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

Alex Frieden stands at a lectern and speaks into a microphone.
Alex Frieden '09
Mathematics

Alex Frieden found his calling thanks to an elective sociology course.

UMass Lowell hires professors who are there to connect with students, and that really speaks to the university’s character
Read More About Alex Frieden 
Stephanie Guglielmo poses on a street in Puerto del Sol
Stephanie Guglielmo '25
Mathematics

Honors student Stephanie Guglielmo is all about studying abroad.

I just want to see as many places as I can.
Read More About Stephanie Guglielmo 
Honors math student Anthony Gaeta studying in the library
Anthony Gaeta '18
Mathematics & Economics

Anthony Gaeta says his six-month co-op at John Hancock Financial gave him real-world experience in his dream job as an actuary.

Honestly, if I could, I’d go back and shake myself and say, ‘Don’t sleep on UMass Lowell. Just accept!’ You get so much more for your dollar here.
Read More About Anthony Gaeta 
Eric Roy in a field with a beautiful sky behind him
Eric Roy '22
Meteorology and Mathematics

Eric Roy started doing meteorological research on campus the summer after his freshman year – and then won two research internships with government agencies.

I can’t say enough good things about UML and how they’ve helped me.
Read More About Eric Roy 
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 

Take the Next Step — Apply

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

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