Actuarial Science

Roanoke College offers a unique two-year certificate program that teaches students software skills attractive to top companies around the world. It's called the Data and Econometric Analysis Joint Certificate Program with SAS, which stands for Statistical Analysis Software. The program teaches students to use SAS software, which is employed by major businesses and government institutions, including 93 of the top 100 listed on the 2014 Fortune Global 500, according to SAS. It provides the kind of real-world learning that students need to compete for top jobs. SAS is a key word on resumes and is likely to draw immediate attention from employers. Jay Laramore'10, an analytical training consultant at SAS, helped Roanoke economics professor Allie Kassens implement the certificate program. "I think Roanoke could be a model on how to do it," said Laramore, explaining that SAS instruction typically is offered in graduate-level programs.   

Roanoke professor Dr. Alice Kassens was appointed by Governor Terry McAuliffe to his Joint Advisory Board of Economists (JABE). The function of JABE is to advise the governor and the Department of Taxation on the state of the Commonwealth's economy and the nation as a whole. This information is used to project state tax revenues before setting the state budget. "Being an economist who is passionate for data analysis and the state of our local economy, this position is exciting," Kassens said. "I get to showcase the analysis that I do for Roanoke College pertaining to consumer sentiment, inflation expectations and the real estate market in Virginia."