2026-2027

Risk Management, Undergraduate Certificate

Department of Economics, Finance, and Accounting

The W. A. Franke College of Business

Risk is inherent in business. Businesses encounter risks to their people, property, and reputation. Risk and compliance management allows our economy to operate smoothly despite the reality that "bad things" will happen occasionally.

Risk and compliance professionals are responsible for identifying risks and developing strategies to minimize risks and handling the negative outcomes when risks are realized. They work with government agencies to ensure compliance with rules and regulations, and they evaluate the financial implications of risk, including minimization through insurance and other planning, to put lives back together. Risk mitigation is a global business - presenting the opportunity to work almost anywhere in the world.

  • To receive an undergraduate certificate at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject matter areas with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0.
     

    Federal financial aid is not available for some certificates if the certificate is pursued and completed as a stand-alone certificate (i.e., not completed concurrently with a degree program). See the "Details" tab for additional information.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion 18
Major GPA 2.0
Highest Mathematics Required MAT 114
Some online/blended coursework Required

Purpose Statement

The Risk Management Certificate is designed to provide students with an understanding of the concept of risk and how companies can implement effective compliance strategies and risk management. A review of the sources of risk and potential risk minimization strategies, including a brief review of types of financial risk, insurance, and alternative risk management strategies, will be included with a primary focus on managing risk to create and sustain economic value.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Identify and articulate the types of risks a business faces. 
  • Describe the regulatory and legal compliance requirements of business.
  • Use risk minimization to formulate strategies and methods to maximize firm value.
  • Utilize techniques required for a needs analysis. 
  • Integrate risk management and compliance approaches for operational effectiveness.
  • Apply procedures for strategic and policy analyses. 
     

Certificate Requirements

  • Take the following 18 units:

    • A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for all coursework.

  • This certificate may be pursued and completed concurrently with a degree program or as a stand-alone certificate. Federal financial aid cannot be used if the certificate is completed as a stand-alone certificate.

  • Students enrolled in this certificate may not enroll in or pursue the following:

Additional Information

  • The FCB does not accept upper-division transfer credits from programs not accredited by the AACSB (such as the University of Phoenix or the Bachelor of Business Administration program at NAU).

    You must complete 50 percent, or 9 units, of certificate coursework that are not used in your major, minor, or other certificates, and you must complete at least 60 percent of certificate coursework at Northern Arizona University.

  • Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.