Actuarial Science degrees in the USA

Actuarial science is responsible for the application of mathematical skills to the social sciences to solve problems for insurance, commerce and government, among others. You will be expected to apply mathematical formulas, as well as assessing risks for insurance plans.

An undergraduate degree in actuarial science will provide you with a foundation level of knowledge in the areas of finance and probabilities, before exploring the more complex ideas and concepts. You will study modules on economics, statistics and stochastic processes, as well as many other topics.

Your degree will be delivered mainly through lectures and seminars. You may be required to participate in a placement module, but this is not guaranteed.

Depending on where you choose to study, you may be able to specialise towards the end of your degree. This specialisation can influence your career choices once you have graduated. Common specialisations include:

• Actuarial Mathematics
• Probability, Distribution Theory and Inference
• Survival Models
• Social Psychology
• Abstract Mathematics
• Accounting, Financial Institutions and Financial Management

If your degree requires you to write a dissertation, this will give you the opportunity to further research a favoured area of actuarial science.

The accreditation of your degree will depend on where you choose to study. Different countries can have their own accreditation systems. Generally, you can expect to be awarded a Bachelor of Science (BSc).

It is possible that your degree will be accredited by a professional body of actuarial science, depending on where you study. For example, in the UK, some degree courses are accredited by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.

Typically, an undergraduate degree in actuarial science will take three to four years. Foundation degrees, diplomas and certificates can last up to two years when studied full-time.

Once you have successfully completed your degree, you can choose to either seek employment in your chosen area, or further your studies. Continuation of your studies could be in the form of a postgraduate degree, such as a masters or PhD, or a graduate diploma or certificate.

The most common destination of graduates is to work as an actuary. The work of an actuary is very specialized, and can only be done by certified actuaries, meaning you will have to gain extra accreditation before entering the workplace.

An undergraduate degree in actuarial science will provide you with a foundation level of knowledge in the areas of finance and probabilities, before exploring the more complex ideas and concepts. You will study modules on economics, statistics and stochastic processes, as well as many other topics.

Your degree will be delivered mainly through lectures and seminars. You may be required to participate in a placement module, but this is not guaranteed.