M.S. in Actuarial Science Program at Temple University
Admission FAQs
Please read the following FAQs carefully before making inquiries
by e-mail.
For more information about admission requirements and procedures,
please go to the Fox School
of Business MS and MHM Programs.
1. What is the typical academic background of an applicant?
The M.S in Actuarial Science program seeks to admit 20-30 students per year from diverse backgrounds in mathematics, statistics, computer science, economics, finance, engineering, etc.
2. When does the M.S. in Actuarial Science program begin, and how long does it take students to graduate?
The M.S. in Actuarial Science program admits students in both the Fall and the Spring semester each year. Students are expected to complete the program in three semesters or two years, depending on their academic backgrounds and course offerings.
3. How do I apply for admission to the M.S. Actuarial Science program?
Applicants need to apply to the Fox School by filling out our online application.
4. When is the application deadline?
The M.S. in Actuarial Science program admits students in both the Fall and Spring semesters each year. The application deadlines are
Spring 2011 Deadline:
October 31st
Fall 2011 Deadlines:
December 10, 2010 - Early Decision
March 1, 2011- International Applicants
May 31, 2011 - All Domestic Applicants
June 30, 2011 - Late Deadline
5. What is required for the application?
- A bachelor’s degree is required
- Undergraduate Coursework in Calculus, Probability and Statistics (see FAQ 6)
- Completed application form (embedded in the online application system)
- Official GMAT [code 72S3T-52] or GRE [code 2906-4201] test scores taken within the last five years. (See FAQ 7)
- TOEFL scores [code 2906-02] for non-native English speakers - unless your degree is from an English language university in a country where English is the native language. TOEFL scores must have been taken within the last two years. (See FAQ 7)
- Certified official transcripts or mark sheets in English from every post-high school academic institution attended. (Only transcripts or mark sheets that are sealed by the university are considered official.) For additional information on international transcript requirements, please visit the Graduate School website. (see FAQ 8)
- Two letters of reference: from college/university faculty members familiar with academic competence and/or immediate work supervisor. (The reference forms are embedded in the online application system.)
- Two required essays: Essay of Leadership and Statement of Goals. (see FAQ 9)
- Current Resume.
- Application fee - check for $60.00 U.S. payable to Temple University (non-refundable).
6. How much math will I need?
The M.S. in Actuarial Science program is a quantitatively rigorous program. All students should have three semesters of undergraduate calculus (differential, integral, and multivariate calculus) before starting the program. Applicants are expected to have earned grades of at least a "B" in each of these calculus courses.
Passage of the first professional examination (Exam P) sponsored by the Society of Actuaries and the Casualty Actuarial Society may be considered a substitute for college mathematics requirements, subject to department approval.
Prior course work in mathematical probability and statistics is strongly recommended, although students may be admitted without this background with the understanding that they must include these courses in their first two semesters of graduate work.
7. What are the minimum requirements for GMAT/GRE, TOEFL, and GPA scores?
Applicants to the M.S. in Actuarial Science program must take either the GRE or the GMAT aptitude test. Successful candidates generally have scores in the following percentile ranges: verbal – 50%-99%; quantitative – 80%-99%.
International students who have not received a bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited American university must take the TOEFL exam. The minimum requirement for TOEFL at the Fox School of Business is 100 (Internet-Based Test), 250 (Computer-Based Test), or 600 (Paper-Based Test).
The Graduate School also requires a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
8. I am an international student. Do I need to send my transcripts to be evaluated by an authorized agency?
We no longer require that transcripts come from one of the ministry approved offices. They must, however, come in a sealed envelope from the university and include the transcripts, diploma and degree certificate.
9. What are the two required essays for application?
Your essays allow us to know you better through your influences, values, and aspirations. Each applicant must submit an essay about Leadership and on about your Goals.
- Leadership: Please describe an incident from your personal experiences that typifies your definition of leadership. Specifically address ethics, diversity, collaboration and motivation.
- Statement of Goals: Describe how you would expect to change over the course of the program. What personal and professional values and skills do you hope to acquire beyond the academic content? How will obtaining the degree help you achieve your career goals?
When writing these essays, take time to think and remember there is no right or wrong answer. The essays should be clearly laid out and as long as you feel they need to be.
10. How much computer-programming experience is necessary for admission?
Prior computer-programming experience is not required for admission, but is viewed positively by the admission committee.
11. Is work experience necessary to be accepted into the program?
Work experience in related areas is not required for admission, but is viewed positively by the admission committee.
12. Can I complete the M.S. in Actuarial Science program on a part-time basis?
The majority of M.S. in Actuarial Science students complete the program on a full-time basis, because most of the courses are offered in the daytime before 4:00 p.m. However, it is also possible to maintain your current career and complete the program on a part-time basis as long as you can allocate your time between work and study appropriately.
13. I already have been admitted to another degree program at the Fox School of Business, but now would like to complete the M.S. in Actuarial Science program. Can I just start taking courses?
All specialized masters programs at the Fox School of Business have separate admission requirements. Therefore, you must apply to and be accepted by the M.S. in Actuarial Science program even if you were previously admitted to another program.
14. I am not an M.S. in Actuarial Science student. Can I take Actuarial Science M.S. classes?
Any student who has the necessary prerequisite courses can take Actuarial Science M.S. courses as electives without being officially admitted to the program.
15. What is the cost of the M.S. in Actuarial Science program?
Tuition and fee information can be found at the Graduate School Admissions Tuition & Fees
16. Are scholarships available upon admission?
The M.S. in Actuarial Science program does not offer tuition waivers and scholarships to applicants upon admission. However, students with outstanding performance during their graduate study in the program may qualify for various Fox School or university scholarships, and can apply for actuarial-science tutoring positions.
Financial aid information is available at the Graduate School Financial Assistance.
17. I have further questions about the M.S. in Actuarial Science program. Who should I contact?
For questions regarding the goals and objectives of the program, course selection, career counseling, etc., please contact the Director of M.S. in Actuarial Science program:
Professor Hua Chen
Office: 625 Alter Hall
Phone: (215) 204-5905
Email: hchen@temple.edu
For questions regarding the application process, requesting application forms, or checking your application status, please contact the Fox School's Graduate Admissions Office at foxinfo@temple.edu