Two year actuarial science degree after math degree?

[Granny11]

Hello there,

I read recently on the U of Calgary actuarial sciences website, that it if often possible to obtain a bachelor's degree in two years if you already possess an undergrad degree in a related field. Does anyone know if this is common, and if any other schools offer a similar option (particularly in Canada)? I haven't seen anyone else state it explicitly on their website. Also, does anyone know if a co-op is possible at any schools during those two years, for some work experience, or is that reserved for those who are there for four years?

I'm about to graduate with a physics/math degree, and only recently became interested in actuarial science, so I have no experience or exams passed (yet!). I figured two years of actuarial science courses, and a co-op program would give me some time to pass some exams, and get some experience so I could be a more attractive candidate for entry-level positions.

I've e-mailed a few schools over the last two weeks asking them these questions, but haven't gotten responses. I figured I'd check in here, to see if anyone knew the answers to these questions in regards to their own schools, or others.

Thanks for any help you can offer!

[tommie frazier]

pass an exam. ASAP. if you can pass one, then take another, and start applying. will likely be hard in canada without many exams or an internship, but i see little point in going back to school. (at least in the states that would be the answer. canada may be that different a market.)

[actuwannabemtl]

I'd say that if you're ok with going back to school for 2 years , it should definitely be for a master's degree in actuarial or any other quantitative discipline, not for another bachelor's degree.
Getting a master's degree in Act is usually seen as useless on this forum , but surely getting a 2nd Bsc is even more useless, I'd think .
A quantitative master's would even put you in a good position for jobs in the wider finance fields.

[Granny11]

Thanks for the replies and advice.

The reason I considered another (short) bachelor's degree is mainly due to the co-op element, and time to study for exams. You're right, an M.Sc in a related field is probably a better idea in the long run, and I could still write exams during that time....I just worry about not having that co-op experience, since I read a lot about people struggling to find jobs even with exams, if they don't have much experience.

Is there a way to get that experience while doing a master's degree?