Actuarial science uses mathematical probability and statistics to predict probable outcomes in a business environment. Actuaries use demographics and mortality rates to calculate life expectancies and determine insurance and annuity premiums, reserves and dividends. Their work involves both investment strategies and risk management.

Northwestern’s actuarial science major is an interdisciplinary major consisting of a core of mathematics classes and additional required business courses designed to prepare graduates for the actuarial examination process. The program has "advanced level" approval from the Society of Actuaries, signifying that Northwestern’s curriculum covers all topics on the first two actuarial exams, plus at least 12 semester hours of topics on the third and fourth. The program is also included in Rugg's Recommendations on the Colleges, a national guidebook that recommends specific college departments to prospective students.

With a career as an actuary, you could find employment with the Social Security Administration, insurance companies, investment firms, health care organizations and pension plan organizations.

MAT112 Calculus I	4
MAT180 Logic and Discrete Mathematics	3
MAT211 Calculus II	4
MAT212 Calculus III	4
MAT316 Probability and Statistics I	3
MAT317 Linear Algebra	3
MAT416 Probability and Statistics II	3
MAT430 Actuarial Modeling I	3
MAT431 Actuarial Modeling II	3
Mathematics electives*	6
Cognate requirements
ACC215 Principles of Financial Accounting	4
ACC216 Principles of Managerial Accounting	3
BUS300 Principles of Finance	2
BUS304 Investments	3
BUS404 Advanced Corporate Finance	4
ECO314 Intermediate Macroeconomics	4
ECO315 Intermediate Microeconomics	4
TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED	60
* Excluding MAT090, MAT105, MAT107, MAT108, MAT111,  MAT117 and MAT308. ECO390 Game Theory may be used as a mathematics elective course.