<p>@764764
“Stuff like real analysis, abstract algebra and linear algebra are compulsory. You also have to choose from a list that contains complex analysis, topology and PDE among other things.”</p>
<p>Interesting. That is certainly not the way act sci programs are in the US. What you describe sounds more like an actuarial concentration or minor. What country are you from if you don’t mind sharing?</p>
<p>Personally, I wouldn’t mind learning those things; but if you ask any actuary, they will tell you that they have never had to use PDE’s, topology, abstract algebra, or complex analysis on the job or in exam questions, ever. (Although, we did take linear algebra, and it does come in handy on the upper exams.)</p>
<p>Similarly, my math major friends never took financial stochastic processes, life contingencies, or credibility theory. After all, that is why we are two different majors.</p>