Actuarial Science
Actuarial Science
You’re good with numbers and enjoy math. Why not put those skills to work in a field with growing demand? An actuarial science degree—along with a background in statistics and business—will prepare you to analyze the financial costs of risk and uncertainty. Most actuaries are employed by insurance companies; all need to pass a series of actuarial exams to become certified professionals. Northwestern excels at preparing students for those tests. On average, our actuarial science majors have passed two by the time they graduate—and Northwestern will reimburse you for the cost of each exam you pass.
Why NWC?
The strength of Northwestern’s actuarial science major is recognized by the Society of Actuaries, which classifies NWC as a UCAP-AC school (Universities and Colleges with Actuarial Programs–Advanced Curriculum). Our curriculum covers everything on the first four professional actuarial exams, as well as some topics on the fifth of the seven exams. That means you’ll be further along in the process of becoming a certified actuary—and you’ll rise to the top with future employers. Your courses will include calculus, logic, statistics, algebra and actuarial modeling, as well as classes in accounting, finance, and economics. Related minors include accounting, business administration, computer programming, economics, mathematics, and statistics.
Program Director
Outcomes
The need for actuaries is high. In the decade leading up to 2030, employment of actuaries is projected to grow 24%. The median annual salary for actuaries is $111,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Experience
Northwestern’s actuarial science major provides the education, support and opportunities to give you standout career preparation.
Dr. Tim Huffman, the director of Northwestern’s actuarial science program, is the entrepreneurial developer of ADAPT, which is used by the actuarial exam prep company Coaching Actuaries.
The Compass Center for Career & Calling offers a variety of career exploration experiences, including job shadowing; internships in a variety of locations, including Chicago and Denver; and study abroad opportunities around the globe.
Our actuarial science majors intern for companies such as Nationwide Insurance, The Principal Financial Group, Midland National Insurance, Zurich Insurance, The Hartford, and the Sammons Financial Group. Often those internships lead to job offers before students have even graduated.
Dr. Tim Huffman, the director of Northwestern’s actuarial science program, is the entrepreneurial developer of ADAPT, which is used by the actuarial exam prep company Coaching Actuaries.
The Compass Center for Career & Calling offers a variety of career exploration experiences, including job shadowing; internships in a variety of locations, including Chicago and Denver; and study abroad opportunities around the globe.
Our actuarial science majors intern for companies such as Nationwide Insurance, The Principal Financial Group, Midland National Insurance, Zurich Insurance, The Hartford, and the Sammons Financial Group. Often those internships lead to job offers before students have even graduated.
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Faculty
Brilliant scholars. Committed Christians. Invested in you. That’s Northwestern’s faculty.
Dr. Kim Jongerius
Professor of Mathematics; Department Chair
Dr. Timothy Huffman
Professor of Mathematics; Director of the Actuarial Science Program
Dr. Ashley Jairam
Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Dr. Hyunsung Jun
Associate Professor of Math and Physics
Dr. Jennifer Schon
Director of Institutional Research; Instructor of Statistics
