What you will study
This UCM master’s degree is designed for students interested in graduate programs
in statistics or data analytics. To satisfy your interest in statistical theory and
to learn additional statistical techniques, you’ll take the following courses and
others — all designed based on the guidelines of the Society of Actuaries and the
American Statistical Association:
- Probability Models
- Mathematical Statistics
- Regression Analysis
- Principles of Data Mining
- Statistical Modeling
As part of your graduate coursework, you’ll learn popular programming languages for
statistical analysis, including SAS, R and Python. You’ll also have your choice from
a long list of electives to fulfill an interest or get specific training for your
career. UCM’s program coordinator and faculty for our graduate programs in Math are
available to help you plot the best course to your master’s degree in Actuarial Science
and Statistics.
Excellence in Actuarial Science and Statistics
- Recognized by: Society of Actuaries as a Universities and Colleges Actuarial Programs — Advanced
Curriculum (UCAP-AC) program.
Unique learning opportunities in actuarial science and statistics
At the University of Central Missouri, we know the best graduate programs in statistics
offer learning and networking opportunities both in and out of the classroom. We make
these available through your ability to:
- Access UCM’s modern computer lab: Get familiar with a wide range of the latest statistical software and programming
languages, including R, SAS and Python, on our Warrensburg campus.
- Take part in an internship: As one of your electives, you may choose an internship to boost your theoretical knowledge
and apply your learning with companies that may include Kansas City Life Insurance
Company and T-Mobile. An additional fee will apply, but you’ll enhance your resume
and your value to employers.
- Complete a comprehensive study: For a final project, you’ll develop an independent investigation, design the procedure
and share your conclusion.
- Network with fellow students and professionals: Join the Kansas-Western Missouri Chapter of the American Statistical Association to
participate in annual meetings, special courses and STAT-KC: A Career Day in Statistics.
You may also qualify to join Mu Sigma Rho, the national honor society for students
of undergraduate and graduate programs in statistics. You'll have access to the Acruarial
Organization (TAO) and participate in the Actuarial Career Fair.
What can you do with a Mathematics master’s in Actuarial Science and Statistics degree
from UCM?
With your master’s in Actuarial Science and Statistics degree, you’ll have expanded
knowledge to contribute to your work in the fields of actuarial science, statistics
or predictive analytics. As demonstrated through UCM’s recognition by the SOA, you’ll
be ready for a number of the SOA preliminary exams. Our courses are also approved
for Validation by Educational Experience (VEE) topic areas in Economics, Accounting
and Finance and Mathematical Statistics. This is a component of the associate of the
society of actuaries (ASA) credintials.
Where UCM graduates with a master’s in Actuarial Science and Statistics degree work
UCM alumni with a master’s degree in Actuarial Science and Statistics work as biostatisticians,
data analysts and business analysts, among other positions, for government agencies
and private sector organizations, including:
- Bristol Myers Squibb
- St. Lucie Mets, a Minor League Baseball affiliate of the New York Mets
- Cerner Corporation
- T-Mobile
- PRA Health Sciences
- U.S. Department of Energy
- Hallmark
- Microsoft
- Commerce Bank
Careers as actuaries and statisticians continue to rank among the best jobs in America,
including a #7 placement on the “Best Business Jobs” list by U.S. News and World Report
for 2022. UCM faculty for our graduate programs in Math are available to help navigate
your path to an entry-level or advanced career in actuarial science and statistics.
We also provide the interactive tool below for a high-level overview of the opportunity
that lies ahead.
Financial assistance options for your master’s in Actuarial Science and Statistics
degree
As you evaluate your master’s in actuarial science programs or graduate programs in
statistics, know that the University of Central Missouri wants to help you get an
advanced education to meet your goals. UCM is known for offering some of the nation’s
lowest tuition rates. LendEDU has also recognized us as a top-ranked university for
low student debt. Our resources to help finance your education include loans, grants, employment opportunities and scholarships.
Scholarships for a master’s in Actuarial Science and Statistics degree
UCM, our alumni and other generous supporters make available scholarships for students
of our graduate program in Math. These scholarships may be available to you as an
Actuarial Science and Statistics graduate student:
- Dr. Vince Edmondson Math and Computer Science Scholarship
- H. Keith Stumpff Scholarship
You can learn more about program-specific scholarships by using the .
Meet Dr. Phoebe McLaughlin
Professor, UCM’s graduate programs in Math
Dr. McLaughlin joined UCM over 30 years ago and serves as coordinator for our undergraduate
and master’s in Actuarial Science programs. Outside of our classrooms, she has been
called upon to redesign mathematics courses to help ensure student success. She welcomes
the opportunity to help you also reach your educational and career goals.
Read Dr. McLaughlin’s Bio
Get Recruited at UCM
The UCM Actuarial Career Fair
Join us for our annual career fair specific to students of our undergraduate and master’s
in Actuarial Science programs. You’ll meet representatives from leading insurance
and financial companies and consulting firms seeking to fill internship and full-time
positions. Take advantage of this event to make connections and launch or advance
your career.
Meet Dr. Paul Plummer
Senior instructor, undergraduate and master’s in Actuarial Science and Statistics
programs
First as a student and now as an instructor, Dr. Plummer knows the ins and outs of
UCM’s graduate programs in Math. His experience in and passion for statistics is why
he’s committed to teaching excellence and guiding you to success. Get his unique perspective
in the classroom and as one of your advisors.
Read Dr. Plummer’s Bio
The Actuarial Organization (TAO)
The Actuarial Organization (TAO) serves students who are majoring or interested in
actuarial science. The organization is academic in nature and holds activities ranging
from career fairs to guest speakers.
Meet Dr. Trang Bui
Assistant professor, Actuarial Science
Dr. Trang Bui, who holds a Ph.D. in applied mathematics, has taught various Mathematics
and Statistics courses and mastered three Society of Actuaries preliminary exams.
Her research interests include stochastic differential equations, optimal control
and their applications to insurance and mathematical ecology. Grow from her expertise
in your UCM coursework.
Meet Dr. Lianwen Wang
Professor, Mathematics and Statistics
Since joining UCM in 2003, Dr. Lianwen Wang has been recognized multiple times for
his contributions to our institution and students. He has a Ph.D. in applied mathematics
and has taught various undergraduate and graduate mathematics courses. An avid researcher
and published author, Dr. Wang welcomes the chance to show you how math can advance
any career.
Read Dr. Wang’s Bio
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Admission Criteria and Application
To be accepted into this program, a student must have an undergraduate major in mathematics,
or coursework equivalent to a UCM major in mathematics, actuarial science or statistics
with a minimum grade point average of 3.00 in upper-level mathematics, actuarial
science, or statistics courses. A student not meeting these minimum standards may
consult the Department of Mathematics, Actuarial Sciences, and Statistics for possible
acceptance on a conditional basis.
