Actuarial Science (Certificate)
Program Description
Actuarial science is an area of mathematical and statistical science that requires expertise in specializations of probability and interest theory, coupled with a strong foundation in accounting, finance and economics.
This certificate provides students with preparation for professional actuarial credentialing exams offered by the Society of Actuaries and the Casualty Actuarial Society.
Program Requirements
Enrollment Requirements
Although no specific degree 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 better in courses of multivariate calculus, linear algebra and introductory statistics 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 prior to the award of an undergraduate degree. A student already holding an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.
Learning 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 and statistical theories to demonstrate mastery of analytical decision making based on both qualitative and quantitative data.
Career Outlook
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 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
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
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.
Accountants and Auditors
- Growth: 4.4%
- Median Salary*: 78000
Actuaries
- Growth: 23.2%
- Median Salary*: 113990
Budget Analysts
- Growth: 3.3%
- Median Salary*: 82260
Business Intelligence Analysts
- Growth: 35.2%
- Median Salary*: 103500
Compliance Managers
- Growth: 3.3%
- Median Salary*: 128620
Cost Estimators
- Growth: -2.8%
- Median Salary*: 71200
Economists
- Growth: 6.3%
- Median Salary*: 113940
Claims Adjusters, Examiners and Investigators
- Growth: -3.1%
- Median Salary*: 72230
Insurance Underwriters
- Growth: -2.4%
- Median Salary*: 76230
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).
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