What you will study
While completing your Statistics major at the University of Central Missouri, you’ll
take a variety of exciting courses that immerse you in this fast-growing field.
In our Regression Analysis class, you’ll be introduced to statistical software and
learn to model potential solutions to important real-world data. In the Senior Projects
class, you’ll transition from classroom lessons to workplace projects that are structured
around the work you can expect to perform early in your actuary career.
Other core courses you may take include:
- Computer Programming
- Introduction to Probability and Statistics
- Probability Models
- Statistics and Data Analysis
- Time Series Models and Analysis
SOA-recognized curriculum
If you choose actuarial science as a career, you’ll benefit from UCM’s recognition
by the Society of Actuaries (SOA). Our Actuary program is recognized as a Universities
and Colleges Actuarial Programs - Advanced Curriculum program. This means that our
Statistics major will help prepare you for at least four SOA preliminary exams.
Accelerated BS/MS Statistics and Actuary program
Start your master’s degree during your junior year by signing up for UCM’s accelerated
degree program that combines the BS in Actuarial Science and Statistics with the MS
in Mathematics - Actuarial Science and Statistics Option. If you qualify, you’ll be
able to complete both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in only five years.
Excellence in Actuarial Science & Statistics
- The Society of Actuaries (SOA) recognizes UCM’s Actuarial Science and Statistics program
as a Universities and Colleges Actuarial Programs-Advanced Curriculum (UCAP-AC) program.
This distinction means our courses cover topics in at least four SOA preliminary exams
and meet requirements you need to become an associate-level actuary. UCM is the only
public university in Missouri — and one of about 60 universities in the United States
— with this distinction.
- Ranked among the 10: Most Affordable Bachelor's in Actuarial Science (Bachelor's Degree Center, 2022)
Unique learning opportunities in statistics
Hands-on learning and professional networking opportunities are some of the biggest
benefits you’ll get as a Statistics major at the University of Central Missouri.
- Mu Sigma Rho: You may be invited to join the Kansas/Western Missouri chapter of the Statistics Honor
Society. You’ll get free membership for a year, and you can build your network with
other professionals and potential employers.
- Internships: Practice what you learn in a real-world setting through an internship. Past students
have interned for Commerce Bank, T-Mobile, and more.
- American Statistical Association events: Accumulate additional knowledge and experience outside the classroom at local American
Statistical Association events. You can sign up for short courses to boost your understanding
and knowledge of current statistical methods, software and more.
- Dedicated computer lab: Practice your skills on professional versions of statistical software in a computer
lab reserved exclusively for students in Actuarial Statistics programs.
What can you do with a degree in Actuarial Science and Statistics from UCM?
Once you complete your Actuary and Statistics major requirements, you’ll be ready
to excel in data analysis and consulting roles with insurance companies, financial
institutions and government agencies.
With this degree in Statistics from UCM, you can enter into jobs for Statistics majors
that focus on:
- Actuarial science
- Cost estimation
- Data analysis
- Data science
- Database administration
- Financial analysis
- Market research
- Risk analysis
- Sports analysis
If you’d rather continue your education right after your undergraduate studies, you’ll
be prepared to enter a graduate degree program to refine your skills and knowledge.
Most companies seeking candidates to fill jobs with a degree in Statistics prefer
graduates with a master’s degree. Grad school is a common path for students who plan
to pursue a career as a professional statistician.
Jobs for Statistics majors
Use the interactive tool below to learn about career pathways for students who have
completed UCM’s Statistics major. You can also learn about potential salaries, growth
projections for jobs with a degree in Statistics and more.
Financial assistance options for your degree in Statistics
The Statistics major from the University of Central Missouri has one of the lowest
tuition rates for degrees of its kind in Missouri. This means you don’t have to spend
your college career worried about how you’re going to pay for it.
In addition to a high-value bachelor’s degree at an affordable price, UCM provides
you with a number of ways to help finance your undergraduate education. Our financial aid counselors can identify scholarships, grants, tuition awards,
employment opportunities and federal financial aid to help you pay for school without
taking on a lot of student debt.
We also offer additional scholarships and awards for students earning certain degrees.
You may be eligible for the following scholarships set aside for undergraduates in
UCM’s Statistics and Actuary program:
- Actuarial Science/Statistics Achievement Award
- Peggy Taylor Palmer Actuarial Science Scholarship
You can learn more about program-specific scholarships with the UCM Scholarship Finder.
Meet Faculty Member Dr. Phoebe McLaughlin
Focused on maximizing your learning
Dr. McLaughlin centers her research on probability and statistics, financial mathematics,
semigroups and taxicab geometry. In addition to her teaching, she works on improving
students’ learning and retention by redesigning the delivery format of UCM’s developmental
and first-year math courses.
Meet Our Faculty
Career Fair for Future Actuaries
Annual networking event
If you choose to pursue jobs for Statistics majors, you may benefit from this annual
event. Meet with representatives from nearly 20 firms seeking graduates with a degree
in Statistics. Companies that attend often include consulting firms, insurance groups
and more.
Learn More
leftright
