Actuarial Science Specialist
Develop an in-depth understanding of actuarial theory, statistical methods, financial mathematics and the practical application of risk assessment.
Explore the Specialist program →
ACTUARIAL SCIENCE
SPECIALIST • MAJOR
University of Toronto / Actuarial Science
The science
of us.
Actuarial Science uses mathematics, statistics and computational methods to understand and manage risk. From insurance and pensions to investment and financial security, actuaries help organizations make informed decisions about the future.
U of T offers one of the best Actuarial Science programs in North America. With courses dating back to 1875, it is the oldest actuarial science program on the continent.
Actuarial Science Major
Build a strong foundation in actuarial mathematics, statistics and financial risk, while combining your studies with another field.
Explore the Major program →Professional preparation
Learn from practising actuaries, connect with the profession and develop the practical skills needed to pursue professional actuarial credentials.
Explore professional experience →
01 / Actuarial Science Specialist
Learn the theory.
Apply the practice.
The Specialist program combines actuarial theory courses with five practicum courses covering the major subfields of actuarial science and professional communication.
Courses are taught by senior practising actuaries, giving students practical knowledge across different professional practice areas.
- Program
- Actuarial Science Specialist
- Coursework
- Actuarial theory, statistics, mathematical finance and five professional practicum courses.
- Practical learning
- Professional communication, applied risk assessment and exposure to major actuarial practice tracks.
- Professional experience
- Specialist students can access the Professional Experience Program, including ACT390H1.
02 / Actuarial Science Major
Mathematical thinking.
Real-world impact.
The Major program offers students a foundation in actuarial science, including the mathematical, statistical and financial methods used to evaluate and manage uncertainty.
Students develop an understanding of how actuarial methods are used across insurance, pensions, finance and other industries.
- Program
- Actuarial Science Major
- Academic focus
- Actuarial mathematics, probability, statistics and financial applications.
- Applications
- Insurance, pension valuation, investment and financial risk management.
- Complementary studies
- Combine actuarial science with another field of academic interest.
Recognition and academic excellence
A tradition
of excellence.
U of T offers one of Canada's leading actuarial science curricula, supported by internationally recognized academic and professional credentials.
Centre of Actuarial Excellence
The program is recognized as a Centre of Actuarial Excellence by the Society of Actuaries (SOA), a designation held by only a select group of Canadian universities.
Global recognition
The University of Toronto is also a recipient of the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) University Award, presented to only three universities worldwide each year.
#1
Department ranking in Canada
#7
Department ranking worldwide
#1
Statistics education ranking in Canada
#12
Statistics education ranking in North America
Actuarial Science alumni
A global
profession.
Our graduates contribute to the actuarial profession and related industries around the world, applying quantitative thinking to complex financial and societal challenges.
12K+
Worldwide alumni
47
Countries
Professional experience
Step into
the profession.
The Professional Experience Program connects Actuarial Science Specialist students with the actuarial industry through structured career development and practical professional preparation.
The program includes networking opportunities, workshops, panel discussions, mock interviews and case competitions.
It also provides international students with legal work permits for year-round internships.
ACT390H1
Professional Experience in Actuarial Science provides students with an opportunity to connect their academic learning with professional practice.
Professional development
Build professional confidence
Practical preparation helps students develop the communication, interview and industry knowledge needed to pursue internship and employment opportunities.
Industry connections
Students connect with practicing actuaries and industry professionals through workshops, networking events and professional development activities.
Explore departmental opportunities ↗
Internships and careers
A career built
around possibility.
Actuarial Science applies mathematical techniques to reduce the impact of risk, from loss of income resulting from death, disability or retirement to the loss of property through fire, accidents or theft.
Actuaries design life, health, property and pension insurance plans, and help ensure their financial soundness.
Insurance and reinsurance
Life and annuities, healthcare, property and casualty, reinsurance and actuarial consulting.
Pensions and investment
Pension plan valuation, investment management, quantitative finance and financial risk.
Government and emerging fields
Government departments, social insurance, actuarial software, climate risk management and microinsurance.
Employment outlook
Employment of actuaries is projected to grow by 9% between 2025 and 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Where your education can take you
Graduates apply mathematical, statistical and machine learning methods across financial, insurance, public-sector and emerging risk management industries.
Student experience and community
Learn together.
Build connections.
Actuarial Science Alumni Mentorship
In partnership with University Advancement and the Actuarial Science Club, undergraduate students in the Major and Specialist programs can connect with program graduates.
Alumni mentors share career guidance, industry information and professional insight.
Actuarial Science Student Club
The student club connects students with recruiters and industry professionals through campus events and networking workshops.
The club also supports students seeking practical experience, internships and mentorship opportunities.
Professional connections
The program brings students into contact with fully credentialed practicing actuaries, including professionals working in Toronto's financial and insurance industries.
These relationships help students understand how academic learning translates into professional practice.
Professional recognition
Your pathway
to the profession.
The Actuarial Science program is fully accredited under the Canadian Institute of Actuaries (CIA) University Accreditation Program.
U of T is one of only 12 programs in Canada to receive full accreditation.
Associate of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries
Students completing the program are eligible for the CIA capstone examination, which leads to the professional credential of Associate of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries (ACIA) without having to take external professional exams.
Many courses are taught by senior, fully credentialed practicing actuaries, providing students with direct exposure to professional practice.
New to U of T? Start here.
Choose your
starting point.
Admissions to Arts & Science
Apply to the Faculty of Arts & Science at the St. George campus. Students interested in Actuarial Science generally apply through the Physical & Mathematical Sciences admission category.
Choose a program after first year
Students normally apply to a program of study after completing their first year, subject to the enrolment requirements for each program.
Program application dates, stages and steps are available through the Faculty of Arts & Science Program Toolkit.
How to apply to Arts & Science ↗Faculty of Arts & Science Program Toolkit ↗
Questions about Actuarial Science? Contact ug.actsci@utoronto.ca.
Already a U of T student?
Choose your program through ACORN
If you are a Faculty of Arts & Science student and meet the enrolment requirements, log in to ACORN.
- Select Enrol & Manage from under Academics in the menu on the left.
- Click on Programs.
- In the Add a Program box, enter the code for your Actuarial Science program.
- ASSPE0608
- Actuarial Science Specialist
- ASMAJ0608
- Actuarial Science Major
Program application dates, stages and steps are available through the Arts & Science Program Toolkit.
Faculty of Arts & Science Academic Calendar ↗