
The UC Santa Barbara Actuarial Science program is a highly respected and sought-after program that can open doors to exciting career opportunities. The program is accredited by the Society of Actuaries (SOA) and the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS), ensuring that students receive a high-quality education that meets industry standards.
The program is designed to be completed in four years, with students taking a combination of core and elective courses to gain a deep understanding of actuarial science principles and practices. Students can also choose to pursue a minor in another field to complement their actuarial science major.
The UC Santa Barbara Actuarial Science program has a strong reputation for producing graduates who are well-prepared for careers in the field. In fact, the program has a high job placement rate, with many graduates going on to work for top insurance companies and financial institutions.
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UC Santa Barbara Actuarial Science
UC Santa Barbara Actuarial Science has a strong program with 266 actuarial students and five actuarial faculty members, including two FCAS.
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The program is headed by co-directors and professors Raya Feldman and Michael Ludkovski, who have made a commitment to incorporating property and casualty topics into the actuarial science curriculum.
The curriculum covers material on CAS Exam S, property and liability coverages, and pricing and reserving methods, giving students a well-rounded education.
UCSB has a strong connection to the property and casualty industry, with four CAS Fellows and two CAS Associates on the UCSB Actuarial Program Advisory Board.
The university has also hosted the Actuarial Research Conference in 2014 and held several property and casualty sessions at that conference.
Here are some of the initiatives that UCSB has implemented to engage with the property and casualty industry:
- Property and casualty research projects for students to work on in direct interaction with property and casualty companies.
- Actuary Day and the California Actuarial Student Conference to expose students to the property and casualty insurance industry.
- Consistent campus presentations by property and casualty companies, such as the two FCAS presenters at Actuary Day 2016.
Program Details
To earn a BS degree in Actuarial Science at UC Santa Barbara, students must complete 44 core required undergraduate units and 8 elective units, totaling 52 units.
The combined BS/MS program in Actuarial Science allows students to earn both degrees in five years, with the option to graduate in as little as four years.
Students in the combined program will gain first-hand actuarial research experience by working on an actuarial project in partnership with a local company.
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Recommended Prep for Major

To succeed in your major, it's essential to have a strong foundation in math. Two years of algebra are recommended to prepare you for the demands of your program.
You'll also want to make sure you've taken courses in plane geometry and trigonometry in high school. These subjects will serve as a solid base for more advanced math concepts you'll encounter in your major.
Here are the specific math courses you should have under your belt before starting your program:
- Two years of algebra
- Courses in plane geometry and trigonometry at high school
Program Requirements
To earn a BS degree in Actuarial Science, you'll need to complete 52 units, including 44 core required undergraduate units and 8 elective units.
You can find more information on program requirements by downloading the BS/MS Degree Sheet in PDF or DOC format from the department's website.
The combined BS/MS program in Actuarial Science is a five-year program that allows outstanding undergraduates to earn both degrees.
To be eligible for the combined program, you must be a currently enrolled UCSB student majoring in Actuarial Science.
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Students will apply for pre-admission to the BS/MS Actuarial program in the Spring quarter of their junior year by filling out a pre-application.
You must formally apply for pre-admission by March 31st of your junior year, but you can petition to apply later if needed.
The Actuarial Program Committee reviews pre-applications and determines preliminary admission, contingent on continued academic excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is UCSB actuarial science ranked?
UCSB's Master's in Actuarial Science is ranked #2 in the US, according to accounting.com. Discover why UCSB's actuarial science program stands out among the nation's top programs.
How much do actuaries get paid in Santa Barbara?
Actuaries in Santa Barbara earn an average annual salary of $146,697 as of December 15, 2024. This figure reflects the current compensation for actuaries in the area.
What university is best for actuarial science?
For actuarial science, top universities include the University of Pennsylvania and Carnegie Mellon University, both offering strong programs in the field.
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