Actuarial Science at One Four-Year Comprehensive University

Abstract

Building an Actuarial Science program designated as advanced requires dedicated faculty, support from the administration, and a core group of strong students. Washburn University may serve as a model for those wishing to start or enhance such a program at their institution. We face three main ongoing challenges: first, the hiring and retention of high-caliber statisticians; second, attraction and retention of top-quality students; and third, concerns over small upper-division classes. We examine the relevant history of the program at Washburn, the actuarial science curriculum, necessary computing experience, the Society of Actuaries/Casualty Actuarial Society exam series, work experience including internships, and some useful actuarial science sites on the World Wide Web.

• Actuarial science
• internships
• mathematical statistics
• Society of Actuaries
• theory of interest

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kevin E. Charlwood

Kevin E. Charlwood is a Professor of Mathematics and Chair of Mathematics & Statistics at Washburn University in Topeka KS. He earned his Ph.D. in quantum groups from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1994. His principal interests are in mathematics pedagogy, particularly in calculus. He resides in Topeka, and relaxes through his enjoyment of philately.