Actuarial Science, BS
Learn to examine risk through the lens of mathematics, and enjoy a career that enables you to devise creative solutions that minimize risk and maximize reward.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation and professional licensure
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
In the Bachelor of Science program in actuarial science, you combine tools from mathematics, statistics and finance for risk analysis and management, resulting in improved forecasting and decision-making.
The program's core classes prepare you for the required professional actuarial credentialing exams offered by the Society of Actuaries and the Casualty Actuarial Society. The school also offers reimbursements upon completion for the cost of taking these exams. The actuarial science program has a strong partnership with the local insurance industry, leading to many internship and scholarship opportunities for you.
In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, if you are interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, you can visit The College's website for more information and requirements.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| CIS 105 Computer Applications and Information Technology |
| MAT 270 Calculus with Analytic Geometry I |
| MAT 271 Calculus with Analytic Geometry II |
| MAT 272 Calculus with Analytic Geometry III |
| MAT 300 Mathematical Structures |
| MAT 343 Applied Linear Algebra |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Identify the proper mathematical and statistical theories that may be applied to analyze actuarial data and draw analytical conclusions in a professional environment.
- Use mathematical theories to demonstrate mastery of analytical decision making based on both qualitative and quantitative data.
- Use statistical theories to demonstrate mastery of analytical decision making based on both qualitative and quantitative data.
Identify the proper mathematical and statistical theories that may be applied to analyze actuarial data and draw analytical conclusions in a professional environment.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
Current ASU students who wish to change their major to actuarial science should have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A"), have completed at least MAT 265 Calculus for Engineers I or MAT 270 Calculus with Analytic Geometry I and CIS 105 Computer Applications and Information Technology (or CSE 100 or CSE 110), and have earned a grade of "B" or higher in all critical classes they have already completed.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Study abroad students are able to enhance their resumes with the heightened cultural competence, and leadership and critical thinking skills they acquire through this valuable experience.
Each of the more than 300 Global Education program options, whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, provides an opportunity for students to develop a valuable skill set that can give them an advantage in their career as well as personal enrichment. Global Education programs encourage students to build communication skills, challenge them to adapt and persevere, expose them to differences around the world, and enhance their ability to work with diverse groups of people.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Actuary (Financial Risk Analyst) | 9.2% | $130,000 | Learn more |
| Business Intelligence Analyst | 34.6% | $120,230 | Learn more |
| Compliance Manager | 4.9% | $141,900 | Learn more |
| Economist | 4.7% | $124,720 | Learn more |
| Financial Analyst | 7.2% | $102,740 | Learn more |
| Insurance Claims Investigator | -5.5% | $78,000 | Learn more |
| Insurance Underwriter | -3.8% | $81,370 | Learn more |
| Investment Fund Manager | 9.7% | $166,570 | Learn more |
| Loan Officer | 1.1% | $76,690 | Learn more |
| Statistician | 11.0% | $105,650 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Actuary is consistently ranked as one of the best jobs in America. It offers a high income in a low-stress environment, with excellent job security, growth opportunities and work-life balance.
Risk is a part of daily life, and wherever there is risk, there are opportunities for actuarial approaches. Many actuaries work with insurance companies to calculate premiums, determine reserves needed to protect an organization's financial health, and ensure that organizations conform to stringent, complex legal mandates. Others help companies to establish retirement plans or are employed as consultants.
Graduates with a BS in actuarial science have skills that are transferable to any industry and any organization that requires risk modeling and management, including:
- colleges and universities
- consulting firms
- energy and environmental companies
- financial services
- government agencies
- insurance companies
- retirement and pension companies
- transportation companies
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences
|
WXLR 216
math@asu.edu
480-965-7195
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
