Risk Management and Insurance
Key courses:
- Foundations of Risk Management & Insurance
- Commercial Insurance
- Personal Insurance
- Insurance Company Operations
- Enterprise Risk Management
- Insurance Law
Degrees:
Locations:
- Big Rapids
“Practical Education, Flexible Career, Rewarding Life”
Everybody needs insurance, because everyone faces risk: individuals, businesses, governmental units, and non-profit organizations. The range of careers includes underwriting, loss control, claims investigation, risk management, actuarial, and insurance agents, as well as finance, sales, marketing, and more in support of insurance companies. The industry remains strong during economic downturns, and provides for a rewarding life with competitive salaries and the opportunity to help people and businesses to avoid disasters and rebuild lives when disasters are unavoidable.
The Risk Management and Insurance program thoroughly covers insurance law, risk management principles, property and casualty insurance, employee benefits, personal insurance, and insurance company operations. The program requires an internship to cement and enhance classroom learning; students have recently interned at Auto-Owners Insurance Company, EMC Insurance, and Farmers Insurance.
New & Noteworthy
Meagan Tran’s Internship at Lerner Financial
September 4, 2020
Internships are a valuable way to get a feel for your industry and create connections. This summer Meagan Tran, a junior in marketing with a concentration in risk management / insurance, had an opportunity to intern with Lerner Financial. This…Read more »
Risk Management and Insurance Capstone Spring 2020
May 11, 2020
The Ferris State University Risk Management and Insurance program offers students a well rounded and customizable business education. The risk management program covers insurance law, risk management principles, property and casualty insurance, employee benefits, and many other topics essential to… Read more »
Gamma Iota Sigma-Upsilon to Host Risk Management Seminar
January 21, 2020
Ferris State student organization Gamma Iota Sigma-Upsilon chapter is hosting a risk management seminar on March 18 from 9 a.m. – noon at The Fed Galleries at KCAD or 17 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI. The event fee is… Read more »
Ferris State Joins Riskstream Collaborative
October 10, 2019
Students and faculty to be involved in insurance industry blockchain projects Big Rapids, MI, September 30, 2019– Ferris State University recently became a non-profit member of The Institutes RiskStream CollaborativeTM, the risk management and insurance industry’s largest enterprise-level blockchain consortium.…Read more »
Ferris College of Business Students Visit Gordon Food Service’s Automated Distribution Center
March 22, 2019
College of Business students toured Gordon Food Service’s (GFS) six-story high, automated distribution center in Wyoming, Michigan on March 20, 2019. GFS is “the largest family-operated broadline food distribution company in North America.” Over the course of the tour, students… Read more »
College of Business to Host “[Risky] Pizza with the [Risk] Profs”
November 2, 2018
The Risk Management and Insurance professors will host “[Risky] Pizza with the [Risk] Profs” on Tuesday, November 6, 2018 in BUS 205 from 11–11:50 a.m. This informal conversation about risk management, insurance, and related career opportunities won’t be just another… Read more »
Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship Students Visit Start Garden and Str!ve
November 16, 2017
Students from the College of Business visiting Str!ve as part of their field trip. On October 5, 2017, students from the Ferris Small Business Management (MGMT 310) and Entrepreneurial Strategy and Planning (MGMT 315) courses took a field trip to… Read more »
Ferris Gamma Iota Sigma Chapter Awarded “Black and Gold” at International Conference in Dallas, Texas
October 11, 2017
The Ferris State University Upsilon chapter of Gamma Iota Sigma recently won three awards at their international conference in Dallas, Texas. The chapter received the “Black and Gold” award for the Michigan Insurance Employers Survey, a project that members of… Read more »
Risk Management and Insurance Fraternity Members Assess Employment Prospects in Michigan Insurance Industry
July 7, 2017
A group of five Ferris State University students seeking degrees in Risk Management and Insurance and in Actuarial Science recently completed the “Michigan Insurance Employers Survey,” a measurement of career prospects in the insurance labor market, statewide. All students are… Read more »
Risk Management and Insurance Students Learn About “Cornucopia of Career Opportunities” at RIMS Annual Conference
May 24, 2017
In early May, College of Business professor David Brown and four Risk and Insurance Management students attended the RIMS, the risk management society, Annual Conference & Exhibition in Philadelphia. This three-day event consisted of different workshops, visiting exhibits, and…Read more »
