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.
Ball State University’s Actuarial Science program has been designated as a Center of Actuarial Excellence (CAE) by the Society of Actuaries (SOA)—a prestigious recognition held by only 25 universities in the U.S. as of August 2025. This distinction reflects our program’s strong curriculum at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, dedicated faculty, industry engagement, and commitment to actuarial research and professional preparation.
What is Actuarial Science
Actuarial science is the study of risk and uncertainty, using mathematics, statistics, and data analysis to evaluate and manage future financial outcomes. Actuaries apply these skills to help organizations make sound decisions, especially in industries like insurance, government, healthcare, and finance. In addition to technical expertise, actuaries must communicate complex ideas clearly to professionals across diverse sectors.
If you enjoy solving real-world problems and want to make an impact on the financial security of individuals and businesses, actuarial science could be the perfect major 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?
- U.S. News ranks a career as an actuary #5 in Best Technology jobs, #7 in Best STEM jobs and #10 in Best 100 jobs.
- BLS projects employment of actuaries to grow 22% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than average for all occupations.
- Median salary was $120,000 in 2023.
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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Take the Next Step
Are you interested in pursuing this major? The first step to study meteorology is to apply as an undergraduate student to Ball State University. 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.