Curriculum Built Around the Actuarial Exams
The program’s goal is for graduates to leave having passed the first two actuarial exams, Probability and Financial Mathematics, and having completed the Society of Actuaries VEE requirements. The major was designed in consultation with local actuaries to meet that goal, and the curriculum includes prep courses for the exams themselves.
Key Courses
- MTH 1410, 1420 and 2410: Calculus I, II and III. Single-variable calculus through multivariable calculus.
- MTH 2310: Linear Algebra. Vectors, matrices, linear systems and linear transformations.
- MTH 3110: Financial Mathematics. Interest theory, annuities and loans, the material tested on SOA Exam FM.
- MTH 3150: Probability. Probability theory and distributions, the material tested on SOA Exam P.
- MTH 4410: Mathematical Models for Financial Economics. The mathematical models used to price and manage financial risk.
- STS 4120: Mathematical Statistics. The theory of estimation and hypothesis testing.
- ACC 2010: Financial Accounting. Preparing and reading the financial statements of a business.
- FIN 3010: Financial Management. Valuation, capital budgeting and other corporate financial decisions.
See the full Actuarial Science course requirements.
Classes average a 17-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Program contact: Dr. Jenny Sharpe, [email protected].
B.S. in Actuarial Science Degree Requirements
The B.S. in Actuarial Science requires 128 credits: 62 credits of major requirements, 36 to 44 credits of University Core requirements and 22 to 30 elective credits.
Along with the key courses, the major includes ACC 2020 Managerial Accounting, CSC 1710 Introduction to Computer Programming, ECO 2050 Principles of Microeconomics, STS 2910 Introduction to Statistical Analysis and STS 3110 Intermediate Statistical Analysis. Students also take Society of Actuaries Exam P Preparation and Exam FM Preparation, or Excel Based Business Analysis.
Courses in finance, economics and statistics have been accepted by the Society of Actuaries as satisfying its Validation by Educational Experience (VEE) requirements in corporate finance, microeconomics, macroeconomics and applied statistics.
Department of Mathematical Sciences Faculty
Mathematical Sciences faculty are led by Dr. Jenny Sharpe, chair and professor of mathematical sciences. Professors include Lisa Carnell, Edward Fuselier, Adam Graham-Squire and Robert Harger, who is also director of general education. Karen O’Hara is an associate professor, and assistant professors include Dustin Nichols, Adam Pennell and Brielle Spencer-Tyree.
Industry Connections
The major was designed in consultation with local actuaries. Local actuaries and department alumni also visit campus each year to meet with Actuarial Science majors.
Actuarial Science students can add depth through the Statistics minor or the Data Analytics and Statistics major, both offered in the same department.
Where Actuarial Coursework Leads
Actuarial science coursework at High Point University prepares students for exams, analyst roles and leadership programs. James Ensor, who majored in business administration and actuarial science, became a financial analyst at Cone Health. CeAnna Cummings added data analytics as a second major and joined JPMorgan Chase & Co. Brekk Hayward became an actuarial analyst at Milliman.
“Take advantage of mentors here on campus. Your connections will take you far in life.”
Cummings, Markets Analyst, JPMorgan Chase & Co.
The Princeton Review gives High Point University a 95 out of 99 rating for professor accessibility, based on its student surveys.
Full requirements are in the HPU undergraduate bulletin, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics describes the work of actuaries. Related programs in the Webb School of Engineering include mathematical economics, and the Office of Career and Professional Development supports internship searches.
Explore Actuarial Science at High Point University
See how HPU actuarial science is accredited and where its graduates go next.
Careers & Student Organizations Accreditation & Awards
Questions about the program? Email Dr. Jenny Sharpe at [email protected].