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 2024 to 2034, much faster than average for all occupations.
- Median salary was $125,770 in 2024.
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.
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Take the Next Step
If you’d like to learn more about our Math Programs, please contact us. Or one of the best ways to get a true feel for Ball State is to see it for yourself, so schedule a visit today! And if you’re ready to apply, review our admission requirements and complete our online application.