If You Build It, Will They Come? Tales of Developing a New Degree Program in Actuarial Science

Abstract

In 2007, the B.S. in Applied Mathematics program consisting of five concentrations, including Actuarial Science, began at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, and we graduated our first class (of one) that December. We describe our program, some ideas to consider when planning your own program, and share some of the successes of our program which have led to our department having close to 40 Actuarial Science majors in six short years! We will focus on our courses and exam preparation, our internship program, how we built connections with businesses and organizations, and our plans for the future.

Keywords:

• Actuarial Science
• actuarial science education

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lisa E. Marano

Lisa E. Marano is Associate Professor of Mathematics at West Chester University of Pennsylvania where she serves as the Coordinator of the Applied Mathematics Program. She earned her Ph.D. and M.S. from Lehigh University in Mathematics, and a B.A. in Mathematics and Secondary Education from Rider University. She is currently a member of the MAA Committee on Undergraduate Student Activities and Chapters and she serves as a consultant to the national Project NExT program. At the local level, she was Chair and Vice Chair of the Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Section of the MAA. She is also making progress towards her ASA credentials from the Society of Actuaries.