*Based on 2026–2027 Boston University tuition and fees. Merit scholarship may reduce cost.
Gain Expertise in Risk Analysis and Actuarial Science
If you have a strong mathematical foundation, the Master of Science in Actuarial Science at Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) can provide the tools and knowledge to excel in the actuarial profession. The program offers two optional concentrations:
Actuaries play a critical role in helping businesses quantify and manage risk. Using their expertise in mathematics, analytics, and computer programming, actuaries develop models to predict the probability of future events and create strategies to mitigate potential financial impacts for businesses, government agencies, and other organizations.
Graduates with a master’s degree in Actuarial Science from BU MET are well-prepared for traditional and emerging actuarial roles across industries. While insurance companies—covering health, life, property, and casualty sectors—are primary employers, actuaries are also in demand at government agencies, banks, accounting firms, and financial services companies.
Metropolitan College’s Actuarial Science curriculum aligns with the examination requirements of the Society of Actuaries (SoA) and Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS), two key professional bodies. The SoA track prepares students for careers focused on life insurance, health insurance, pensions, and risk management. The CAS track centers on property and casualty insurance, addressing risks such as automobile and homeowner’s insurance. Led by an experienced faculty of actuarial professionals who blend academic expertise with industry insights, BU MET’s program goes beyond theory, encouraging students to “think like actuaries” when solving real-world problems. Whichever actuarial credentials you are working toward, this degree will prepare you to meet the growing demand for professionals skilled in predictive risk analysis and business strategy.
The MS in Actuarial Science is also available on campus in Boston. Learn more.
Curriculum
A total of 34 units is required.
Students not choosing a concentration must complete the core courses and general electives. Students pursuing a concentration should review the requirements for Finance or Insurance.
Given the nature of the program, a solid mathematical foundation is recommended for applicants.
Core Courses
(Seven courses/26 units)
Plus, one course selected from the following:
And one course selected from the following:
General Electives
(Two courses/8 units)
Students not choosing a concentration in Finance or Insurance must complete two general electives.*
*Selections cannot be identical to courses taken as part of the core.
Students may take up to one related elective course from other departments at Boston University, with the permission of the director of the Actuarial Science program.
Students who have completed any of the above coursework in undergraduate or graduate studies, or who have successfully passed the corresponding professional examinations, may substitute these courses with courses available through other departments at BU MET—most notably the Administrative Sciences and Computer Science departments—as well as BU’s College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) or Questrom School of Business. The Actuarial Science department must approve any such course. Approval must also be obtained from CAS or Questrom. Typically, students are allowed to take two courses from outside of the Actuarial Science department as part of their degree.
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 an average 24:1 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 Actuarial Expertise
Students who complete the master’s degree in Actuarial Science will be able to demonstrate:
Detailed knowledge of the mathematics and modeling techniques that form the core of actuarial calculations. This knowledge includes topics in probability, statistics, life contingencies, loss models, credibility theory, investment theory, and financial mathematics.
An accurate and deep understanding of these core actuarial topics and the ability to creatively solve increasingly complex business problems.
Proficiency in distinguishing and describing a wide range of actuarial practice areas in-depth and knowledgeably, and the ability to articulate an understanding of theprinciples that govern the development of both standard insurance products and new developments risk management models.
Competency in the computer skills required to analyze data using leading-edge software tools of the trade in insurance, risk management, and related industries.
“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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