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Actuarial Science (BSc)

Analyze risk and uncertainty in financial contexts.

Program Types
Bachelor
Entry-to-practice
Faculty
Unit
Location
Program Start
September and January
Program Options
Major
Minor

Why choose this program?

The Actuarial Science program at Dal offers the opportunity to dive into a fulfilling and challenging career with the tools you need to make your mark on a variety of industries. Blending both math and science and both theory and practice, this program will equip you with a deep understanding of risk and how it impacts individuals and the larger society within which they live.

Admission requirements

Minimum admission requirements

To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:

  1. Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
  2. Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
  3. Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).

Admission to many Dalhousie programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

Program-specific admission requirements

  • Minimum overall average: 75%

  • Academic English 12

  • Pre-calculus Math 12

  • Three additional academic subjects

Financial information

A university education is a significant financial investment. Every student is unique, and so are their financial circumstances. We offer competitive tuition, a robust scholarship and bursary program, and resources and support to help you explore financial options and develop a plan that works for you. 

Program options

Dal Science offers a host of opportunities for you to explore interests and customize your degree. If you prefer smaller class sizes, some of our programs have the option of completing your first year on our Truro Campus. Whether you decide to enroll in the Integrated Science Program, get an honours degree, or pursue a combination of disciplines, our team of advisors will help you figure out how to tailor your degree to fit you perfectly.

From summer research awards, internships, working as a teaching assistant, or getting involved with SuperNOVA summer camps, there are many ways to gain hands-on experience during your degree. Many of our programs offer a co-op option that gives you real-world, paid experience in your field while making the connections you need to kick start your career. Science co-op students apply the latest theories to fields including biotechnology, conservation, agriculture, medicine, meteorology, and economics, and many more.


The following Actuarial Science program options are offered by Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Science. Connect with an academic advisor after you start your studies to explore options such as:  

  • BSc (120 credit hour) Honours (Concentrated)*

  • BSc or BA (120 credit hour) Combined Honours*

  • BSc (120 credit hour) Major*

  • BSc or BA (120 credit hour) Double Major*

  • Minor in Actuarial Science

  • A post-baccalaureate diploma

What you will learn

The Actuarial Science program covers a broad range of topics to ensure you have a well-rounded understanding of assessing and managing risk, using today’s latest digital technologies.

Sample courses may include:

  • Principles of Microeconomics

  • Principles of Macroeconomics

  • Differential and Integral Calculus I

  • Matrix Theory and Linear Algebra I 

  • Theory of Interest

  • Introduction to Probability

  • Data Analysis

  • Introduction to Data Mining with R 

  • Actuarial Models I

  • Life Contingencies I

  • Predictive Analytics

  • Regression and Analysis of Variance 

  • Actuarial Models II

  • Life Contingencies II

  • Statistical Learning with R

  • Applied Multivariate Analysis 

Core to the program’s curriculum are courses in mathematics, statistics, economics and computer science. The material you'll cover prepares you for an exciting career as a professional actuary – anywhere in the world.

Careers

Set yourself up for a successful career by learning how to calculate and understand risk. You'll graduate prepared for the Society of Actuaries (SOA) examinations, the final step on the path to becoming a professional actuary with internationally recognized credentials.

Future studies could include programs at the graduate level in mathematics, statistics, or business administration.