13 Reasons to Pursue a Risk Management and Insurance Degree and Career
March 23, 2017
Job opportunities abound. One-third of insurance producers are between the ages of 55 and 64.1 Various reports put the RMI industry’s hiring needs in the range of 60,000-70,000 hires per year for the next several years, to replace retirees and… Read more »
Students Gain Network Opportunity at Michigan Association of Insurance Agents Annual Convention
March 3, 2017
Six College of Business (COB) students were able to attend the Michigan Association of Insurance Agents (MAIA) annual convention. The MAIA convention brings together hundreds of Michigan independent insurance agents for educational sessions, an awards luncheon, networking, and an exhibition… Read more »
Gamma Iota Sigma Students Gain Experience At Annual International Conference
October 7, 2016
Six students from the Risk Management and Insurance and Actuarial Science programs traveled with Dr. Brown to Columbus, Ohio for the 45th Annual Gamma Iota Sigma International Conference, Sept. 29 through Oct. 2nd. While at the conference, students enjoyed a… Read more »
Auto-Owners Insurance Supports Students in the Risk Management and Insurance Program
September 26, 2016
The Risk Management and Insurance program received a gift of support from Auto-Owners Insurance on Thursday, September 22, 2016. On behalf of Auto-Owners, Sara Franks presented the $500 donation to program coordinator David Brown and Management Department Chair Gayle Lopez.… Read more »
Students Develop Professional Experience Through Meijer Internships
September 6, 2016
Meijer is a family-owned company that started out as a single grocery store in Greenville, Michigan. Today, Meijer is made up of over 220 stores and 65,000 team members. In order to create a smooth experience for all customers and…Read more »
Risk Management and Insurance Students Seek Connections at Conference
April 20, 2016
Risk Management and Insurance students James Freid and Melissa Klinger accompanied Dr. David Brown to the Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS) 2016 annual conference in San Diego, CA. The RIMS conference is the largest gathering of risk and insurance… Read more »
Ally Bank to Visit Ferris in Search of Interns
April 7, 2016
Recruiters from Ally Bank will be visiting the Big Rapids campus on Thursday and Friday, April 21–22, 2016 to provide students with information regarding internship and job opportunities. The event will be hosted by the Business Data Analytics and Risk… Read more »
Students Network at Insurance Convention
March 4, 2015
Insurance & Risk Management students Jay Miller, Corey Bledsoe, and Cody Simmons, with Professor Dr. David Brown, attended the 2015 Michigan Association of Insurance Agents (MAIA) in Mt. Pleasant. There were both educational and experiential benefits in attending. The students… Read more »
Corey Bledsoe receives Anita Benedetti Scholar Award
February 6, 2015
Ferris student Corey Bledsoe was named an Anita Benedetti Scholar by The Risk Management Society (RIMS). Through this program, RIMS sponsors outstanding students’ attendance at the organization’s Annual Conference and Exhibition, providing airfare, hotel expenses, and a stipend. Bledsoe will… Read more »
Ethan Henderson: Amerisure Commercial Marketing Underwriter
February 5, 2015
Amerisure Insurance Company is an organization dedicated to reducing business risks and maintaining the health and safety of employees. Since graduating last spring, Risk Management and Insurance alumnus Ethan Henderson has found his place as a Commercial Marketing Underwriter for…Read more »
Risk Management and Insurance Student: Scott Sawyer
October 28, 2014
“From what I have heard, Ferris State University has a rather rich history of producing successful Insurance and Risk Management graduates. Thanks to the always helpful Dr. David Brown, an experienced professional of the field, the program has been revitalized…Read more »
Studying in the Risk Management and Insurance Program
March 28, 2014
Sarah Scobey found herself drawn to statistical analysis and management styles while studying at Ferris State University. While searching for a career path other than statistician, she found her passion in the Insurance and Risk Management program. Scobey, a second-year…Read more »
Admissions
1. New First Year or “First Time in Any College Freshmen (FTIAC)” Applicant COB Admission Criteria
Applicants are expected to meet the criteria listed below to be placed directly into a College of Business bachelor/associate degree program except Graphic Design (DSGN), Information Security & Intelligence (ISIN), PGA Golf Management (PGA), and Professional Tennis Management (PTM) which have specific admission requirements listed in Section 3. Any mitigating circumstances will be considered on an individual basis by the College of Business Dean’s Office/Student Academic Affairs (SAA).
