Starting this academic year, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is introducing an exciting new opportunity for students interested in the growing field of insurance and risk management. The university has officially launched a bachelor’s degree program focused on preparing students for careers in this essential and evolving sector.

The newly approved degree program is the result of increasing interest in insurance-related careers and the growing demand for skilled professionals in risk management. The Nevada Board of Regents gave final approval for the program in June 2025, solidifying its place within UNLV’s academic offerings. The program will be administered through the Lee Business School’s Department of Finance and will provide students with a specialized curriculum tailored to the unique needs of the insurance industry.

Tuition-Free for First Cohort, Thanks to Major Donation

In a significant show of support, the Nevada Surplus Lines Foundation has contributed a generous $735,000 gift to cover tuition and related program costs for the program’s first cohort of 35 students. This financial support removes a major barrier to entry and ensures that students can fully focus on their academic and professional development.

Addressing Industry Needs Through Practical Learning

UNLV’s bachelor’s degree in insurance and risk management has been strategically designed to align with the demands of a rapidly evolving industry. In addition to covering essential theory, the curriculum will emphasize applied knowledge and hands-on experience. Key focus areas will include:

• Underwriting and Claims Management

• Insurance Company Operations

• Corporate Risk Assessment and Mitigation

• Regulatory Compliance

• Data Analytics in Risk Management

Students will benefit from a wide array of experiential learning opportunities designed to bridge classroom learning with real-world applications. These include:

• Industry Internships: Providing direct experience with insurance firms, regulatory agencies, and risk departments in various sectors.

• Case Competitions: Allowing students to apply problem-solving and analytical skills to simulated insurance scenarios.

• Guest Lectures and Speaker Panels: Featuring insights from industry leaders, executives, and risk professionals.

• Capstone Projects: Real-world consulting assignments with corporate partners in the insurance and financial services industries.

Built on a Strong Foundation

The degree builds upon the momentum of UNLV’s Kerestesi Center for Insurance & Risk Management, which was established in 2023 to foster academic excellence and professional collaboration in the field. The center serves as an academic and industry hub for research, innovation, and student engagement in insurance and risk-related topics.

A Timely Launch for a Growing Field

As the insurance sector becomes more complex and essential in today’s economy — from addressing climate-related risks to managing cybersecurity threats — trained professionals are in high demand. UNLV’s new program arrives at a critical time, offering students a direct path into an industry with long-term career prospects and a broad range of roles.

By combining rigorous academic instruction with hands-on learning and industry exposure, UNLV is positioning its students for success in one of the most vital sectors of the global economy.