Risk Management and Insurance / Accounting, Bachelor of Science / Master of Science

Admission

Please see the requirement chart for the academic progression criteria in this dual degree program.

Students should apply for admission to the dual BS/MBA program during the second semester of their junior years, in consultation with their advisors and the respective undergraduate and graduate deans. Ideal candidates for the program demonstrate the ability to meet the same entrance requirements as for all Peter J. Tobin College of Business graduate programs:

• an overall 3.25 average in their undergraduate courses
• Candidates must seek approval from the Peter J. Tobin College of Business and the graduate admissions office for a transcript evaluation. Please note that all coursework and grades received, from all schools attended must be added to determine the final undergraduate GPA.

Career Outcomes

The degree program in Risk Management and Insurance is intended to provide students with the tools of risk analysis, transfer, and financing that are critical to the operation of private and public institutions, and to prepare them for careers in risk management and insurance.

The program will prepare graduates to:

Demonstrate the ability to apply the competencies of the discipline.

• Describe the process used to identify, measure, and manage risk and exposure to catastrophe losses.
• Describe how to mitigate and finance loss exposures using alternative risk management techniques.
• Identify insurance products and describe corporate risk management strategies.
• Describe and illustrate decision making for the operation of insurance and related financial service sector firms.

Demonstrate recognition and understanding of broad business competencies.

• Describe the financial reporting process and how accounting systems control business operations.
• Describe the importance of economic analysis on the global and national economy.
• Recognize market needs and develop new markets.
• Apply management and human resources development theories to human resource issues and organizational problems.
• Use office productivity software (data bases, presentation graphics, word processing, spread sheets, and Internet research) effectively and efficiently.
• Identify sources of capital, and analyze the impact of participation in the global capital markets.
• Describe the legal and regulatory environment and analyze the impact of changes in relevant requirements, constraints, and competitive practices.
• Describe the use of statistical techniques to analyze business data and discern relationships.
• Formulate an effective business plan for an organization.

Apply business knowledge, skills, and values effectively in a variety of settings.

• Conduct research using primary and secondary sources.
• Write cohesively organized material with consistently correct grammar and mechanics in a style appropriate to the issue.
• Deliver effective presentations that engage the entire audience.
• Communicate and exchange information within a meaningful context and with appropriate delivery so that it is understood by individuals with diverse capabilities and interests.
• Motivate individuals and groups to achieve results.
• Demonstrate capability to give and receive appropriate feedback in a team situation.
• Link data, knowledge, and insight from various disciplines to provide information for decision-making.
• Describe the effects of technology on the broader business environment and determine how new technologies should best be incorporated into organizations.
• Determine the nature of a situation, analyze available statistical data, and decide on the principles and techniques needed to solve problems or make judgments.

Demonstrate an understanding of professional responsibility, ethical obligations and social awareness.

• Identify the ethical considerations and legal ramifications of a business decision and propose a course of action for individuals and firms.
• Describe the appropriate action to take in an ethically ambiguous situation.
• Identify local, national and global current events and understand their ethical impact on society and business.
• Describe how an individual or a firm maintains a reputation for excellence in the performance of responsibilities.

Appreciate the Vincentian value of service.

• Complete a service-learning project and/or demonstrate involvement in community or charitable service.
• Participate in experiential learning projects.

Additional Information

Students meeting selective criteria are invited to join Gamma Iota Sigma, a national honorary fraternity for students majoring in Risk Management and Insurance as well as Actuarial Science. Members must have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. In addition to the recognition associated with membership in an honorary organization, members have opportunities for extensive contact and interaction with industry representatives, through the meetings and special conferences sponsored by the fraternity, and through the services offered through the Gamma Iota Sigma Grand Chapter. The objectives of the Fraternity include: to promote friendly interaction between students, faculty and Insurance executives; to foster the scientific study in the field of Insurance; to develop sound thinking in Insurance theories, and a more exact knowledge and definition of Insurance principles; and to develop a better public understanding and appreciation of Insurance problems.