This program of study, combined with a B.A. or B.S. degree in Mathematics, prepares you for entry into the actuarial profession. Actuaries use math to determine the financial effect that uncertain future events such as birth, death, retirement, fire, earthquake, accident, and sickness have on insurance and other benefit plans.
You should consult the College’s Academic Bulletin and meet with the academic advisor to discuss general education and other requirements for Actuarial Studies.
The B.S. Program II with a minor in Economics, or the Interdepartmental Major in Mathematics and Economics, work especially well with actuarial career preparation. For further information, contact our academic advisor.
To advance in the actuarial profession, you must pass a series of highly challenging examinations given by the Society of Actuaries or the Casualty Actuarial Society. Passing these examinations requires discipline and additional study beyond your Indiana University coursework.
Actuaries must be comfortable with the language and substance of a wide range of mathematics, economics, statistics, and finance/accounting to prepare for these exams. You should aim to pass at least one, and preferably two, of these examinations before graduation.
If you desire a summer internship, you may benefit from passing the first examination on probability, Exam P, by the summer following your junior year.
Internships help assure job placement upon graduation and are strongly encouraged. Additionally, you should take some VEE (Validation by Educational Experience) accredited courses and must receive a grade of B– or better in these courses to earn VEE credit. A list of VEE-accredited courses is available at the Society of Actuaries website.
Students pursuing Actuarial Studies should use the Academic Bulletin year appropriate for your year of matriculation.
Requirements for Actuarial Studies can be found by clicking on the relevant Bulletin below:
The College of Arts