Aerial view of campus with Williamsport, the Susquehanna River and Bald Eagle Mountain as a backdrop

Actuarial Science Learning Goals

Students who major in actuarial science can expect to achieve the following learning goals:

  • Be able to use the techniques of calculus to:
    • Compute a derivative
    • Compute an integral
    • Establish the convergence of an infinite series, and find its sum in certain common cases
  • Be able to solve a variety of kinds of equations, as well as practical problems whose solutions lead to them:
    • A polynomial, or algebraic equation
    • A system of linear equations
    • A separable differential equation
  • Be able to further solve a variety of practical problems, using an appropriate mathematical model:
    • Simple or constrained optimization
    • A kinematic problem involving rates and displacements
    • A geometrical problem involving spatial relationships
    • A problem involving area, length, or volume measure
  • Apply deductive logic
  • Assess the probability of a random event, and to interpret the result of a statistical study
  • Assess the validity of a mathematical argument
  • Solve mathematical problems using technology (e.g. a spreadsheet, a CAS, or an Integrated Development Environment)
  • Understand the fundamentals of introductory accounting
  • Understand the fundamentals of introductory economics
  • Understand annuity functions and the calculation of present and accumulated value.
  • Be prepared to pass Exam P and/or Exam FM administered by the Actuarial Society.