About

Insurance is a global industry that employs more than 2.3 million people in the United States alone. Jobs are available in risk management and insurance (RMI). In recent years the number of graduates from the nation’s RMI programs met only 10-15 percent of the industry’s needs.

Appalachian State University’s Risk Management and Insurance (BSBA) degree prepares you for a variety of professions within the greater risk and insurance field, including: general management, underwriting, claims, agency sales and operations, brokerage, surplus lines, risk management and reinsurance specialties. With so many career paths, potential work environments include office, home and field.

Appalachian’s Brantley Risk and Insurance Center was ranked 5th in Risk Management Magazine’s 2015 list of “The 10 Largest Risk and Insurance Schools.” The Center is committed to developing the finest insurance talent and involves students with industry professionals by arranging guest speakers, shadow days and travel opportunities including the Independent Insurance Association of North Carolina (IIANC) Conference and the annual Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS) Conference. The center also holds an extensive career fair twice a year, allowing students unparalleled access to employers regarding internships and full-time career opportunities.

After Graduation

Employment: Employers include:

• All Risks
• Amerisure
• AmWINS
• Auto Owners Insurance
• BB&T
• Independent Insurance Agencies
• Jackson Sumner & Associates
• Key Risk
• Liberty Mutual
• Markel
• National General
• RPS
• Selective Insurance
• State Farm
• Travelers
• Willis Towers Watson

Career Exploration website

Professional Licensure

This is a program that can lead to licensure or certification in North Carolina. Appalachian State University cannot confirm whether this program will meet the requirements for professional licensure in other states or territories.

If this applies to you, check the Professional Licensure webpage for information on licensure requirements and licensing agencies in other states. Or, you may address questions to State Authorization at App State at stateauthorization@cjpk.net or 828-262-7559.

People

• 

  Faculty Profile: Dr. Jamie Parson

  Parson fosters access to careers in insurance for students in the Walker College of Business through initiatives designed to ensure all students can access the resources they need to be successful.

• 

  Faculty Profile: Dr. David Marlett

  Effective risk management and a healthy insurance market lead to a more resilient society, says the managing director of Appalachian's Brantley Risk and Insurance Center.

• 

  Alumna Profile: Shelby Weatherman ’18

  Now a risk analyst, Shelby Weatherman ’18 said she gained professional development, off-campus experiential learning and faculty/staff encouragement through the Brantley Risk and Insurance Center.

Minors

A minor is not required. A popular double major, however, is Finance and Banking.

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

Gamma Iota Sigma (GIS) – An international professional collegiate insurance organization sponsored by Brantley Risk and Insurance Center. It promotes, encourages and sustains student interest in insurance, risk management and actuarial science as a profession and facilitates the interaction and cooperation with industry and professional organizations.

Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society – Membership in this group is the highest international recognition a student in business can receive in an undergraduate or master’s program at an AACSB accredited school.

Global Learning

Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.  

All business students fulfill an international requirement, and an increasing number choose to study abroad through a wide variety of exchange programs. The college maintains partnerships with universities across the globe and continues to expand groundbreaking opportunities in emerging markets.

For this major, there are two study abroad options under the same course number:

• FIN 4800 – Students travel to Bermuda to meet with experts in the insurance profession, scientists studying climate change and the Bermuda Tourism Authority.
• FIN 4800 – Students travel to London’s financial district, home to many of the world’s largest insurers and reinsurers.

Admission Requirements

Requirements for declaring a major within the Walker College of Business are detailed here.