*Based on 2026–2027 Boston University tuition and fees. Merit scholarship may reduce cost.
Gain Mastery of Insurance Risk and Actuarial Science
The Master of Science in Actuarial Science concentration in Insurance at Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) provides a targeted pathway to master the complexities of the insurance sector. This specialization covers advanced topics including life insurance, health insurance, property and casualty insurance, pension, and risk management.
Through Boston University’s Actuarial Science master’s concentration in Insurance, you will gain deep insights into loss modeling, reserve estimation, and insurance analytics, while also exploring regulatory requirements, solvency standards, and the latest Insurtech innovations. Through practical projects and case studies, the curriculum emphasizes real-world applications of actuarial science in underwriting, claims management, and product design.
Graduates emerge prepared for a range of roles in insurance companies, reinsurance firms, and regulatory agencies, equipped with the expertise essential for navigating today’s dynamic insurance landscape.
A master’s degree in Actuarial Science from Boston University prepares you for diverse actuarial roles across traditional and evolving sectors, building strong analytical skills in predictive risk analysis, mathematics, and statistics that are highly valued in insurance, financial services, government agencies, and consulting firms. Actuaries play key roles in health, life, property and casualty insurance, and pension consulting firms by quantifying risk and uncertainty critical to decision-making.
BU MET’s Actuarial Science faculty, composed of experienced academics and industry professionals, not only provide core knowledge but also cultivate the mindset needed to “think like an actuary.” Whether your career path leads to life insurance, pensions, enterprise risk management, or emerging actuarial fields, this master’s program provides a competitive advantage. The curriculum aligns with examination requirements from the Society of Actuaries (SoA) and Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS), guiding students toward credentials essential to their careers. The SoA track focuses on areas like life and health insurance and pensions, while the CAS track prepares students for roles involving quantifiable risks such as automobile and homeowner’s insurance.
The MS in Actuarial Science, Insurance concentration is also available on campus in Boston. Learn more.
Curriculum
A total of 34 units is required.
Students must complete the core curriculum and the Insurance concentration requirements.
Given the nature of the program, a solid foundation in calculus and multivariate calculus is recommended for applicants.
Core Courses
(Seven courses/26 units)
Plus, one course selected from the following:
And one course selected from the following:
Concentration Requirements
(Two courses/8 units)
In addition to the MS in Actuarial Science core courses (26 units), students pursuing a concentration in Insurance must also choose two of the following concentration courses*:
*Selections cannot be identical to courses taken as part of the core.
Directed Studies
Courses in directed studies are offered to students who plan to engage in specialized research topics under the supervision of a faculty advisor.
Learn about application requirements for BU MET graduate degree and certificate programs.
How You Benefit from a Boston University Education
A BU credential can help lay the foundation for career advancement and personal success.
Benefit from a 24:1 average student-to-instructor ratio.
Work closely with SoA- and CAS-credentialed faculty—many of whom are currently actuaries in the industry—and gain practical skills solving real problems. A selection of programming and computer courses bring real-world examples into lectures, ensuring that you gain a deep knowledge of data tools and their application.
Focus on practical, hands-on lessons that you can apply on the job. The unique Capstone in Actuarial Science course immerses you in “real-world” challenges via the analysis of risk factors that are now relevant to actuarial work, including changes in mortality trends, new medical breakthroughs, and the impact of climate change.
Benefit from faculty members’ connections to the industry and successful, practicing alumni who work for organizations such as Willis Towers Watson, Blue Cross Blue Shield, John Hancock, Liberty Mutual, the Massachusetts Department of Insurance, and more.
Learn from the best—BU MET’s master’s degree program in Actuarial Science has been graduating successful actuarial students for over 25 years.
All graduate students are automatically considered for merit scholarships during the application process and nominated based on eligibility. Learn more.
Rankings & Accreditations
CAS University Recognition Program: Bronze Level
BU has Bronze Level recognition from the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) University Recognition Program.
Society of Actuaries’ “UCAP-AC” Designation
BU is the only university in New England that offers a Master of Science degree in Actuarial Science, recognized on the Society of Actuaries’ list of Universities and Colleges with Actuarial Programs—Advanced Curriculum (UCAP-AC). Learn more.
Graduate with Insurance Expertise for Actuaries
Students who complete the Actuarial Science master’s degree concentration in Insurance will be able to:
Assess advanced principles across life, health, and property and casualty insurance, as well as pension plans and risk management.
Apply quantitative techniques for loss modeling, reserve estimation, and insurance analytics.
Evaluate the impact of regulatory frameworks, solvency requirements, and emerging Insurtech trends on insurance operations.
Develop strategies for product development, underwriting, and claims management by applying actuarial principles to real-world scenarios and hands-on projects.
“Boston University’s Actuarial Science program has given me the opportunity to pursue my dream job… this program is structured for students to be able to work actuarial co-ops, internships, and even entry level roles while completing their degree; this is a significant competitive advantage for students seeking co-ops and internships, and I have taken full advantage of the opportunity.”
Michael Pace(MET ’23) Actuarial Assistant, John Hancock MS, Actuarial Science
Advance Your Career
Located in one of the nation’s top financial and insurance centers, Boston University is the only university in New England that offers an MS degree in Actuarial Science, providing an unmatched environment to learn and to find both internships and full-time employment. BU’s Actuarial Science program has the Society of Actuaries’ “UCAP-AC” designation and BU has Bronze Level recognition from the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) University Recognition Program for demonstrated commitment to preparing future property and casualty actuaries through its educational offerings. You can take courses to receive “Validation by Educational Experience (VEE)” credit from the SoA and CAS. By taking VEE courses, which also count toward the master’s in Actuarial Science degree, you have an advantage when seeking employment.
Graduates of the Actuarial Science master’s program are qualified for roles that involve quantifying risk, developing statistical models, analyzing insurance products, advising on pension plans, and supporting strategic business decisions related to risk management. Typical job titles might include actuary, actuarial analyst, risk analyst, data analyst (with an actuarial focus), insurance analyst, pension analyst, pricing analyst, financial analyst (specializing in risk and insurance), enterprise risk manager, catastrophe risk analyst, compliance analyst (insurance and finance), loss reserving analyst, product development analyst (insurance), healthcare actuary, and investment actuary, among others.
Recent graduates have found job opportunities and career paths at companies such as:
Towers Watson
Blue Cross Blue Shield
John Hancock
Liberty Mutual
Comcast
Citizens Bank
Deloitte Consulting
IBM
Massachusetts Department of Insurance
Take Advantage of Career Resources at BU MET
You will find the support you need in reaching your career goals through MET’s Career Development office, which offers a variety of job-hunting resources, including one-on-one career counseling by appointment for online students. You can also take advantage of tools and resources available online through BU’s Center for Career Development.
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