B.S. in Actuarial Science

The undergraduate degree program in Actuarial Science is intended to provide a broad, general business education and, in conjunction with selected courses in insurance, mathematics, accounting, economics, and finance, to teach students the common actuarial tools of risk measuring, analyzing and pricing, in order to prepare them for actuarial examinations that lead to certification by the Casualty Actuarial Society and the Society of Actuaries.

The program will prepare graduates who:

Demonstrate the ability to apply the competencies of the discipline.

  • Describe and illustrate the process to identify, measure, and manage risk and exposure to catastrophe losses.
  • Identify appropriate probability pricing models for insurance products and contingent events.
  • Describe and illustrate fundamental actuarial concepts and practices for life contingencies and morbidity.
  • Describe and apply the mathematical techniques and experience with the modeling of actuarial survival, severity, frequency and aggregate models.

Demonstrate recognition and understanding of broad business competencies.

  • Describe the financial reporting process and how accounting systems control business operations.
  • Describe the importance of economic analysis on the global and national economy.
  • Recognize market needs and develop new markets.
  • Apply management and human resources development theories to human resource issues and organizational problems.
  • Use office productivity software (data bases, presentation graphics, word processing, spread sheets, and Internet research) effectively and efficiently.
  • Identify sources of capital, and analyze the impact of participation in the global capital markets.
  • Describe the legal and regulatory environment and analyze the impact of changes in relevant requirements, constraints, and competitive practices.
  • Describe the use of statistical techniques to analyze business data and discern relationships.
  • Formulate an effective business plan for an organization.

Apply business knowledge, skills, and values effectively in a variety of settings.

  • Conduct research using primary and secondary sources.
  • Write cohesively organized material with consistently correct grammar and mechanics in a style appropriate to the issue.
  • Deliver effective presentations that engage the entire audience.
  • Communicate and exchange information within a meaningful context and with appropriate delivery so that it is understood by individuals with diverse capabilities and interests.
  • Motivate individuals and groups to achieve results.
  • Demonstrate capability to give and receive appropriate feedback in a team situation.
  • Link data, knowledge, and insight from various disciplines to provide information for decision-making.
  • Describe the effects of technology on the broader business environment and determine how new technologies should best be incorporated into organizations.
  • Determine the nature of a situation, analyze available statistical data, and decide on the principles and techniques needed to solve problems or make judgments.

Demonstrate an understanding of professional responsibility, ethical obligations and social awareness.

  • Identify the ethical considerations and legal ramifications of a business decision and propose a course of action for individuals and firms.
  • Describe the appropriate action to take in an ethically ambiguous situation.
  • Identify local, national and global current events and understand their ethical impact on society and business.
  • Describe how an individual or a firm maintains a reputation for excellence in the performance of responsibilities.

Appreciate the Vincentian value of service.

  • Complete a service-learning project and/or demonstrate involvement in community or charitable service.
  • Participate in experiential learning projects.