WHAT DOES AN ACTUARY DO?
Becoming an Actuary involves more than just number-crunching; it’s about predicting the future to mitigate risks for individuals and companies. This involves blending mathematics, statistics, finance, and elements of computer science.
Interestingly, many students don’t pursue a specific degree in actuarial science. Instead, they opt for mathematics or related fields and later apply those concepts to their careers as actuaries. Actuarial online programs often concentrate on various degree types, meaning the path to becoming an actuary might lean towards degrees in math, statistics, or finance.
ACTUARY QUALITIES
The Society of Actuaries says that actuaries are:
- Part super hero
- A little fortune teller
- Part trusted advisor
That’s because they have to understand that the world is full of risk. As a result, actuaries evaluate the likelihood of a future event using numbers, not crystal balls and design creative ways to reduce the likelihood of undesirable events.
Plus, because these undesirable events are unavoidable, actuaries look for ways to decrease the impact of these events when they do happen. Many entry-level actuaries start in a training mentor program with other more experienced professionals. During this time, they may be encouraged to seek certifications, which typically lead to raises and bonuses.
This career is more than just crunching numbers. In fact, usually, actuaries are key members on management teams and help protect companies and individuals against emerging risks in a fast-changing world.
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Southern New Hampshire University
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University of Arizona Global Campus
- 99% of University of Arizona Global Campus students study online
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Western Governors University
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WHAT DO ACTUARY DEGREE COURSES LOOK LIKE?
Theory of Interest: Learn how interest works and how to calculate it. This course may cover topics like annuities, investments, and bonds.
Actuarial Modeling: In this course, you could discover how to use math to predict a person’s lifespan, and more! This may be used to figure out life insurance terms and costs.
Macroeconomics: Explore big picture factors that have an effect on the economy. This course may cover ideas like growth and inflation.
Calculus: This course may cover key theories in calculus. You could explore functions, limits and continuity, and more.
Linear Algebra: Learn how to represent linear equations. In this course, you could explore concepts from vectors to matrices.
PROFESSIONAL ACTUARY CERTS
Two professional societies offer certifications for actuaries. They both offer two levels of certification, associate and fellow.
- Society of Actuaries (SOA): certifies actuaries in life insurance, health insurance, retirement benefits, investments, and finance
- Casualty Actuarial Science (CAS): certifies actuaries in the property and casualty field, which includes automobile, homeowners, medical malpractice, and workers’ compensation insurance
| Organization | Types of Actuaries | Types of Certification | Number of Tests Taken | Number of Years to Earn (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Society of Actuaries | Life Insurance, Health Insurance, Retirement Benefits, Investments, Finance | Associated | 7 | 4 – 7 |
| Society of Actuaries | Insurance – Life and Health, Retirement Benefits, Investments, Finance | Fellowship | 7 | 6 – 10 |
| Casualty Actuarial Science | Property and Casualty Field (Automobile, Homeowners, Medical Malpractice, Workers’ Compensation Insurance) | Associate | 7 | 4 – 7 |
| Casualty Actuarial Science | Property and Casualty Field (Automobile, Homeowners, Medical Malpractice, Workers’ Compensation Insurance) | Fellowship | 7 | 6 – 10 |
Both professional societies require applicants to complete actuary training programs, certain educational needs in economics, finance, and statistics while in college, so it’s important to know the criteria while you’re earning your degree and becoming certified.
Don’t forget, a statistics or finance degree may also develop similar skills and knowledge as an actuary degree, making these legitimate options to pursue a career as an actuary. Complete the form on this page to get matched to the perfect program for you!
ACTUARY SALARY AND RELATED CAREERS
There are many career paths you may choose to pursue after attending online courses in an actuary program. Because the basics of a career as an actuary include math, statistics and business, there are many other similar positions you may be prepared to seek after schooling. Study which options may be available using stats from the BLS.