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Explore the actuarial science bachelor's degree program at UW-Eau Claire

Combine your talents in math with your interests in business and economics in the actuarial science bachelor's degree program at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Much more than number crunchers, actuarial science graduates help businesses grow and play a critical role in strategic decision-making. In addition to having a deep understanding of mathematics, statistics and business, actuaries also measure, calculate and manage financial risk. Because of their critical contributions, actuaries are essential employees in the fields of health care, insurance, banking, finance, government, e-commerce, employee benefits and many more.

Preparation for at least six of the professional actuarial examinations recognized by the Society of Actuaries (SOA) and Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) is a strong focus of the program's curriculum. In addition, expert faculty and the University's well-established network of employer partners ensures that students have access to resume-building opportunities and are in-the-know regarding best practices, current trends and developments in the industry.

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Census Bureau consistently rank actuarial careers as one of the best jobs in the U.S. — and that the high demand for graduates will only increase through 2031. 

Why actuarial science at UW-Eau Claire?

Stellar program reputation. UW-Eau Claire’s actuarial science bachelor’s degree program was awarded the 2022 Casualty Actuarial Society’s University Award which celebrates the “...exemplary ways they prepare students for a career in the property and casualty insurance industry.”  This worldwide award was given to just four university programs in 2022 and only 21 total programs since its inception in 2016.  In addition, the program is deemed an “Advanced Curriculum” undergraduate program by the Society of Actuaries for their broad offering of courses linked to the professional actuarial examinations.

Individualized and personalized education. The program's smaller class sizes allow for the formation of deeper relationships and one-on-one attention. At least once a month, employers in the field — often times alum — come into classes to speak on their experience and how the program prepared them for success. Students also have the opportunity to showcase their skills and network at national competitions, including the Travelers Actuarial Case Competition and the MUDAC (Midwest Undergraduate Data Analytics Competition).

Expert faculty who know industry needs. While pursuing your degree, you'll learn from accessible faculty with a wide range of industry experience, including experience in health, life, annuities, and property/casualty. A broad-based education allows you to experience the many facets of actuarial science and how they all work together. Relevant projects, student organizations and team-building activities allow you to strengthen your communication and leadership skills, which are highly sought-after by employers. 

Volunteer opportunities. Each year, staff, faculty and students work together to put on the department's Math Meet, a fun math competition for over 300 high school students from Wisconsin and Minnesota. Another event, Sonia Kovalevsky Day, allows for a day of engaging math activities and encourages middle-school and high-school girls’ interest in math. These events are excellent opportunities to build connections and make a difference.

Preparation for what's next. Actuarial science graduates leave with the skills, knowledge and tools necessary to pass five of the professional actuary examinations recognized by the Society of Actuaries (SOA) and the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) and launch into a successful career. Many students pass these exams before they even graduate. 

Designated as an

Advanced Curriculum

Program

on the Universities and Colleges with Actuarial Programs (UCAP-AC) list by the Society of Actuaries (SOA)

2022 Winner

of the CAS University Award Program

from the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS)

Two recent UWEC grads earned a

"Rising Actuary Award"

within the first two years of the honor

American Academy of Actuaries

Quick facts

Actuarial science program details
  • Program length: four years
  • Offered: In person
  • Campus: Eau Claire
  • This major does not require a minor.
  • This program is also available as a minor.
  • Students majoring in this program may choose either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.
Student organizations
  • Actuarial Network
  • Math Club
  • Women and Gender Minorities in STEM
  • Data Analytics Association

What can I do with an actuarial science degree from UWEC?

Thanks to the program's leading-edge curriculum, excellent reputation and deep connections to the field, graduates of the actuarial science degree program at UW-Eau Claire are off doing some pretty incredible things. From risk management to predictive analysis, our Blugolds enter jobs in many different industries, well prepared for the competitive job market. And with a strong rate of success passing the actuarial exams — even before graduation — they don't have to wait long before jumping into the field and making an impact. 

Where are actuarial science alumni now? 

Actuarial science careers

Fallon Harrell

I can’t say enough about the professors at UWEC, especially those that teach the actuarial science courses. It really was invaluable to have teachers who had real life experience in the industry and could bring more to the courses than just the math. They were also the most kind, helpful, and fun group of teachers I’ve ever had!

Fallon Harrell actuarial science graduate

Actuarial science bachelor's degree program curriculum

UWEC’s actuarial science program is designated by the Society of Actuaries (SOA) as an Advanced Curriculum program on the Universities and Colleges with Actuarial Programs (UCAP-AC) list  — one of only a few programs in Wisconsin that meet this threshold. The interdisciplinary, comprehensive nature of the major provides students with a strong background in mathematics, accounting, economics and business finance, shaping them into well-rounded and versatile professionals. Many students choose to take their education a step further by applying what they've learned in the classroom to real-world situations through internships – which can be structured to count for college credit.

Another unique aspect of the program's curriculum is a required Introduction To The Actuarial Career class. This course allows students to fully explore the actuarial career and gain an early understanding of the characteristics actuarial employers seek. Students also complete a four-year plan that outlines when they will take their professional exams and create a resume and cover letters. Frequent visits from employers give students an inside look at the wide range of actuarial disciplines.

What classes do actuarial science majors take?

Your classes may cover topics like:   

Learn more about the comprehensive actuarial science major in the UWEC course catalog.

Learn more about the actuarial science minor in the UWEC course catalog.

Learn more about UWEC

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Department information

Photo of Actuarial Science Classroom

Mathematics

Hibbard Humanities Hall 508
124 Garfield Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54701
Visit the Mathematics department website