"The work of science is to substitute facts for appearances and demonstrations for impressions." - John Ruskin
Ohio State offers one of the most comprehensive actuarial science ecosystems in the country, with actuarial education at the bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels; SOA Center of Actuarial Excellence designation; CAS Gold Tier recognition; strong preparation for both SOA and CAS pathways; and extensive employer engagement through an exclusive actuarial career fair, practicum course, recruiting events, alumni mentorship, and professional development programming.
Students receive structured support for the actuarial recruiting process, including career fair preparation, resume review sessions, mock interviews, employer panels, and individualized guidance. Students interested in additional support may also be paired with practicing actuaries in the workforce for mentoring.
For several decades, OSU has maintained one of the largest actuarial science programs in the country, consistently producing a substantial number of actuaries— up to 100 graduates per year. Approximately 1% of all credentialed actuaries in the US are graduates of OSU.
Career Outcomes and Employer Access
Ohio State actuarial students benefit from extensive employer engagement and a strong record of professional placement. Our actuarial science program hosts an exclusive annual career fair for actuarial students, with approximately 25 companies attending to recruit for internships and full-time positions. In addition, 5–15 companies visit each year for recruiting events, employer panels, and conversations about different areas of actuarial practice, including insurance, consulting, life and health, and property and casualty.
Students in the MAQRM program also gain regular exposure to employers through the practicum course, where 10–15 companies visit each semester to present real-world actuarial and risk management problems, discuss industry trends, and connect with students. These repeated points of contact help students understand the profession, compare career paths, and build relationships with practicing actuaries and recruiters.
Professional development is a central part of the student experience. Students receive preparation for the actuarial career fair and application process through resume review sessions, mock interviews, recruiting guidance, and employer-facing events. Interested students may also be paired with practicing actuaries in the workforce for mentoring, giving them additional insight into the profession and support as they navigate their career goals.
As a result of this sustained career support, about 85% of our undergraduate students, and almost all domestic master level students find entry-level employment in the actuarial profession. Ohio State graduates pursue careers across insurance, consulting, finance, risk management, and related quantitative fields, supported by a curriculum designed to pair strong technical preparation with professional readiness.
Ohio State’s Actuarial Science Program has earned the distinguished designation of Center of Actuarial Excellence (CAE) from the Society of Actuaries (SOA), a recognition shared by only about 25 programs nationwide.
As one of just 11 universities in the United States offering actuarial education at the bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels, Ohio State stands among the most comprehensive and respected actuarial programs in the country.
The CAE designation reflects our program’s academic rigor, exceptional faculty, and innovative curriculum, as well as the success of our students and alumni and our strong connections to the actuarial profession and industry partners. It affirms our long-standing commitment to preparing future actuaries who lead with analytical excellence, professional integrity, and real-world impact.
- 85% Students who graduate with a full time job
- 24 Companies that attend our Actuarial Science Career Fair
- 70% Students who graduate with 2+ exams passed
The Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) has recognized The Ohio State University as one of only 18 Gold Tier institutions within the CAS University Recognition Program. This distinction reflects a demonstrated commitment to preparing students for careers in property and casualty (P&C) actuarial science.
The CAS is the world’s only actuarial organization focused exclusively on property and casualty risks, serving more than 10,000 members worldwide. CAS members work across insurance companies, consulting firms, government agencies, and other organizations that manage and quantify risk. The University Recognition Program includes three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold.
At Ohio State, about 40% of our actuarial science students pursue careers in the property and casualty industry. Our curriculum covers the material needed for the exams leading to the Associate of the Casualty Actuarial Society (ACAS) credential, including CAS Exam 5, which is offered as MATH 5194.
For details on how our courses align with specific actuarial exams, please contact an actuarial science advisor.
- #1 Actuarial Science Program in Ohio by CollegeFactual.com
- #4 Actuarial Science Program in the US by CollegeChoice.net
- #9 Best Actuarial Science Master’s Degree by CollegeFactual.com
Innovative Curriculum
Our curriculum is designed to prepare students for multiple pathways into the actuarial profession, including both the Society of Actuaries (SOA) and Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) credentialing tracks. Ohio State courses support preparation for SOA exams P, FM, SRM, FAM, ALTAM, ASTAM, and PA, as well as CAS Exams 1 and 2, MAS-I, MAS-II, and Exam 5. Students also have opportunities to pursue advanced coursework in stochastic calculus, financial risk modeling, and quantitative risk management, and to gain applied experience through the actuarial practicum. This combination of credential preparation, technical depth, and practical experience prepares graduates for actuarial and quantitative risk roles in insurance, consulting, finance, reinsurance, and related fields.
