Insurance underwriters are needed to evaluate financial situations and develop policies in a variety of business settings, including commercial banks, insurance companies and mortgage brokerages. Insurance underwriting programs are available at the undergraduate and graduate level.
Top 10 Business Schools with Insurance Underwriting Programs
The following schools offer programs related to insurance underwriting:
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Degrees Offered | Tuition (2018-2019, In-state)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | 4-year, Private | Bachelor's Master's | Undergrad: $55,584 Graduate: $34,882 |
| University of Georgia | Athens, Georgia | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's Master's Doctoral | Undergrad: $11,830 Graduate: $8,704 |
| St. Joseph's University | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | 4-year, Private | Bachelor's Graduate Certificate | Undergrad: $44,974 Graduate: $16,992 |
| University of Wisconsin - Madison | Madison, Wisconsin | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's Master's | Undergrad: $10,555 Graduate: $10,728 |
| Temple University | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's Master's | Undergrad: $16,970 Graduate: $16,488 |
| Georgia State University | Atlanta, Georgia | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's Master's Doctoral | Undergrad: $9,112 Graduate: $7,020 |
| Florida State University | Tallahassee, Florida | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's Master's Doctoral | Undergrad: $5,656 Graduate: $9,684 |
| New York University | New York, New York | 4-year, Private | Master's | Graduate: $42,888 |
| University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, Illinois | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's Master's Doctoral | Undergrad: $15,094 Graduate: $15,068 |
| University of Texas - Austin | Austin, Texas | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's Master's Doctoral | Undergrad: $10,610 Graduate: $11,742 |
*Source: NCES College Navigator
School Selection Criteria
Insurance underwriting programs can be found at community colleges and 4-year colleges and universities. When selecting a school, students should keep the following in mind:
- Most schools do not offer specific programs in insurance underwriting, so students prepare for this career by enrolling in certificate or degree programs in finance or risk management, or by completing a certificate program in insurance underwriting while they earn a related degree.
- Some programs offer students the option to take specific courses in preparation for certification exams.
- Many schools that offer insurance underwriting training incorporate internships and cooperative jobs into their finance programs, which allow students networking opportunities.
- Students at some schools can expand upon their academic resume through participation in student organizations and honors programs.
Bachelor's Degree Programs in Insurance
Undergraduate programs that include training in insurance underwriting are typically bachelor's programs, such as a Bachelor of Science in Finance with a minor in insurance or a Bachelor of Business Administration in Risk Management and Insurance. Curricula include general business and finance courses along with insurance courses.
Certificate Programs in Insurance
Students who are interested in becoming insurance underwriters can complete a certificate program during their undergraduate study or after they have earned their degrees. These awards, such as a Certificate in the Business of Insurance or a Certificate in Risk Management and Insurance, prepare students for employment with insurance companies and other businesses that need employees with underwriting skills. Some programs include an internship experience.
Master's Degree Programs in Insurance
Graduate degrees in insurance underwriting are typically master's degrees, such as a Master of Business Administration in Insurance Financial Management or a Master of Science in Risk and Insurance. Master's degree programs are geared toward professionals who want to supplement their experience with additional education, or students who have earned an undergraduate degree and want to prepare for a career in financial management or risk management.
Insurance underwriting programs are available at the certificate, bachelor's or master's degree level. These programs reinforce the principles of finance, management, accounting, ethics and risk modeling.
