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Actuarial Science Degree Planner

Actuarial Science

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics at HÂþ»­ University offers Majors in Mathematics, Statistics, and Actuarial Science, with opportunities for one-on-one learning in smaller classes taught by award-winning faculty.Ìý

Complete your undergraduate degree as a major, or consider completing an honours degree and/or earning one or more certificates if certain courses are taken as part of the program. Graduate prepared for the Society of Actuaries (SOA) examinations, the final step toward becoming a professional actuaryÌýwith internationally recognized credentials.


Your major map: Actuarial Science

The Actuarial Science Major Map highlights academic and co-curricular opportunities and provides an overview of how students can customize their degree. Students are encouraged to connect with advising supports at HÂþ»­ and use the Ìý²¹²Ô»å to create their course plan.


< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR

  • Complete required introductory courses in Mathematics: MATH 1000/1010 and in other required subjects. See the first-year course planner worksheet for more information
  • At the end of your first year, you can declare your major and register for second-year courses

30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR

  • You will start taking more core courses* in Mathematics and Statistics, deepening your knowledge of the disciplines: CSCI 2202, MATH 2001, MATH 2040, STAT 2060, STAT 2080, STAT 2450, STAT 2600
  • Consider combining your degree with another subject with a double major, minor, or certificate

60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+

  • Aim to take 4-5 ACSC and STAT courses* grouped around topics that interest you.
  • MakeÌýsure you're on track with course requirements usingÌýDARSÌý
  • Apply for an honours degree ahead of your fourth year if you are considering graduate studies

90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR

  • In your final year, you should be taking 4-5 ACSC and STAT courses*
  • Complete any remaining requirements for a certificate or minor and check your degree audit to ensure you are on track to graduateÌý
  • Apply to graduate by Dec 1 for spring convocation and July 2 for fall convocationÌý

*Note that not all courses are offered each semester or year and that course requirements may vary according to your degree type (major, double major, minor, honors). Be sure to keep track of these by consulting the academic calendar.Ìý

*After declaring your major, we strongly encourage you to connect withÌýprogram advisorsÌýfor course planning and any other questions related to your program.ÌýÌý

< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR

  • Your first year is a time to explore your interests and build your connections

  • Enroll in a (FIGS) like Logic and Problem Solving and Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Science, or sign up to be mentored by an upper-year student.

30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR

60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+

  • Consider applying for a summer research award. There are 70 Faculty-coordinated summer research awards available each year, on a competitive basis
  • Other opportunities for senior undergraduate students include science communications internships, , and leadership roles with your departmental society
  • 90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR
  • Gain teaching and communication skills by applying for a teaching assistant role or working with a science outreach organization like or
  • Attend career prep workshops or apply for graduate or professional programs
  • Don't forget to complete your Co-Curricular Record!

Ìý< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR

  • Attend the Dal Science Welcome Party
  • Attend the Faculty of Science Program Fair for help planning your next steps
  • Consider joining DUASS – HÂþ»­ Undergraduate Actuarial Student Society! Meet other like-minded students and participate in fun eventsÌý
  • Stuck on a stats problem? visit the department's learning center for some help

30-60 CREDIT HOURS /SECOND YEARÌý

  • Reach out to award-winning faculty to inquire about volunteering in aÌýresearch center labÌýacross a variety of specialized topics
  • Attend the colloquia andÌýseminars held by the department, where students and colleagues share innovative research and ideas

60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+ Ìý

  • ÌýConsider running for a position with the Dal Science Society's Executive or with your student society

90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR

  • You're about to join over 30,000 other grads all over the world as a Dal Science alumni!Ìý
  • Stay involved with your faculty and department and with our incredible network of alumni

< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST-YEARÌýÌý
  • Familiarize yourself with HÂþ»­'s many supports and reach out to advisors for guidance, make sure to review

Ìý30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR Ìý

60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+

90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR

For any questions about your major, enrolling in a minor or certificate, summer research, or honours, speak with a program advisor!


Where your degree can take you

A BSc degree in Actuarial Science provides great preparation for a variety of careers.ÌýThe skills and knowledge acquired through this program can be applied, but not limited to career paths in:ÌýÌý

Finance, insurance, consulting, business management, commerce, government and policy, economics, education, and research, among many more.Ìý
Ìý

Graduate prepared for theÌý (SOA)Ìýexaminations, the final step toward becoming a professional actuaryÌýwith internationally recognized credentials.


Core competencies gained

Discipline-related skills:Ìý

  • A solid background in the theories and applications in mathematics, statistics, economics, and computer science
  • Ability to evaluate risks to maintain the economic stability of insurance or financial organizations using the latest digital technologiesÌý
  • Strong numeracy and computer literacy skills, and usage of various modeling and statistical softwareÌý

Transferable skills:Ìý

  • Academic writing and presentation skills
  • Critical thinking and analytical skills
  • Communication and interpersonal skills
  • Time management
  • Leadership and teamwork
  • Basic statistical analysesÌý
  • Research skills
  • Data analysis

Possible careers and employment

Actuarial Science Alumni can be employed within a variety of industries and have multiple career path options.ÌýThese are influenced by the student's elective courses, experiential learning choices, and certificates.Ìý Some of the options below will typically require graduate-level training*, while some can be pursued following the completion of baccalaureate program only.

  • Actuary*
  • Accountant*
  • Actuarial consultant
  • Business metrics analyst
  • Budget analyst
  • Data analyst
  • Economist*
  • Financial analyst
  • Insurance actuarial analyst
  • Investment analyst
  • Risk analyst
  • Statistician
  • Teacher/professor*
  • Underwriter
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