Applicants completing the SAT after Fall, 2016, must have a 2.5 high school GPA (on a 4.0 scale) and meet two of the three criteria below:
- SAT Evidence-based Reading and Writing (ERW) score of 450 or higher.
- SAT Math score of 500 or higher. Placement in Math 109/110 will be considered (SAT MATH score 480).
- SAT Composite score of 900.
Applicants completing the ACT; or applicants completing the SAT before Fall, 2016, must have a 2.5 high school GPA (on a 4.0 scale) and meet two of the three criteria below:
- English ACT score of 16 or higher, or SAT Writing score of 370 or higher
- Math ACT score of 19 or higher, or SAT Math score of 460 or higher
- Reading ACT score of 19 or higher, or SAT Reading score of 430 or higher
ACT/SAT score requirements shall not apply to international students and non-traditional students age 23 or older. However, a placement test (specified by Ferris State University and/or COB) may be necessary for English and Math. Most students complete the Accuplacer at the FSU Testing Center or approved satellite location.
Applicants not meeting the above criteria (or criteria for direct admission into a specific COB program listed in Section 3), MAY be considered for an approved Associates Degree if:
- High School GPA of 2.35 or higher
- Math ACT score of 16/SAT Math 430 and additional high school algebra
- ACT Reading score of 16 and ACT English score of 14 or a comparable SAT ERW score to be determined.
- SAT Composite score of 860 or ACT composite score of 15.
2. Transfer Applicant COB Admission Criteria (this includes internal applicants from other FSU colleges and external applicants from other institutions)
Applicants are expected to meet the criteria listed below to be placed directly into a College of Business bachelor/associate degree program except for Accountancy/Computer Information Systems (ACIS), Computer Information Systems (CIS), Computer Information Technology (CIT), Graphic Design (DSGN), Information Security & Intelligence (ISIN), Music Industry Management (MIM), PGA Golf Management (PGA), and Professional Tennis Management (PTM) which have specific admission requirements listed in Section 3. Any mitigating circumstances will be considered on an individual basis by the College of Business Dean’s Office/SAA.
Transfer applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Combined college or university GPA of 2.35 (on a 4.0 scale) from all institutions attended. GPA is based on completion of 12 credit hours or more. Developmental courses will not be considered in computing the GPA requirement.
- Transfer equivalency for FSU English 150 or placement during the first semester at FSU which would require an ACT English score of 16 or higher; or SAT ERW score of 450; or Accuplacer English score 6 or higher.
- Transfer equivalency for FSU Math 114/115 or placement during the first semester at FSU which would require an ACT Math score of 19 or higher; or SAT Math score of 500; or Accuplacer MATH scores: Elementary Algebra score 75 or higher and College Level Math 0 – 49.
ACT/SAT score requirements shall not apply to international students and non-traditional students age 23 or older. However, a placement test (specified by Ferris State University and/or COB) may be necessary for English and Math. Most students complete the Accuplacer at the FSU Testing Center or an approved satellite location.
