Undergraduate Program in Actuarial Science

College of Arts and Sciences

Website: https://www.math.fsu.edu/~paris/actmath.math

Coordinator: Steve Paris (Mathematics) Advisory Committee: Kercheval (Mathematics); Beaumont (Economics); Whalley

(Computer Science); Born (Risk Management/Insurance); Chicken, Huffer (Statistics); Christiansen (Finance)

This interdisciplinary degree provides broad instruction in the mathematical and statistical concepts underlying the operations of all types of insurers; governmental regulatory agencies; pension and insurance consulting firms; and financial firms. Along with strong mathematical and computational skills and a solid grounding in each of the component disciplines, the program is designed to enhance leadership ability and communications skills. The program is also flexible enough to provide background for graduate or professional study in many areas beyond actuarial science, e.g., business, economics, finance, law, computer science, data analysis, and statistics. The program is classified by the professional actuarial societies as advanced curriculum. All three of the actuarial professional societies' Validation by Educational Experience credit areas are approved; this provides FSU students an opportunity to directly advance their careers through their regular classes.

Students in the program are also assisted in moving forward professionally through seminars and tutorials in preparation for national actuarial examinations and by guest lecturers who are actuaries discussing the varied available employment.

Digital Literacy Requirement

Students must complete at least one course designated as meeting the Digital Literacy Requirement with a grade of “C–” or higher. Courses fulfilling the Digital Literacy Requirement must accomplish at least three of the following outcomes:

  • Evaluate and interpret the accuracy, credibility, and relevance of digital information
  • Evaluate and interpret digital data and their implications
  • Discuss the ways in which society and/or culture interact with digital technology
  • Discuss digital technology trends and their professional implications
  • Demonstrate the ability to use digital technology effectively
  • Demonstrate the knowledge to use digital technology safely and ethically

Each academic major has determined the courses that fulfill the Digital Literacy requirement for that major. Students should contact their major department(s) to determine which courses will fulfill their Digital Literacy requirement.

Undergraduate majors in actuarial science satisfy this requirement by earning a grade of “C–” or higher in COP 3014 or ISC 3313.

State of Florida Common Program Prerequisites for Actuarial Science

The Florida Virtual Campus (FLVC) houses the statewide, internet-based catalog of distance learning courses, degree programs, and resources offered by Florida's public colleges and universities, and they have developed operational procedures and technical guidelines for the catalog that all institutions must follow. The statute governing this policy can be reviewed by visiting https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2021/1006.73.

FLVC has identified common program prerequisites for the degree program in Actuarial Science. To obtain the most up-to-date, state-approved prerequisites for this degree, visit: https://cpm.flvc.org/programs/124/220.

Specific prerequisites are required for admission into the upper-division program and must be completed by the student at either a community college or a state university prior to being admitted to this program. Students may be admitted into the University without completing the prerequisites but may not be admitted into the program.

Note: A “C” grade or better in all coursework is required for admission.

For curriculum information, please see the “Department of Mathematics” chapter in this General Bulletin and the departmental website at https://www.math.fsu.edu/.

FOR ALL MAJORS: Students are strongly encouraged to select required lower division electives that will enhance their general education coursework and that will support their intended baccalaureate degree program. Students should consult with an academic advisor in their major degree area.