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Actuarial Science ,Certificate

Actuarial Science, Certificate

Academic programs / Undergraduate minors and certificates / Actuarial Science

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? 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.
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 program provides students with preparation for professional actuarial credentialing exams offered by the Society of Actuaries and the Casualty Actuarial Society.

At a glance ▲

Curriculum ▲
View curriculum archives
Requirement Minimum Grade Credit Hours
Required Courses
ACT 201: Introduction to Elements and Techniques of Actuarial Science
3 Credit Hours
Minimum Grade:B
 B 3
ACT 410: Mathematics of Finance
3 Credit Hours
Minimum Grade:B
 B 3
ACT 415: Probability for Risk Management
3 Credit Hours
Minimum Grade:B
 B 3
ACT 440: Single Life Mortality
OR ACT 450: Actuarial Models
3 Credit Hours
Minimum Grade:C
 C 3
Elective Courses
6 Credit Hours
Minimum Grade:C
 C 6
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.
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 below.
Notes
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 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▲

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program 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 opportunities▲

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
Contact information▲
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

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. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.
What are concurrent programs?
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.
What are joint programs?
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.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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