Binghamton University offers two degrees in this field: BA in Actuarial Science and BS in Actuarial Science. Before you declare a major in actuarial science, you may want to think about the following questions very carefully:
If your answers to either questions are YES, then you may be on the right track to become an actuary.
To declare an actuarial major, click here.
On the other hand, be aware that you can become an actuary without a degree in actuarial science. A really self-motivated person can buy a book off the bookstore and study without the class.
The major requirements for each student may differ and they depend on the time that the student first entered the university. See the university bulletin for the requirements for a particular year. In case of ambiguity, the student should consult the DARS report, the Degree Work, the designated advisor in the math department, the director of undergraduate student in the math department or the Harpur advising office.
Effective for students entering the university in or after Fall 2017
The following courses are required for the BA and BS degrees.
For a course to count for degree, a grade 'C' or better must be obtained. See the Grade Requirements and Prerequisites section below.
There are 12.5 required 4-credit courses for the BA degree (10.5 from Department of Mathematical Sciences and 2 from Department of Economics).
There are 18.5 required 4-credit courses for the BS degree (14.5 from Department of Mathematical Sciences and 4 from Department of Economics).
Math 449 is a preparation course for Exam P/1. It specifies materials in Math 447 to the context of Exam P/1. Although it does not count toward the degree, students are encouraged to take this course after Math 447.
For students who entered the university prior to Fall 2014, Math 449 can still count towards the degree.
In recent years, many of our students have managed to pass Exam P/1 and Exam FM/2 before taking the corresponding courses Math 447 and Math 346. Many have been curious whether they can be waived on taking these courses. Please read the highlighted texts on this page for our policy and suggestions in these situations.
The table below shows a sample schedule for a typical BS actuarial major. For BA students, fewer courses are required. Many of our majors come in with AP credits for Calculus I (224/225) and Econ 160/162. In this case, shift the schedule up by one or two semesters.
Semester | Math courses | Other courses | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1 | 224/225 | Econ 160 (vee) | |
2 | 226/227 (or 23), 304 | Econ 162 (vee) | |
3 | 323, 330 | Acct 211 (vee) | Prep for FM/2 |
4 | 346, 447, | Fin 311 (vee) | Take FM/2 & Prep for P/1 |
summer | Take P/1 | ||
5 | 329, 448 (vee), 450 | Econ 360 | Look for internship |
6 | 452, 455 | Econ 362 | MLC |
7 | 457, 478 | ||
8 | 454 or 458, 479 | MFE, Statistics Exam, Predictive Analytics |
Courses that fulfill a VEE requirement are labelled (vee). Not all the courses above are required. Those which are not part of the major requirements are merely recommended.
Effective for students entering the university in or after Fall 2014