Actuarial Science, B.S.
Program Description
The B.S. in Actuarial Science is designed to prepare students for the actuarial profession. Actuaries utilize tools from mathematics, statistics, and business to measure and manage risk in industries such as insurance, banking, investments, energy, and e-commerce. The program's curriculum prepares students to take two actuarial society exams while enrolled and to obtain actuarial society credit in all three Validation by Educational Experience areas. Students who ultimately choose not to pursue the actuarial profession can apply the problem-solving and technical skills gained as analysts in industries such as those mentioned above.
Why Take This Major?
As is the case for the mathematics major, a major in Actuarial Science helps one to think logically, to formulate complex problems in a well-defined manner, to critically analyze data, and to determine optimal solutions to real-world problems. In addition, the Actuarial Science major provides students with a well-rounded background in areas of Economics, Business, and Finance to better prepare them for careers in the field.
Degree Earned
B.S.
Required for Graduation
- Courses
- Major: 18
- Total: 38
- Credits
- Major: 60
- Total: 120
- GPA
- Major: 2.0
- Cumulative: 2.0
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
- demonstrate competency in the areas that comprise the core of the mathematics major
- be able to use appropriate technologies to solve mathematical problems
- be able to construct appropriate mathematical models to solve a variety of practical problems
- demonstrate competency in the areas of Probability and Statistics
- demonstrate competency in the area of Financial Mathematics
Progress Chart
Level One - Core Courses
12 courses and 2 modules required.
Major Requirements
Major requirements include 4 Level Two ILO requirements, fulfilled through the major.
Students in this major must complete 38 courses in total in order to graduate. 18 courses will be from this major program.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Level One - Core Courses | ||
Universal Required Courses | ||
Students must complete the following 4 courses. | ||
ILO 8.1: Written Communication | ||
ENG 110 | College Writing I: Persuasion | 3 |
ILO 5.1: Information Literacy | ||
ENG 210 | College Writing II: Research | 3 |
ILO 1.1: Understanding Diverse Perspectives | ||
FYS 130 | First-Year Academic Seminar 1 | 3 |
ILO 2.1: Reflective Thinking and Valuing | ||
REL 100 | Religion Matters | 3 |
Elective Core Courses | ||
Students must complete 1 course in each of the following 4 ILOs. | ||
ILO 3.1a: Scientific Reasoning | ||
Choose course within ILO | 4 | |
ILO 3.1b: Quantitative Reasoning | ||
MTH 120 | Calculus I | 4 |
ILO 6.1: Technological Competency | ||
CSC 230 | Programming Concepts and User Interfaces | 4 |
or CSC 280 | Object Programming | |
ILO 8.1a/12.1: Oral Communication/Collaborative Engagement | ||
Choose course within ILO | 3 | |
Distinct Discipline Core Courses | ||
Students must complete 1 course in each of the following 4 ILOs. Each course must be from a different discipline. (A "discipline" is represented by the 3- or 4-letter prefix attached to each course.) | ||
ILO 4.1: Critical Analysis and Reasoning | ||
Choose course within ILO | 3 | |
ILO 9.1: Creative and Artistic Expression | ||
Choose course within ILO | 3 | |
ILO 10.1: Ethical Understanding and Reasoning | ||
Choose course within ILO | 3 | |
ILO 11.1: Cultural and Global Awareness and Sensitivity | ||
Choose course within ILO | 3 | |
Universal Required Modules | ||
Students must complete the following 2 non-credit modules. | 2 | |
ILO 7.1a | ||
Health Literacy Module | ||
ILO 7.1b | ||
Financial Literacy Module | ||
Major Requirements | ||
Level Two | ||
Students must complete 1 course/learning experience in each of the 4 commitments. | ||
ILO 2.2: Broader Identity (Capstone Course/Experience) | ||
MTH 322 | Differential Equations | 4 |
Select one ILO from 3.2a, 3.2b, 4.2, 5.2, 6.2, 7.2a, or 7.2b: Expanded Literacies | ||
MTH 240 | Linear Algebra (ILO 3.2b) | 4 |
ILO 8.2b: Effective Expression (Writing-Intensive Course) | ||
MTH 302 | Foundations of Mathematics | 3 |
Select one ILO from 10.2, 11.2, or 12.2: Active Responsibility | ||
MTH 410 | Probability | 3 |
All Other Required Courses | ||
MTH 120 | Calculus I | 4 |
MTH 121 | Calculus II | 4 |
MTH 222 | Calculus III | 4 |
MTH 240 | Linear Algebra | 4 |
MTH 302 | Foundations of Mathematics | 3 |
MTH 322 | Differential Equations | 4 |
MTH 410 | Probability | 3 |
MTH 411 | Mathematical Statistics | 3 |
MTH 415 | Financial Mathematics | 3 |
CSC 230 | Programming Concepts and User Interfaces | 4 |
or CSC 280 | Object Programming | |
Two MTH Electives 300-level or higher | 6-8 | |
ECN 150 | Introductory Macroeconomics: The U.S. in the Global Economy I | 3 |
ECN 201 | Introductory Microeconomics: Business Firm and Market Analysis I | 3 |
BUS 101 | Introduction to Financial Accounting | 3 |
BUS 206 | Financial Markets and Institutions: Principles and Applications | 3 |
BUS 208 | Fundamentals of Financial Management | 2-3 |
FIN 304 | Financial Decision-Making | 3 |
Free Electives | ||
In addition to the requirements listed above, students must take enough courses to the fulfill graduation credit requirements for their School and major. | ||
Total Credits | 114-117 |
- 1
NOTE. The following students use Level 2 Capstone Experience in Major instead of FYS 130 First-Year Academic Seminar: Honors, BUSCA, Core-to-Core, Transfer, and Non-Traditional/Evening.
