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

Actuarial Science

Associate Professor: Sprechini (Coordinator)

  • Major: Actuarial Science
  • Courses required for major: 14  (not including zero or 1 credit courses)
  • Math prerequisite (not counted in major): MATH 127
  • Non-credit Colloquium: Every semester in residence as a declared major unless student teaching.
  • Capstone requirement: One course from MATH 440, 441, or 442.

The Actuarial Science major is designed to offer course work within a liberal arts framework to prepare for a career in actuarial science. Students completing this major should be prepared to sit for at least two, and up to four, of the examinations of the Society of Actuaries by the time of graduation. Students also obtain some background in accounting, economics, and business which is needed for a career in actuarial science.

Major Requirements

The Actuarial Science major consists of 56 credits.  In Mathematical Sciences, required courses are CPTR 125, MATH 128 (or exemption by examination), 129 (or exemption by examination), 130, 234, 238, 325, 332, 333, and one course from MATH 441, or 442.  Also required are ACCT 110; ECON 110 or 111; MATH 214 or ECON 340; one of ACCT 130, ACCT 441, BUS 238, ECON 310 or 311.  Students are expected to enroll in non-credit colloquium (MATH 449) every semester in residence as a declared major unless student teaching.

The Society of Actuaries gives VEE (Validation by Educational Experience) credit for a grade of at least B- in coursework in the areas of Economics, Applied Statistical Methods, and Corporate Finance. A grade of at least B- in both ECON 110 and 111 is necessary for credit in the area of Economics. Information about credit in the areas of Applied Statistical Methods and Corporate Finance can be obtained from the coordinator for the actuarial science major.


Other recommended courses include: ACCT 223, 225, 344, 345, 436, 442; BUS 311, 339; ECON 220, 229, 332, 337, 347; MATH 115, 432, 434. It is also strongly recommended that the student complete as many of the actuarial examinations as possible prior to graduation.

Capstone Requirement

All majors must successfully complete one course from MATH 441, or 442.

Writing Courses

A list of courses that, when scheduled as a W course, counts toward the Writing Requirement, can be found on the Registrar’s website and in the GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS section of the catalog.