Actuarial Science, BS
At a Glance: program details
- Location: Tempe campus
- Additional Program Fee: No
- Second Language Requirement: No
-
Math Intensity:
Substantial
- Initial Math Course: MAT 270 - Calculus w/Analytic Geometry I
Required Courses (Major Map)
Program Description
Actuarial science students learn to use tools from mathematics, statistics and finance to measure the impact of risk in order to improve forecasting and decision-making.
The BS degree program in actuarial science provides students with the preparation necessary for the required professional actuarial credentialing exams offered by the Society of Actuaries and the Casualty Actuarial Society.
In addition to 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.
Admission Requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
Freshman Transfer International Readmission
Transfer Options
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use the Transfer Map search 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 help students save time and money in their college journey. Students may learn more about these programs by visiting the admission site: https://admission.asu.edu/transfer/pathway-programs.
Change of Major Requirements
Current ASU students wishing 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 refer to https://changingmajors.asu.edu for information about how to change a major to this program.
Flexible Degree Options
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:
Actuarial Science
Website | Locations: TEMPE
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.
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Career Outlook
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 to ensure 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 possess skills that are transferable to any industry and any organization that requires risk modeling and management, including:
- colleges and universities
- consulting firms
- energy, such as utilities, oil and gas
- environment (on issues such as climate change and the financial impact or risk of extreme events)
- financial services, such as banking and investment management
- government agencies such as Social Security, the Department of Labor and Medicare (to manage social programs and to develop regulations and legislation)
- insurance companies
- retirement and pensions
- transportation, such as shipping and air travel
They can also apply the advanced problem-solving skills learned in the actuarial science undergraduate program to a variety of other professional careers, including:
- analysts
- business operations specialists
- consultants
- teachers
Example Careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
Actuaries
- Growth: 23.2%
- Median Salary*: 113990
Business Intelligence Analysts
- Growth: 35.2%
- Median Salary*: 103500
Compliance Managers
- Growth: 3.3%
- Median Salary*: 128620
Economists
- Growth: 6.3%
- Median Salary*: 113940
Financial and Investment Analysts
- Growth: 7.6%
- Median Salary*: 95080
Claims Adjusters, Examiners and Investigators
- Growth: -3.1%
- Median Salary*: 72230
Insurance Underwriters
- Growth: -2.4%
- Median Salary*: 76230
Investment Fund Managers
- Growth: 16%
- Median Salary*: 139790
Loan Officers
- Growth: 2.9%
- Median Salary*: 65740
Statisticians
- Growth: 31.6%
- Median Salary*: 98920
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
Professional Licensure
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.
Global Opportunities
Global Experience
Study abroad students are able to enhance their resumes with the heightened cultural competency and leadership and critical thinking skills they acquire through the valuable experience.
Each of the more than 300 Global Education program options, whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, provide an opportunity for students to develop a valuable skill set that can give them an advantage in their career and 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 increase their ability to work with diverse groups of people.
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
- math@asu.edu
- 480/965-7195