Drake University Actuarial Science Program
Drake University's actuarial science program equips students with the mathematical, statistical, and financial skills needed to pass professional actuarial exams and enter the insurance, consulting, and finance industries. Located in Des Moines, Iowa, the program combines a rigorous quantitative core with practical applications, internship support, and a faculty that emphasizes mentorship and real-world problem solving. Students work through a structured sequence that mirrors the first several Society of Actuaries (SOA) exam topics while building communication and business acumen that employers value.
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Curriculum and Exam Preparation
The curriculum is designed so that coursework aligns with early actuarial exam content, including probability, financial mathematics, and actuarial models for life contingencies. Students complete credits in calculus, linear algebra, statistics, and economics alongside specialized actuarial electives. Faculty members with industry experience guide students in choosing which exam to sit for and when, helping them build a study plan that fits their coursework load. The program's structure allows motivated students to begin attempting SOA Exam P (Probability) and Exam FM (Financial Mathematics) before graduation, a milestone that strengthens their résumés and job applications.
Career Outcomes and Industry Connections
Graduates of Drake's actuarial science program enter roles in property and casualty insurance, life insurance, health insurance, pension consulting, and risk management. Des Moines serves as a hub for several major insurance carriers and regional offices of national firms, giving students proximity to internships and networking events. The university's career services office supports actuarial students through mock interviews, exam prep resources, and connections with alumni working in the field. Placement data shows that graduates who pass one or more exams before graduating have a measurable advantage in securing entry-level actuarial positions.
Student Support and Resources
Drake provides a dedicated actuarial club, study groups, and access to exam preparation materials such as Coaching Actuaries and analogous resources. Students can also pursue a minor or second major in related fields like mathematics, finance, or data science to broaden their analytical toolkit. Small class sizes allow for individualized attention, and faculty advisors work closely with students on course sequencing, exam scheduling, and internship planning throughout their four years.
Admission and Preparation
Prospective students interested in actuarial science at Drake should have a strong foundation in high school mathematics, including algebra, precalculus, and basic statistics. While there is no separate application for the actuarial track, declaring the major early ensures students can follow the recommended four-year plan. Transfer students with equivalent quantitative coursework may also find a clear path into the program, and advisors help map transfer credits to the actuarial science requirements.
Is Drake University Actuarial Science Right for You
Students who thrive in structured, quantitative environments and who are willing to commit to ongoing professional exam study tend to succeed in this program. Drake's combination of exam-focused coursework, Des Moines industry access, and close faculty support creates a setting where students can build both technical competence and professional confidence. Prospective applicants should review the current degree requirements and talk with faculty or alumni to understand how the program fits their long-term career goals in the actuarial profession.