Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Actuarial Science
With a guaranteed $20,000 scholarship, join a groundbreaking major that equips you with diverse skills, offering a strong job outlook, high earning potential and adaptability across industries.
Students will complete a one-semester co-op or internship experience in an actuarial science setting in the greater Boston area, making local connections and gaining practical experience in the field.
Actuarial Science Degree at a Glance
Program Type
Major
Mode of Study
On Campus
Co-op/
Internship
Guaranteed
Est. Time
4 Years
Start Terms
Fall, Spring
Cost
School
Accreditation
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The Actuarial Science Major
Actuarial Science is the study of risk assessment and management, an interdisciplinary field that combines mathematics and statistics with the financial theory of business, including accounting, finance and economics.
Actuaries are employed by industry or government employers with financial interests, and actuarial professionals use their analytical skills to help leaders make business decisions that minimize and manage risk.
What You'll Study
Your academic journey will combine mathematics, business and data science to give you a broad background in the fundamentals of the actuarial science field. Electives allow you to concentrate in one of these areas. Plan to study topics such as:
Calculus
Linear Algebra
Microeconimics
Macroeconomics
Data Science
Corporate Finance
Probability and Statistics
Managerial Finance
Data Mining
Data Analysis
Skills You'll Learn
Utilize the diverse skill set you’ll develop at Merrimack to analyze financial risks for businesses with a focus on key areas such as:
Statistical Analysis
Programming Skills in R/RStudio
Business Analytics
Managerial Financial Skills
Data Interpretation
Data Analytics
Actuarial Science Courses You'll Take
ACCOUNTING FOR
BUSINESS
ACC 2203
This course is designed to develop the students’ ability to read and interpret internal and external financial reports, understand their underlying concepts, use their information in making informed decisions and understand the effects of management decisions on these reports.
CORPORATE
finance
FIN 3315
This is a foundation finance course that introduces and provides proficiency with the principles of financial management. The method of instruction focuses on lectures, Excel modeling, problem solving and case analysis. The course covers resource planning and analysis, financial reporting, and more.
Data Mining &
Predictive Analysis
DSE 3001
An introduction to data mining by exposing the theory behind the analytical concepts. This course discusses data mining techniques and their use in strategic business decision making. This is a hands-on course that provides an understanding of the key methods of data mining.
See All Courses & Options Available to Actuarial Science Majors
Actuarial Science Major Requirements
General Education Requirements
In addition to the major requirements below, you will also need to complete Merrimack’s general education requirements. To see more details about the major, please visit catalog.merrimack.edu.Sample Four-Year Schedule - Curriculum Guide
Why Choose the Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science?
Our B.S. in Actuarial Science provides students with a broad background in mathematics, statistics, accounting, finance, economics and data science.
INTERDISCIPLINARY EDUCATION
The combined major offers flexibility in choosing elective courses to specialize in any of these areas or to explore topics across a variety of them.
CAREER GROWTH
A built-in internship or co-op experience connects students to industry employers and builds their skills in actuarial science.
CERTIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates will have the knowledge to prepare for the professional actuarial exam in Probability and others (Predictive Analytics, Financial Mathematics) depending on electives chosen.
Career Outlook: Where Can an Actuarial Science Degree Take You?
Career Outcomes Rate
93% of the undergraduate class of 2024 in Arts & Sciences were either employed, participating in voluntary service or continuing their education within nine months of graduation.
Experiential Learning
90% of the undergraduate class of 2024 participated in at least one internship, co-op, clinical, practicum or research opportunity while at Merrimack.
Graduate School
Merrimack, New England School of Law, George Washington University and Boston College are just some of the graduate programs Arts & Sciences graduates are attending.
Jobs with an Actuarial Science Degree
Upon completing our program, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue graduate study or a career in actuarial science and related disciplines. Positions may include:
- Actuary
- Underwriter
- Insurance Broker
- Claims Adjuster
- Investment Analyst
- Enterprise Risk Management
- Fund Management
- Wealth Management and Financial Planning
Beyond the Classroom
Student Life
You’ll have endless opportunities to find your fit, get involved and pursue what makes you happy—all while making lifelong friends (and memories!).
Explore your passions alongside others with similar interests, whether that means a cappella singing or outdoor adventuring.
- 80+ student organizations
- Division I Athletics, club and intramural sports
- Beloved traditions like Homecoming, Block Party and Spring Concert
- Fraternities and sororities
Internships & Co-Ops
Our students gain valuable work experience and connections with leading companies through guaranteed internships and the Warriors at Work co-op program. Recent placements include:
- Interning with Homeland Security Investigations, shadowing special agents
- Interning at Delta Tech-Ops, working in components engineering
- Working as a tax intern at Baker Tilly
Research with Faculty
With access to cutting-edge tools, undergraduate students can collaborate with faculty on research projects that can lead to presentations and publications.
- Explore the complexities of the human mind in a state-of-the-art psychology lab.
- Understand how inflammation affects immune cell aging in our Shared Instrumentation and Research Facility.
- Build fully functional battle bots for competitions.
Study Abroad
Global Merrimack provides transformative, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Our 30+ study abroad programs include semesters abroad, faculty-led trips and international internships.
- Explore and study in the Dominican Republic or Iceland.
- Immerse yourself in cities like Dublin, Madrid or Rome.
- Experience a semester at sea or intern in vibrant cities like London or Paris.
Service Learning
Community and service are at the heart of our Augustinian mission.
Over 1,000 students work together to engage in hands-on service learning projects each year, supporting our communities and those in need.
- Participate in our campus-wide Mack Gives Back volunteer days.
- Spend your winter, spring, or summer break on an immersive SEND trip in the U.S. or abroad, helping those in need.
- Tutor students in nearby school districts.
See for Yourself
Programs Related to the Actuarial Science Major
Explore other areas and where they can take you.
Take the Next Step (We're Here to Help)
At Merrimack, we are ready to meet you where you are and get you where you want to go. And, we make the process simple along the way!
Upcoming Events
Info Session & Campus Tour
Monday-Friday & Most Saturdays
Attend a 20-minute info session led by an admission counselor and then take a student-led campus tour. Registration is required.
Merrimack College Awards & Recognition
U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2026)
- Most Innovative Schools (#8)
- Regional Universities North (#38)
- Best Undergraduate Teaching (#20)
- Best Colleges for Veterans (#16)
- Best Value Schools (#52)
Tell Me More About Merrimack's Actuarial Science Major
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