Master of Science in Actuarial Science Online

The need for strong actuaries has never been greater. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, actuarial positions are projected to grow 21 percent in the next decade, with a median annual wage of $105,900. By earning an advanced degree and passing more professional actuarial exams, MSAS graduates have ample opportunities to accelerate their careers and increase their salaries.  

Actuaries also maintain a desirable work-life balance in both remote and on-site positions across the insurance, healthcare, technology, and financial services industries. Expect to pursue jobs as an actuarial analyst or consultant, risk analyst, economist, insurance underwriter, financial analyst, predictive modeler, or auditor — just to name a few.   

Our MSAS program meets your needs if you already have an actuarial science background or if you are transitioning from another field, such as math, statistics, finance, or economics. If you’ve started on the path toward actuarial certification, we’ll help you prepare for advanced exams while simultaneously earning a graduate degree — all relatively quickly. You’ll connect with credentialed faculty and a supportive network along the way.

This program is also a great fit for professionals with a math or finance background looking for a career change. Our foundational curriculum and dedicated faculty will help you begin your new career journey and set you up for success. Wondering if the MSAS is right for you? Reach out to our Graduate and Professional Education Office for more information today.  

The Master of Science in Actuarial Science consists of 10 courses plus Strategies for Success, a required orientation course before the start of the program. While the program is meant to be completed in 12–24 months, you have up to four years to finish your degree.

Bryant’s curriculum is designed with two things in mind: the subject matter on associateship-level exams, and the skills and expertise for long-term career success. You’ll enhance your knowledge in many relevant areas, such as statistical analysis, predictive modeling, risk assessment, data science, and the regulatory and economic environment of the insurance and risk management industries.   

Specific highlights include:   

• Experiential Emphasis: All courses have assessment activities that involve real-world actuarial problems, including a project-oriented capstone that allows students to apply their skills to a realistic problem in their area of interest through a research project or internship.   
• Communication Skills: Communication skills are critical for a successful career in actuarial science. That’s why one of our requirements is a course in Scientific and Technical Communication. Taught by faculty who specialize in communication, this course helps students prepare for the real-world situation of communicating technical information to a broader audience.   

See the course catalog and course schedule for more course information and descriptions. 

You need to have successfully completed a course in statistics at the undergraduate or graduate level prior to matriculation. If you have not yet taken this course, please reach out to our Graduate and Professional Education Office about alternatives. We also recommend a completed course in financial math or interest theory if you haven’t yet taken the actuarial exam in financial mathematics, but it’s not necessary for admission. 

Choose from five different start terms throughout the year in January, March, May, August, and October. Each course takes 10 weeks to complete. See the course schedule for upcoming term dates and the Graduate Deadlines page for application deadlines. 

In addition to the application form, you will need to submit:

• Statement of objectives
• Current resume
• Two letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts from all colleges/universities you have attended
• $80 application fee (waived for Bryant alumni, current Bryant students, active duty military, and military veterans)

International applicants: Please read more about the international application process and requirements on our International Graduate Admission page.

2024-2025 Academic Year* 

$3,015 per 3-credit course ($1,005 per credit) 

There is a one-time Strategies for Success orientation course fee of $495.

* Tuition rates are subject to annual change based on approval by the Board of Trustees, typically in the spring of the preceding academic year. 

Financial Aid

U.S. citizens and permanent residents are encouraged to apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Bryant University also accepts payments from employers with tuition assistance programs. For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office.

In accordance with the RI Council on Postsecondary Education and the NC-SARA manual, Bryant provides information regarding SARA.

In addition, Bryant University uses a variety of methods to ensure that students are the same individuals receiving academic credit, including SSO for all Bryant systems such as the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS), library services, email, and file storage. Many student assignments involve the use of VoiceThread, a video-based discussion system requiring audio and video capture of the student as well as Zoom for synchronous sessions requiring real-time video participation from the students. Finally, all written assignments are submitted via the Turnitin plagiarism-monitoring software to ensure original submissions from all students.

Additional Information:

• NC-SARA Complaint Procedure
• RI-CPE Complaint Procedure