COB students may transfer into another COB program with a 2.0 FSU GPA unless they do not meet requirements that are program specific. A “Program Change Form” will be processed in the Dean’s Office/SAA (BUS 200).
FSU students may transfer into a COB program with a 2.35 FSU GPA unless they do not meet requirements that are program specific. A “Program Change Form” will be processed in the Dean’s Office/SAA (BUS 200).
3. COB Specific Programs’ Admission Criteria
New applicants (FTIAC)* and transfer applicants interested in Accountancy/Computer Information Systems (ACIS), Systems Computer Information Systems (CIS), Computer Information Technology (CIT), Graphic Design (DSGN), Information Security and Intelligence (ISIN), Music Industry Management (MIM), PGA Golf Management (PGA), and Professional Tennis Management (PTM) have specific admission criteria as follows:
Accountancy/Computer Information Systems (ACIS-BS-BU)
- FTIAC applicants must meet the COB FTIAC admission criteria.
- Transfer applicants must meet COB transfer admission criteria (see Section 2) and have a combined college or university 2.5 GPA.
Computer Information Systems (CIS-BS-BU)
- FTIAC applicants must meet COB FTIAC admission criteria.
- Transfer applicants must meet COB transfer admission criteria (see Section 2) and have a combined college or university 2.5 GPA.
Computer Information Technology (CIT-BS-BU)
- FTIAC applicants must meet COB FTIAC admission criteria.
- Transfer applicants must meet COB transfer admission criteria (see Section 2) and have a college or university 2.5 GPA.
Graphic Design Bachelor’s Degree (DSGN-BS-BU)
- FTIAC applicants must meet COB FTIAC admission criteria. Students must maintain a 2.7gpa in their DSGN courses.
- Transfer applicants must meet COB transfer admission criteria (see Section 2) and will be referred to the Program Coordinator for portfolio review to determine acceptance and placement within the program.
Information Security & Intelligence (ISIN-BS-BU and ISIN-AAS-BU)
- All applicants applying for admission to the ISIN programs will submit a 750 – 1,000 word essay that addresses the following: Who they are and why they desire admission in the ISIN program, description of a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution, or experience, and description of someone that influenced them and why.
- Minimum computer spec for ISIN students: Laptop; Windows or OSX/MacOS; 8 GB RAM, 16GB recommended; 500 GB HDD or SSD; CPU minimum i5 or equivalent.
- FTIAC applicants require a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) from high school and a Math ACT minimum score of 22 or Math SAT minimum score of 550.
- Transfer applicants must have a combined 3.00 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) from all institutions attended. GPA is based on completion of 24 hours or more. Students must have completed the transfer equivalent of FSU’s Math 114/115 or higher (this does not include FSU’s equivalent of Math 117) with a minimum 2.00 GPA or have a Math ACT minimum score of 22 or Math SAT minimum score of 550. (See information above regarding the required essay.)
Music and Entertainment Business (MEBM-BS-BU)
- FTIAC applicants must meet COB FTIAC admission criteria.
- Transfer applicants must meet COB transfer admission criteria and (see Section 2) have a combined college or university 2.5 GPA. Typically no more than 45 applicable credit hours should be transferred from other institutions. Exceptions will be based on approval by the MIM Program Director.
PGA Golf Management (PGA-BS-BU)
- FTIAC applicants require a 2.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) from high school, ACT composite score of 19 or SAT composite score of 980. The program has a Fall Semester entry only. Because of the uniqueness of the program, applicants are encouraged to visit campus and talk with an admissions counselor and/or the PGA program coordinator.
- There are two alternatives for students to demonstrate the golf playing ability required to enter the Ferris State PGA Golf Management Program. Each State Golf Association offers memberships that include score posting for rounds played to allow golfers to establish an official handicap. If a student elects to use option 1 below, the maximum permitted USGA/World Handicapping System Index is 8.0.