- 2
The Modules are not required for Transfer Students, Core-to-Core Students, or BUSCA Students. BUSCA students are required to take modules if/when they pursue a bachelor’s degree.
Recommended Course Sequence
Students should complete the Calculus sequence (MTH 120 Calculus I/MTH 121 Calculus II/MTH 222 Calculus III) and BUS 101 Introduction to Financial Accounting within their first three semesters since many of the remaining courses rely on the knowledge from these four courses. Additionally, MTH 240 Linear Algebra and MTH 302 Foundations of Mathematics should be taken during the sophomore year, while the remaining MTH courses should be taken during the junior and senior years.
Course Descriptions
Business Administration
An integrative freshmen course that addresses business processes at an introductory level by examining key business areas through the preparation of a business plan. Students gain an appreciation for how each part of a business functions on its own and how business processes interact with each other. The course culminates in our signature Bankers Day event in which each team presents their final business plan to a panel of business executives for evaluation. The course emphasizes cross-disciplinary experiential learning, group dynamics, and personal interaction with faculty, business professionals and entrepreneurs in a small-class environment. Students are introduced to team-building, entrepreneurship, and business plans at the beginning of their academic program in order to build and develop their skills over the next three years. Students should take this course as early on as possible. Generally the course is not open to seniors.
The course introduces financial reporting by focusing on the fundamental principles of recording business transaction with emphasis on the presentation and interpretation of corporate financial information. Topics include an overview of financial reporting and the accounting cycle, as well as, accounting and reporting of operating, investing and financing activities of a business. Assignments employ both Excel and SAP.
An introduction to the fundamentals of managerial accounting with a special emphasis on using accounting information in decision making. Topics covered include corporate capital stock structure, planning and control systems, cost management systems, pricing decisions, and capital expenditure decisions. Assignments employ Excel.
Focuses on the skills needed to link oral communication with the ability to work effectively in the current organizational environment. This course is based on the understanding that content and effective presentation of material are equally important in the understanding of communication. Active participation through oral presentations on current business topics is required. Students will make use of computer-based presentation technology.
The course will focus on critical professional development skills to enable students to connect their education to experiential learning opportunities and post-graduation goals. Students will become aware of industry trends relating to job opportunities, current job search techniques, personal branding strategies, the value of developing a well-connected network, and how to deliver flawless documents to targeted organizations. The course will combine the theories on professional development with real-life applications through assignments and participation in professional events to allow students to see themselves as a professional, rather than just a student. At the end of the course, students will understand the importance of demonstrating these professional skills throughout their collegiate experience (e.g. dressing professionally for presentations, developing quality resumes and cover letters, networking with alumni and guests, etc.)
This course explains what happened and what will happen in business organizations using basic statistical methods relevant to descriptive and predictive analytics. The availability of massive amounts of data and technologies to process these data enables business organizations to use analytical approaches to decision-making. Descriptive analytics is the use of data to find out what has happened in the past or is currently happening; statistical techniques include descriptive statistics and visualization. Predictive analytics is the use of data to find out what could happen in the future; statistical techniques include regression analysis. This course will cover these techniques, descriptive statistics, visualization, and regression analysis, with emphasis on problem-solving and decision-making. This course will also cover probability, probability distributions, and statistical inference. Students will perform data analysis using statistical software packages.
This course examines the behavior of individuals and groups in organizations, with the goal of understanding performance in the new workplace. It is designed to enhance the career potential of people with management and team leadership responsibilities in all areas of business. Topics include: motivation, theories and practice of leadership, individual and group decision making, conflict resolution, communication, international aspects of organizational behavior, perception, individuality, working in groups and teams, and ethical issues of organizational life. The course also emphasizes interactive and experiential learning to demonstrate the issues of organizational behavior. Through active participation, students will develop skills in leadership, communication, negotiation, teamwork, and group decisionmaking. Career awareness and skill assessment will be done through brief lectures, personal inventories, and career planning experiences.
An overview of marketing concepts and principles applicable to business and other organizations. These include: factors influencing the marketing environment and buyer behavior; market segmentation and targeting; product development, pricing, promotion and distribution to satisfy the needs of selected target markets. Approximately one-third of the course is dedicated to planning and to applying marketing-based concepts to profit and non-profit enterprise situations.
This course studies how business systems work and examines challenges confronting business organizations in the information age and beyond. One major challenge is to efficiently and effectively use three most important organizational resources, information, technology, and people, to provide service and value. To meet this challenge, the course studies business systems and strategies that organizations can utilize to organize data into information and synthesize information into knowledge. The course examines design and development of relational database management systems using Microsoft Access (structured query language), decision support systems using Microsoft Excel (what-if analysis, pivot tables, and decision tree analysis), enterprise information systems using SAP (ERPsim), and web-based systems using Google Analytics. The concepts, models, and frameworks are derived from both academic and professional sources.
An introduction to the basics of institutional finance. Financial instruments are generated and traded by participants in financial markets with financial intermediaries facilitating the process. Concepts, terminology, and current practices in each of these areas are examined, along with the impact they have on the economy. Students work on "mini cases" which employ actual data to help better understand the principles examined in the course.
