Actuarial Science ,Certificate
Actuary, Analytics, Consulting, Data Science, Probability, Risk, insurance, predictive analytics
Do you want to use your math and analytical skills to make a positive impact? As an actuary, you can help people and organizations plan for the future and protect themselves from financial loss. Actuaries play a key role in high-level business decision-making and solve problems in every industry.
Actuarial science is an area that requires expertise in subjects such as probability and interest theory, coupled with a strong foundation in accounting, finance and economics.
This certificate program helps prepare you to take actuarial exams required by the professional societies to become an actuary.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe
2026-2027 Catalog Year
| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
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| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
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The certificate in actuarial science requires 18 credit hours, of which 15 credit hours must be upper-division. A minimum of six upper-division credit hours must be completed through The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. When selecting courses, the college offering the course can be identified by viewing the course details in Class Search. |
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ACT 201 Introduction to Elements and Techniques of Actuarial Science
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:B
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B | 3 |
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ACT 410 Mathematics of Finance
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:B
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B | 3 |
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ACT 415 Probability for Risk Management
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:B
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B | 3 |
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ACT 440 Single Life Mortality
or
ACT 450 Actuarial Models
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
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C | 3 |
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6 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
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C | 6 |
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Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
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A grade of "B" (3.00 on a 4.00 scale) or better is required in the following courses: ACT 210, 410, 415, 420, ACT 430, ACT 435. |
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A grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or better is required in the following courses: ACT 440, ACT 441, ACT 450, ACT 451. |
Although no specific academic major is required for admission to the actuarial science certificate program, a strong mathematical background is essential (found in majors such as mathematics, statistics, engineering and natural sciences). Students with a major or degree other than those listed require additional preparation beyond the certificate. Students are required to have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") and grades of "B" or higher in multivariate calculus, linear algebra and introductory statistics courses at ASU or an equivalent institution.
A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded before the completion of an undergraduate degree. A student who already holds an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- 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 and statistical theories to demonstrate mastery of analytical decision-making based on both qualitative and quantitative data.
Risk is a part of daily life, and wherever there is risk, there are opportunities for actuarial intervention. Many actuaries calculate premiums at insurance companies, 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 certificate 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
Graduates also can apply the advanced problem-solving skills learned in the actuarial science certificate program to a variety of other professional positions, including:
- analyst
- business operations specialist
- teacher
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, visit the ASU professional licensure webpage.
School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences
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WXLR 216
math@asu.edu
480-965-7195
Program term definitions
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.
