FINA 3003: Introduction to Risk Management and Insurance (3 credits)  

Introduction to the insurance industry – focused on property & casualty (“P&C”) and Life & Annuities (“L&A”).  The class will cover in depth the products sold to retail customers. It will also cover the following topics at a high level: commercial insurance, business/ group insurance, distribution systems, corporate financials, technology challenges and opportunities, regulation, general account investments, and macroeconomic impacts on industry profitability and sales. This class will be a CPCU accredited class.
Prerequisite: FINA 3001 (can be taken concurrently)

FINA 4300: Insurance Distribution (3 credits)  

This course offers an overview of the multiple distribution channels for P&C and L&A products – both retail and commercial. Students will gain a strong understanding of business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) selling, how channels are regulated, and the growing impact of the macroenvironment on the sustainability of the industry, including climate change, human science, technology/artificial intelligence, and government policy, etc. The course equips students with industry knowledge that will help them achieve success in producer roles and corporate roles.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Risk and Insurance FINA 3003 or instructor approval. 

FINA 4301: Insurance Operations and Underwriting (3 credits)  

This course introduces two critical operations functions within insurance companies – underwriting and claims. The course will cover P&C and L&A – current processes, technological advances (both current and potential), impact of macroenvironments (e.g., climate change), and regulatory considerations.  Students will build technical skills based on a rubric co-created with industry partners. This class will be a CPCU accredited class.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Risk and Insurance FINA 3003 or instructor approval. 

FINA 4962: Capstone in Insurance Management (3 credits)  

This course serves as the culmination of the Insurance curriculum, integrating knowledge from previous courses and introducing advanced skills such as statutory accounting, regulatory structure, technology/ data management/ cybersecurity, and strategy. Students will work on real-world cases sponsored by corporate partners, applying technical knowledge and critical analysis. The course emphasizes practical experience, critical thinking, and professional communication skills, preparing students for a career in insurance.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Risk and Insurance FINA 3003, Insurance Distribution FINA 4300, Insurance

It is highly recommended that students also take MARK 4094: Professional Selling as an elective, in addition to the insurance classes.

Certified Financial Planning Courses (CFP)

Finance majors who take all 4 courses will be eligible to sit for the CFP exam

FINA 3020: Fundamentals of Financial Planning (3 Credits)

Introduction to the framework and tools for preparing personal financial plans as a career path in the financial services industry. Topics covered include major asset purchases, managing liabilities, determining insurance needs, developing investment portfolios, tax strategies, retirement plans, and estate planning. Course also covers professional ethical standards.
Prerequisite: FINA 3001 (can be taken concurrently) 

FINA 4121: Retirement Planning and Employee Benefits (3 Credits)

A concise overview of retirement planning strategies and employee benefits. Students explore key retirement savings options, including 401(k)s, IRAs and pensions, as well as the basics of employee benefits like health insurance and life insurance. Equips students with the knowledge to advise on retirement and benefits planning in both individual and organizational contexts.
Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Financial Planning FINA 3020 or instructor approval.  

FINA 4122: Estate Planning (3 Credits)

Introduction to estate planning, focusing on the strategies for managing and transferring wealth. Students will learn about wills, trusts, probate, tax implications, and other legal tools used to ensure assets are distributed according to a person's wishes. The course is essential for anyone interested in financial planning, law, or managing personal or family estates.
Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Financial Planning FINA 3020 or instructor approval.  

FINA 4123: Capstone in Financial Planning (3 Credits)

This course serves as the culmination of the financial planning curriculum, integrating knowledge from previous courses into comprehensive financial plans. Students will work on real-world cases, applying advanced planning techniques in areas such as retirement, estate, tax, and investment planning. The course emphasizes practical experience, critical thinking, and professional communication skills, preparing students for a career in financial planning.
Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Financial Planning FINA 3020, FINA 4121 Retirement Planning and Employee Benefits, FINA 4122 Estate Planning, or instructor approval. 

It is highly recommended that students also take MARK 4094: Professional Selling as an elective, in addition to the CFP classes.