Actuarial Science (Capstone)
The Capstone Certificate in Actuarial Science at the Wisconsin School of Business strategically prepares you to be an actuary in as little as nine months.
Is this program right for you?
If you have completed your bachelor’s degree, have excellent math and statistical skills, seek a well-compensated profession in a growing field, and want to quickly launch your career, the UW–Madison Capstone Certificate in Actuarial Science is the perfect choice.
Our accelerated program is designed to quickly prepare you to pass the preliminary professional actuarial exams accepted by the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) or the Society of Actuaries (SOA). You learn from globally recognized faculty and through connections with leaders in risk management and insurance.
Our inspired learning experience offers you opportunities to connect and grow your network, and to get hired into your first job as an actuary.
Is this program right for you?
If you have completed your bachelor’s degree, have excellent math and statistical skills, seek a well-compensated profession in a growing field, and want to quickly launch your career, the UW–Madison Capstone Certificate in Actuarial Science is the perfect choice.
Our accelerated program is designed to quickly prepare you to pass the preliminary professional actuarial exams accepted by the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) or the Society of Actuaries (SOA). You learn from globally recognized faculty and through connections with leaders in risk management and insurance.
Our inspired learning experience offers you opportunities to connect and grow your network, and to get hired into your first job as an actuary.
Admissions requirements
All applicants must:
- Have a bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than actuarial science from an accredited institution.
- Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.0.
- Submit evidence of English language proficiency, if applicable. The required proficiency scores are: TOEFL IBT 92, PBT 580; or IELTS 7.0.
Ideal applicants will:
- Have a strong math or statistics background, or have passed exam P. Applicants who do not have this background are encouraged to apply and will need to study mathematical probability in the first semester of the program.
Application materials required:
- Online application
- Resume/CV
- Statement of purpose
- Transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation (optional)
Program highlights
- Our program is accelerated, so you can earn your certificate in as little as two semesters.
- You have access to all Wisconsin School of Business resources, including presentations by industry experts, Co-Curricular Learning Board events, Actuarial Club events, and the Risk and Insurance Career Fair.
- Our program is specifically designed to prepare students who majored in a discipline other than Actuarial Science for the initial professional exams required by the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) or the Society of Actuaries (SOA).
How you'll learn
- Two semesters of full-time study on campus to earn your certificate.
- Complete four core classes and one specialization course.
- You may also elect to take courses that fulfill the Validation by Educational Experience requirements of the CAS/SOA.
Sample curriculum
Fall
- Actuarial Mathematics I
- Loss Models I
- Theory of Interest and Life Insurance or Regression and Time Series for Actuaries
- Exam P or Exam FM Review Class (elective)
Spring
- Actuarial Mathematics II
- Loss Models II
- Theory of Interest and Life Insurance or Regression and Time Series for Actuaries
- Exam P or Exam FM Review Class (elective)
Job outlook
- American Family Insurance1
- CUNA Mutual Group
- Milliman
- Swiss Re
- Travelers
Source: Lightcast™ 2022
Ready to learn more about Actuarial Science (Capstone)?
View the UW-Madison Guide
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Connect with our enrollment coaches
Our friendly, knowledgeable enrollment coaches are here to answer your questions. Contact an enrollment coach to:
- Learn how to make this program work with your life/schedule
- Get help with your application
- Determine if financial aid is available
Visit with our coaches on campus or at an upcoming student fair in your area. Search student fairs & events.
Through [this] program I had the opportunity to learn from excellent professors with a wealth of private sector experience and meet with prospective employers during the career fair and employer presentations. The actuarial science program can open doors to prospective employers… and to the field as a whole.
Zach Kretchmar, Actuarial Science
