Holistic Learning
The actuarial science major at High Point University was specifically designed in consultation with local actuaries to give students the best possible preparation for an actuarial career. Courses in finance, economics and statistics have been accepted by the Society of Actuaries as satisfying its VEE requirements in corporate finance, micro- and macroeconomics and applied statistics. The goal of the program is to produce graduates who have passed the first two actuarial exams (probability and financial mathematics), completed the Society of Actuaries VEE requirements and have developed through their coursework the skills to succeed in the actuarial profession. Through classroom studies and internships, students are equipped with the skills necessary for the ever-changing global marketplace.
Innovative study
The actuarial science and mathematical economics programs at High Point University prepare students for some of the most exciting and in-demand jobs in the workforce. Economics is no longer as simple as “supply and demand.” Economics is becoming an increasingly technical field that now makes use of almost every area of mathematics. A solid background in mathematics will give those wishing to excel in economics-related professions a distinct advantage over the competition.
Actuarial Work
Courses leading to a B.S. in actuarial science prepare students for an exciting field. However, what exactly is actuarial science? Actuaries put a price tag on risk. They are the leading professionals in finding ways to manage risk and are experts in:
- Evaluating the likelihood of future events
- Reducing the impact of undesirable events
- Designing creative ways to reduce the likelihood of undesirable events
What can I do with this major?
Courses leading to a B.S. in actuarial science will provide sufficient depth to prepare students for a variety of careers requiring quantitative and analytical skills in business, finance and government. Such professions include, but are not limited to:
- Actuary
- Bank examiner
- Economist
- Financial analyst
- Financial planner
- Marketing specialist
- Market research analyst
- Statistician
Students with degrees in actuarial science are needed in these industries:
- Banks and investment firms
- Colleges and universities
- Government
- Insurance
- Private corporations
- Rating bureaus
Why should I choose this major at HPU?
- Problem solving, abstract thinking and quantitative reasoning are among the most sought after attributes of new hires – and these skills are sharpened through our focused mathematics curriculum.
- Numerous sources list an actuary as one of the best jobs in America for multiple categories such as work environment, employment outlook, job security, growth opportunity and salary.
- Actuaries have higher-than-average starting salaries and an advanced degree is not essential.
- The actuarial profession is perfect for individuals who enjoy challenges and problem solving. Those who develop a track record of success will have many opportunities for growth and advancement.
- The need for actuaries is growing beyond the traditional industry to include financial services, marketing and sales among many more.
Courses leading to a B.S. in actuarial science prepare students for an exciting field. But what exactly is actuarial science? Actuaries put a price tag on risk. They are the leading professionals in finding ways to manage risk and are
experts in:
- Evaluating the likelihood of future events
- Reducing the impact of undesirable events
- Designing creative ways to reduce the likelihood of undesirable events
Actuaries work in all sectors of the economy, though they are more heavily represented in the financial services sector. Their work is the analytical backbone of the nation’s financial security programs, including insurance, Social Security and Medicare. Based on five measurement criteria – stress, working environment, physical demands, income and hiring outlook – “Actuary” was rated as the best job for 2013, based on research in 200 different positions in a CareerCast.com Jobs Rated report. Courses leading to a B.S. in Actuarial Science will provide sufficient depth to prepare students for a variety of careers requiring quantitative and analytical skills in business, finance and government. Such professions include, but are not limited to:
- Actuary
- Bank examiner
- Economist
- Financial analyst
- Financial planner
- Marketing specialist
- Market research analyst
- Statistician
Alternatively, this program equips students for a variety of graduate-level programs, including studies in business, economics, public policy and law.
Featured Graduate Outcomes:
James Ensor, ’17 – Financial Analyst for Cone Health in Greensboro, North Carolina
“I owe everything to HPU and the opportunities I’ve been provided. The holistic education and experiential learning provided me with unmatched experience during the interview process for my job. My interactions both inside and outside of the classroom have prepared me for the next journey ahead.”
Emmy Pearl, ’16 – Leadership Associate for BB&T in Winston-Salem
“HPU has given me countless experiences that has distinguished me from other applicants. I had interview experience from the Ambassador program, I was prepared with stellar people skills from my position with Campus Concierge, and I had the knowledge and experience because of my classes and work being the Social Media and Website Analyst in the Office of Communications.”
The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science offers a B.S. degree in Actuarial Science. To graduate from High Point University with this degree, students must complete the following:
B.S. in Actuarial Science
| Major Requirements |
66 credits |
| University Core Requirements |
50 credits |
| Electives |
12 credits |
TOTAL
|
128 credits
|
Requirements for a B.S. in Actuarial Science (66 credits)
- ACC 2010. Financial Accounting (4)
- ACC 2020. Managerial Accounting (4)
- CSC 1610. Programming in R and Python OR CSC 1710. Introduction to Computer Programming (4)
- ECO 2030. Principles of Macroeconomics (4)
- ECO 2050. Principles of Microeconomics (4)
- FIN 3010. Financial Management (4)
- MTH 1410. Calculus I (4)
- MTH 1420. Calculus II (4)
- MTH 2410. Calculus III (4)
- MTH 2310. Linear Algebra (4)
- MTH 3110. Financial Mathematics (4)
- MTH 3150. Probability (4)
- MTH 3160. Society of Actuaries Exam P Preparation (1) and MTH 3120. Society of Actuaries Exam FM Preparation (1) or BUA 2100. Excel Based Business Analysis (2)
- MTH 4410. Mathematical Models for Financial Economics (4)
- STS 2910. Introduction to Statistical Analysis with SAS Applications (4)
- STS 3110. Intermediate Statistical Analysis with SAS Applications OR STS 3210. Linear Statistical Models (4)
- STS 4210. Mathematical Statistics (4)
Students will be advised in electing additional courses that will complement their career goals.
