Becoming an actuary is not an adventure everyone can take. You’ll need an agile math mind and razor-sharp analytical skills. Luckily there are a range of courses, internships, self-directed e-learning programs, and college programs that can help you get there. Among the college majors you might choose: actuarial science, math, statistics, economics, business and finance.

That’s right—you don’t need to complete an actuarial science degree in college to become an actuary. However, if you’re inclined to take actuarial science in college, there are dozens of colleges and universities offering undergraduate programs in the U.S. and Canada; there are also graduate programs. As a service, the Society of Actuaries verifies programs as Centers of Actuarial Excellence.

Learn more about what to study in college.