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Actuarial Science

Actuarial Science is the area of mathematics that applies quantitative methods to assess risks in the insurance and finance industries. It became a formal discipline in the late 17th century, when the increased demand for such long-term insurance coverages as life insurances, annuities, and burials expense coverages emerged. Since then and for a long time, actuaries have been interested in studying the present monetary value of future obligations as well as the variability of these present values in the contexts of life and health insurance, property and casualty insurance, pension funds and social wealth-fare programs. Today actuaries are also being employed in the areas of enterprise risk management, and even in general finance and investment.

Degrees offered:
Specialized Honours (BA)
Honours Major (BA)
Professional (direct entry) Certificate in Actuarial Science

Outlook: Due to the CNBC list of best jobs in North America, actuary was ranked 1st in 2010/2013/2015 as well as 2nd and 4th in 2009/2012 and 2014, respectively. Moreover, unemployment rates for actuaries have been traditionally very low both in Canada and abroad, and the job prospects are good with the number of actuaries expected to grow significantly. Namely, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a growth of 18% during 2014-2024, which is much faster than average for all occupations.

Courses:  An Honours program takes 4 years. The Specialized Honours degree requires more Math/Stats courses. A Major can be combined with another Major or Minor, but it doesn't have to be. A Minor must be combined with a Major degree.
Please see the program requirements below. Courses in first year are the same for all Math/Stats programs, so you have time to decide! For course offerings this year, see the course listings.

Why choose us? We have great student clubs and undergraduate research opportunities and a wonderful community. Also, find out where our alumni end up!

How to apply: Convinced? Get more information about applying and read through our admission requirements.


Recommended course enrollment schedules for Actuarial Science students:

  • SoA means the Society of Actuaries.
  • VEE refers to the Validation by Educational Experience requirements of the SoA.
  • After completion of the 2nd year, students are advised to sit the Exams P and FM of the SoA and also to approach the program coordinator to enquire about the existing internship opportunities.
  • After completion of the 3rd year, students are advised to sit the Exam LTAM of the SoA and also to approach the program coordinator to enquire about the existing internship.
  • Upon graduation the students are advised to sit the Exams IFM and C of the SoA and also to apply for exemptions from the VEE requirements given that their marks are at least B in all relevant courses.
  • SoA means the Society of Actuaries.
  • VEE refers to the Validation by Educational Experience requirements of the SoA.
  • After completion of the 2nd year, students are advised to sit the Exams P and FM of the SoA and also to approach the program coordinator to enquire about the existing internship opportunities.
  • After completion of the 3rd year, students are advised to sit the Exam LTAM of the SoA and also to approach the program coordinator to enquire about the existing internship.
  • Substantial parts of the topics required for Exams IFM and C of the SoA are covered, yet self-studies are generally required to be able to tackle this exam successfully.
  • Upon graduation the students are advised to apply for exemptions from the VEE requirements given that they took the suggested elective courses and their marks are at least B in all relevant courses.

There are three parts to your degree requirements:

  1. University-Wide Residency Requirement
  2. Faculty-Wide Degree Requirements
    • B.A.: General Education
  3. Program-Specific Degree Requirements including the Math/Stat core.

Please see the York University Academic Calendar for the official requirements of your program.