An introduction to the major concepts and techniques of financial management with an emphasis on time value of money, security valuation, cost of capital, capital budgeting, and financial statement analysis.
This course prepares students to understand the fundamentals of managing personal finances. It will provide a broad overview of the basic issues in personal finance and help students develop an organized approach to making intelligent financial decisions in everyday life with the ultimate goal being successful money management and wealth accumulation. Topics covered will include: financial planning and goal setting; budgeting; basic financial transactions; banking services and products; consumer credit; housing decisions; current regulations and practices governing consumer financial transactions and contracts; insurance; basic investments; retirement planning; planning for education. This course is an elective for all business majors.
Students study international aspects of accounting, finance, economics, management, marketing and management information systems. The course helps students develop an appreciation for how different cultures, governments, and approaches to doing business impact international business-to-business relationships as well as devising strategies to enter markets in other countries. In some semesters the course is taught as a travel-study course that includes company site visits.
A study of the American legal system exploring how courts decide cases and the values that play a role in such adjudication. The nature, formation, and application of law to individuals and business. The development of law, with emphasis on the Constitution, personal and business torts, the employment relationship, discrimination, international legal perspectives, and an exploration of legal ethics and the ethics of corporations.
In this course students learn how to run business operations efficiently and effectively using prescriptive analytics tools and techniques in managerial decision making. The course introduces students to several quantitative models used in contemporary analytics. Analysis of business scenarios using computer software allows a focus on the conceptual understanding of prescriptive models. Prescriptive topics covered include: decision analysis, Bayesians analysis, stochastic and deterministic forecasting, inventory management, linear programming and optimization, simulation, and project management.
This course explores broad, multidisciplinary, generic business issues through various readings with a current events focus. Examples of themes
that might be studied are: diversity, corporate governance, social responsibility, leadership, entrepreneurship, technology, globalization, and financial
disclosure. A quasi-independent study, this course meets two or three times during the semester. Grading is on a pass/fail basis.
This is the capstone course for Business majors. It takes the perspective of company's senior management, who are tasked with building and sustaining a competitive advantage for the firm. It explores how the functions of the business are continuously shaped in response to the company's internal and external environments. The course includes industry analysis, company and competitor assessment, approaches to strategy formulation and implementation, and business ethics.
Computer Science
This course offers a survey of computers and computer systems as well as problem-solving and computer applications for business and social science and an introduction to a PC-based Graphical User Interface/windowed operating system. Computer packages include a word processor, electronic spreadsheet, and presentation software. Internet use includes electronic mail and the World Wide Web.
This course provides a survey of computers and computer systems as well as problem-solving and computer applications for science and mathematics, including data analysis and regression. It includes an introduction to a PC-based Graphical User Interface/ windowed operating system and covers word processing, design and use of electronic spreadsheets, and presentation software. Internet use includes electronic mail and the World Wide Web.
This course promotes an understanding of computer systems and related technologies as they are utilized by healthcare professionals across a variety of settings. The role and value of medical record technology such as Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) and Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are explored. Also studied is the relationship of healthcare informatics to patient safety and legal and ethical issues associated with the collection of personal and health data. Students collaborate and discuss these issues using technologies such as email, blogs, wikis, Websites, e-Portfolios, and mobile devices. Strategies for searching relevant library databases as well as government and health organization Websites are developed.
This course addresses effective analysis, design, and presentation of information for business, including advanced word processing, presentation graphics, spreadsheets, and databases, with emphasis on analysis. Topics include formulas, functions, charting, sorting, filtering, pivot tables, what-if analysis, database queries and reports, and business-specific library databases.
This course addresses problem solving and programming using problem-based learning; variables, control flow, iteration, modules, arrays, file processing, classes, and objects; and basic graphical-user interface concepts (forms/pages and controls) for desktop and/or Web or mobile environments. The course consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
This course includes components of database systems, database models: entity-relationship, relational, hierarchical, network; normalization, integrity, relational algebra, query languages, system security, distributed databases, and social and ethical concerns. In addition, case studies using a relational DBMS will be implemented.
This course involves problem solving using a high-level object-oriented language, such as Java; analyzing problems, designing a solution, implementing a solution, testing, and debugging; abstraction, encapsulation, and inheritance; using, designing, creating, and testing classes; and selection, iteration, and simple collections, such as arrays. The course consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
This course is a continuation of CSC 280. It focuses on abstract data types, including lists, stacks, queues, binary trees, and hash tables; recursive techniques; iterators; and use of classes in the Java Collections Framework for problem solving. The course consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
This course is an introduction to computer architecture and hardware; underlying structures needed to accomplish tasks electronically; and hardware and software architecture components relative to memory management, I/O control, and processing capabilities.
