The actuarial science Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree program at Messiah University, one of the top private Christian schools in the U.S., prepares mathematically talented students who have an interest in business applications for work in the actuarial science field. Find ways to manage risk with a combination of strong analytical skills, business knowledge and understanding of human behavior. You will demonstrate the ability to pass two professional exams in areas covered by coursework and receive the three possible VEE credits (Verification by Educational Experience). This program challenges you to think about how your work can serve the Kingdom as you enter the actuarial field.

Why study actuarial science?

As a top-ranked job, actuaries have the opportunity to achieve a good balance between their work and personal life. According to Business Insider, a career as an actuary rated in the top 25 high-paying, low-stress jobs. Within actuarial science, you’ll use mathematics, statistics and financial theory to assess the risk that an event will occur, and help businesses and clients develop policies that minimize the cost of that risk. Actuaries are essential to the insurance industry. Most actuaries work for insurance companies, but some work as consultants who travel to meet with clients.

A need for actuaries

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, “Employment of actuaries is projected to grow 18 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Actuaries will be needed to develop, price and evaluate a variety of insurance products and calculate the costs of new, emerging risks.” Messiah’s coursework will help prepare you for the actuarial exams, while the required internship will help you to develop skill sets that will lead to success when entering the actuarial field.

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In the Actuarial Science program, you will take a selection of courses that successfully prepare you for a career in a related field. Hands-on experiences and classroom learning within the framework of Christian faith will give you the skills and knowledge to achieve your goals. Our programs offer a wide variety of courses that will not only help you excel in your future career, but challenge you to develop a deeper understanding of your field of study.

Actuarial Science (B.S.)

Program Overview

The Actuarial Science degree program prepares mathematically talented students who have an interest in business applications for work in the actuarial science field. In this major, you will use a combination of strong analytical skills, business knowledge, and understanding of human behavior to manage risk. You will prepare for work in the actuarial field while connecting faith and disciplinary expertise in unique and challenging ways.

Course options

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates from Messiah’s Actuarial Science program can:

1. Demonstrate the knowledge of key content for actuarial science majors including:

   • Calculus
   • Algebra
   • Mathematics of Finance
   • Regression and Time Series
   • Probability Theory
   • Economics
   • Corporate Finance

2. Demonstrate the scholarly skills needed in the field of actuarial science including:

   • Design computer programs and interfaces
   • Use Calculus appropriately in modeling and analysis of problems
   • Understand and develop rigorous proofs in mathematics
   • Effectively model and solve financial problems including forecasting and risk
   • Explain the results of their mathematical work plainly in terms appropriate to their audience
   • Identify key assumptions of their analyses and justify the validity and quality of their models and results
   • Understand key financial models within corporations

3. Demonstrate proficiency in specialized skills needed in an entry level position in actuarial science:

   • Modeling economic trends
   • Developing financial models and understanding how they fit into the larger corporate picture
   • Use regression and time series analysis to make business projections and decisions
   • Articulate the probabilistic underpinnings of their work and describe plainly the assumptions and limitations of their work
4. Discuss employment options within the actuarial field, as well as in related mathematical disciplines.
5. Meaningfully discuss the relationship between their faith and their chosen field.

Careers and outcomes

Where our grads work

Graduates of this program work in positions of leadership in their places of employment, using the tools and knowledge a Messiah University education prepared them with. Each year, eager employers and some of the nation's best graduate schools welcome Messiah graduates into their organizations.

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Our Alumni

Regional and national employers seek out Messiah graduates for their academic preparation, work ethic and personal character. The transformation you experience at Messiah readies you to transform the lives of others through your chosen career path.

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Messiah's unique approach to hands-on learning

Learning in the classroom is important but actually applying that knowledge in a hands-on way can make all the difference. At Messiah University, the Experiential Learning Initiative (ELI) allows Messiah to take this hands-on learning to a new level by giving students the opportunity to apply what they have learned to various real world contexts--such as an internship/practica, service learning, off-campus program, holding a student leadership position, or participating in undergraduate research.

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