Learn More About the Mathematics, Computer Science, and Statistics Department
The Department of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Statistics (MCS) offers an in-depth education in the concepts, structures, and techniques of the major fields of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Statistics. It is the philosophy of the Department that all students of the quantitative sciences should have an understanding of and an appreciation for the theoretical and aesthetic aspects of these fields, as well as for their far-reaching applications. The skills of analytical thinking and logical argument, combined with the ability to communicate effectively, form the core of a solid liberal arts education.
Program Features
- Rigorous and multi-disciplinary study of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science
- Innovative classes with theoretical and real-world applications
- Faculty that publish in top-tier journals
- Opportunities for student research and study-abroad experiences
- Seminars and problem-solving groups
- Graduates who are ready for graduate study, secondary school teaching, or employment in government or industry
- Network of engaged alumni in a variety of fields
Calculus Placement Exam
The calculus placement exam is an on-line exam that will help determine the best calculus course for you.
Note that you will NOT be allowed to register for Calculus I (MCS-121) unless you have taken a placement exam!
- Please take this exam by early June for New Student Registration, or for current students, at least one week in advance of speaking with an advisor.
- If you encounter technical problems or have questions, you may send an email to a math professor at calculus-placement [at] gustavus.edu (calculus-placement[at]gustavus[dot]edu)
- If you need accommodations for this exam please contact the Accessibility Resources Coordinator.
- Before you begin the exam you will be asked a series of questions to determine the placement exam that best fits your situation.
- When you finish the test, there will be a final screen that describes your recommended placement in a calculus course. You will also receive an email with the recommendation. This will have a return email titled "Â鶹ÊÓƵ Math Placement" with an email address of calculus-placement [at] gustavus.edu which may be sent to spam by your mail program, so be sure to check for this email. Once you finish the test, the system will block you from re-entry, so make sure to check all of your answers before you submit the test.
Resources
Students
- Major Declaration Form
- Course Substitution Procedure
- Minnesota State Standards for the Mathematics Education Major
- Study Abroad Programs
Mathematics
Computer Science
Statistics
Actuarial Science
Actuarial Science
An actuary manages risk, primarily in insurance, retirement planning, and economic forecasting. Actuaries must have strong analytical skills, particularly in probability and statistics, business knowledge, and understanding of human behavior.
A student interested in a career in actuarial science should have a strong background in mathematics, statistics, and economics. A statistics major paired with a financial economics major or minor will equip students with the tools they need for a career in actuarial science.
An actuary manages risk, primarily in insurance, retirement planning, and economic forecasting. Actuaries must have strong analytical skills, particularly in probability and statistics, business knowledge, and understanding of human behavior.
A student interested in a career in actuarial science should have a strong background in mathematics, statistics, and economics. A statistics major paired with a financial economics major or minor will equip students with the tools they need for a career in actuarial science. The sites below are a good place to learn about actuaries and how to become one.
- : Provides information on what actuaries do, classes to take, the actuarial exams, and other resources
- Society of Actuaries (SOA; ): Major global professional actuarial science organization. Members are from all major actuarial science areas.
- Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS; ): Professional organization for actuaries specializing in property and casualty insurance.
Advice
Here are a few things to keep in mind when mapping out your path to graduation:
- Talk to a Statistics advisor about becoming an actuary. An advisor will help you map out your path to graduation, put you in contact with alumni, and help you navigate the certification process.
- Arrange to jog shadow an actuary early in your college career (first year or sophomore year). This will allow you to get first-hand insight on what an actuary does and is a great way to network. The career centerr can help you make contact with alumns.
- Plan on taking and passing at least one actuarial exam between your junior and senior years.
How to Become an Actuary
Requirements to become a credentialed actuary include: examinations, e-learning courses, a proctored project assessment, validation of educational experiences outside of SOA or CAS (called VEE), and a professionalism seminar.
- Step 1: Pass the first 2 exams which are the same for SOA and CAS:
- Exam 1: Probability
- Exam 2: Financial Mathematics
- Step 2: Apply for VEE credit ()
- Used to demonstrate knowledge obtained through coursework
- To receive VEE credit, courses must be passed with a grade of B- or higher.
- Step 3: Differs for SOA and CAS
- For SOA: Complete Pre-Actuarial Science Module
- For CAS: Complete Exam 3 Financial Economics
- Pathways for becoming fully credentialed are found at:
- SOA:
- CAS:
- Exams can be taken while in college
- For SOA it is recommended to take (and pass) Exams 1 and 2 and apply for VEE credit before graduating
- For CAS it is recommended to take (and pass) Exams 1-3 and apply for VEE credit before graduating
- Most companies allow you to complete the remaining exams and required modules to become a certified actuary while you are employed
View Classes Taught by the Department