Ohio State’s actuarial program combines rigorous quantitative training with sustained industry engagement and a strong focus on professional development. Students prepare for actuarial and analytics careers through a curriculum designed to build technical depth, business judgment, communication skills, and professional readiness. A distinctive feature of the program is its close connection to employers: students have access to an exclusive actuarial science career fair with approximately 25 participating companies, along with additional recruiting events, employer presentations, and career panels throughout the year.

These opportunities expose students to a wide range of actuarial career paths, including insurance, consulting, small-company, large-company, life, health, property and casualty, and data analytics roles. The program’s practicum course further strengthens this connection by bringing 10–15 companies into the classroom each semester. Students work in teams on real-world case studies, analyze open-ended business problems, present their findings, and receive direct feedback from practicing professionals.

The program also provides structured support to help students prepare for the recruiting process. Students receive guidance on career fair preparation, job and internship applications, resumes, interviewing, and professional communication. Resume review sessions, mock interviews, and individualized advising help students present their qualifications effectively. Students who are interested may 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.

This combination of academic preparation, experiential learning, and repeated employer interaction helps students develop the skills and professional networks needed to enter the actuarial profession with confidence. Our graduates have an excellent record of securing entry-level actuarial positions and beginning successful careers in insurance, consulting, and related quantitative fields.

The Practicum Class is a signature component of the program and is required for all students. Throughout the semester, 10–15 companies visit the class to share insights into their work, career pathways in the industry, and current business priorities. Most companies also provides a case study for students to analyze over the following week.

Students work in teams to develop their analysis and present their findings when the professionals return to campus. The visiting professionals provide feedback and, in many cases, share how they would approach the same problem in practice. Case studies typically include open-ended business questions, data, and background information related to a specific product, business line, or analytical challenge.

The course gives students direct exposure to a wide range of actuarial and data analytics professionals, from recent alumni to senior executives. It is designed to help students strengthen their technical, communication, teamwork, and business problem-solving skills in a setting closely connected to professional practice.

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.

Exact degree requirements can be found under the MAQRM Current Students section of the website. An example of the typical courses a student in this program would take is included below.

Our department does not provide funding for MAQRM students. Students accepted to the program will need to provide or obtain their own financial support. For costs, please refer to the university's graduate Tuition and Fee Tables.  

For housing information and costs, see our Graduate Student Living Guide.
 

Funding options for domestic students

U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply for government-sponsored loans. Applicants should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 1 each year to be considered for federal loan programs, which typically have low, fixed interest rates and good repayment options. Private loans are also an option for students. Financial aid inquiries can be directed to OSU's Office of Student Financial Aid. Student employment opportunities are listed on the Student Job Board and Handshake.
 

Funding options for international students

Most international students may work up to 20 hours per week on campus. Learn more about employment for international students.  The Ohio State Office of International Affairs provides some scholarships and grants for eligible graduate students.  They also have information about external funding.

1. Does the program offer financial aid?

Financial aid is generally not available for this program. However, MAQRM students may be eligible to compete for select scholarships. For more details, please visit our scholarship page.
 

2. Can graduates from this program compete for jobs in the financial industry?

Yes. While our program is grounded in actuarial science, many students pursue careers in mathematical finance and related fields. We offer core courses in mathematical finance and machine learning for finance, providing a strong foundation for careers in banking, finance, pensions, consulting, insurance, and reinsurance. Our graduates are well-equipped to succeed in a variety of financial industry roles.
 

3. How is your program different from other programs?

Our program holds the prestigious Center of Actuarial Excellence (CAE) designation from the Society of Actuaries (SOA), awarded only to programs that meet rigorous standards across eight key areas, including curriculum quality, graduate outcomes, industry integration, and research excellence. We are one of just 11 universities in the U.S. offering actuarial training at the Ph.D. level, reflecting the high caliber of our faculty and academic environment. Our industry connections are second to none and every student engages with alumni and recruiters throughout their time in the program.
 

4. How long does it take to complete the program?

The program typically requires 33 credit hours and can be completed in three semesters. In some cases, students may finish in two semesters, particularly those with a strong actuarial background. Students entering without prior experience in actuarial science often take four semesters to complete the program. Entry is available in both the Fall and Spring semesters.