York University’s actuarial science program has achieved a major milestone with accreditation from the Canadian Institute of Actuaries (CIA), strengthening York’s academic standing and supporting student success in a high-demand field.
This recognition places York among a select group of Canadian institutions whose actuarial programs meet CIA syllabus requirements through mandatory coursework, highlighting the University’s academic strength, its ties to industry and the value York graduates bring to employers in insurance, finance and risk management.
Actuarial science is more than numbers; it applies mathematics, economics, statistics, data science and financial theory to help assess and manage risk. Trained actuaries, including York students, apply their expertise across organizations – from insurance and financial institutions to governments and international agencies – to help plan for and respond to the unexpected.
As risks like climate and cyber threats become more complex, the demand for skilled actuaries is growing. The CIA accreditation confirms that the program, offered through the Faculty of Science, prepares students for these evolving demands and for a wide range of opportunities in Canada and abroad.
“This accreditation is an important affirmation of the strength of York’s actuarial science program,” says Michael Haslam, Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. “It enhances the program’s reputation and reinforces York’s place among institutions recognized for rigorous actuarial education.”
For York students, the program’s alignment with CIA requirements means core coursework counts toward the Associate of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries designation. This streamlined path accelerates their progress and gives graduates a head start in competitive fields like insurance, finance and risk management.
“This recognition gives our students a clear advantage as they pursue their professional credentials,” says Edward Furman, director of the actuarial science program. “It underscores our commitment to providing actuarial education that meets national and international standards and supports a strong foundation for future careers.”
Furman credits Assistant Professors Jingyi Cao and Dongchen Li for contributing to the program’s success. Cao’s research in actuarial science and risk management addresses emerging concerns in the field, including climate and cyber risks, while Li’s work on statistical and predictive modelling equips students with practical tools to analyze complex risk scenarios. Their expertise gives students direct exposure to the challenges and methods shaping modern actuarial practice.
Their contributions help underpin the program’s global recognition, says Furman, including its standing as a Centre of Actuarial Excellence – a distinction from the Society of Actuaries based on curriculum quality, faculty expertise, graduate outcomes, research and industry engagement.
Together, these accolades reflect York's commitment to delivering education that employers value, Furman notes, signalling that the program is well-positioned to prepare graduates to anticipate the unexpected and succeed.