Insurance Risk Management
Boost Your Career in the Insurance Industry. IRM at Northwood is Your Ticket to Upward Mobility!
Our advice: differentiate yourself from other school’s graduates. An IRM degree at Northwood University secures a “first to be hired” opportunity at an insurance company, brokerage or agency.
The expansive insurance industry includes careers at insurance companies, brokerage houses and insurance agencies. You will study the latest tools, technologies and best practices, and gain critical real-world experience in the field all with the opportunity to earn the AINS Insurance Industry Designation – credential letters behind your name.
Complete your major in 4 years with an accelerated BBA/MBA track. You can earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree before you leave NU, giving you a competitive edge in the job market.
Northwood By the numbers
Success of Our Graduates
Northwood University is an international leader in free-enterprise education.
75%
Of our insurance majors go to work at insurance companies
25%
Of our insurance majors go to work at insurance agencies/brokers
Why Study Insurance Risk Management at Northwood?
Gamma Iota Sigma
Make connections through our IRM Fraternity at Northwood University. Gamma Iota Sigma leads the sustainable growth and diversification of the insurance industry’s student talent pipeline across all functional areas.
Why Add IRM as a Minor?
Adding a minor in IRM on your resume will greatly enhance your ability to work in an insurance company department in the high-paying insurance industry!
Take the following 3 “elective-choice” courses:
- IRM 1100 Principles of Insurance
- IRM 1200 Personal Insurance
- IRM 2100 Commercial Insurance
What Jobs Can You Get with an Insurance Risk Management Degree?
IRM can be found in almost every industry. Students often look for internships or employment opportunities on a local and global level.
- Insurance Agent
- Insurance Broker
- Actuary
- Underwriting Data Analyst
- Risk Analyst
- Staff and Line Underwriter
- Subrogation Specialist
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Accounting
- Actuary
- Advertising
- Business Administration
- Cyber Security
- Data Analytics
- Digital Communication
- Economics
- Finance
- Marketing
- Management
- Information Technology
Hear from our students
Influential Impact Makers
The Northwood IRM program prepares you for success. Professors at NU are industry professionals that have decades of experience, and a passion to help students succeed. Small classroom sizes and opportunities to market yourself to employers sets the Northwood IRM program apart from other universities.
— Ryan Pummell, Underwriter at Auto-Owners Insurance
The IRM program at Northwood opened my eyes to just how many opportunities that are out there for insurance. I got to experience new things and meet so many people, some of which I still talk to today. Being mindful and open is the key to being successful in this program, I wish I would have tried to do more, but I am grateful for what I got to do and the time I spent with everyone in this program. Now, I work at Farmers Insurance, chasing the dream that started to grow more and more at Northwood!
— Chanc McCormack, Protégé Program at Farmers Insurance
The IRM program at Northwood University provides a comprehensive understanding of the insurance industry, including its products, processes, and career opportunities, all taught by successful industry professionals. Some of my favorite aspects of the program was the ability to gain real-world experience and the numerous networking opportunities. I believe the IRM program, along with its dedicated faculty, thoroughly prepared me with the necessary tools to enter the workforce and were genuinely invested in helping me build a successful career.
— Megan Hoesman, Insurance Analyst at Corporate Protection Group
The Northwood IRM program has not only expanded my knowledge of the insurance industry, but it also opened the door to various career paths that I was not familiar with prior to my education. This program and the supportive staff have prepared me to step into my career with confidence and real-world experience that only Northwood can provide!
— Lauryn Holmes, Enterprise Risk Management Analyst at BCBS of Michigan
The NU-IRM program has been a transformative part of my journey from high school to a career in IT within the Insurance industry. It provided me with a strong foundation in insurance and risk management, offering hands-on experience that allowed me to start working in the field while still in high school. This early exposure gave me valuable insights and practical skills that set me apart. I’m grateful for how it shaped my career, teaching me to think critically and adapt in an ever-changing world.
— Danielle Prueter, Automation Support Analyst at Frankenmuth Insurance
My time at Northwood University in the Insurance Risk Management program provided me with great internship opportunities where I could use what I learned in the classroom in real-world settings. These experiences supplied me with job offers prior to graduation.
— Alexandra Dodman, Product Development Analyst at Auto-Owners Insurance
From the very first day as a freshman, I learned about relevant industry topics. NU provided me with many opportunities to develop my professional skillset.
– Angela Lindow
Northwood University really changed the way I think about business and how I approach things. Northwood’s professors gave me a real sense for what insurance and risk management really is, the importance of it, and the free market and entrepreneurship. I left feeling confident I was going to succeed in my field.
– Jonathan LaPorte
Meet Your Faculty
Dr. Michael Lee Burkhardt, Ph.D., CPCU
Associate Professor, Insurance Risk Management
Email:
Phone: (810) 691-0345
Office Location: Plaster 104B
