MAS ADMISSION FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why should I consider joining the MAS Program?

Georgia State University has established a long tradition of excellence in actuarial program. Over the past 50 years, GSU has one of the largest networks of actuarial employers and alumni. With its world-class faculty and new courses on financial risk modeling courses, the MAS program is uniquely positioned to prepare you for a very rewarding actuarial career.

Am I qualified to get admission to the MAS Program?

The MAS program seeks to admit 20-30 students per year coming from diverse backgrounds in mathematics, statistics, computer science, economics, finance, and engineering. Successful applicants have strong background in mathematics and statistics and should be keen on building models and solving financial valuation problems.

What are the minimum requirements for the GMAT, GRE and GPA scores?

GMAT:	Minimum Total: 550; Minimum Verbal: 35%
GRE:	Minimum Total: 1200; Minimum Verbal: 45%
GPA:	Minimum of 3.0

We accept either GMAT or GRE entrance examinations scores. All international students must also submit TOEFL scores.

Do I have to submit test scores even if I have been working a number of years?

Yes. The Robinson College requires entrance examination scores from all applicants. Please contact your admissions coordinator in the Office of Graduate Admissions and Student Services if you have specific questions related to your GMAT or GRE test scores.

Can I complete the MAS program on a part-time basis?

The majority of MAS students complete the program on a full-time basis. However, most required MAS courses are offered after 3:00 p.m. or even after 4:30 p.m. Therefore, it is possible to complete the program without sacrificing significant amounts of time away from the office. Thus, although most MAS students are full-time, it is quite feasible to maintain your career and complete the program on a part-time basis.

I have already been admitted to another degree program at the Robinson College but would now like to complete the MAS program. Can I just start taking courses?

All specialized masters programs at the Robinson College have separate admission requirements. Therefore you must apply and be accepted into the MAS program even if you were previously admitted to another program on campus.

I am not an MAS student. Can I take MAS classes?

Any student who has the necessary prerequisite courses can take MAS courses as electives without being officially admitted to the program.

How much math and statistics will I need?

The MAS program is a quantitatively rigorous program. All students should have three semesters of undergraduate calculus before starting the program. In addition, we require two semesters of calculus-based course work in probability and statistics. Applicants lacking these requirements can still apply for admission but they may be asked to acquire this course work prior to enrolling in the program.

What if I do not have the necessary prerequisite courses?

The MAS program requires students to have foundational course work in mathematics, statistics, economics, accounting and finance before officially enrolling in the program. Students can gain admission to the MAS program even if they lack some of the required foundational prerequisites. However, these students may be required to come to Atlanta during either the spring or summer semester prior to their admittance in the fall to take this additional course work. The MAS faculty adviser makes recommendations about the appropriate semester for students to enter the program during the admissions process.

How much programming experience should I have?

Prior programming experience is not a requirement for admission but it is viewed positively by the admissions committee. Upon graduation, students will have developed strong programming skills in various languages including Excel VBA and SAS.

What is the cost of the MAS program?

The total estimated cost to complete the three semester MAS program for students entering in Fall 2007 is as follows:

Item	In-State Students	Out-of-State Students
Tuition	$7,674	$30,681
Student-Fees	$1,389	$1,389
Books (approximately)	$2,000	$2,000
Total	$11,063	$34,070

When does the MAS program begin and how long does it take to graduate?

The MAS program is a lockstep program that begins each fall semester and is designed to be completed in three semesters. Classes start in August of each year and students will graduate sixteen months later in December of the following year. A sample program of study is online here.

How do I apply for admission to the MAS program?

The application process is done completely online using the resources of the Office of Graduate Admissions and Student Services.

Is work experience necessary to be accepted into the program?

Work experience is not required but is viewed positively by the admissions committee. Successful applicants without prior work experience typically have undergraduate degrees from prestigious universities and/or have excellent entrance examination scores. All successful applicants demonstrate a strong interest and aptitude for the use of quantitative methods for the management of risk.

I have questions about the MAS program. Who should I contact?

The MAS faculty advisor can answer questions about the goals and objectives of the program, course selection, career counseling, etc. Prospective students with questions about the application process or wanting to check the status of their application should contact their admissions coordinator at the Office of Graduate Admissions and Student Services.

Is financial aid available?

As a program of national and international stature, the Risk Management and Insurance Department seeks the best and brightest students from around the world. To ensure success attracting the quality of students we seek, the department offers a number of scholarships that are available to both domestic and international students. Specific detail regarding the various RMI scholarship programs is online here. The total value of scholarships given to students across all RMI undergraduate and graduate programs for the 2006-2007 academic year $480,000 (this figure does not include financial support for students in the Ph.D).

I would like to apply for a scholarship – what should I do?

The financial awards program for the Risk Management and Insurance Department is run independent of both the admissions process and of other scholarship opportunities available from the Robinson College or Georgia State University. The RMI Scholarship Application Form is online here. Please read the instructions carefully so you do not miss an opportunity for scholarship funds. Prospective students are encouraged to seek other scholarship opportunities available from the Georgia State University.