Predictive Analytics and Risk Management: Financial and Insurance Analytics, MS

Overview

for the Master of Science in Predictive Analytics and Risk Management, Financial and Insurance Analytics concentration


This degree program is designed to meet the growing demand for professionals with expertise in advanced analytical techniques for risk management across industries such as insurance, consulting, investment, pensions, healthcare, banking, and financial services. The program integrates training in modern statistical methods with principles of actuarial science and financial risk management. It is intended for students with a strong quantitative background who seek careers in predictive analytics for insurance and other financial sectors.

The curriculum provides a multidisciplinary and integrated learning experience. Core requirements include courses from an actuarial science perspective, along with a case study course and an internship course. Students receive training in statistical machine learning, big data techniques, and Bayesian statistical methods. In addition, electives from three related disciplines allow students to tailor the program to their individual educational goals.

The 32-credit-hour program can be completed in one academic year with appropriate course scheduling. Each concentration requires 20 credit hours of coursework organized around three broad areas of expertise, with at least 12 hours completed at the 500 level.


Graduate Degree Programs in Mathematics

Degree Requirements

for the Master of Science in Predictive Analytics and Risk Management, Financial and Insurance Analytics concentration


Courses will be scheduled so that students may complete the 32-hour program in one academic year. Each concentration requires 12 hours of common core courses, organized around three broad areas of expertise, including a case study course. Each concentration also requires 12 hours of related area coursework specific to the concentration, plus an additional 8 hours of electives from a prescribed list included in this proposal. At least 12 hours must be taken at the 500 level.

Major Requirements12
Investments and Financial Markets
Predictive Analytics
Risk Analytics and Decision Making
Graduate Internship (or ASRM 490)
Foundations in Risk Management
Financial and Insurance Analytics Concentration Requirements12
Generalized Linear Models
Applied Bayesian Analysis
Data Science Programming Methods
Big Data Analytics
Financial and Insurance Analytics Concentration Electives8
Choose two of the following:
(FIN elective credits are capped at 8 credits per student)
Actuarial Statistics II
Stochastic Processes for Finance and Insurance
Statistics for Risk Modeling I
Statistics for Risk Modeling II
Loss Models
Casualty Actuarial Mathematics
Life Contingencies I
Actuarial Research
Topics in Actuarial Science
Financial Mathematics
Risk Management Practices and Regulation
Advanced Predictive Analytics
Loss Data Analytics & Credibility
Risk Modeling and Analysis
Extreme Value Theory and Catastrophe Modeling
Life Insurance and Pension Mathematics
Advanced Topics in Actuarial Science and Risk Analytics
Property-Liability Insurance
Investments
Financial Derivatives
Advanced Financial Derivatives
Valuation of Complex Derivative Securities
Fixed Income Portfolios
Behavioral Finance
Financial Risk Management
Enterprise Risk Management
Big Data Analytics in Finance for Predictive and Causal Analysis
International Finance
Statistical Data Management
Data Science Programming Methods (If not taken as concentration requirement)
Big Data Analytics (If not taken as concentration requirement)
Topics in Computational Statistics
Statistical Learning
Advanced Time Series Analysis
Individual Study and Research
Total Hours32
Other requirements (may overlap)
A concentration is required
Minimum 500-level hours required overall12
Minimum GPA3.0

Learning Outcomes

for the Master of Science in Predictive Analytics and Risk Management, Financial and Insurance Analytics concentration


Students graduating from the Financial and Insurance Analytics concentration of the Predictive Analytics and Risk Management program will be able to:

  1. Apply statistical learning techniques to analyze big data related to financial and insurance industries.
  2. Demonstrate proficiency in programming and software used to conduct statistical analysis and visualizations.
  3. Communicate effectively technical findings to a wide range of audience.
  4. Participate efficiently in case studies and internships that require team collaboration.

Contact Information

for the Master of Science in Predictive Analytics and Risk Management, Financial and Insurance Analytics concentration


Actuarial Science and Risk Management

Department Chair: Feng Liang
Unit website
Program Office: 264 Computing Application Bldg., MC-382, 605 E Springfield Ave, Champaign, IL 61820
Phone: (217) 300-5630
Email: PARM@illinois.edu

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences website

Admissions

Graduate College Admissions & Requirements
Overview of Program Admissions & Requirements