The Graduate Certificate in Actuarial Science is a one-year program. It is designed for students interested in a career in risk management. Students take courses that prepare them to take several Society of Actuaries (SOA) professional exams (Exam P, Exam FM, Exam MLC). The program also offers courses for Validation by Education Experience (VEE) credit. Students must consult with their Academic Advisor prior to registration.

Applicants must meet all CMU Graduate Studies admission requirements. International students should take note of any special admission considerations required by the College of Graduate Studies, including TOEFL requirements.

Applicants must hold at least a four year undergraduate degree or equivalent degree from a college or university of recognized standing.

Applicants must have completed a minimum of 13 semester hours of mathematics and/or statistics courses that include Multivariate Calculus (equivalent to MTH 233) and one course in statistics or probability. A grade point average of 3.0 in mathematics and statistics course work is required.

Applicants must submit a Statement of Purpose of at least 100 words and not to exceed two pages. The Statement of Purpose should explain their relevant academic and professional experiences, discuss motivation for applying to the program, and describe their goals after completing the program.

The consideration of admission deadline is the same as the University policy as specified in the Graduate Bulletin.

Required Courses (6-7 hours)
Choose at least two Exam prep courses 

  • ACT 539 Probability Foundations of Actuarial Science 3(3-0) 
  • ACT 540 Mathematical Theory of Interest 4(4-0)
  • ACT 541 Actuarial Mathematics for Life Contingencies I 3(3-0)
  • ACT 542 Actuarial Mathematics for Life Contingencies II 3(3-0)
  • ACT 543 Mathematics for Financial Economics 3(3-0)
Elective Courses (9 hours)
  • ECO 532 Economic Forecasting 3(3-0)* 
  • ECO 616 Advanced Microeconomic Theory 3(3-0)* 
  • ECO 620 Advanced Macroeconomic Theory 3(3-0)* 
  • STA 580 Applied Statistical Methods I 3(3-0)* 
  • STA 589 Time Series Forecasting 3(3-0)* 
  • STA 575 Statistical Programming for Data Management and Analysis 3 (3-0) 
  • STA 580 Applied Statistical Methods I 3 (3-0) 
  • STA 584 Mathematical Statistics I 3 (3-0) 
  • STA 590 Applied Statistical Methods II 3 (3-0) 
  • STA 591 Data Mining Techniques 3 (3-0)
*Validation by Educational Experience (VEE) Courses.