The University of Akron will offer a new bachelor’s degree in risk management and insurance (RMI) as the industry attempts to fill what the state of Ohio estimates will be 29,000 job openings in the Ohio insurance business between now and 2024. The new degree will be offered through the College of Business Administration, beginning in fall 2017.
“We are thrilled this program will prepare students for a field where there are so many available opportunities,” said Dr. Ravi Krovi, dean of the College of Business Administration. “The insurance industry is a major employer in Ohio, and it’s important we help address the need for graduates ready to contribute to the field.”
Career opportunities abound
“Ohio is fortunate to have one of the strongest insurance markets in America,” said Ohio Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor. “With 29,000 jobs available between now and 2024, I’m excited to see The University of Akron is making sure Ohioans have an opportunity to get the training they need to enter a field with stable, high-paying jobs. As a proud alum of the University, I know firsthand that it provides students with a high quality education.”
The new Bachelor of Business Administration will prepare students to work in the areas of property, liability, life, or health insurance as well as corporate risk and investment management. Students with the risk management and insurance degree will have the foundation to begin careers as underwriters, claims adjusters, insurance sales representatives, and financial or risk management analysts.
Westfield Insurance, Nationwide Insurance, Motorists Insurance Group and Progressive are a few of the companies with significant Ohio operations in need of students with risk management and insurance degrees.
UA’s College of Business Administration plans to eventually develop a master’s degree program with a concentration in risk management insurance as well as an undergraduate minor.
More information about the bachelor’s degree in risk management insurance is available by contacting Dr. James Thomson, in the College of Business Administration at thomson1@uakron.edu or 330-972-6329.
Media contact: Dan Minnich, 330-972-6476 or dminnich@uakron.edu.
