Program Overview
Actuarial science uses mathematical data to determine, measure and manage the financial risks of the insurance industry. Actuaries are the mathematical backbone of the industry and they use their analytical skills, knowledge of business and understanding of human behavior to manage the complexities of our risk-laden society.
If economics, statistics and probability pique your interest, consider enrolling in the Actuarial Science program, which combines all three.

Why choose Ashland University for an Actuarial Science degree?
- We’re one of only five private colleges in Ohio that the Society of Actuaries has given an Actuarial Program designation.
- You’ll study accounting, economics, mathematics, risk and asset management and financial trends and how to predict them.
- You’ll fulfill all three Validation by Educational Experience requirements (Economics, Accounting and Finance and Mathematical Statistics) of the Society of Actuaries.

Learning Experiences
Study Actuarial Science at AU to:
- Form close relationships with dedicated, award-winning faculty who have been recognized for excellence in education
- Receive individualized attention in small classes
- Use specialized computer resources in the departmental computer lab, including statistical software
- Recent actuarial science majors had actuarial internships at Benchmark Insurance, Encova Insurance, USI Consulting Group, Western Reserve Group and Westfield Insurance.
Curriculum
What You’ll Study
- Accounting, economics and mathematics
- Risk and asset management
- Financial trends and how to predict them
What You’ll Discover
- Insight on insurance and insurance companies
- Business development know-how
- Practical application of statistics to finance
What You’ll Take with You
- Analytical expertise in finance and probability
- A deeper understanding of human behavior
For details, review the Four-Year Curriculum Guide, Academic Catalog and Course Rotation.

A Promising Career
The median annual salary for actuaries was $105,900 in 2021. The expected growth rate in employment is 21% through 2031, much faster than the average 5% growth rate for all occupations. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Employers of Recent Graduates
- Ashlyn Smith, ‘21- Business intelligence analyst at Applied Maintenance Supplies & Solutions
- Michael Byndas, '17 - Actuarial analyst at Westfield Insurance
- Aaron Arnold, '19 - Market risk reporting analyst at KeyBank
Contact Information
Christopher Swanson, Ph.D.
Chair, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
209 Patterson
cswanson@ashland.edu
419-289-5264
Brenda Rodeback
Administrative Assistant
202 Patterson
brodebac@ashland.edu
419-289-5261