This course focuses on programming in .NET (such as Visual Basic.NET or C#) and Active Server Pages (ASP.NET) that supports work with databases and the Web; models that support database access, such as MS SQL, Entity Framework, and LINQ; design and development of solutions to problems using database tools and programming; and database-driven Web sites, including validation, navigation, and security. (offered in alternate years)
Students will develop Web solutions that integrate client- and server-side interfaces. The emphasis for the course will be on development for server side, with results being viewed and designed for the client. At least half of the course will include database maintenance using the open-source solution, including development of authentication and authorization. (offered in alternate years)
This course will require students to design and develop standards-based client interfaces for Web/client-side applications using the latest versions of HTML, CSS, and Javascript. Students will study Web-based standards and application/design styles. Students will also use popular Web-development tools. Some mobile development will be included in the course. (offered in alternate years)
This course covers software mobile application development, its architecture and lifecycle as well as its inherent design considerations. Students will learn about mobile resources, activities, views, layouts, and intents in addition to interacting with the location-based services, messaging services, multimedia interfaces, and sensors available on the mobile device. The applications developed will manage data input from and output to files, databases, and content providers. After developing applications in an emulation environment, students will install them on individual mobile devices as well as prepare them for marketplace distribution. (offered in alternate years)
This course involves programming languages; historical perspective and underlying serial computation model; theory: finite automata, Backus-Naur Form, representations, and grammars; and design: syntax, semantics, run-time implementation, and application domains. Language paradigms will include procedural, functional, logical, object-oriented, and non-sequential processing. (offered in alternate years)
This course is an introduction to specialized areas of computer science. The topics will vary from term to term.
This course is an introduction to specialized areas of computer science. The topics will vary from term to term.
This course is an introduction to specialized areas of computer science. The topics will vary from term to term.
This course is an introduction to specialized areas of computer science. The topics will vary from term to term.
This course is an introduction to specialized areas of computer science. The topics will vary from term to term.
This course is an introduction to specialized areas of computer science. The topics will vary from term to term.
This course is an introduction to specialized areas of computer science. The topics will vary from term to term.
This course is an introduction to specialized areas of computer science. The topics will vary from term to term.
This course is an introduction to specialized areas of computer science. The topics will vary from term to term.
This course is an introduction to specialized areas of computer science. The topics will vary from term to term.
The intent of this course is to focus on basic concepts and major issues of project design using a software engineering approach; the software development life cycle; structured analysis and object-oriented design techniques; and modeling, project planning, requirements definition, and requirements testing.
This course provides the student with an opportunity to do research with a faculty member. The student and the faculty member agree on the research project before the student registers for the course.
This course is a continuation of the 444 research course. It provides the student with an opportunity to continue to conduct research with a faculty member.
This course introduces data mining, with an emphasis on applying machine learning techniques for data mining; popular methods, such as learning of decision trees, decision tables, rules, and cases; algorithms and applicability; practical applications; data preparation and evaluation of results, including human role in data mining; and ethical issues. (offered in alternate years)
Intelligent systems technologies that have or may become practical for organizational use will be addressed in this course. Topics may include simple expert systems and expert systems with certainty factors, case-based reasoning, machine learning, neural networks, genetic algorithms, fuzzy logic, and two-person game playing. (offered in alternate years)
Principles and concepts of process and resource management in operating systems will be the focus of this course. I/O programming; interrupt mechanism and memory management; processor management; scheduler; priority queues; traffic controller; device management; and information management and file systems are select topics. (offered in alternate years)
Internships offer part-time, paid, or non-paid employment in a cooperating site to provide practical experience in the discipline. Working under professional supervision for at least 20 hours per week, students learn how to apply their education to the everyday demands of the world of work. Students will meet regularly with a faculty member and will be encouraged to reflect on the relationship between coursework and their internship experience.
Students will engage in problem-solving strategies, including divide and conquer, greedy, backtracking, and dynamic programming; will focus on the complexity analysis of algorithms; and will be introduced to complexity classes P and NP, with strategies for NP-complete problems. (offered in alternate years)
This course provides an introduction to specialized research in computers and computing, concentrating on one particular aspect of computer science. The subject matter will vary from term to term.
This course provides an introduction to specialized research in computers and computing, concentrating on one particular aspect of computer science. The subject matter will vary from term to term.
This course provides an introduction to specialized research in computers and computing, concentrating on one particular aspect of computer science. The subject matter will vary from term to term.
This course provides an introduction to specialized research in computers and computing, concentrating on one particular aspect of computer science. The subject matter will vary from term to term.
This course provides an introduction to specialized research in computers and computing, concentrating on one particular aspect of computer science. The subject matter will vary from term to term.
This course provides an introduction to specialized research in computers and computing, concentrating on one particular aspect of computer science. The subject matter will vary from term to term.
This course provides an introduction to specialized research in computers and computing, concentrating on one particular aspect of computer science. The subject matter will vary from term to term.
This course provides an introduction to specialized research in computers and computing, concentrating on one particular aspect of computer science. The subject matter will vary from term to term.
This course addresses implementation issues, programming language features, validation and verification techniques, and software maintenance. It requires a team project to develop, document, test, and maintain a software system.
Economics
After introducing students to the what and how of economic thinking, the course explores the causes of national economic prosperity and economic problems such as unemployment and inflation. It also discusses the role of fiscal and monetary policies, economic growth, and international economic relations among the U.S. and other countries.
This course explores many issues pertaining to the operation of businesses and the markets in which they operate. Among these are the behavior of consumers, the determinants of prices and production levels, and the efficiency of market outcomes. As time allows, the course applies economic thinking to issues like economic inequality, environmental concerns, international trade, and firms with monopoly power.
This course focuses on basic statistical methods used in the analysis of economic and political phenomena and decision-making. Emphasis is on the application of statistical techniques and the sound interpretation of statistical results. Topics include descriptive statistics, probability, sampling and sampling distributions, statistical estimation, hypothesis testing, simple regression, and correlation.
This course studies how business firms interact with consumers and one another in product and resource markets. Besides distilling profit-maximizing criteria for different firms in different markets, the course also evaluates how the operation of firms impacts the welfare of society in general.
