression through a series of tests. Those who pass six actuarial exams become associates in the Society of Actuaries. After eight tests and 50 hours of professional development courses, they become Fellows of the SOA.

Suggested Strengths, Interests, and Preparation

• Students planning to major in mathematics at WSU should take four years of mathematics in high school through at least pre-calculus. Most mathematics majors begin with first or second semester calculus (Math 171 or 172).
• Good communication skills are essential, as actuaries often must explain complex concepts.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Endowed scholarships are available from the Department of Mathematics and the College of Sciences. A variety of federal, state, and University-sponsored programs, loans, grants, and scholarships are also available to assist qualified students with education costs.

Campus Organizations and Activities

• Math Club (a support group for math students that sponsors speakers, films, and other activities)
• Women in Mathematics, Science, and Engineering (a group that offers support and enrichment programs)
• The Washington State University national math modeling team
• The national Putnam mathematics competition

Contact Information
Department of Mathematics
Washington State University
PO Box 643113
Pullman, WA 99164-3113
info@math.wsu.edu
509-335-3926
 

Strengths of the Program

  • Math lab facilities include 25 networked Linux computers with software for differential equations, linear algebra, and calculus, and two PC labs containing 40 computers with math education software.
  • Students gain strong instruction in analysis/differential equations, computational math, discrete math, mathematical modeling, mathematics education, optimization, probability, and statistics.
  • Math majors assist faculty on research projects ranging from atmospheric science to genetics using the department’s research-computing workstations.
  • The Owen Science and Engineering Library subscribes to more than 200 math journals, and there are 15,000 volumes in the math section of the library.
  • Our internship program places students at Boeing Corporation, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and other national labs and businesses.
  • You can join a math, science, and engineering community residence hall at WSU Pullman—share classes with your neighbors, study together, get free tutoring, and use the hall’s computer lab.
Office of Enrollment Management, PO Box 641067, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-1067, 888-GO TO WSU (888-468-6978), Contact Us