- In Michigan, for example, the Golf Association of Michigan offers score posting options online. The following link will take you directly to the GAM Membership page. As a GAM Member not only can you post your scores but the GAM offers discounts on greens fees and merchandise at various courses throughout Michigan. https://www.gam.org/?Membership&view=Join
- The other alternative is to demonstrate playing proficiency in a 36 hole PGA Playing Ability Test (PAT) conducted in any PGA Section in the United States. The proficiency considered acceptable by Ferris State is as follows: In at least one of the two rounds of the PAT, the student shoots a score that is within 5 strokes of the PAT Target Score.
For Example, the PAT Target Score for 36 Holes = 158 (79 + 79 = 158)
Player in PAT Shoots 84 and 86 in the two rounds. Since at least one round (the 84) is within 5 strokes of 79 that would be considered acceptable.
- Transfer applicants must meet COB transfer admission criteria (see Section 2) and demonstrate golfing ability as explained above. Transfer equivalency or placement in ENGL-150 and MATH-114 or MATH-115.
- Students must complete the program within eight years of the initial enrollment as required by the PGA.
- PGA Playing Ability Test Registration
Professional Tennis Management (PTM-BS-BU)
- FTIAC applicants require a 2.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) from high school, NTRP of 4.0 with USTA District ranking and one of the following two criteria: (1) ACT Math score of 19 or higher or SAT Math score of 500 OR (2) ACT Reading score of 19 or higher or SAT ERW to be determined.
- Transfer applicants must meet COB transfer admissions criteria (see Section 2) and NTRP of 4.0 or USTA District ranking.
4. Undergraduate COB Certificate Programs’ Admission Criteria
Any person admitted to a Ferris State University degree program may enroll in courses for undergraduate COB certificates. No more than 50% of the credits in a certificate may be transferred from another institution. If a student is in a FSU degree-seeking program, the certificate will not be granted if more than 50% of the certificate credits are required in the program/major. The certificate will be granted upon completion with an average GPA of 2.0 or higher in the courses designated for the certificate.
Individuals wanting to advance their career, but not admitted to an FSU degree program, may also earn undergraduate COB certificates.
Admission process for individuals seeking only a certificate:
- Applicant should show proof of high school graduation with a 2.35 GPA. If it is determined by the COB Dean’s Office/SAA that regular program admission criteria should be met in order to complete the certificate successfully and be a contributing member of the course, all college transcripts should be submitted to the Admissions Office. Once admitted, an advisor will be assigned by the College of Business in the certificate program.
- Dual enrolled/concurrent students must complete their high school degree (provide transcript) before the certificate will be granted from FSU.
- Students wishing to pursue a bachelor or associate’s degree must meet the admission criteria for the program. This criteria review is initiated when the “Program Change Form” request is processed through the COB Dean’s Office/SAA.
Any mitigating circumstances will be considered on an individual basis by the College of Business Dean’s Office/SAA
*This document is subject to change. Questions should be submitted to the COB Dean’s Office/Student Academic Affairs (BUS 200) in care of the Director of Student Academic Affairs (231-591-2420).
SLG: April 9, 2013; Spring, 2014 (PHMT and eliminate PMIM); December, 2014(editorial); August 20, 2015 (criteria change: Section 1 preprogram requirements; PGA Golf Management name change); April and May, 2016 (Certificate process updates); Reviewed by AC: March 16, 2017 and updated on April 4, 2017 (Updates with certificate, ISIN admissions criteria, SAT updates, program changes, eliminate pre-programs, editorial changes); June 13, 2107 (MIM transfer credit clarification); June 19, 2017 (CIS transfer criteria update: combined college GPA 2.5 GPA); July 27, 2017 (ISIN computer recommendations; Accountancy/Computer Information Systems transfer criteria update: combined college GPA 2.50); August 16, 2017 (Edit); Oct 6, 2017 (ISIN AAS); November 7, 2017 (PTM edit “or USTA”);