Florida State University

What you'll study

The programme combines core business fundamentals with specialised insurance and risk management coursework. You will study principles of risk management, property and casualty insurance, life and health insurance, commercial insurance placements, insurance law and ethics, claims handling and adjusting, underwriting principles, reinsurance and risk financing. Quantitative and supporting subjects include business statistics, financial accounting, corporate finance, investments and introductory actuarial concepts.

Typical curriculum structure includes general education requirements, foundational business courses, a sequence of major-specific classes and a capstone or practicum experience. Many students supplement classroom study with experiential components such as internships, industry case projects and student-led organisations to gain applied familiarity with brokerage operations, underwriting systems and claims processes.

• Core insurance modules: Principles of Risk Management; Property & Casualty Insurance; Life & Health Insurance; Commercial Insurance; Insurance Law and Regulation
• Technical modules: Underwriting and Pricing; Claims Management; Reinsurance and Risk Financing; Enterprise Risk Management
• Supporting modules: Business Statistics; Financial Accounting; Corporate Finance; Economics; Introduction to Actuarial Methods
• Capstone/internship: Industry practicum, internship placement or a major project applying risk management tools to real-world business problems

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised secondary school qualification for undergraduate admission, with a strong academic record in quantitative subjects such as mathematics. Typical preparation includes coursework in algebra or calculus, and foundations in English and social sciences. Admission to the College of Business may require meeting faculty-specific criteria in addition to university-wide requirements.

Transfer applicants from other post-secondary institutions should present college transcripts showing successful completion of general education and introductory business modules. International applicants must meet the university's academic equivalency standards and demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised testing or approved alternatives.

Beyond formal academic criteria, successful applicants often show evidence of interest in business or insurance through internships, part‑time work, extracurricular activities or relevant certifications. Applicants are advised to consult the university's undergraduate admissions pages for detailed, up‑to‑date requirements and documentation guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of roles across the insurance value chain and related sectors. Common entry-level positions include insurance underwriter, sales agent or broker, claims adjuster or examiner, risk analyst, loss control specialist and reinsurance analyst. With experience, graduates progress to roles such as commercial risk manager, portfolio underwriter, claims manager, product manager, regulatory compliance specialist or business development manager.

The degree also provides a strong foundation for careers in related areas such as corporate risk management, employee benefits consulting, insurance technology (InsurTech), and analytical roles that support pricing and capital modelling. Many graduates pursue professional designations (for example, industry-chartered and technical certifications) or further study in finance, law or actuarial science to broaden career options.

Why study at Florida State University

Florida State University offers this programme within a well-established College of Business that emphasises applied learning and close industry connections. Students benefit from access to business faculty with practical experience, a broad alumni network, and university career services that facilitate internships and employer engagement.

The campus environment supports industry exposure through guest lectures, workshops and student organisations that focus on insurance and risk topics, helping students build professional networks and practical skills. The programme’s integration of quantitative training and business fundamentals prepares graduates to meet employer expectations in a changing insurance landscape.

Overall, the combination of a comprehensive curriculum, experiential learning opportunities and a supportive business community makes Florida State University a practical choice for students aiming for careers in insurance and risk management.