Alumni will go on to successful careers as:
- Actuarial analyst
- Actuarial consultant
- Actuarial manager
- Chief actuary
- Pricing actuary
- Product evelopment actuary
- Risk analyst
- Risk manager
- Underwriting actuary
- Valuation actuary
Mathematics/Actuarial Science
- Bachelor of Science
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In This Section
The Interdisciplinary Approach of Actuarial Science
Actuarial science is a blend of rigorous mathematics with an emphasis on probability and statistics along with coursework in economics, accounting, and finance. These skills are used to assess and manage risk in areas such as insurance, pensions, investments, and other financial realms. This is an attractive field of study because of the high-paying jobs available to students who demonstrate their aptitude to actuarial science by passing the Society of Actuaries introductory exams. Our program works with the McKenna Business School to ensure students learn about economics, accounting, investments, and financial mathematics from faculty trained in these areas.
Actuarial science offers a unique blend of intellectual challenge and meaningful impact. By predicting future events, managing risks, and ensuring financial security, actuaries play a crucial role in protecting individuals and businesses. This field not only provides a rewarding career with high demand and competitive salaries but also allows professionals to make a positive difference in people's lives.
For more information about this program contact Jennifer White.
“I've found SVC's Math/Actuarial Science program to be rewarding at every step. The diverse curriculum - spanning math, finance, statistics, and programming - has provided me with the foundations necessary to prepare for and pass Exams P and FM within my first three years. Just as valuable have been the faculty, who remain supportive and deeply invested in my success.”
Ben Yeskey C’26
Undergraduate Programs
Program Highlights
Promising Career Prospects and Competitive Salaries
Employment of actuaries is projected to grow more than 20% in the next decade, with about 2,200 openings annually. In 2023, actuaries earned salaries generally ranging from $88,000 to $164,000 according to US News and World Report. Discover a career that offers financial rewards and fulfills your life purpose by helping others.
Test Preparation
Our actuarial science program offers carefully designed coursework to prepare students for the Society of Actuaries Probability (P) and Financial Mathematics (FM) exams. By focusing on key areas like probability, statistics, economics, accounting, and finance, we ensure students have the essential skills and knowledge to excel in these critical exams and succeed in the actuarial profession. Feel confident that SVC is preparing you for the next step in your career path.
Enhance your Math/Actuarial Science Degree
Actuarial science students are encouraged to enhance their skills with a minor or second major such as data science, making Saint Vincent an ideal choice for those pursuing actuarial careers in an increasingly data-driven world. Gain a competitive edge with a second major or minor in a related field, complemented by a liberal arts and sciences education that provides a well-rounded perspective and exceptional communication skills.
Accredited Business Courses
All accounting, finance, and economics courses designed for the actuarial science degree are part of our ACBSP-accredited business programs. Learn more about the McKenna School of Business, Economics, and Government. Stand out in the job market with accredited business courses that enhance your skills and boost your career prospects. Join our program and gain the competitive edge you need!
Careers after Saint Vincent
Required Curriculum
The mathematics/actuarial science major is part of the The Herbert W. Boyer School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Computing and is supported by our core curriculum, where students delve into diverse academic subjects at both foundational and advanced levels to explore how different disciplines connect, fostering deeper self-understanding and proficiency in their chosen field of study. Blending mathematical skills with knowledge about economics, accounting, and finance, the mathematics/actuarial science program is designed to give students a strong mathematical foundation for logical problem-solving paired with business-specific courses that give students the knowledge needed to be successful.
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Required Courses
Major Requirements (59 Credits)
- MA 111 Analytical Calculus I
- MA 112 Analytical Calculus II
- MA 211 Analytical Calculus III
- MA 212 Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations
- MA 231 Methods of Proof
- MA 251 Linear Algebra
- MA 311 Probability and Statistics I
- MA 312 Probability and Statistics II
- MA 501 Capstone I
Two MA courses at 400 level (4 credits each)
Accounting and Finance courses
- BA 100 Financial Accounting I
- BA 101 Financial Accounting II
- BA 320 Corporate Finance I
- BA 362 Investments I: Securities
- BA 367 Investments III: Alternative Assets
One Statistics I course:
- MA 241 Statistics I
or
BA 350/A Statistics I
One of these courses:
- CS 110 C++ Programming I
- CS 190 Programming Language Lab: Python
- CS 270 Introduction to Numerical Computation
- ENGR 115 Intro to Engineering Computation
Four credits of Natural Science and Lab:
- BL 150 and 151 General Biology I and Lab
- BL 152 and 153 General Biology II and Lab
- CH 101 and 103 General Chemistry I and Lab
- CH 102 and 104 General Chemistry II and Lab
- PH 111 and 113 General Physics I and Lab
- PH 112 and 114 General Physics II and Lab
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Key Courses
Probability and Statistics I and II
This two-course sequence is designed to help students in preparation for Society of Actuaries Probability (P) Exam. It covers a range of probability topics including independence, conditional probability, Bernoulli trials, and Bayes Theorem, random variables, discrete and continuous distributions, expectance and variance. The first semester focuses on discrete probabilities and the second semester concentrates on continuous random variables.
Accounting Courses and Investments Courses
To prepare students for the Financial Mathematics (FM) Exam, students take several accounting and investments courses. Students examine accounting principles, the accounting cycle, and analysis of financial statements. Students learn about the investment environment, the time value of money, and general principles of investment, alternative assets in the portfolio, hedge funds, and more.
Facilities and Resources
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Collaborative Learning Program (CLP)
The CLP is a weekly study hour for specific math courses where students exchange ideas with knowledgeable upperclassmen and fellow classmates in a relaxed and enjoyable setting, while attaining better insight and skill at solving problems covered in course content.
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Math Tutoring Room
The math tutoring room is staffed by student tutors throughout the week. Tutors in accounting meet with students regularly in Aurelius as part of the McKenna Business School. This free service is available to all students seeking help with their math courses. It's also a fantastic work-study opportunity for upperclassmen, allowing them to gain valuable experience while supporting their peers.
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Tenley Hall
Located in the state-of-the-art Sis and Herman Dupré Science Pavilion, our math department offers a stimulating and collaborative environment. Sharing a floor with the computer science department and with the physics department just downstairs, students have ample opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. Our space features faculty offices, cozy sitting areas for informal study sessions, and a spacious tutoring room staffed by upperclassmen.
Program Distinctives
Student Learning Outcomes
Students earning a degree in mathematics/actuarial science will be able to:
- Use the definitions of fundamental concepts and the major theorems of analysis and algebra to solve problems.
- Demonstrate understanding of the concepts, theories, and applications essential to actuarial science.
- Construct a rigorous proof of various mathematical propositions.
- Demonstrate critical thinking by analyzing and solving problems.