Financial Technology

For best results, print using Chrome.

Jump to the major map

Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2018-2019

School of Business

Concentration(s):

Actuarial Science and Financial Engineering

Program description

Develop a comprehensive background in finance, accounting, IT, predictive modeling and statistics with a bachelor’s degree in financial technology. Our program is designed to meet the growing need for quantitative modeling and analysis in finance, risk management and actuarial science.

We’re rated a Level II actuarial program by the Society of Actuaries, which means you’ll graduate well-prepared to take the first three professional exams given by SOA or the Casualty Actuarial Society.

The Bachelor of Science in Financial Technology offers concentrations in actuarial science and financial engineering. The program provides quantitatively oriented students the opportunity to apply mathematical, statistical and programming tools to the financial, risk management and actuarial disciplines. Designed to meet the growing need for quantitative modeling and analysis in finance, risk management and actuarial science, the program is technical and interdisciplinary in nature. The curriculum emphasizes courses in finance, statistics and mathematics with supporting courses in related areas.

Career opportunities

The actuarial science concentration provides excellent preparation for the basic professional examinations and continued study in actuarial science. Students who complete this concentration also may find employment in areas such as quantitative applications in corporate and public financial policy, actuarial modeling and forecasting, reserves computation and rate-making, and computer and information systems in the financial services and risk management industries.

The financial engineering track offers opportunities in areas such as derivative instruments, securities, hedging, financial risk assessment/management, quantitative trading and arbitrage, and asset/liability management. Students who complete the financial engineering track may choose to continue their education by enrolling in master’s programs in financial engineering and mathematical finance, or by entering directly into doctoral-level study in finance and related areas.

Change of major requirements

Students must place into or have completed MATH 200 and must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5.

Bachelor-level job titles

Actuary
Actuary Assistant
Credit Risk Analyst
Equity Analyst
Financial Analyst
Financial Quantitative Analyst
Investment Analyst
Investment Risk Analyst
Junior Derivatives Trader
Risk Management Specialist

Professional associations and resources

Degree requirements in Bulletin

Actuarial Science

Financial Engineering

Plan of study in Bulletin

Actuarial Science

Financial Engineering

Requirements

Highest level of math required

MATH 201 or higher

Science required

Core only

Foreign language requirements

Additional tuition/fees

GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)

2.5 to declare and progress/2.5 to graduate

Contact information

Department name:

Department of Finance, Insurance and Real Estate

Building/room location:

Snead Hall, Room B4163

Phone:

(804) 828-3162

Email:

usib@vcu.edu

https://business.vcu.edu/academics/finance-insurance-and-real-estate/bs-in-financial-technology/

Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):

Monroe Park

Major map

Year 1

Explore

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor each semester to discuss tutoring, course electives, and degree progression.
Be prepared for a challenging series of ACCT, FIRE INFO and MATH classes. Use tutoring at the Campus Learning Center to get ahead.
Earn at least a 2.5 semester GPA each semester to maintain enrollment in the program, and earn 15 credits per semester graduate in 4 years.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond, including its museums, parks, festivals, and cultural events!
Apply to live in the ASPiRE, Globe, INNOVATE, or LEAD Living & Learning Programs.
Get involved with VCU Student Government or one of over 450 clubs and organizations.
Attend two or three School of Business events.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Learn about your study abroad options by visiting a study abroad fair and attending a First Advising Session in the Global Education Office.
Review the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs(OMSA) website for programs, events, and resources.
Join a living-learning program such as VCU Globe.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers/ job titles in your field of study.
Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists to learn about opportunities.
Take Winning Presentations to develop the public speaking and communication skills employers want.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor, to help you identify and schedule pre-professional experiences.
Practice independent living skills such as money and time management, self-care, and personal responsibility.
Using LinkedIn, connect to at least 10 people.

Year 2

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses.
Review course prerequisites in the Bulletin and map out your graduation plan with your advisor.
Make an appointment to meet Mr. Marco and plan if/when you will start taking actuarial exams.
Cultivate relationships with professors who can serve as references by attending their office hours.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Take service-learning classes or volunteer to address a social issue (ConnectVA & HandsOnRVA).
Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for I-LEAD Connect, Alternative Spring Break or become a Resident Assistant, Orientation Leader, or Student Ambassador.
Learn more about VCU’s Student Leadership and Civic Engagement Center.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Attend Diversity Scholars in Research Week.
Investigate spending a summer abroad with the International Consulting Program.
Consider learning a language to open doors to international organizations and future study.
Participate in VCU Arts Qatar Day and apply for the Qatar Leadership Exchange.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Create a draft of your resume and go to drop-ins at Business Career Services to have it reviewed.
Attend Black & Gold Academy, Career & Internship Fairs, and career events throughout the year.
Plan to complete at least 2 internships before the start of your 4th year.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Participate in Explore Informational Interviews and Connect Mentoring Program through Office of Student Engagement.
Review beanactuary.org to learn more about this field of study
Join related professional organizations such as Gamma Iota Sigma.

Year 3

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

See your advisor each semester to discuss degree progression and plans for elective coursework.
ECON 403, FIRE 459 and 479 plus STAT 513 are fall only classes! STAT 403 is only offered every other spring semester.
Maintain at least a 2.5 GPA to remain enrolled in the program and to meet graduation requirements.
Take summer or winter intersession classes to make up credits, if needed.
Conduct independent undergraduate research.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Research social entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility.
Create and complete a community-engaged research project.
Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
Become a tutor in the Campus Learning Center.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Apply for a Fulbright or other post-graduate international fellowship program through VCU’s National Scholarship Office.
Experience VCU’s richness of diversity by attending VCU’s annual Intercultural Festival.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Gain additional professional skills on Lynda.com
Use Handshake to apply to part-time jobs, internships, externships to gain practical and relevant experience.
Check out the LinkedIn VCU alumni page in My Network.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Create a job or graduate school search strategy by researching potential employers and schools.
Complete 2 internships before your graduate.
Join related professional organizations such as the Society of Actuaries, The Casualty Actuarial Society, and the International Association for Quantitative Finance.

Year 4

Excel

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met.
STAT 514 is a spring only class.
Consider taking additional object-oriented programming classes if pursuing a quantitative development role.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Join groups on LinkedIn connected to your future career. Expand your network.
Consider applying for a year-long service opportunity after graduation through programs like VCU AmeriCorps, Literacy Lab, Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Teach for America, and City Year.
Serve in a leadership role of a local community organization or student organization.
Consider jobs in the nonprofit sector, B Corps, or SCRs.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Reflect on your own cultural competency, and be prepared to answer interview questions that outline how you have worked with diverse populations.
Complete at least one internship during your senior year at an employer where you would like to work.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
Have your personal statement or cover letter reviewed, and do a mock interview at Business Career Services.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Actuarial Science students should study for and pass at least 1 actuarial exam prior to graduation.
Complete necessary applications or self-marketing activities for your next steps beyond graduation.
Attend meetings of local actuaries clubs to expand your network.

Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2018-2019