UNDERGRADUATE
Actuarial Science
Analyze risk and build toward professional credentials through one of the nation's largest actuarial science programs and recruiting networks.
Turn Uncertainty Into Insight
Some majors prepare you for a range of careers. Actuarial Science prepares you for a profession. At Penn State Smeal College of Business, a Society of Actuaries Center of Actuarial Excellence, you’ll build the expertise the field demands and work toward the credentials required to become a practicing actuary.
Through coursework, leadership opportunities, and applied business experiences, you'll learn to:
Analyze uncertainty using probability, statistics, and actuarial models
Study for Society of Actuaries and Casualty Actuarial Society exams and earn eligible exam credit through the University-Earned Credit (UEC) program
Connect with actuarial professionals, mentors, and recruiters
Develop advanced quantitative and analytical skills through a STEM-designated curriculum
Evaluate financial, insurance, healthcare, and business risks
Apply mathematical and statistical tools to pricing, forecasting, and long-term planning
Prepare for actuarial roles across consulting, financial services, government, healthcare, insurance, and risk management
What You'll Study
Featured Courses
Introduction to Probability Theory (STAT 214): Develop the probability foundation used to model uncertain outcomes and prepare for actuarial exam work.
Financial Mathematics (RM 410): Study interest theory, annuities, yields, and asset-liability management.
Long-Term Actuarial Mathematics (RM 411): Analyze life-contingent risks, insurance products, and long-term obligations.
What You Can Do with a Actuarial Science Degree
Actuaries
Use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to analyze the economic costs of risk and uncertainty. Median salary: $125,770
Management Analysts
Help organizations improve performance, evaluate business challenges, and make better strategic decisions. Median salary: $101,190
Operations Research Analysts
Apply analytical models, statistical methods, and data-driven insights to solve complex business problems. Median salary: $91,290
84%
Placement Rate
$84,660
Average Starting Salary
CAE
Center of Actuarial Excellence
Society of Actuaries
Build Professional Momentum Before Graduation
Actuarial Science Career Fair
Meet recruiters from more than 30 actuarial employers at one of the largest student-run actuarial career fairs in the United States. Build relationships that can lead to internships and full-time opportunities.
Penn State Actuarial Science Club
Prepare for actuarial exams, learn how to build a professional resume, connect with employers and classmates, and develop leadership and technical skills through this student organization.
Professional Exam Preparation
Earn SOA or CAS examination credits through five courses that participate in the University Earned Credit (UEC) program.
Technical Skills & Recruiting Support
Build your resume, conduct mock interviews, attend employer information sessions, and develop technical skills with support from the Actuarial Science Club and recruiting partners.
Actuarial Science Student Success in Action
Justin Morrison, Actuarial Science
Meet Justin Morrison
Studying Actuarial Science at Penn State Smeal, Justin Morrison developed more than mathematical expertise. Alongside rigorous quantitative training, he built communication, professionalism, and business judgment. As Smeal’s spring 2024 student marshal, Justin graduated with a 4.0 GPA, completed five actuarial exams, led in the Actuarial Science Club, organized employer events, and completed a Schreyer Honors thesis.
Is Actuarial Science Right for You?
Actuarial Science Is a Strong Fit If You:
Enjoy advanced math, statistics, and analytical problem-solving
Like using data, probability, and models to assess uncertainty
Are interested in finance, healthcare, insurance, risk, or consulting
Want a clear credential path and long-term career growth
Are willing to prepare for rigorous professional exams
Want to help organizations make informed risk and cost decisions
Connect With Us
Penn State Undergraduate Admissions
Smeal College of BusinessSmeal Undergraduate Advising
Department of Risk Management
More Information: Actuarial Science Degree
Actuarial employers value exam progress. Smeal’s curriculum includes coursework designed to help students prepare for five preliminary SOA or CAS professional examinations and satisfy VEE requirements.
Study alongside faculty who focus on risk. As part of Smeal's Department of Risk Management, you'll explore insurance, financial risk, enterprise risk, and real estate while learning from experts across the discipline.
Artificial intelligence is changing how organizations model risk, forecast outcomes, and analyze complex data. But the decisions organizations make from that analysis still require professional judgment that no model can substitute. At Smeal, you'll learn to use AI tools in actuarial work while building the expertise and integrity the profession depends on.