Can someone study on their own like the CFA exam? How fast can someone pass those 7 exams? They are given twice a year? Is this a good program? http://www.ce.columbia.edu/masters/?PID=7
Yes, you can study on your own but this is not recommended. Being an actuary is different from being a CFA in that I consider CFA designation to be an add-on designation, whereas being an actuary is like being a doctor. You have to devote your life to being an actuary. Its a career choice and not a designation. CFA is not a career but a designation. I am not familiar with the Columbia program.