For students interested in statistics and mathematics, Actuarial Science can be a viable career option. If you want to know ‘what is Actuarial Science’ and its top universities and job prospects, keep reading this article!
Subject Brief
An ‘actuary’ is a professional who can use statistical and mathematical techniques to predict future events in a financial organization and take appropriate preventive measures. Actuarial Science involves the usage of probability methodologies and business-related approaches to guide individuals or organizations towards financial safety.
In short, Actuarial Science courses help you learn risk quantification by studying various subjects like finance, economics, statistics, mathematics, computer science, etc.
All high school transcripts or financial certifications must be submitted.
Candidates must have a letter of recommendation from their respective authorities.
To study this subject at the master’s level, it is not compulsory to have completed an undergraduate program by majoring in Actuarial science. However, per Actuarial Science eligibility criteria, you must have a bachelor’s degree in the related field (math or statistics) with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Additionally, you must submit an IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 85.
If you are interested in pursuing a research career in Actuarial Science, you can also go for a Ph.D. degree. Here, you can expect to study multiple concepts like Actuarial Risk Management, Applied Stochastic Processes, Life Insurance Mathematics, Data Science, and Mathematical Statistics.
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Top Universities for Studying Actuarial Science
Some of the top Actuarial Science universities you can enroll in are mentioned below. Additionally, you will find their rankings, list of courses, approximate fees, etc.
Name of University
Country
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022: Mathematics 2022
Generally, universities offering Actuarial Science courses accept admissions twice a year, i.e., during spring and fall semesters. The admission requirements and application deadlines will vary based on the institution you have picked to study.
In most cases, you will be required to submit the applications by 30th June or October. You can visit the respective university website to confirm the dates.
Academic Curriculum Across Levels
Each university will provide you with a different list of Actuarial science concepts to study as per their curriculum. Some of the common subjects are mentioned below.
With the rise of corporate culture, the demand for actuaries is increasing day by day. Some of the standard fields you can work in after studying Actuarial science are:
Risk Management
Investment Consultancies
Financial Services
Pension Funds
Stock Exchanges
Banking Sector
Some of the common Actuarial science jobs in the US market and their salaries are mentioned in the table below:
Work Position
Annual Salary (approx)
Actuarial Analyst
$111,909
Actuarial Associate
$78,005
Assistant Actuarial Analyst
$113,921
Underwriter Actuary
$113,677
Actuarial Consultant Analyst
$93,900
Senior Actuarial Analyst
$116,724
Source: Job portals
Future Applications of Actuarial Science
Technical advancements in several fields like machine learning, artificial intelligence, automation, etc., are bound to increase the Actuarial Science scope for jobs in the upcoming years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, US, Actuarial Science is going to have 20% more jobs by 2028 in the country.
Type of projects handled by actuaries are mentioned below:
Price calculation for insurance of a satellite launch.
Risk calculation due to severe inflation or deflation on financial organizations.
What are the skills required to enroll in Actuarial Science?
Some of the skills needed are: 1. Strong communication skills. 2. Effective computer skills. 3. Detailed math and statistics knowledge. 4. Problem-solving skills. 5. Project management.
What are some of the Actuarial Science jobs students can apply for after graduation?
What is the scope for advancement in the field of Actuarial Science?
In the Actuarial Science field, the individual’s career advancements depend on the number of examinations passed. Candidates who have achieved the fellowship status often supervise the work of junior actuaries and work as a consultant for senior management.
Is it advisable to study Actuarial Science for an undergraduate program?
It is a niche subject with great career scope. Having a strong foundation with a bachelor’s degree in the specialization can accelerate your career.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |4099 articles published
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