BA in Actuarial Studies Overview

Learn to use the core principles of probability, statistics and financial mathematics to analyze the economic costs of risk and uncertainty. As a student in UMass Lowell's Actuarial Studies program, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of assessing and managing financial problems, which you can apply to real-world problems in insurance, finance, government and other industries. 

  • Prepare for the actuarial preliminary exams.
  • Complete courses that satisfy the educational requirements of professional actuarial societies.
  • Gain access to resources to succeed, such as exam fee reimbursements and opportunities to connect with insurance companies.

What Can You Do with an Actuarial Studies Major?

Actuaries are hired by a wide range of organizations, including insurance companies, consulting firms, financial institutions and government agencies. 

Person working on computer while looking at data charts.

Employment of actuaries is projected to grow 23% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations (BLS, Occupational Handbook).

With a Bachelor of Arts in Actuarial Studies, you'll be prepared for such careers as:

  • Data analyst
  • Quantitative analyst
  • Financial analyst
  • Research scientist
  • Software engineer

Courses You'll Take

As an Actuarial Studies major, you'll take courses that provide a solid mathematics foundation as well as training in business finance, risk, and management. Sample courses include calculus, micro- and macroeconomics, statistics and finance management. You will also blend math with liberal arts courses that provide the critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills essential for success as an actuarial professional.

Check out the Actuarial Studies degree pathway (a suggested four-year course schedule) and learning outcomes below.

Why Major in Actuarial Studies at UMass Lowell?

Two UMass Lowell math students write equations on a whiteboard

Prepare for Actuarial Exams

You will need to pass at least one actuarial exam to start the career. The course work will get you ready for the preliminary exams by providing background for the first exams and building foundations for further exams.

finance students at computer

Exam Fee Reimbursement

Students who pass the preliminary actuary exams will have their exam registration fees reimbursed.

Two Mathematics students working on a math problem on a whiteboard.

Internships

Connect what you learn in the classroom to the real world. Our students have completed internships at diverse companies, including: 

  • John Hancock Financial
  • Lincoln Laboratories
  • MITRE Corporation
  • NASA
Headshot of Linh-Nguyen, a math student at UMass Lowell

Bachelor's-to-Master's

Get on the fast track to an advanced degree with our combined bachelor's-to-master's program.

  • Available to juniors and seniors with a grade point average of 3.000 or better
  • Offers a continuous, coordinated sequence of courses
  • Reduced credit-hour requirements can save you time and money

Meet Our Students

Plane and trucks on an airport runway.
Russell Todd ’81, ’83 ’81, ’83
Environmental Science, Mathematics

Curiosity led Russell Todd ’81, ’83 to a wide-ranging career that included nuclear subs, weather radar and disease outbreak modeling.

My UMass Lowell education prepared me superbly for my career.
Read More About Russell Todd ’81, ’83 
UMass student Karina Provost stands wearing a backpack
Karina Provost '22
Mathematical Sciences

As one of three siblings in college, Karina Provost says her family appreciates financial awards, such as the Kennedy Family Merit Scholarship.

Scholarships have been really helpful. They let me focus more on school.
Read More About Karina Provost 
Evana Gizzi delivers a speech at the UMass Lowell graduation ceremony.
Evana Gizzi ’13, ’14
Mathematics

A required computing course launched mathematics alum Evana Gizzi on a path to working at NASA.

Throughout my entire time at UMass Lowell, I had become so conditioned to exist among those who believed in me.
Read More About Evana Gizzi 
Rebecca Mendum writing the Wright-Fisher model formula on a dry erase white board.
Rebecca Mendum '23, '24
Mathematics

After earning two degrees at UMass Lowell, Rebecca Mendum is continuing her education at Harvard University.

I just know that I love math, and that’s why I chose to major in it. You have to do what makes you happy. Life is too short.
Read More About Rebecca Mendum 
SGA President Lisa Degou and student Trustee Lindy Reed chat with Chancellor Jacquie Moloney at their monthly lunch.
Lisa Degou '18
Political Science & Mathematics

As Student Government Association president, Lisa Degou meets with Chancellor Moloney every month to negotiate for student interests.

I fell in love with all the opportunities and the diversity here.
Read More About Lisa Degou 

Take the Next Step — Apply

Learn how to apply as a first-year, transfer or international student.

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