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Actuarial Science

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.
Contact the Office of Admissions
Contact the Office of Admissions
Math Faculty & Staff
240216 Jenny Sharpe Headshot Faculty High Point University
Jenny Sharpe
Chair and Professor of Mathematical Sciences
(336) 841-9342
191004 Lisa Carnell 0001
Lisa Carnell
Professor of Mathematics
(336) 841-4535
250807 Julian Christman 001
Julia Christman
Instructor, Mathematical Sciences
(336) 841-9017
Fuselier, Edward
Edward Fuselier
Associate Professor of Mathematical Sciences
(336) 841-9343
Melissa Glass
Melissa Cook
Instructor of Mathematics
(336) 841-9549
Adam Graham Squire
Adam Graham-Squire
Professor of Mathematics
(336) 841-4532

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.

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:

  1. Evaluating the likelihood of future events
  2. Reducing the impact of undesirable events
  3. Designing creative ways to reduce the likelihood of undesirable events

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
  • 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.
Course Requirements 2024/2025
Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science
Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science
Degree Requirements Credits
Major Requirements 62
University Core Requirements 36-44
Electives 22-30
Total 128
Requirements for B.S. in Actuarial Science
Requirements for B.S. in Actuarial Science
Course Course Title Credits
ACC 2010 Financial Accounting 4
ACC 2020 Managerial Accounting 4
CSC 1710 Introduction to Computer Programming 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 & MTH 3120 / BUA 2100 Society of Actuaries Exam P Preparation and Society of Actuaries Exam FM Preparation or Excel Based Business Analysis* 2
MTH 4410 Mathematical Models for Financial Economics 4
STS 2910 Introduction to Statistical Analysis 4
STS 3110 Intermediate Statistical Analysis 4
STS 4120 Mathematical Statistics 4
* BUA 1100 is a prerequisite for this course.
Note: Actuarial Science majors who wish to graduate with departmental honors must (a) complete the courses required for the B.S. in Actuarial Science, (b) pass both actuarial exams administered by the Society of Actuaries, and (c) have a major GPA of 3.5 or higher at the time of graduation.
Career Opportunities
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. Additionally, this program equips students for a variety of graduate-level programs, including studies in business, economics, public policy and law.

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:
Student Outcomes
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