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New Mexico State University

Actuarial Science

Dr. Tim Query, Finance Department Contact

Dr. Tim Query, Contact

News

Cheryl Johnson: Risk manager shares lessons learned

Overview

Actuaries deal with risk, which is the uncertainty about future events. They are employed by insurance companies, commercial banks, investment banks, consulting companies and retirement funds. If you are looking for a career that is intellectually challenging and very well paid, consider NMSU’S Actuarial Science Program. The actuarial profession has consistently been ranked as one the best jobs in the country. For more information about actuaries go to Be an Actuary. The Insurance and Financial Services Center helps students with the costs of actuarial exams. We’ve provided some links to information about the Insurance and Actuarial Science industry.

NMSU Actuarial Science Program

Business students who wish to enter the Actuarial field should obtain a minor in mathematics or a supplemental major in mathematics. We suggest that you contact Tim Query to discuss the classes needed. Students earning a B.S. in Mathematics can choose an emphasis in Actuarial Science and Insurance. This emphasis draws on courses from mathematics and business to prepare students for a mathematical career in insurance. Coursework focuses on the analysis of risk and its applications to insurance and finance. This program is offered by NMSU’s Department of Mathematical Sciences and includes the courses required by the Minor in Insurance. Students fulfilling the requirements for the Actuarial Science and Insurance program can earn a minor in Insurance. For more information about the program contact Tim Query (Finance Department) or Robert Smits (NMSU Mathematical Sciences Department).

Courses

  • Required:
    • MATH 331 Introduction to Modern Algebra, or MATH 332 Introduction to Analysis
    • STAT 371 Statistics for Engineers and Scientists I
    • STAT 470 Probability: Theory and Application
    • STAT 480 Statistics: Theory and Applications.
  • Departmental Electives (9 hours):
    • At least 9 additional upper-division credit hours of approved courses prefixed MATH or STAT. See the catalog for a list of approved courses.
    • At least 6 of the Math and STAT credit hours must be numbered higher than 400.
  • Non-departmental Requirements:
    • ACCT 251 Management Accounting
    • ACCT 252 Financial Accounting
    • BLAW 316 or BLAW 385V
    • ECON 251G Principles of Macroeconomics
    • ECON 252G Principles of Microeconomics
    • EE 161 Computer Aided Problem Solving
    • ET 360G Technology in Business and Society
    • FIN 322 Principles of Insurance
    • FIN 326 Business Risk Management
    • FIN 341 Financial Analysis and Markets
  • Insurance Electives (Pick 2 of 4):
    • FIN 303V Personal Financial Planning and Investment in a Global Economy
    • FIN 323 Life and Health Insurance
    • FIN 324 Property and Liability Insurance
    • FIN 392 Insurance Internship and Cooperative Education I