Statistics & Data Science

Statistics major is definitely useful for actuaries. It requires enough number of theroetical statistics courses as well as applicable and practical programming-heavy courses. In our statistics department, we have 5 different tracks to choose. All tracks are great but the general recommendations would be Applied Statistics and Statistical Data Science track.

* Statistics Department recently launch new data science major. Data science major will also provide great background for the actuaries.

Mathematics

Math major is another popular option for actuaries. The main reason is that a lot of actuary exams require good and deep understanding of high level of mathematics. Our math department has 4 different major tracks (Mathematics; Applied Mathematics; Analytics & Operations Research; Scientific Computation) and the general recommendations are Applied Mathematics and Analytics & Operations Research.

Economics & Man Econ

Economics and Managerial Economics are also great majors for the actuaries. It covers the other half of actuary which is more related to financial and economic analysis rather than statistics and mathematics. Data Analytics & Economic Analysis Specialization is ideal for econ major.

Computer Science

Computer Science is another great major for the actuaires. It might not be directly related compare to other majors. However, the coding skills are now very essential for landing a job as an actuary. Computer Science major will give student programming experience and student can also choose to take statistics (141B, 141C, 142A, 142B) and mathematics elective for Computer Science major as well.

Double Major & Minor

As actuarial field does not require specific majors, any major will work in the end. However, to be better prepared in terms of programming and statistical experience, here are some possible double major & minor recommendations:

• Statistics + Economics, Computer Science Minor
• Statistics + Computer Science Double Major
• Statistics + Mathematics Double Major
• Computer Science Major + Statistics Minor