Master of Science in Actuarial Science

The Department of Statistics, in conjunction with the School of Continuing Education, offers an M.S. in Actuarial Science. The program grounds students in the theory and methods used by actuaries at the same time that it prepares them to take SOA Exams P, FM, MLC, MFE, and C, and CAS Exams 1–4. The core curriculum includes courses in economics and finance, statistical methods, and actuarial science. Students earn Validation by Educational Experience (VEE) credit in economics, corporate finance, and applied statistical methods. Advanced students may take electives in mathematical finance, risk management, and advanced statistical methods.

The program is appropriate for students with strong academic records in mathematics, statistics, and economics. Students enroll full-time or part-time; full-time students complete the program in three semesters. The Department of Statistics will assist students not employed in the field in locating internship opportunities.

The Program draws on the faculty and expertise of Columbia’s Departments of Statistics as well as the Center for Applied Probability.

“There is no stopping an Actuary, because they have the skill sets to tear through the data. Numbers are so important, and becoming more so. If you have the skill-set, you are going to be golden for the rest of your life.”

Peter D. Galasinao, master’s candidate,
Senior Vice President Mergers & Acquisitions,
Willis North America

Application Deadlines

Fall 2012 application deadlines:

  • January 15, 2012
  • March 15, 2012
  • May 15, 2012

Spring 2013 application deadlines:

  • October 1, 2012
  • November 1, 2012

Applicants will be notified of their decision 4 - 6 weeks after the deadline for which their application was complete. Applications completed after the final deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.

Apply to the Master of Science in Actuarial Science.