Why This Matters

  • 70% of UNDERWRITERS REPORT NEEDING A BACHELOR’S DEGREE

    Out of those surveyed, 70% of underwriters in the insurance industry have reported that a bachelor’s degree is required to succeed in this profession.

  • 6% FEWER UNDERWRITERS WILL BE NEEDED BY 2029

    Thanks to the automation of many insurance processes, including underwriting, a 6% decline in the need for workers in this profession is anticipated by the year 2029.

  • POTENTIAL TO EARN MORE THAN $129,550

    As of May 2020, the median annual salary for insurance underwriters was $71,790, with those at the top of this industry earning more than $129,550.

Our Research

To create this list, we analyzed the offerings of colleges and universities around the United States to find those that offer the best online bachelor in risk management programs. Most of these degree programs award graduates with a Bachelor of Science; however, some may award students with a Bachelor of Business.

A variety of organizations may provide accreditation for the programs on this list. Those that offer Bachelor of Business degrees are typically accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education or the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Others may be accredited by the Higher Learning Commission or the New England Commission of Higher Education.

  • 51 hours to write this article
  • 28 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 40 education programs we compared

The Top 50 Online Bachelor’s in Risk Management Programs

Best Online Bachelor's in Risk Management Programs Badge
01
Intelligent Pick
University of Maryland Global Campus
01
Best in the South
Eastern Kentucky University
01
Best in the Midwest
Franklin University
01
Best for Insurance
Indiana State University
01
Best BBA Option
University of Houston-Downtown
01
Most Affordable
University of Central Arkansas
01
Best in the Northeast
Bay Path University
01
Best Licensure Prep
Kent State University
01
Best Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Johnson & Wales University
01
Best in the West
University of Colorado Denver
01
Best for Finance
Florida International University
01
Best for Adult Learners
Ohio Dominican University
01
Best for Transfer
Capella University
01
Best Accelerated Option
Southern New Hampshire University

What You Should Know About This Degree

While a bachelor’s degree in risk management focuses on ensuring that students are able to effectively foresee and manage potential risks within the organizations they serve, other degrees, such as a bachelor’s in compliance or auditing, focus on helping students prepare for a career in helping organizations comply with regulations. While these degrees are similar in what they teach, they do prepare students for different types of careers.

When selecting an online bachelor’s in risk management program, it’s vital to check schools’ accreditation status. Programs with proper accreditation offer credits that can more easily be transferred to other programs and schools.

Most commonly, students who graduate from risk management programs take on careers in insurance underwriting. However, a variety of other options may be available to you, including insurance agent, claims adjuster, risk manager, or financial advisor.

If you choose to pursue a career in the insurance industry, additional certifications, such as a broker license, may be required in your state.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching online bachelor’s in risk management programs:

  • How long does it take to complete this degree online? Most online bachelor’s degree programs require a commitment of about four years to complete your program. That being said, many schools offer risk management programs that allow you to work at your own pace over a longer period, and others may offer fast-track degree programs that take about two years.
  • Am I eligible for this program? While some universities will allow you to enroll in their risk management bachelor’s degree programs online without previous experience, most require students to have high math scores on SAT tests.

While researching online degree programs, be sure to keep track of deadlines and application requirements for the programs that interest you.

Additionally, it’s important to consider how you’ll finance your degree. If you need financial aid, make sure to send in applications on time. You might also want to look at available scholarships and grants, but be sure to carefully follow application guidelines when you apply for these, as each has its own requirements.