Masters in Actuarial Science---which university?

[Phillip]

Hi guys
I am a CPA and pursuing the CFA Program. I have not taken any exams of CAS. I have not done my graduation in Math and so I need some help with that. To help me with the first 4 levels I was thinking of doing Masters in Actuarial Science. Does anybody know about this course offered by Waterloo University in Canada or Illinois At Urbana in the US? Is it too advanced for a beginner like me? Anyways which are good univs in US/ Canada which offer this course?

Thanx for ur help

[Mtl guru]

The topics on the 1-4 exams are covered at the undergraduate level. So technically at graduation you should be able to pass the 3rd and 4th exam.

The master covers later exams with a little emphasize (spelling?) on research. In act sci it is not really needed and I doubt you can do a master without a undregraduate degree in math (an my college you can't).

Plus if you have no exam, I guess the master may be too advanced.

By the way, Waterloo is great.



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Mtl guru on 2002-02-13 10:22 ]</font>

[Dr T Non-Fan]

I'd think they had some requirements besides being awake and breathing to be admitted.
1. Call and ask.
2. Check online.
3. e-mail the department.

[Phillip]

Thanx Mtl guru

In fact, I have done elementary calculus and probability in my grads but as such not majored in Math.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Phillip on 2002-02-13 13:04 ]</font>

[Phillip]

Mtl guru and others
Also wanted to get a feedback as to what should be an ideal position to enroll for the Masters course in Ac. Sc.? Should I clear the first 2/3 levels before doing the course? I am a little confused coz on the all the web sites (Waterloo, Georgia State, UW-Madison, Illinois) they mention that they teach the first 4 levels only?

[Dr T Non-Fan]

The first four levels are jointly administered by CAS and SOA. Thus, economies of scale make the teaching more efficient.
After that, the SOA and CAS have different exams. Harder to justify holding a class to teach fewer students.
Besides, most exam takers of those exams already have jobs in the SOA- or CAS-related fields.

[Phillip]

Thanx for ur help Doctor

[Mtl guru]

I'm at U of Montreal

bachelor's degree: exam 1-4
masters: some parts of later exams, research, teaching

The curriculum is almost the same everywhere, and you will not get help with exams 1-4 with a master.

Unless you're planning to have a second undergraduate degree you're best bet is to study on your own.

Do feel able to "re-learn" calc and prob? exam 1

I think the CFA has thnigs on common with exam 2, so there is already two exams there.

However, exams 3-4 will get harder.




<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Mtl guru on 2002-02-13 14:18 ]</font>

[Phillip]

Thanx for ur help Mtl guru

[Numbers123]

If you are willing to move down to Austin, TX, I would recommend the Masters program there. As a grad. student, you'd be able to take all courses for exams 2,3 and 4. To obtain your Masters, besides the credits, you have to write a report based on a summer internship. Plus, students and the director of the program are very friendly. The atmosphere there is excellent! If you have concerns about any pre-requisite in order to be accepted in the program, contact the director.
Good luck!!

[Phillip]

Hi Number123,
I know that TX-Austin is one of the best univs in US and also comparatively cheap. But they do not offer a masters course and i am not at all keen on doing another grad.

[WWSituation]

Temple has a very solid program. Also there are several strong resources in the Philadelphia area for CFA review (i.e. the Wharton community)

[Numbers123]

Phillip,
UT at Austin offers a masters program in the Actuarial Science, Math Dept. I'm positive!
You should check it out!

[Sam Cox]

GSU offers a MAS which allows students to take Course/Part 3 and 4. MAS students can take Part/Course 1and 2 classes, but not for credit. There is more information at our web site.

http://www.rmi.gsu.edu/
In addition to the others mentioned here, consider the University of Iowa. The Iowa MS program, I believe, also allows students to take classes for exams 3 and 4.

[Ezzard Charles]

The U. of Iowa offers classes for Course 6 as well as Courses 3-4. The program is very strong, and although you don't need to be a math major to get in, you'll wish you were one, because the professors at Iowa take a wild and sadistic pleasure in covering the most difficult mathematical concepts on each syllabus, no matter how obscure. If you can manage to keep up somehow, you'll be over-prepared for every SOA/CAS exam you take.