Majors & Minors
Course CatalogMathematics
The study of mathematics encourages the development of skills in analytical thinking and problem solving that have wide applicability. Students who graduate with a major in the department have continued their educations in fields as disparate as mathematics, computer science, physics, operations research, law, business, music, religion, dentistry and medicine; others have accepted employment in a wide variety of occupations. The department has a long tradition of successfully preparing students for the actuarial profession.
Mathematics
A major and minor is offered in Mathematics. The basic sequence of courses for Mathematics majors is MATH 151, 152, 223, 251 and 270. Advanced placement and credit can be granted for satisfactory performance on national or departmental examinations.
Actuarial Science
Actuaries are responsible for determining rates and premiums on insurance policies (e.g. life, health, home and auto) and forecasting future events affecting the soundness of insurance programs. Some actuaries work with consulting firms as advisors to corporations regarding human resource and pension benefits. Government agencies, such as the Social Security Administration or insurance regulatory boards, also employ actuaries. Actuaries can specialize in life and health insurance, in property and casualty insurance, or in pension benefit programs. The department of mathematics encourages the development of skills in analytical thinking and problem solving that prepare our students for life beyond DePauw. Actuarial Science is a collection of mathematical and statistical techniques that make it possible to calculate the monetary value of uncertain future events. Actuaries apply these principles and techniques to solve problems in finance, insurance and related fields. Actuaries are involved with every aspect of the insurance industry and must possess strong mathematical skills and a solid business background to apply their technical knowledge.
Requirements for a major
Actuarial Science
| Total courses required | Ten |
|---|---|
| Core courses | MATH 151, MATH 152, ECON 100 |
| Other required courses |
|
| Number 300 and 400 level courses | Five |
| Senior requirement and capstone experience | The senior requirement consists of MATH 495. |
| Additional information | MATH 332 and MATH 442 are one-half credit courses and will be offered in the same semester as MATH 331 and MATH 441 respectively. A student may not major in both Actuarial Science and in Mathematics. A student may not major in Actuarial Science and minor in Mathematics. |
| Recent changes in major | This new major will become available in the 2013-14 academic year. |
Mathematics
| Total courses required | Ten |
|---|---|
| Core courses | MATH 151, MATH 152, MATH 223, MATH 251, MATH 270, MATH 495 |
| Other required courses | Students planning graduate work in mathematics should include MATH 361 and MATH 371. Students concentrating in actuarial mathematics should include MATH 331 and MATH 442. |
| Number 300 and 400 level courses | Four (not including MATH 495) |
| Senior requirement and capstone experience | MATH 495 |
Requirements for a minor
Mathematics
| Total courses required | Five |
|---|---|
| Core courses | MATH 151, MATH 152, MATH 223, MATH 270 |
| Other required courses | |
| Number 300 and 400 level courses | One |