Degree Programs
The Department of Mathematics offers majors in Mathematics and Actuarial Science and a minor in Math.
Actuarial Science, B.S.
Actuarial science is essentially a specialized mathematics degree which includes a core of calculus along with both theoretical and applied probability and statistics and several specialized courses focusing on financial mathematics and the pricing and valuation of insurance. Actuarial credentialing is accomplished predominantly through the exam process of a professional organization, similar to the CPA for accountants. BJU's actuarial program is recognized by the Society of Actuaries (SOA), the largest actuarial credentialing body in the US, and our curriculum prepares a student for four and half of the SOA exams (Exam P, Exam FM, Exam FAM-L, Exam ALTAM, and Exam SRM) as well as offering courses that fully satisfy each of the SOA Validation by Education Experience (VEEs) credentials and providing a foundation for the newest exam, Predictive Analytics, which is the first non-traditional "exam" focusing on actual data analytics as opposed to a traditional test. During your academic career, you will be exposed to the statistical software package R (a powerful tool required for the Predictive Analytics exam as well as an expected job skill for many actuarial positions), and you will be mentored through the exam process in several different one-hour seminar style courses.
Meet BJU Actuaries .... current and future
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Mathematics, B.S.
A student studying mathematics is exposed to the heart of mathematics in the calculus core (both single and multi-variate) as well as the breath of mathematical disciplines, including analysis, abstract algebra, statistics, and various applied mathematics (such as differential equations, computational math, actuarial mathematics, or operations research).
A degree in mathematics is extremely customizable allowing students to tailor their curriculum and pair mathematics with other disciplines of interest. There are a wealth of career paths available to a student majoring in mathematics, some choose to take positions in business and industry and some choose to pursue graduate work.