Northwestern College’s actuarial science major has qualified for Bronze Tier status within the Casualty Actuarial Society’s (CAS) University Recognition Program. Northwestern is the first Iowa school and first member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities to be among the 93 institutions recognized by CAS.
The CAS program recognizes academic institutions with a demonstrated commitment to preparing property and casualty actuaries through their educational offerings. The Casualty Actuarial Society is the world’s only actuarial organization focused exclusively on property and casualty risks, serving over 10,000 members worldwide. Society members work for insurance companies, educational institutions, state insurance departments, federal government agencies, independent consulting firms and many other organizations that require management of risk.
Northwestern has long been recognized by the Society of Actuaries, which focuses on the life and health insurance industry, as a UCAP-AC school (Universities and Colleges with Actuarial Programs–Advanced Curriculum).
“It is very distinctive to be recognized for our quality by both of the major actuarial societies,” says Dr. Tim Huffman, director of Northwestern’s actuarial science program. “In an area of the country like Iowa where property and casualty is predominant in the insurance industry, the CAS recognition will make our graduates look more favorable to employers because it shows that our curriculum is addressing issues that make property and casualty unique.”
On average, Northwestern actuarial science majors have passed two actuarial exams by the time they graduate. Northwestern’s average pass rates range from 75% to 95%. The college reimburses students for study materials and exam fees for each actuarial exam they pass.
Huffman, who founded Northwestern’s actuarial science program, is an academic correspondent of the Casualty Actuarial Society. He has served as a consultant for an insurance company and developed test-preparation software used by Coaching Actuaries, an exam-preparation company.
