Arizona State University (Tempe campus)
Arizona State University (Tempe campus)

Arizona State University (Tempe campus)

1151 S Forest Ave, Tempe, AZ, United States Arizona, Tempe, USA Visit web page

Actuarial Science, BS

Study detals

: Bachelor's degree : Actuarial Science, BS LAACTBS : Full time : 48 Month

Requirements

Academic requirements

First-year students must:

  • Have a 3.00 grade point average (GPA) (a "B" or better where "A"=4.00) from a secondary school. Some ASU programs may have higher admission or
  • English proficiency requirements and may consider a minimum ACT or SAT score.
  • Must have three years of high school coursework. (If you are currently in high school, ASU needs to see 9–11 grade coursework. If you have completed high school, ASU needs to see 10–12 grade coursework.)
  • Must have and present a completed high school diploma or certificate.

Conditional admission

ASU may offer conditional undergraduate admission to international applicants to an on-campus program who meet the academic (aptitude) requirements but who are not proficient in English. This offer of conditional admission will give you time to improve your English proficiency before you start classes at ASU. Your conditional admission offer is good for up to three semesters, during which time you must meet one of these requirements to begin your ASU experience.

Competency requirements

International students who completed high school outside the U.S. are required to meet the following competency requirements:

  • Math: four years (algebra I, geometry, algebra II and one course requiring algebra II as a prerequisite).
  • Laboratory science: three years total (one year each from any of the following areas are accepted: biology, chemistry, earth science, integrated sciences and physics).

Provide evidence of English language proficiency (TOEFL 61)

Speciality

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visa

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.

Additional information

Program description

Students in the BS degree program in actuarial science combine tools from mathematics, statistics and finance to measure the impact of risk, resulting in improved forecasting and decision-making.

The degree's core classes prepare students for the required professional actuarial credentialing exams offered by the Society of Actuaries and the Casualty Actuarial Society. The school also offers reimbursements upon completion for the cost of taking these exams. The actuarial science program has a strong partnership with the local insurance industry, leading to many internship and scholarship opportunities for students.

Concurrent program options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

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 plus master's degree with:

  • Actuarial Science, MS

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. 

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 this valuable experience.

Each of the more than 300 Global Education program options, whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, provides an opportunity for students to develop a valuable skill set that can give them an advantage in their career as well as 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 enhance their ability to work with diverse groups of people.

Career opportunities

Actuary is consistently ranked as one of the best jobs in America. It offers a high income in a low-stress environment, with excellent job security, growth opportunities and work-life balance.

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 ensure that organizations conform to stringent, complex legal mandates. Others help companies to establish retirement plans or are employed as consultants.

Graduates with a Bachelor of Science 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

 

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