This course analyzes the factors behind countries' long-term growth and also those responsible for short-term fluctuations in their levels of output and prices. It also demonstrates how economic booms and busts have prompted economists to search for explanations and possible policies for addressing these instabilities. Finally, the course compares and contrasts U.S. historical experience with that of other nations.
Topics include Labor Markets, Employment and Wages; Women in the Economy; European Union; Economics of Sports; Economics of Entertainment; and Law and Economics.
Working approximately 10 to 15 hours per week under professional supervision, students learn experientially the linkages between their formal studies and the demands of particular positions. Under faculty supervision, students complete informal and formal written assignments and an oral presentation that describe their duties and interpret their intern experience.
Working approximately 10 to 15 hours per week under professional supervision, students learn experientially the linkages between their formal studies and the demands of particular positions. Under faculty supervision, students complete informal and formal written assignments and an oral presentation that describe their duties and interpret their intern experience.
This course introduces the student to advanced statistical techniques used by economists, other social scientists, and people in business and law to test theories, predict future events, and provide empirical support for various types of hypotheses. The course emphasizes the applied nature of econometrics. As such, the student will construct, estimate, and evaluate well-specified regression models through computer application-based exercises using SAS statistical software.
This course involves an introduction to the theory of international trade. Topics include specialization and the gains from trade, tariffs, and protectionist policies, trade imbalances, the role of international institutions, foreign exchange markets, and monetary and fiscal policies in an open economy.
This course examines the political and economic conditions in Sub-Saharan Africa and provides a historical perspective on these conditions. Issues examined include the political and economic consequences of colonialism, post-independence political forces and economic policies, and U.S. foreign policy toward Africa.
This course examines trade theory and applies the theory to business
firms. It introduces the cultural, environmental, and ethical issues facing
international businesses and examines the impact of trade policies,
foreign exchange, and the balance of payments on businesses’ decision
making.
This course begins by examining aspects of the indigenous societies prior to the arrival of Europeans in what has come to be called "Latin America." Throughout, it considers issues such as colonialism, militarism, race, gender relations, and religion that have shaped the societies, polities, and economies of nations from Mexico and the Caribbean to those of the Southern Cone. The goal of the course is to afford class members the opportunity to better understand Latin America's history as a basis for comprehending its likely future. Cross-listed with HIS334 and POL 334.
This course provides an overview of the U.S. in the global economy and the history of the World Trade Organization (WTO), an examination of the WTO's dispute settlement mechanism, and an examination of major trade disputes that involve the U.S. The course ultimately explores how international trade laws, politics, diplomacy, and multi-national corporations in pursuit of profits interact.
This course first explores the structure and outcomes of a centrally-planned economic system in contrast to a market-based economic system. Second, it examines how the transition from planned to market took place (or is still under way) in Eastern Europe and the countries of the former Soviet Union. Lastly, it considers a wide range of contemporary political and economic challenges facing countries across the region, from building democratic institutions and strengthening the rule of law to establishing competitive markets and addressing social and economic injustices.
This course describes and analyzes long-term economic growth and development since colonization. It stresses changes in demographic, technological, and institutional factors as they interact with the market system. Basic economic concepts and theories of growth are applied to significant historical questions.
Provides an introduction to the trade-offs (costs versus benefits) associated with environmental issues. Evaluating trade-offs requires an examination of the magnitude or current environmental problems and some consideration of how to measure the costs and benefits of regulatory changes. Approximately half the course will be devoted to examining the current regulations, how the regulatory process works, and the economic implications of the regulations.
The course surveys the economics of the entertainment industry with an emphasis on the importance of market structure (perfect competition, monopolistic competition, oligopoly, monopoly) in determining behaviors and profitability. In this course, we will apply many microeconomic, and a few macroeconomic, concepts to evaluate structure, workings, and profitability of various segments in the entertainment industry, ranging from movies to music, TV, radio, publishing, casinos, and theme parks. Case studies will be used to highlight the issues facing particular firms.
This course explores the economics of health and health care. It introduces students to different economic perspectives on the determinants of health, how health insurance markets are organized, and the challenges facing the U.S. health care system. The course also examines how health care services are financed and delivered in other countries. Special attention is paid to recent health care reforms, including the Affordable Care Act.
Topics include Labor Markets, Employment and Wages; Women in the Economy; European Union; Economics of Sports; Economics of Entertainment; and Law and Economics.
This experience will be a full-time paid employment in a cooperating firm such as a bank, economics forecasting company, or public utility; a nonprofit company such as a Community Development Corporation; or a government agency such as a county planning department or a statistical analysis office. Under faculty supervision, students also complete job-related learning assignments that involve oral and written presentations.
This experience will be a full-time paid employment in a cooperating firm such as a bank, economics forecasting company, or public utility; a nonprofit company such as a Community Development Corporation; or a government agency such as a county planning department or a statistical analysis office. Under faculty supervision, students also complete job-related learning assignments that involve oral and written presentations.
The course details the development of economics as a coherent analytical discipline through a historical study of its main schools and contributors, including the Physiocrats; the Classical Economists (especially Jevons, Walras, and Clark), Marshall, and Keynes. Lesser figures are treated as time allows. Attention throughout is given to the changing philosophical and cultural background of economic thought.
This course provides the student with an opportunity to do research with a faculty member. The student and the faculty member agree on the research project before the student registers for the course.
This course is a continuation of the 444 research course. It provides the student with an opportunity to continue to conduct research with a faculty member.
