Risk, Money, and Quantitative Thinking (Intro to Actuarial Science)

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

This course provides an engaging introduction to the fundamental principles behind managing financial uncertainty and making data-driven decisions in a world of risk. Students will be introduced to key actuarial and financial concepts, including the time value of money, probability theory, fundamental business principles, and the foundations of insurance and risk management. Emphasizing practical applications, the course introduces financial risk analysis and actuarial modeling using spreadsheet tools (eg MS Excel), and guest speakers from the industry will provide insights into real-world applications across various financial fields. Designed for students from diverse backgrounds, this course lays the groundwork for future study in actuarial science, finance, and data-driven decision-making, offering an interdisciplinary approach to understanding risk and financial uncertainty. While this course does not prepare the student directly for a specific actuarial credentialing exam it provides a strong grounding for later courses that will (eg Financial Math, Probability, etc)