Master of Actuarial and Quantitative Risk Management (MAQRM)

The Master of Actuarial and Quantitative Risk Management (MAQRM) program at The Ohio State University invites you to learn more about the program and career paths at our online Zoom information session on Wednesday, November 20th from 2:00-3:00PM EST. We would greatly appreciate if you could share this information with your colleagues and students. 

In this online information session, you will learn about: 

• The MAQRM program's curriculum and course structure.
• Learn how our program can prepare you for a career as an actuary, in addition to other roles in finance and data science.
• Hear from esteemed faculty leaders in the field of actuarial science who bring their industry experience and academic knowledge to guide students throughout the program.
• Learn about our program's partnership with Nationwide.
• Engage in an interactive online session where you can ask questions and receive guidance from program representatives.

 RSVP

You will hear from: 

•  John Holmes, Director of Actuarial Science MAQRM 
• Alex Hookway, Sr AVP Nationwide
• Martin Molloy, Professional Actuary in Residence
• Kenneth Ng, Assistant Professor
• Linfeng Zhang, Assistant Professor
   

Program Description

The Master of Actuarial and Quantitative Risk Management (MAQRM) is our newest graduate degree program inaugurated in 2016. It is based on a tremendously successful undergraduate degree program in actuarial science that our department has been offering for over 35 years.  

MAQRM provides a curriculum that combines training in modern mathematical finance and actuarial risk management - two areas that have become increasingly intertwined, creating a demand for graduates that have acquired expertise in both. The curriculum includes newly developed courses in risk management and financial stochastic calculus. In addition, students will be exposed to courses in actuarial science, financial economics, statistics, and numerical analysis.

The program utilizes well-established connections to the statewide insurance industry and other businesses involved in risk management in order to create practical experiences and provide additional mentoring during the two years of study in the program. These connections will also be instrumental in job placements of graduates. Past students in the program have found employment with industry leaders like Westfield Insurance, Motorists Insurance Group, Encova Insurance, Humana, and DHL. 

Funding:

Our department does not provide funding for MAQRM students. Students accepted to the program will need to provide or obtain their own financial support. For costs, please refer to the university's graduate Tuition and Fee Tables.  For housing information and costs, see our Graduate Student Living Guide. 

Funding options for domestic students.  U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply for government-sponsored loans. Applicants should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 1 each year to be considered for federal loan programs, which typically have low, fixed interest rates and good repayment options. Private loans are also an option for students. Financial aid inquiries can be directed to OSU's Office of Student Financial Aid.   Student employment opportunities are listed on the Student Job Board and Handshake. 

Funding options for international students.  Most international students may work up to 20 hours per week on campus. Learn more about employment for international students.  The Ohio State Office of International Affairs provides some scholarships and grants for eligible graduate students.  They also have information about external funding.

MAQRM Admissions Criteria

Requirements for the MAQRM program are:

• 4-year BS or BA degree, which should include courses taken in advanced calculus, calculus-based probability, statistics, and elementary economics
• Working knowledge of a computer programming language is recommended
• Background in Interest Theory (coursework or exams) is preferred
• GPA of 3.0 or higher for the last undergraduate (or graduate) degree earned*
• Students from non-English speaking countries need to have excellent English skills. TOEFL or IELTS scores must be submitted (not required for domestic students).**
• GRE Scores will generally not be considered. If you have already taken the test, please do not self-report the scores to us. In exceptional circumstances students may have the option to report unofficially.
• List of Math Coursework created using the web application at: https://grad.math.osu.edu/open/booklist/enter_books.php (generate and download a course list PDF from this site, and then upload it to your admission application)
• Three reference letters from writers qualified to judge the applicant's academic and professional abilities
• CV and Statement of Purpose describing your background and professional goals
• Background in actuarial science is ideal; however, we consider students with undergraduate majors in math, statistics, engineering, computer science, economics, business finance, or other related fields

We will start reviewing applications on a rolling basis on February 1.  Final deadline to apply for the Autumn MAQRM cohort is April 1st.

* on a 4.0 scale, otherwise 75th percentile or better

**TOEFL scores are waived for applicants who complete a Bachelor's or Master's degree from a U.S.-based college prior to matriculation

MAQRM Recommended Prerequisites:

Incoming MAQRM students are expected to have completed courses equivalent to the following at OSU:

• Multivariable Calculus on par with MATH 2153 Calculus III
• Calculus-Based Probability on par with MATH 4530 Probability or STAT 4201 Intro to Mathematical Statistics I 
• Interest Theory on par with MATH 3618 Theory of Interest 
• Micro & Macroeconomics on par with ECON 2001.01 or .03H Principles of Microeconomics and ECON 2002.02 or .03H Principles of Macroeconomics 
• Intro to Computer Programming of one of the following CSE 1222 Intro to Computer Programming in C++, CSE 1223 Intro to Computer Programming in Java, or CSE 1224 Intro to Computer Programming in Python

Sample Program

Exact degree requirements can be found under the MAQRM Current Students section of the website. An example of the typical courses a student in this program would take is included here.