This course involves an analysis of the revenue and expenditure activity of government with particular emphasis on the rationale of federal government activity. Also considered are the issues of distribution, efficiency, equity, and stability in the economy.
Topics include Labor Markets, Employment and Wages; Women in the Economy; European Union; Economics of Sports; Economics of Entertainment; and Law and Economics.
This course is intended to be a capstone course for economics majors, one that aids the student in integrating the material from diverse economics courses. It stresses techniques for the preparation of written research reports. Students will ordinarily deliver to the seminar an oral presentation of their research results.
This capstone course for Economics and International Studies majors aims to assist students to research, integrate, and communicate information about the global economy. Specifically, students will learn to conduct research on economic problems and policies of countries and regions of the world not native to them. Students will compose a 250 to 300 word abstract of their seminar papers in two languages, English and a second language. Further, students will be expected to demonstrate at least one of the following competencies: a) to write, in a non-native language, summaries of research in sources written in non-native language; b) to write the seminar paper in a non-native language; or c) to present research results orally in a non-native language.
Finance
(Cross-listed with RMI 301)
Introduction to the underlying principles, practices, and the legal aspects of insurance; discussion of industry structure and company operations; and survey of personal lines (auto, homeowners, and life) and commercial lines coverages.
This course focuses on how managers can construct a decision-making process and manage the creation of shareholder value. As the majority of financial decisions require an estimate of future events, we will spend considerable time investigating how to achieve the above objectives, subject to the constraints of an uncertain future. Outside readings, case studies, and text material will be used to integrate current financial theory with pragmatic financial decision making.
An examination of the firms, such as banks, insurance companies, finance companies, securities firms, and mutual funds, that provide financial services to consumers and businesses. Topics include the domestic and international financial environment in which financial service firms operate; financial market risk and its management; ethical and legal issues; and managerial problems specific to each service firm.
(Cross-listed with MKT 308)
Financial Services Marketing is cross-listed with the Marketing Department. The course focuses on how financial institutions design and market their services and products. The marketing mix for financial services, consumer and commercial markets, and their buying behavior are also studied. The impact of regulatory factors on marketing financial services and products is studied. This course is designed especially for marketing and/or finance majors contemplating careers in financial services marketing.
(Cross-listed with RMI 313)
A study of the nature and operation of employer-sponsored benefit plans offered in a complex socioeconomic and political environment. Topics include mandated benefits such as Social Security, workers compensation, and unemployment insurance, as well as a more in-depth examination of group life, health, disability, and qualified and non-qualified retirement plans. Emphasis is on benefit plan design, administration, cost, funding, and regulation as viewed from a benefit manager's financial perspective.
(Cross-listed with RMI 314)
Designed to acquaint the student with the nature of risk management and the role of the risk manager in business or governmental organizations. Emphasis on the risk management process of identification and measurement of loss exposures and selection of treatment techniques, including finance and control techniques from a holistic perspective.
This is a full-time, paid, approximately four-month assignment in a cooperating firm. Involves job-related learning under faculty supervision.The position must be approved by the department; consult the Experiential Education Adviser in the Finance Department for registration information. A co-op counts as a free elective and not as a course in the major. Grading for co-ops is on a pass/fail basis (grading for internships is on a letter grade, i.e., not pass/fail, basis); the faculty member who is supervising the experience has the discretion as to whether to roster it as a co-op or internship. Students in the Business Scholars Co-op Program must take it pass/fail.
Part-time, generally non-paid,employment in a financial/insurance setting to provide on-the-job training. Involves appropriate job-related learning assignments under faculty supervision. The position must be approved by the department; consult the Experiential Education Adviser in the Finance Department for registration information. An internship counts as a free elective and not as a course in the major. Grading for internships is on a letter grade, i.e., not pass/fail, basis. The number 260 is used if taken in sophomore year, 360 is used if taken in junior year, and 460 if taken in senior year.
Full-time, paid employment in a financial/insurance setting to provide on-the-job training. Involves appropriate job-related learning assignments under faculty supervision. The position must be approved by the department; consult the Experiential Education Adviser in the Finance Department for registration information. An internship counts as a free elective and not as a course in the major. Grading for internships is on a letter grade, i.e., not pass/fail, basis (grading for co-ops is on a pass/fail basis); the Experiential Education Advisor in the Finance Department has the discretion as to whether to roster it as a co-op or internship. The number 365 is used if taken in junior year and 465 if taken in senior year.
Financial Statement Analysis focuses on the interpretation and use of financial statements for decision-making by investors, creditors, and internal management. Financial statements provide users with a scorecard of historical performance and the ability to look forward and project likely future financial performance. Outside readings, case studies, and text material will be used to integrate current financial statement guidelines with financial statement analysis.
Focuses on current practice and recent theoretical developments in the securities market. Special emphasis on the stock and bond markets. Deals with the characteristics of individual securities and portfolios. Also criteria and models for alternative portfolio composition, and criteria for evaluation and measurement of portfolio performance, all in a global context.
The study of multinational business practice, direct foreign investment, and managerial challenges in operating abroad. Foreign exchange markets, exchange rate determination, forecasting and hedging, and other contemporary issues in global finance.
(Cross-listed with RMI 420)
A functional course emphasizing the interrelationships among underwriting, investment, regulation, and other aspects of insurance company and insurance agency operations. Spreadsheets are used to demonstrate effective financial management of the insurance firm.
