What Do Actuaries Do?

Insurance, as the saying goes, is the oxygen of free enterprise. Actuaries are business professionals who analyze the financial consequences of risk. They work on a wide variety of projects in diverse business environments. Here are some examples listed at www.beanactuary.org:

• Analyze insurance rates, such as for cars, homes or life insurance,
• Estimate the money to be set-aside for claims that have not yet been paid,
• Forecast the potential impact of catastrophes like hurricanes making landfall in the coastal US,
• Participate in corporate planning, such as mergers and acquisitions.

Top reasons to become an actuary

1. You are self-motivated, goal-oriented, have superior math and communication skills, and you seek a career in business.
2. You want a dynamic career with plenty of opportunities to learn skills that are transferable across multiple industries and agencies of government.
3. You want job-security, a highly competitive salary, excellent benefits and work-life balance.
4. You want a professional title similar to those of doctors, lawyers and accountants. 
5. You want a profession that you can enter with a BS degree.

How do I become an actuary?

In the Division of Statistics/Department of Mathematical Sciences here at NIU, we have courses that will prepare you for a career in the actuarial profession and help you pass the preliminary actuarial exams that are necessary to obtain certification and advancement.

• Major in Mathematical Sciences (B.S.)
  Emphasis in Actuarial Science
• Minor in Actuarial Science
• Certificate of Undergraduate Study in Actuarial Science

How do I apply for admissions?

At this time there are no special requirements for admission to the Actuarial Science program.  To apply, please visit the NIU Undergraduate Admissions page:

• Undergraduate Admissions

Get Involved

You can also join the NIU Actuarial Club to meet other students who share your interests and aspirations.