Ferris State University

What you'll study

The programme combines core business foundations with specialised insurance and risk-management modules. Early coursework covers principles of insurance, business law, accounting and finance, while intermediate and advanced modules examine property and casualty insurance, life and health insurance, commercial lines, personal lines, underwriting, claims handling, risk financing and reinsurance.

• Principles of Risk and Insurance
• Underwriting and Product Design
• Claims Investigation and Management
• Property & Casualty Insurance
• Life, Health & Employee Benefits
• Risk Management and Loss Control
• Insurance Law and Regulation
• Insurance Accounting and Finance
• Data Analytics for Insurance / Actuarial Fundamentals
• Business electives (marketing, management, ethics)
• Internship or practicum with an insurance employer
• Capstone project integrating risk assessment and business strategy

Classes emphasise applied learning through case studies, simulated underwriting and claims scenarios, guest lecturers from industry, and a required experiential placement that connects students with regional insurers, brokers and risk-management firms.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a secondary school diploma or equivalent. Typical admissions criteria include a competitive high-school GPA and completion of college-preparatory subjects such as mathematics and English. Ferris State considers transfer applicants with college credit; relevant community college coursework in business, economics or mathematics strengthens an application.

• Secondary school diploma or equivalent
• Suggested preparation: algebra and communications/English
• Transferrable college credit accepted; official transcripts required
• Some applicants submit a personal statement or résumé highlighting interest or experience in business or insurance

Standardised test submission policies may vary, so applicants should check current admissions guidance. International applicants must meet English language proficiency and credential-evaluation requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of roles across the insurance sector and related fields. The degree provides technical insurance knowledge together with business skills employers seek.

• Insurance agent or broker
• Underwriter (personal, commercial, specialty lines)
• Claims examiner / adjuster
• Risk manager or loss-control specialist
• Policy analyst, compliance or regulatory roles
• Reinsurance and portfolio management support
• Insurance operations, customer service and product development
• Entry-level actuarial support or data-analytics roles

Graduates also pursue professional insurance designations (for example from industry bodies) and further study in business, risk management or actuarial science to advance into specialist or leadership positions.

Why study at Ferris State University

Ferris State offers a practical, career-oriented insurance curriculum delivered by faculty with industry experience and business-focused teaching. The programme’s emphasis on internships and employer engagement helps students build professional networks and gain workplace-ready skills.

• Strong connections with regional insurers, brokers and risk firms for internships and hiring
• Applied learning through practicum, industry projects and guest practitioners
• Support services for career planning, internship placement and professional licensing
• Small class sizes that allow individual attention and applied mentorship

Located in Michigan, Ferris State places students within reach of diverse insurance markets and corporate headquarters, providing pathways into metropolitan and regional employer networks after graduation.