This is a full-time, paid, four- to eight-month assignment in a cooperating firm. Involves job-related learning under faculty supervision. The position must be approved by the department; consult the Experiential Education Adviser in the Finance Department for registration information. A co-op counts as a free elective and not as a course in the major. Grading for coops is on a pass/fail basis (grading for internships is on a letter grade, i.e., not pass/fail, basis); the faculty member who is supervising the experience has the discretion as to whether to roster it as a co-op or internship. Students in the Business Scholars Co-op Program must take it pass/fail.
Part-time, generally non-paid,employment in a financial/insurance setting to provide on-the-job training. Involves appropriate job-related learning assignments under faculty supervision. The position must be approved by the department; consult the Experiential Education Adviser in the Finance Department for registration information. An internship counts as a free elective and not as a course in the major. Grading for internships is on a letter grade, i.e., not pass/fail, basis. The number 260 is used if taken in sophomore year, 360 is used if taken in junior year, and 460 if taken in senior year.
Full-time, paid employment in a financial/insurance setting to provide on-the-job training. Involves appropriate job-related learning assignments under faculty supervision. The position must be approved by the department; consult the Experiential Education Adviser in the Finance Department for registration information. An internship counts as a free elective and not as a course in the major. Grading for internships is on a letter grade, i.e., not pass/fail, basis (grading for co-ops is on a pass/fail basis); the Experiential Education Advisor in the Finance Department has the discretion as to whether to roster it as a co-op or internship. The number 365 is used if taken in junior year and 465 if taken in senior year.
Selected topics in finance studied in depth under the direction of faculty.
In-depth coverage of issues in financial analysis, such as ethics, financial reporting, equity investments, portfolio management, fixed income investments, derivatives, and others. Course includes mock exams for the CFA I exam, and students agree to sit for the actual CFA I exam in June.
Math
Topics include functions and graphs; equations and inequalities; systems of equations; polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Students who have other college credits in mathematics must obtain permission of the department chair to enroll in this course.
An introduction to mathematical modeling and single-variable differential calculus with an emphasis on data analysis and applications to business and economics. Topics include modeling data using polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions; rates of change; derivative rules, including the Product Rule and Chain Rule; applications of derivatives. Applications include compound interest; revenue, cost, profit, average cost; break-even analysis; elasticity of demand; marginal cost; optimization; concavity and inflection points. A TI graphing calculator is required.
This course provides a review of algebra and trigonometry as a preparation for courses in the calculus sequence. Topics include: exponents and radicals; polynomials and rational expressions; factoring; division with polynomials; solving equations and inequalities in one variable; graphing in the coordinate plane; linear, quadratic, and higher-degree polynomial functions; horizontal and vertical transformations of functions; rational zeros of functions; exponential and logarithmic functions and their graphs; laws of logarithms; solving exponential and logarithmic equations; radian and degree measure; reference angles; trigonometric functions and graphs; right triangle trigonometry; trigonometric identities and formulas; solving trigonometric equations. A TI graphing calculator is required.
Topics in this course include functions of various types: rational, trigonometric, exponential, logarithmic; limits and continuity; the derivative of a function and its interpretation; applications of derivatives, including finding maxima and minima and curve sketching; antiderivatives, the definite integral and approximations; the fundamental theorem of calculus; and integration using substitution. A TI graphing calculator is required.
This course addresses differentiation and integration of inverse trigonometric and hyperbolic functions; applications of integration, including area, volume, and arc length; techniques of integration, including integration by parts, partial fraction decomposition, and trigonometric substitution; L'Hopital's Rule; improper integrals; infinite series and convergence tests; Taylor series; parametric equations; polar coordinates; and conic sections. A TI graphing calculator is required.
This course offers an overview of mathematical concepts that are essential tools in navigating life as an informed and contributing citizen, including logical reasoning, uses and abuses of percentages, financial mathematics (compound interest, annuities), linear and exponential models, fundamentals of probability, and descriptive statistics. Applications include such topics as population growth models, opinion polling, voting and apportionment, health care statistics, and lotteries and games of chance.
This course addresses differentiation and integration of inverse trigonometric
and hyperbolic functions; applications of integration, including
area, volume, and arc length; techniques of integration, including
integration by parts, partial fraction decomposition, and trigonometric
substitution; L’Hopital’s Rule; improper integrals; infinite series and convergence
tests; Taylor series; parametric equations; polar coordinates;
and conic sections. A TI graphing calculator is required.
This course addresses three-dimensional geometry, including equations of lines and planes in space, and vectors. It offers an introduction to multi-variable calculus including vector-valued functions, partial differentiation, optimization, and multiple integration. Applications of partial differentiation and multiple integration. A TI-89 graphing calculator is required.
This course includes vectors and matrices, systems of linear equations, determinants, real vector spaces, spanning and linear independence, basis and dimension, linear transformations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, and orthogonality. Applications in mathematics, computer science, the natural sciences, and economics are included.
This course is the first half of a two-semester course in discrete mathematics and is intended for computer science and information technology majors. Topics in the course include logic, sets, functions, numeric bases, matrix arithmetic, divisibility, modular arithmetic, elementary combinatorics, probability, graphs, and trees. There will be an emphasis on applications to the broad field of computing.
This course is the second half of a two-semester course in discrete mathematics and is intended for computer science majors. Topics in the course include rules of inference, proof methods, sequences and summation, growth of functions, complexity of algorithms, prime numbers and their application to cryptography, proof by induction, recursion, recurrence relations, and properties of relations. There will be an emphasis on applications to computer science.
