MTSU actuarial science program earns international attention while expanding
Middle Tennessee State University’s Actuarial Science Program is strengthening its national reputation while giving students more opportunities to prepare for careers in one of the nation’s most specialized and in-demand professions.
Housed in MTSU’s Department of Mathematical Sciences, the program combines mathematics, statistics, economics, finance, data science and business to prepare students to assess and manage financial risk in industries including insurance, banking, health care and pensions.
“At its core, actuarial science is about quantifying risk, understanding it, measuring it, and finding effective ways to manage it,” said Vajira Manathunga, associate professor and director of MTSU’s Actuarial Science Program. “To do that, you need mathematical tools, but you also need knowledge in economics, accounting, business and data science. On top of that, you need communication skills.”
MTSU’s program has earned some of the highest recognition available in the actuarial science field. The internationally recognized Society of Actuaries has designated MTSU as a Center of Actuarial Excellence, its highest level of recognition for institutions of higher learning.
MTSU is one of only 45 universities worldwide and 24 in the United States to hold the designation.
The program has also earned Gold Tier status through the Casualty Actuarial Society’s University Recognition program, placing MTSU among a select group of universities worldwide to hold both distinctions.
The recognitions reflect the strength of the program’s curriculum, professional exam preparation, industry engagement, internships, research opportunities and career development resources.
One of the program’s biggest challenges, according to Manathunga, is simply making students aware that actuarial science is a career option.
“Many students find out about actuarial science as juniors or seniors. Usually, it’s too late at that point,” Manathunga said.
To increase awareness, MTSU hosted its first Actuarial Science High School Day on April 18. Students and parents learned about actuarial science, the professional exam process and potential career opportunities. Entry-level actuaries in Tennessee can earn an average of $80,000 to $110,000.
MTSU also regularly brings industry professionals and researchers to campus and works with an industry advisory board to connect students with internships and potential employers.
The Actuarial Science Program is supported by five core faculty members with expertise in actuarial science, statistics, data science and risk management. Several faculty members also hold professional actuarial designations.
A recent visit from Ian Duncan, president-elect of the Society of Actuaries, further demonstrated the program’s connection to the industry. Duncan spoke with the MTSU community about artificial intelligence and its implications for health insurance while also participating in efforts to introduce high school students to actuarial science.
For MTSU student Keira Cupp, discovering actuarial science provided a career path that combined her talent for mathematics with a structured professional future.
Cupp, an actuarial science major from Franklin who is expected to graduate in May 2027, originally planned to study classical piano performance.
“For a couple of years, I practiced piano for over four hours a day and planned to study classical piano performance. I also knew from a young age that math was my strong suit. But as I got older, I realized I had no idea what career paths there were in mathematics,” Cupp said.
Her mother, who works in the insurance industry, introduced her to actuarial science.
“Ever since then, I haven’t looked back,” Cupp said.
Cupp serves as president of MTSU’s Actuarial Math Student Association and vice president of finance for Gamma Iota Sigma. She also spent her summer interning as a financial and actuarial consultant for Gallagher, a global insurance broker.
The professional exam process associated with actuarial science also appealed to Cupp. Actuaries must pass a series of rigorous examinations to earn credentials through internationally recognized professional organizations.
“I actually really like the exam path that comes with actuarial science,” Cupp said. “It’s not for everyone, but I like the fun challenge that comes with the exams.”
Cupp has passed two exams and hopes to eventually earn her Fellowship designation, the highest professional tier of actuarial certification.
She said the support available through MTSU has played an important role in her progress.
“When I passed my second exam in April, Dr. Manathunga made a point to reach out to me and congratulate me,” Cupp said. “Our actuarial program also offers reimbursements when you pass your exams, which was incredibly helpful.”
Students in the program also participate in research, case competitions, professional conferences and industry events. The Actuarial Math Student Association gives students additional opportunities to connect with peers and professionals in the field.
“What I think sets our program apart is that Dr. Manathunga is constantly looking for ways to grow the program and is constantly looking for feedback from students,” Cupp said.
Manathunga believes those connections and opportunities will continue to help the program grow.
“This is actually a hidden gem,” he said. “You don’t have to go far away. You don’t have to go all the way to expensive cities like New York to learn about it. It’s right here.”
As MTSU expands partnerships with employers, professional organizations, universities and community colleges, Manathunga hopes more students with interests in mathematics, statistics, data science and financial risk will consider actuarial science as a potential career.
For Cupp, the experience has confirmed she found the right path.
“Actuarial science is constantly growing and offers so many opportunities,” Cupp said. “If you’re even remotely interested in statistics, data science, math or related fields, I would strongly encourage you to look into the career and our program at MTSU.”
