Actuarial Science ,BS
Actuary, Analytics, Consulting, Data Science, Risk Management, approved for STEM-OPT extension, insurance, math, predictive analytics
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.
Students in the BS degree program in actuarial science combine tools from mathematics, statistics and finance to measure the impact of risk, resulting in improved forecasting and decision-making.
The degree's core classes prepare students 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 students.
In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, students interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to visit The College's website for more information and requirements.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months. This OPT work authorization term may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing the degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe
- Second language requirement: No
- First required math course: MAT 270 - Calculus w/Analytic Geometry I
-
Math intensity:
Substantial
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
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 "B" grade or better in all critical classes they have already completed.
Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:
- 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.
Study abroad students are able to enhance their resumes with the heightened cultural competency, 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.
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 intervention. Many actuaries work with insurance companies to calculate premiums, determine reserves needed to ensure 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 Bachelor of Science in actuarial science possess 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
Example job titles and salaries listed below 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.
| Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
|---|---|---|
|
23.2%
|
$113,990
|
|
|
35.2%
|
$103,500
|
|
|
3.3%
|
$128,620
|
|
|
6.3%
|
$113,940
|
|
|
7.6%
|
$95,080
|
|
|
-3.1%
|
$72,230
|
|
|
-2.4%
|
$76,230
|
|
|
16.0%
|
$139,790
|
|
|
2.9%
|
$65,740
|
|
|
31.6%
|
$98,920
|
ASU programs that may lead to professional licensure or certification are intended to prepare students for potential licensure or certification in Arizona. Completion of an ASU program may not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in another state. For more information, students should visit the ASU professional licensure webpage.
School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences
|
WXLR 216
math@asu.edu
480-965-7195
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
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. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.
