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Actuarial Science, Certificate

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Program and Enrollment Requirements Career Outlook Contact Information
  1. Degree Programs
  2. Minors and Certificates
  3. Actuarial Science, Certificate (Certificate)

At a Glance: program details

  • Location:
    Tempe campus
  • Additional Program Fee: No
  • Second Language Requirement: No
Do you want to use your math and analytical skills to make a positive impact? You can help people and organizations plan for the future and protect themselves from loss. Actuaries participate in high-level business decision-making and solve problems in every industry.

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

The certificate requires a minimum of 18 credit hours, of which at least 12 credit hours must be upper division. Specific minimum course grades are required for each course, see notes below.
Required Courses -- 12 credit hours
ACT 201: Introduction to Elements and Techniques of Actuarial Science (3)
ACT 410: Mathematics of Finance (3)
ACT 415: Probability for Risk Management (3)
ACT 440: Single Life Mortality or ACT 450: Actuarial Models (3)
A grade of "B" (3.00 on a 4.00 scale) or better is required for ACT 201, ACT 410 and ACT 415. A grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or better is required for ACT 440 or ACT 450.
Electives (choose two courses) -- 6 credit hours
ACT 420: Ratemaking and Reserving (3)
ACT 430: Mathematics of Financial Derivatives (3)
ACT 435: Statistics for Risk Modeling (3)
ACT 440: Single Life Mortality (3)
ACT 441: Long-Term Actuarial Mathematics (3)
ACT 450: Actuarial Models (3)
ACT 451: Short-Term Actuarial Mathematics (3)
A grade of "B" (3.00 on a 4.00 scale) or better is required in the following courses: ACT 420, ACT 430, ACT 435.
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.
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.

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
  Bright Outlook

Actuaries

  • Growth: 23.2%
  • Median Salary*: 113990
  Bright Outlook

Budget Analysts

  • Growth: 3.3%
  • Median Salary*: 82260

Business Intelligence Analysts

  • Growth: 35.2%
  • Median Salary*: 103500
  Bright Outlook

Compliance Managers

  • Growth: 3.3%
  • Median Salary*: 128620

Cost Estimators

  • Growth: -2.8%
  • Median Salary*: 71200

Economists

  • Growth: 6.3%
  • Median Salary*: 113940
  Bright Outlook

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
  Bright Outlook

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook | Green Occupation Green Occupation



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


Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor’s degree in 2.5 or 3 years.

Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master’s degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.

Accelerated bachelor’s degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
To add a minor, please consult with the academic advisor for your major.
To add a certificate, please consult with the academic advisor for your major.
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
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