University of Iowa Actuarial Science Degrees and Career Paths

The University of Iowa offers a Bachelor of Arts in Actuarial Science that is specifically designed to prepare students for the professional actuarial exams. This degree is accredited by the Society of Actuaries.

The Actuarial Science program at the University of Iowa has a strong reputation and is well-regarded in the industry. The program is designed to be completed in four years, with students taking a combination of coursework and professional exams to earn the degree.

Students in the Actuarial Science program at the University of Iowa can expect to take a range of courses, including actuarial mathematics, statistics, and economics. They will also have the opportunity to gain practical experience through internships and co-op programs.

Graduates of the Actuarial Science program at the University of Iowa have gone on to work in a variety of roles, including as actuaries, risk managers, and data analysts. Many have also pursued advanced degrees in fields such as mathematics, statistics, and business.

We're proud to offer a top-notch actuarial science program that's been recognized as a Center of Actuarial Excellence by the Society of Actuaries (SOA).

Our program is one of only two in the U.S. that's over 120 years old, a testament to its enduring quality and relevance.

We've maintained the CAE designation for multiple periods, including the current five-year period expiring December 31, 2029.

Our job placement record is exceptional, with graduates consistently finding employment in the field.

We have an impressive track record of exam pass rates and credentialed graduate rates, a reflection of our program's effectiveness.

Our curriculum is designed to prepare students for careers as actuaries, with a focus on the material covered in professional examinations administered by the SOA.

In addition to actuarial science courses, we offer electives in business-related areas such as accounting, law, finance, insurance, and economics.

Our faculty is comprised of experienced professionals who are committed to teaching and research.

We have a strong connection to the actuarial industry, with opportunities for internships, networking, and research collaborations.

Our research and scholarship efforts are also recognized by the SOA, a reflection of our commitment to advancing the field of actuarial science.

The University of Iowa offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs in Actuarial Science. The Bachelor of Science (BS) program in Actuarial Science prepares students for careers as actuaries and helps them learn material for the first five professional Society of Actuaries (SOA) actuarial exams.

Students can also pursue a Master of Science (MS) in Actuarial Science, which requires 36 semester hours of graduate credit and emphasizes the theory behind risk processes and practical problems of insurance pricing and management.

The MS program requires specific coursework, including Mathematical Statistics I-II, Mathematics of Finance I, and Quantitative Methods for Actuaries, among others.

The Bachelor of Science (BS) program in actuarial science is a great choice for those interested in careers as actuaries. It helps students learn material that is included in professional examinations administered by organizations like the Society of Actuaries (SOA) and the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS).

The required coursework covers topics that are included in the first five professional SOA actuarial exams. These exams are P (Probability), FM (Financial Mathematics), FAM (Fundamentals of Actuarial Mathematics), SRM (Statistics for Risk Modeling), and ALTAM (Advanced Long-Term Actuarial Mathematics).

Our program offers review classes every semester to help students prepare for these professional exams. This extra support can make a big difference in their success.

The coursework also helps students pass the preliminary exams offered by the CAS.

The required courses for actuarial science programs are quite comprehensive. Students typically need to complete a combination of courses that cover mathematical statistics, actuarial mathematics, and risk modeling.

One of the sequences of courses students need to take is Mathematical Statistics I-II, which covers topics such as probability and statistical inference. This sequence is offered in two different versions: STAT:4100-STAT:4101 and STAT:5100-STAT:5101.

In addition to mathematical statistics, students also need to take courses in actuarial mathematics, such as Mathematics of Finance I, Quantitative Methods for Actuaries, and Fundamentals of Short-term Actuarial Mathematics. These courses provide a strong foundation in the mathematical concepts that underlie actuarial science.

Some of the required courses for actuarial science programs include:

These courses provide a solid foundation in the mathematical and statistical concepts that are essential for a career in actuarial science. By completing these courses, students can gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter and prepare themselves for the challenges of the field.

To become an actuary, you'll need a bachelor's degree and to pass a series of exams given by the Society of Actuaries and Casualty and Actuarial Society.

The Ivy program at Iowa State is designed to prepare you with the knowledge base and skills in finance, mathematics, and statistics needed to pass up to five actuarial exams.

You can represent Ivy in a case competition and join the Global Insurance Symposium, which brings together over 500 insurance and financial services company executives and regulators.

The actuarial science major at Iowa State requires specific courses, including ACTS:3080, Mathematics of Finance I, and STAT:4560, Statistics for Risk Modeling I.

Here are the required courses for the MS with a major in actuarial science: