The Actuarial Science program is part of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics in the BGSU College of Arts and Sciences.

Math Undergrad Accelerated MYBG2582
  • Bachelors Available
  • Bachelors Available

Bachelor of Science

Actuarial Science

Actuarial science is a specialization in the mathematics major tailored to students interested in a career as an insurance or pension actuary. The specialization focuses on a collection of mathematical and statistical techniques that make it possible to calculate the monetary value of uncertain future events.

Quality classroom experiences

Mathematics and statistics courses introduce new ways of thinking and develop discipline in carefully expressing these thoughts through problem solutions or carefully written arguments. Beginning with calculus, all mathematics courses are taught in small sections to ensure an appropriate level of personal attention. Students utilize various software tools that are available in the Math Science Computer Lab and in other computer labs across campus.

Stand Out in courses like

  • Calculus & Analytic Geometry
  • Financial Mathematics
  • Actuarial Mathematics
  • Probability & Statistics
  • Regression Analysis
  • Computer Science

Curriculum

Three mathematics courses have been specifically designed for actuarial science students to cover the basic terminology and mathematical concepts of risk theory, the theory of interest, and life contingencies. In addition to these classes, actuarial science majors are required to study calculus, linear algebra, probability, and statistics. Courses in accounting, economics, finance, applied statistics and computer science are also required. Actuarial science courses and curriculum are reviewed and updated regularly to reflect the current requirements of the professional actuarial societies.

Career opportunities in actuarial science, statistics, and data science continue to be abundant and consistently rank in the top five in career surveys.

Internships and Careers

Part-time employment is available for undergraduates as tutors in the Learning Commons and the Math Emporium, a computer learning center within the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. A number of employers visit campus each Fall to recruit students for summer internships. The Actuarial Science Club helps students find internships and employment after graduation.

The main criterion for employment and promotion for actuaries is passage of examinations administered by the Society of Actuaries and the Casualty Actuarial Society. These examinations are difficult and highly mathematical. The major prepares students for at least four of the preliminary actuarial exams leading to the actuarial designation Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA) and Associate of the Casualty Actuarial Society (ACAS), including Exams P (Probability), FM (Financial Mathematics), LTAM (Long Term Actuarial Models), and SRM (Statistics for Risk Modeling), as well as the “Validation by Educational Experience” (VEE) requirements in Economics, Finance/Accounting, and Mathematical Statistics.

GO FAR in your career

  • Actuary
  • Financial Planning
  • Health Care
  • Insurance
  • Pension Plan Design
  • Risk Management

Average Starting Salary & BGSU Placement Rate

$57,732* - Actuarial Science graduates average starting salary according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers

97% of BGSU Mathematics graduates report they’re employed, in graduate school or starting a business within six months of graduation

BGSU Arts and Sciences white

The Actuarial Science program is part of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics in the BGSU College of Arts and Sciences.

Admissions Information

Students interested in an actuarial science major should have four years of college preparatory mathematics in high school. While it is not necessary to take calculus in high school, the department offers an advanced placement program to receive credit for one or two calculus courses by taking the Advanced Placement Exam while in high school.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in actuarial science will be able to:

  • Understand what mathematics and statistics are, how they are done, and how they relate to other disciplines;
  • Use the language of mathematics and statistics to communicate basic ideas, techniques, and results;
  • Objectively and critically evaluate information and assess performance using mathematical principles;
  • Demonstrate appreciation for the beauty, utility, and impact of mathematics and statistics;
  • Apply mathematical problem-solving techniques in novel situations;
  • Use appropriate technology to attack a wide variety of mathematical tasks successfully.

Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in 2012-2013. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.

The Mathematics program will undergo Program/Cluster Review during the Academic Year 2019-20.

More information on accreditation

Bowling Green State University programs leading to licensure, certification and/or endorsement, whether delivered online, face-to-face or in a blended format, satisfy the academic requirements for those credentials set forth by the State of Ohio.

Requirements for licensure, certification and/or endorsement eligibility vary greatly from one profession to another and from state to state. The actuarial science program does not lead to professional licensure.

More information on professional licensure



* Job placement and salary information was compiled by the Office of Academic Assessment through the Graduation Survey from AY2015-2018. The data are gathered around the time of Commencement and a follow-up survey six months post Commencement. For the salary question, data for programs with fewer than fifteen responses are not included. Salaries for those programs are from the National Association of Colleges and Employers Summer 2019 Survey. For questions regarding the data, contact assessment@bgsu.edu.

Updated: 03/17/2021 02:18PM