What you will study
As part of your actuary degree requirements at the University of Central Missouri,
you’ll take courses that build skills in actuarial mathematics, risk management, predictive
analytics, finance, accounting and economics. Core courses you’ll take include:
- Computer Programming
- Python Programming
- Statistics and Data Analysis
- Regression Analysis
- Statistical Modeling
- Time Series Models and Analysis
Curriculum recognized by the Society of Actuaries
UCM’s UCAP-AC-recognized program covers course material needed for at least four SOA
preliminary exams. This also means you’ll benefit from us offering VEE courses, which
are required to become an associate-level actuary. We offer VEE courses in economics,
accounting and finance and mathematical statistics. View UCM Actuarial Science curriculum
versus SOA exams/VEE credit here.
Accelerated BS/MS program
Get a jumpstart on a high-powered career. If you meet certain requirements, you can
become eligible for the BS Actuarial Science and Statistics/MS Mathematics - Actuarial
Science and Statistics Option accelerated degree. In this Actuarial Science program,
you’ll be able to complete both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in only five
years.
Excellence in Actuarial Science & Statistics
- Only public university in Missouri with a degree in actuarial science and to be recognized by the Society of Actuaries
as a Universities and Colleges Actuarial Programs-Advanced Curriulum Program.
- #10: Most Affordable Bachelor's in Acturarial Science in 2022 by the Bachelor's Degree
Center.
- #37: Top 50 Best Value Bachelor of Acturarial Science Programs in 2022 by Value Colleges.
Unique learning opportunities in actuarial science
UCM’s Actuarial Science and Statistics major, with a focus on Actuarial Science, provides
a number of learning opportunities besides what’s needed to complete your actuary
degree requirements. You’ll also have the chance to get practical learning experience
through activities such as:
- Internships: Take advantage of UCM’s convenient location near Kansas City by applying for an internship
to get on-the-job training. Past Actuarial Statistics majors have found placements
Aethna, MetLife, Sun Life, and many more.
- Dedicated computer labs: Get experience using statistical software common in the industry in UCM’s computer
labs that are dedicated to Actuarial Science and Statistics majors.
- Student life: Join The Actuarial Organization (TAO) at UCM for networking and professional development
opportunities with local insurance companies, alumni and Career and Life Design Center staff. Members of this student club also get together for social activities, including guest speaker events.
What can you do with an Actuary degree from UCM?
UCM prepares you to earn the credentials required to work as an actuary, which has
been rated as one of the highest-paying jobs for college graduates by Payscale. As
a professional actuary, you’ll be ready for roles that include data analysis, consulting,
financial planning, underwriting, risk analysis and more.
In fact, the high pay and number of exciting roles available to you are what make
this career path one that frequently ranks highly on lists of best business jobs and
best STEM jobs.
Graduates from our Actuarial Science program have gone on to successful employment
at companies such as:
- Aetna
- Americo
- AON
- GEHA
- Lewis & Ellis, Inc.
- MetLife
- Reinsurance Group of America
- Security Benefit
- State Farm
- Sun Life
If you choose to continue your education in graduate school, you’ll have a background
that prepares you for master’s programs in specialized fields such as statistics,
data science, accounting, finance and economics.
Careers with UCM’s Actuarial Science and Statistics degree
Use the interactive tool below to learn about the career opportunities open to you
with an Actuary degree from UCM. Discover job openings, salary prospects, career growth
projections and other information that can help you plan for your future.
Financial assistance options for your Actuary degree
We want you to start your high-paying career with as little debt as possible. That’s
one of the reasons why the University of Central Missouri’s Actuarial Statistics program
offers the lowest tuition rate among our top competitors. In addition, UCM provides
a number of ways to help you finance your undergraduate education, including scholarships, grants, loans, tuition awards and access to federal financial
aid.
You may also be eligible to apply for certain scholarships and awards offered by the
UCM Alumni Association, such as:
- Actuarial Science/Statistics Achievement Award
- Harold and Sherralyn Craven Scholarship in Actuarial Science
- Peggy Taylor Palmer Actuarial Science Scholarship
You can learn more about program-specific scholarships at the UCM Scholarship Finder.
Meet Faculty Member Dr. Paul Plummer
Dedicated to your academic success
Dr. Plummer focuses much of his professional efforts on ensuring a high-quality education
— both for his UCM students directly and for students in the field as whole — through
his publications on statistics education. In addition to teaching, he co-sponsors
the UCM Statistics Club and The Actuarial Organization, and he’s a faculty mentor
for the Actuary degree program.
Meet Our Faculty
Meet Faith F.
BS Actuarial Science and Statistics ’22
“Actuarial science is a very multifaceted career field. You study math, statistics,
finance, economics, accounting and computer science and combine all of your skills
in a really unique way. It requires you as a student to be flexible and willing to
develop a wide breadth of knowledge.”
Actuarial Career Fair
Annual networking event
Meet with representatives from consulting firms and insurance companies to discuss
internship and full-time career opportunities. Nearly 20 companies attend this yearly
event, which also attracts students and faculty from nearby colleges and universities.
You may even have the opportunity to help organize the fair as a student in UCM’s
Actuary program.
The Actuarial Organization (TAO)
Student Organization
TAO serves students who are majoring or interested in actuarial science. The organization
is academic in nature and holds activities ranging from career fairs to guest speakers.
You can visit https://ucmo.presence.io/organization/the-actuarial-organization for more information.
Alumni Spotlight: Sarah Osborne
BS Actuarial Science and Statistics ’02
Listen to UCM grad Sarah Osborne talk about her experience pursuing an Actuary degree.
While she was in school, Sarah was an active participant in student life, including
organizations focused on the Actuary program, such as The Actuarial Organization.
Watch the Video
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