Choose your area of study
While some online bachelor’s in risk management programs are more generalized, others may require students to choose a specific area of study. Sample areas of study students can choose from include cybersecurity risk management, risk management and insurance, real estate risk management, risk management and finance, and enterprise risk management.
Each of these areas helps prepare students for a specialized post-graduation career, so it’s worth it for students to carefully consider what kind of jobs they want to work after earning their degree. Students can effectively get the most from their undergraduate education by choosing a program that best aligns with their future vocational needs.
Research schools and programs
A surprisingly large number of online bachelor’s in risk management programs are available to students, which means it’s important for interested students to know how to narrow down the list.
When it comes to schools, the most crucial criterion is that they are fully accredited — an unaccredited program will not be respected or honored by most employers, making it difficult to get a job after graduation. Cost is another major factor, as picking an affordable school can help students avoid graduating with large amounts of unwanted debt. Additionally, students who want a feeling of community and support from fellow students may wish to focus on schools that have dedicated online spaces for cohorts of remote students.
Prepare for tests and applications
As part of applying to a chosen school, students will typically need to submit SAT or ACT scores. It often takes about 1 to 3 months to study for each test, and it can take 10 to 24 days to receive results, so it’s essential to factor in how long this may take against application deadlines.
Students should also review the application for other requirements, including undergraduate transcripts, application essays, and letters of recommendation. As with the test scores, students should give themselves enough time to gather all required materials so they can submit a completed application well before the deadline.
Select your program
After students have narrowed things down to the most promising online bachelor’s in risk management programs they are interested in, they must finalize the choice of school(s) they wish to apply to.
It’s still very important to consider the cost. Since some programs are much more affordable than others, choosing the right school could make a difference in whether a student begins their professional career with debt. Students worried about the academic workload placed on them may wish to choose a school that offers remote tutoring and other forms of academic support. Finally, students hoping to network while in school should consider applying to places where professors who are very established in this field can help them find job opportunities after graduation.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
It’s important to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year. Students who do so will automatically be offered federal student loans, and depending on their EFC (estimated family contribution), students may qualify for other forms of aid, such as Pell Grants. Additionally, many other types of financial assistance, including certain scholarships, require students to complete the FAFSA to qualify.
Keep in mind that additional aid may be available through the school or the state. Because of this, it’s essential to contact the Financial Aid department of any prospective school to discover what kinds of aid are available.