| Credentialing Area | Related OSU Courses |
|---|---|
| SOA Exam P / CAS Exam 1 | Math 4530 |
| SOA Exam FM / CAS Exam 2 | Math 3618 |
| SOA Exam SRM and Exam PA | Math 5637, Math 5638 |
| SOA Exam FAM | Math 5630, Math 5633 |
| CAS Exam MAS I | Math 5630, Math 5633, Math 5637, Stat 6301 or Stat 4202 |
| CAS Exam MAS II | Math 5633, Math 5634, Math 5637, Stat 6302 |
| SOA Exam ALTAM | Math 5631 |
| SOA Exam ASTAM | Math 5634 |
| CAS Exam 5 | Math 5194 |
| Financial Economics for Actuaries | Math 5632 |
| Advanced Stochastic Calculus for Financial Modeling | Math 5635, Math 5636 |
| Machine Learning in Finance | Math 5638 |
| Practicum Experience | Math 5588 or Math 3588 |
Career Success
Looking to connect with successful alumni and learn about their journey? Want to get more involved in the Actuarial Science community at Ohio State? Check out the Ohio State Actuarial Alumni Stories page for inspiring stories, career advice and real-life insights from fellow actuaries! Want to share a story of your own? Email grad-info@math.osu.edu
Also, don’t miss out on the Actuarial Science Club website! It’s packed with information on events, networking opportunities, and resources to help you on your path to success in the field!
Actuarial Science Events Explore more Events
Here at Ohio State, we offer students more than just coursework. Through career panels, exam prep sessions, seminars, and industry networking events, you'll gain early exposure to the field and build connections that matter.
Whether you're exploring the major or already set on the path, our community supports your academic and professional growth from day one. Check out our Events page to learn more about what we offer!
Actuarial Alumni Stories Explore More Stories Submit Your Story
Was there any class or skill that stood out?
The FM class was the best class that I took at OSU. It prepared me so well for the exam and it is an essential baseline information for future exams and work.
What do you love most about Ohio State?
The Ohio State alumni network is huge! No matter where you move post-grad, you will likely meet at least one fellow buckeye.
What advice do you have for current and future students?
Keep your mind open. It's impossible to fully understand what a career in each track (e.g., life and P&C) will entail through just some internet research.
Was there any class or skill that stood out?
The FM class was the best class that I took at OSU. It prepared me so well for the exam and it is an essential baseline information for future exams and work.
What do you love most about Ohio State?
The Ohio State alumni network is huge! No matter where you move post-grad, you will likely meet at least one fellow buckeye.
What advice do you have for current and future students?
Keep your mind open. It's impossible to fully understand what a career in each track (e.g., life and P&C) will entail through just some internet research.
Fast Facts
History
Established in 1979 by Professor Bob Brown, OSU was among the first universities in the United States to offer a standalone major in actuarial science. When Professor Brown became chair of the Department of Mathematics in 1994, Professor Bostwick Wyman assumed leadership of the program. Under their guidance, Ohio State’s actuarial science program became the leading program of its kind in Ohio.
By Spring 2005, the program had developed a strong 25-year foundation. That year, Professor Chunsheng Ban, then an associate professor at OSU’s Mansfield campus, began assisting Professor Wyman with teaching and administration. After one year of collaboration, Professor Ban took over as program director.
Professor Ban significantly expanded the undergraduate program, from 75 students in 2006 to 379 in 2016, through targeted recruitment efforts, the development of an active alumni network, and the creation of our annual career fair events. In 2016, he also launched the graduate program, the Master of Actuarial and Quantitative Risk Management (MAQRM). Following his retirement in 2023, Professors John Holmes and Dan Poole assumed co-leadership of the program. The actuarial science program now benefits from seven full-time faculty members who contribute through student mentorship, dissertation advising, and curriculum development.
Strengths and Opportunities
OSU actuarial graduates are in high demand nationwide, with employment opportunities extending throughout the Midwest and across the country. The program’s reputation is reflected in the quality of its students, scholarship support from alumni and corporate partners, participation in our Actuarial Practicum course, and the robust employer presence at its annual career fair.
The program’s Advisory Board includes distinguished alumni who are Fellows of both the SOA and the CAS, ensuring that the curriculum remains relevant and connected to professional practice.
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