The School of Risk Management and Insurance (SRMI) has adopted a variety of partnerships to create innovative programs.

The School offers a cognate program with the Math Department in Actuarial Sciences and a cognate program offered with the Marketing Department in Insurance Marketing Entrepreneurship. The Risk Management and Insurance (RMI) concentration is offered through the Finance Department at both the undergraduate and MBA levels. An RMI minor is also available to both business and non-business students. 

Actuary Science

This cognate program is jointly offered by SRMI and the Math Department. Students combine coursework and workshops to prepare them for the first two exams required for them to be employed as actuaries. During this time, students who have completed their basic requirements and actuary courses can apply for actuarial internships with local insurance companies. One of our most successful actuarial internship programs is with Pacific Life. More than 80 percent of our students who have interned with Pacific Life were hired as actuaries following their graduation. Our coursework is VEE (validation by Educational Experience) approved.

Risk Management and Insurance concentration (RMI concentration)

At the undergraduate level, business students have the opportunity to select a concentration in Risk Management and Insurance. This well-designed curriculum offers students a foundation in business risk management, financial planning, professional ethics, corporate compliance, and education. Students graduating with this concentration are well prepared for employment in any aspect of business and insurance, including but not limited to claims adjusting, underwriting, customer service, and business analysis. Students in this concentration are also encouraged to pursue internships with our local member companies.

At the graduate level, MBA students can also select a concentration in Risk Management and Insurance. These students, who range from traditional students through established industry professionals looking to enhance their skills and marketability, combine standard MBA coursework requirements with classes focused on various aspects of the risk management field.

Risk Management and Insurance minor (RMI minor)

The RMI minor provides students with specialized knowledge in risk management strategies, insurance principles, and financial planning. It equips students with practical skills to manage both business and personal risks effectively. The program also opens pathways to prestigious industry designations such as CPCU (Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter), CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor), and ARM (Associate in Risk Management). These credentials, combined with the knowledge gained, enhance students’ career prospects in areas like corporate risk management, actuarial analysis, underwriting, claims adjusting, financial planning, and insurance marketing.

For business students, the RMI minor adds significant value to disciplines such as Information Systems and Decision Sciences (ISDS), accounting, economics, marketing, and management. It enhances their understanding of risk management within their fields, preparing them to navigate complex risk scenarios and make informed, strategic decisions. By developing a deeper awareness of risk-related issues, students strengthen their ability to contribute to business continuity, success, and sustainability, while also broadening their career opportunities in the RMI sector.

Non-business students in fields such as communication, political science, legal studies, public health, psychology, criminal justice, engineering, and actuarial science can also benefit from the RMI minor. The program allows them to acquire additional, valuable skills in risk management and insurance, complementing their primary area of study. This interdisciplinary approach opens the door to professional and rewarding careers in the RMI field, enabling them to apply their specialized knowledge in broader, real-world contexts.

Insurance Marketing Entrepreneurship

Offered in conjunction with the Marketing Department and with a focus on brokerages and financial planning, this program is aimed at students interested in becoming insurance marketing entrepreneurs and financial planners. The innovative curriculum introduces students to skill sets in insurance, marketing and entrepreneurship, providing them the background needed to become top producers in large brokerage, as well as smaller, independent agencies.

The classroom environment’s coursework is blended with field experience in internships and workshops, exposure to guest lecturers, and marketing contests that encourage students to innovate as they put their newly minted skills to the test.

Program Enrichment

Industry participation goes beyond the classroom environment. The School hosts a wealth of activities and events that bring the professional and academic worlds together.

The Jim Gutmann Speaker Series, the School of Risk Management and Insurance Guest Speaker Program, Insurance Leadership Program and the Insurance Symposium offer opportunities for insurance professionals to speak to students and faculty about life and careers in the industry.

The C.E. Club and actuary workshops offer working insurance professionals the opportunity to meet continuing education needs through California Department of Insurance-certified events.

Students and professionals both benefit from Actuary Day, Insurance Day (iDay), Risk Management Awareness Week, SLA Excess & Surplus Lines Day (E&S Day), and the School's SRMI Alumni Reunions events, which allow a direct connection between students and prospective employers.

Students also benefit from the School's abundant scholarships. Close industry connections offer them plentiful internship and employment opportunities. Students looking to foster on-campus networking can participate in Gamma Iota Sigma (GIS), a nationally recognized insurance student fraternity.

RMI Scholar Program and USLI Leadership Program

In addition to its academic offerings, the School of Risk Management and Insurance supports student development through initiatives such as the RMI Scholar Program and the USLI Leadership Program. The RMI Scholar Program recognizes outstanding students who demonstrate academic excellence and a strong interest in the insurance and risk management field. Selected RMI Scholars receive scholarships, conduct industry-related applied research, and benefit from mentoring by both faculty and industry professionals. The USLI Leadership Program offers intensive leadership training through workshops, field trips, event planning, and other professional development activities. Both programs are designed to cultivate future leaders in the industry by enhancing students' skills, confidence, and professional readiness.