About
Actuaries manage risk, and the Actuarial Science (BS) degree at Appalachian State University is a great entry point to this profession that uses numbers to evaluate the likelihood of future events, designs creative ways to reduce risk, and decreases the impact if undesirable events do occur.
In this degree, you will build a firm foundation in basic mathematics, statistics, and economics and finance. Courses will prepare you for the first three actuarial exams, Exam P – Probability, Exam FM - Financial Mathematics, and Exam MLC – Models for Life Contingencies.
Unlike many other schools, Appalachian has an actuarial science major, not just a concentration. Appalachian’s program is the only major in the University of North Carolina system designed completely from the bottom up to prepare students to be actuaries. It is housed in the Department of Mathematical Sciences.
After Graduation
Employment: Actuarial Science majors find jobs in insurance companies all over the United States, including Lincoln Financial in Greensboro and Aon Hewitt in Charlotte.
People
Courses
The program consists of several courses in probability and statistics, many designed specifically for the actuarial science program; a number of finance and other general business courses from the Walker College of Business; and specialized courses for Actuarial Science including Financial Mathematics, Life Contingency Models, and a Senior Seminar in Actuarial Science.
Related Programs
Minors
A minor is optional. Popular choices are:
- Business
- Statistics
Engagement Outside the Classroom
- Actuarial Science Club - a student-run organization dedicated to assisting individuals interested in a career in actuarial science.
- Gamma Iota Sigma - a professional collegiate insurance organization sponsored by the Brantley Risk and Insurance Center in Appalachian’s Walker College of Business.
Global Learning
Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.
Admission Requirements
There are no admission requirements beyond admission to Appalachian State University.
Why Appalachian?
- The Actuarial Science major at Appalachian is listed by the Society of Actuaries as a University and College with Actuarial Programs (UCAP). Furthermore, its courses have been approved to count as Validation by Educational Experience (VEE) courses by the Society. This helps students progress further in the Society’s actuarial credentialing process.
- The program director, Dr. Kevin Shirley, is a Fellow in the Society of Actuaries with seven years of industry experience.
- The program has relationships with regional firms that come to campus to interview students for internships and jobs. These include Lincoln Financial in Greensboro and Aon Hewitt in Charlotte, among others.
Number of Students
45+
Method of Delivery
On campus only
Careers
Some of these jobs may require education beyond a bachelor’s degree.
- Actuary
- Bank Manager
- Banking/Credit/Investment Manager
- Budget Analyst
- Compensation/Benefits Administrator
- Cost Manager
- Data Control Administrator
- Economist
- Estate Planner
- Financial Analyst
- Inventory Manager
- Job Analyst
- Logistics Manager
- Management Analyst
- Market Research Analyst
- Mergers/Acquisitions Manager
- Mutual Fund Manager
- Mutual Fund Trader
- Rate Analyst
- Sales Analyst
- Satellite Communications Specialist
- Statistician
View more career possibilities
Contacts
Department of Mathematical Sciences
Dr. Kevin Shirley
Program director
828-262-6975
shirleykl1@appstate.edu