Topics in this course include propositional logic, methods of proof, sets, fundamental properties of integers, elementary number theory, functions and relations, cardinality, and the structure of the real numbers.
This is a course that emphasizes the theory behind calculus topics such
as continuity, differentiation, integration, and sequences and series
(both of numbers and of functions); basic topology, Fourier Series.
This course focuses on analytical, graphical, and numerical techniques for first and higher order differential equations; Laplace transform methods; systems of coupled linear differential equations; phase portraits and stability; applications in the natural and social sciences. (offered in alternate years)
Topics from Euclidean geometry including: planar and spatial motions and similarities, collinearity and concurrence theorems for triangles, the nine-point circle and Euler line of a triangle, cyclic quadrilaterals, compass and straightedge constructions. In addition, finite geometries and the classical non-Euclidean geometries are introduced. (offered in alternate years)
This course introduces students to the field of graph theory and leads them through an exploration of the major branches of this subject, incorporating both theoretical results and current applications for each area studied. From a theoretical perspective, students re-derive well-known existing results and construct proofs related to new topics which have been introduced. From an applied standpoint, members of the class learn to formulate graph models to solve problems in computer science, the natural sciences, engineering, psychology, sociology, and other fields. We also consider some open problems and pose new questions of our own. In addition to fundamental definitions and concepts in graph theory, some specific topics that will be introduced are the following: Eulerian, Hamiltonian, planar, and directed graphs; trees, connectivity, matching, decomposition, coloring, covering, and independent sets and cliques; techniques and algorithms on graphs; and optimization problems and network flows.
Sets and mappings; groups, rings, fields, and integral domains; substructures and quotient structures; homomorphisms and isomorphisms; abelian and cyclic groups; symmetric and alternating groups; polynomial rings are topics of discussion in this course. (offered in alternate years)
This course addresses permutations and combinations, generating functions, recurrence relations and difference equations, inclusion/exclusion principle, derangements, and other counting techniques, including cycle indexing and Polya's method of enumeration.
This is an introductory course to specialized areas of mathematics. The subject matter will vary from term to term.
This is an introductory course to specialized areas of mathematics. The subject matter will vary from term to term.
This is an introductory course to specialized areas of mathematics. The subject matter will vary from term to term.
This course is an in-depth historical study of the development of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus in Western mathematics (Europe and the Near East) from ancient times up through the 19th century, including highlights from the mathematical works of such figures as Euclid, Archimedes, Diophantus, Fibonacci, Cardano, Napier, Descartes, Fermat, Pascal, Newton, Leibniz, Euler, and Gauss. A term paper on some aspect of the history of mathematics is required. (offered in alternate years)
Topics in this course include sample spaces and probability measures, descriptive statistics, combinatorics, conditional probability, independence, random variables, joint densities and distributions, conditional distributions, functions of a random variable, expected value, variance, various continuous and discrete distribution functions, and the Central Limit Theorem. (offered in alternate years)
Topics in this course include measures of central tendency and variability, random sampling from normal and non-normal populations, estimation of parameters, properties of estimators, maximum likelihood and method of moments estimators, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, a variety of standard statistical distributions (normal, chi-square, Student's t, and F), analysis of variance, randomized block design, correlation, regression, goodness of fit, and contingency tables. (offered in alternate years)
This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of financial mathematics and provides opportunities to apply those concepts to real-world problems. Students will gain an understanding of concepts behind present and future values for various streams of cash flows and will work with reserving, valuation, pricing, asset and liability management, investment income, budgeting, and contingencies.
Pre-requisite(s): Math 121 or permission of Chair.
A survey of numerical methods commonly used in algebra and calculus with emphasis on both algorithms and error analysis. Topics include round-off error, numerical methods for solving equations in one variable, interpolation and polynomial approximation, and numerical differentiation and integration. Methods and techniques studied include Bisection, Fixed-Point Iteration, Newton's Method, Müller's Method, Lagrange Polynomials, Neville's Method, Divided Differences, Cubic Splines, Three-point and Five-point Numerical Differentiation Formulas, Newton-Cotes Formulas, Composite Numerical Integration, Adaptive Quadrature, Gaussian Quadrature.
This course examines analytic functions; Cauchy-Riemann equations; Cauchy's integral theorem; power series; infinite series; calculus of residues; contour integration; conformal mapping.
This course addresses the uses of mathematical methods to model real-world situations, including energy management, assembly-line control, inventory problems, population growth, predator-prey models. Other topics include: least squares, optimization methods interpolation, interactive dynamic systems, and simulation modeling.
Topics in the course include topological spaces; subspaces; product spaces, quotient spaces; connectedness; compactness; metric spaces; applications to analysis. (offered in alternate years)
This course provides the student with an opportunity to do research with a faculty member. The student and the faculty member agree on the research project before the student registers for the course.
This course is a continuation of the 444 research course. It provides the student with an opportunity to continue to conduct research with a faculty member.
This course is an introduction to specialized research, concentrating on one particular aspect of mathematics. The subject matter will vary from term to term.
This course is an introduction to specialized research, concentrating on one particular aspect of mathematics. The subject matter will vary from term to term.
This course is an introduction to specialized research, concentrating on one particular aspect of mathematics. The subject matter will vary from term to term.
Program Contact Information
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
Holroyd Hall 123
(215) 951-1130
Jonathan Knappenberger, Ph.D.
Chair, Mathematics and Computer Science
knappenb@lasalle.edu
Kelley Tuman
Administrative Assistant I
tuman@lasalle.edu