Pace University

What you'll study

The programme combines core insurance subjects, finance and analytics to give a rounded understanding of modern insurance operations and strategy. Typical modules cover:

• Principles of Insurance — market structures, products and distribution channels for property & casualty and life & health insurance.
• Underwriting and Product Development — risk assessment, pricing fundamentals and designing insurance products for retail and commercial lines.
• Claims Management and Loss Adjustment — claims processes, reserving, litigation management and customer service in claims handling.
• Reinsurance and Risk Transfer — facultative and treaty reinsurance, alternative risk transfer and capital solutions.
• Insurance Law and Regulation — regulatory environment, compliance requirements, consumer protection and solvency considerations.
• Insurance Analytics and Data Modelling — predictive analytics, pricing models, loss modelling and use of data tools common in the industry.
• Financial Reporting for Insurers — insurance accounting, balance sheet and income statement analysis specific to insurance entities.
• Enterprise Risk Management — integrating insurance into broader corporate risk frameworks and capital management.
• Capstone Project or Internship — an industry-linked practicum or applied project that allows students to solve real insurance problems and build professional contacts.

The degree is offered with flexible delivery options to accommodate full-time and part-time students. Classes emphasise applied learning, case studies drawn from the US market and opportunities to work with regional insurers, brokers and regulatory bodies based in New York.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution. Relevant professional experience in insurance, finance, risk management or a related field is advantageous but not always required.

• Official transcripts demonstrating completion of undergraduate study.
• A current CV or résumé outlining academic and professional history.
• A personal statement describing career goals and reasons for pursuing the master’s in insurance.
• Letters of recommendation (usually one or two) from academic or professional referees.
• If applicable, proof of English language proficiency (for international applicants) such as TOEFL or IELTS, unless exempted by prior study in English.

Some applicants may be asked to submit GMAT/GRE scores, particularly if their academic record requires additional context; admissions panels also consider professional qualifications and work experience. Part-time applicants who are working in the industry can often negotiate a study plan compatible with employment.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to a wide range of roles across the insurance value chain. Typical career paths include:

• Underwriter — evaluating risk and setting terms for insurance policies across personal and commercial lines.
• Claims manager or adjuster — overseeing claim settlements, reserves and subrogation processes.
• Risk analyst or risk manager — assessing enterprise risks and designing mitigation strategies for corporations and insurers.
• Insurance broker or account executive — advising clients on coverage needs and placing business with carriers.
• Product manager or pricing analyst — developing new insurance products and using analytics to set premiums.
• Compliance and regulatory specialist — ensuring adherence to insurance laws and supervisory requirements.
• Roles with reinsurers, consultancies, insurtech firms and government/regulatory agencies involved in the insurance sector.

The programme prepares students for both technical roles and managerial tracks; graduates who wish to pursue actuarial careers can use the programme as a foundation but will usually need to sit professional actuarial exams and obtain specialised actuarial training.

Why study at Pace University

Pace University’s campuses in New York City provide direct access to a dense concentration of insurance carriers, brokerage firms, reinsurers and insurtech start-ups, which benefits students seeking internships and industry contacts. The Lubin School of Business and related faculties bring together applied industry expertise and academic rigour; many faculty members have practitioner backgrounds in underwriting, claims, regulation and analytics.

• Location advantages: proximity to major insurance employers and networking events in the New York market.
• Practical focus: industry-aligned curriculum with opportunities for capstones, internships and guest lectures from practitioners.
• Flexible delivery: options to study full time or part time to accommodate working professionals.
• Career support: university career services and employer partnerships that help with placements and recruiting.

Students leave with a professional toolkit of industry knowledge, analytical skills and real-world experience that are directly applicable to the contemporary insurance workplace.