Careers in actuarial science are in high demand and Ball State is one of the only schools in the country that offers both a bachelor's degree and master's in Actuarial Science.
- U.S. News ranks a career as an actuary #7 in Best Business jobs and #11 in Best STEM jobs
- Median salary of $111,030
- Employment rate of 98.6%
What is Actuarial Science
Actuarial science is measuring and managing risk. Actuaries use skills in statistics and mathematics to measure, evaluate, and plan for the future. Actuaries specialize in math knowledge and have strong computer and analytical skills. Actuaries are also great communicators, and need to be able to share their results with professionals working in government, healthcare, environmental, and construction industries.
If you are interested in analyzing and solving problems that affect the financial security of businesses and individuals, a major in actuarial science might be right for you.
One of the few centers of its kind, our Center for Actuarial Science, Insurance, and Risk Management connects our students and helps them gain hands-on experience by working directly with real-world businesses. While students learn, our business partners are able to benefit from our students' research and talents. Learn more.
What You Will Learn
In this program, you will learn the mathematical and statistical skills used in the actuarial profession, along with the necessary computer skills you’ll need to carry out actuarial tasks in a variety of professional fields. You’ll also learn about the actuarial profession and what skills and services actuaries provide to their clients and employers.
Did you know?
Careers in Actuarial Science are in high demand. A Degree in Actuarial Science can lead to a career with a median salary of $111,030.
Learn more.
A degree in actuarial science prepares you to:
- Solve Problems
- Analyze Data
- Manage Projects
- Communicate Effectively
Our bachelor’s program at Ball State provides a strong foundation in mathematics and business, preparing you for professional actuarial exams and for next steps in your career.
As one of our students, you’ll get to connect with companies that offer summer internships and employ actuaries.
What It’s Like to Major in Actuarial Science at Ball State
Ball State is one of few universities in the country that offers both a full bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in actuarial science. Our program includes courses that prepare you for the preliminary professional actuarial exams.
We are proud of our actuarial faculty members. Most of them are credentialed actuaries, and some have years of practical business world experience. They have participated on actuarial exam committees and will ensure that you are fully prepared to sit for professional exams given by the Society of Actuaries and the Casualty Actuary Society.
In the mathematical sciences, all of the courses that actuarial science students take have small class sizes. This allows faculty members to get to know their students and be available for questions, mentoring, and the one-on-one attention students need to excel.
Our actuarial science advisory board—made up of Ball State alumni who are practicing actuaries—provides important input to our actuarial curriculum. Their insight helps our program to prepare you for the professional world.
Major Requirements
The major in actuarial science program consists of 59-60 credits in both required courses and electives.
Course requirements include calculus, linear algebra, probability, statistics, and actuarial models in addition to six or seven elective credits.
This program leads to a bachelor of science degree. For a complete list of all courses and their descriptions, please see our Course Catalog.
View Catalog
What Can You Do with a Degree in Actuarial Science?
With a bachelor’s degree in actuarial science, you can begin a professional actuarial career.
Get Involved
Center for Actuarial Science, Insurance, and Risk Management
One of the few centers of its kind, our Center for Actuarial Science, Insurance, and Risk Management connects our students and helps them gain hands-on experience by working directly with real-world businesses. While students learn, our business partners are able to benefit from our students' research and talents. Learn more.
GAMMA IOTA SIGMA
Network with other students and professionals, find employment, and pass professional exams through our chapter of international fraternal organization Gamma Iota Sigma. Learn more.
Nationally Recognized
Ball State was a 2017 recipient of the Casualty Actuarial Society University Award.
Casualty Actuarial Society
The Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) is a leading international organization for credentialing and professional education. Founded in 1914, the CAS is the world’s only actuarial organization focused exclusively on property and casualty risks and serves over 9,000 members worldwide. Learn more.
Internships & Careers
Many actuarial employers recruit at Ball State for summer interns and full-time employees. When the time comes, you’ll have the advantage of interviewing on campus for internship and job opportunities.
Work with the Ball State Career Center to get ready for an internship opportunity. Learn more.
Careers in Actuarial Science
Students who become actuaries find jobs in:
- Insurance
- Consulting
- Government
- Higher Education
- Banking and Investment Offices
Careers in actuarial science are in high demand. Graduates have high starting salaries with large potential for advancement, as actuarial science has above average industry growth and is not geographic-location specific. Ideal for both extroverts and introverts, actuaries enjoy varied job tasks and potential for work flexibility.
Explore Career Opportunities
Meet our Alumni
Sam Weiss is an actuary for Votaire, where he enjoys helping individuals understand the confusing puzzle of retirement. He graduated from Ball State in 2015 with a degree in Actuarial Science, and minors in Computer Science and Business.
Read his story
Paying for Your Education
Apply to Ball State
Admission to Ball State is selective, and we carefully evaluate all applications on an individual basis. Applying is easy. Use our convenient, comprehensive, and secure online application.
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Questions?
One of the best ways to understand why Ball State stands out is to come see it for yourself. You can schedule a visit through our Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Make sure to tell them you’re interested in our program. Or if you’d like to speak with someone in our department directly by phone or email, please contact us.