The mathematical sciences major offers another option for students with quantitative skills and with an interest in a field outside of mathematics. Courses from the three disciplines of mathematics, statistics, and computer and information science are integrated to form a coherent undergraduate program. The major also includes a related field, such as economics, industrial and systems engineering, geological sciences, or insurance, in which quantitative methods are applied. Changes have been proposed to the actuarial science admission criteria and the major course requirements. Consult the major's web site for additional information.
Actuaries are specialists in the assessment of risk.
They study and evaluate risks and determine the associated costs with respect to benefit programs, pension plans, and insurance plans. This major is designed to prepare a student for actuarial work by providing substantial course work in mathematics and statistics. The major includes course work on mathematical topics on the first several actuarial examinations of the Society of Actuaries and the Casualty Actuarial Society. Admission to the actuarial science major Admission to the actuarial science major is by application to a committee consisting of the coordinating adviser and the regular faculty teaching the actuarial science courses at the time of application. Students who believe that they have extenuating circumstances for not accomplishing these requirements may write a letter of appeal to the actuarial science coordinating adviser for transmission to the committee explaining clearly why their case should be considered.