Columbia University to Launch Two Graduate Programs in Fall 2006; Programs in Actuarial Science and Information and Archive Management Join Four Applied Master's Programs at School of Continuing Education.

NEW YORK -- In fall 2006, Columbia University's School of Continuing Education will launch a Master of Science in Actuarial Science and a Master of Science in Information and Archive Management. Like the school's four current graduate programs, these applied master's programs train students in the practical, real-world demands of solving today's business challenges.

The Actuarial Science program prepares entry-level actuaries and postgraduates with strong academic records in mathematics, statistics, and economics for advancement in actuarial science, the study of evaluating and predicting economic risk. The Information and Archive Management program is designed to teach the systematic and technical skills necessary to gather, organize, and maintain information in business, government, and nonprofit organizations.

"The mission of Columbia's School of Continuing Education is to mount innovative programs that meet Columbia's standard of excellence and take the best advantage of its resources," said Dean Frank Wolf. "In the case of these two programs, the Actuarial Science program is a joint venture with the Department of Statistics, and the Information and Archive Management program was developed in close collaboration with staff of the University Library system, along with outside experts."

Columbia's M.S. in Actuarial Science is a rigorous program of study focused on the core knowledge required of all actuaries and tested in the first four examinations of the Society of Actuaries (SOA) and the Casualty Actuary Society (CAS). The core curriculum of the Actuarial Science program includes courses in economics and finance, statistical methods, and actuarial science. SOA and CAS offer Validation by Educational Experience (VEE) credit for courses in economics, corporate finance, and applied statistical methods. Advanced students may take electives in mathematical finance, risk management, and advanced statistical methods. Individualized programs of study may be developed to accommodate those students who have completed some of the required coursework prior to entering the program as well as those students who wish to do additional coursework in risk management, data analysis, and mathematical finance. Students enroll full-time or part-time; full-time students complete the program in three semesters.

The curriculum of the Information and Archive Management program includes core courses in topics ranging from information technology and archive management to government information resources and legal issues for information professionals. Elective courses include database design, managing non-print materials and oral history archives. To advance the core mission of any organization, information professionals must have an increasingly complex understanding of the information over which they preside. They must be able to create and manage an information archive, analyze a data set and the needs of its users, and evaluate database design. This program enrolls students on a part-time basis.

These programs are designed for working professionals in these fields who want to enhance their knowledge and skills. They are also appropriate for recent college graduates or individuals changing careers. These two degrees join the School of Continuing Education's four current Master of Science programs in Strategic Communications, Technology Management, Fundraising Management, and Landscape Design.

To attend an information session or for more information, go to www.ce.columbia.edu, call 212 854-9699 or email [e-mail].