Kansas Insurance Certificate
Hours: 12 On-Campus Online
About
The Kansas Insurance Certificate at Fort Hays State University prepares students for a range of careers in the insurance industry. Whether focusing on life, health, or property insurance, the certificate offers a solid foundation in insurance principles, industry regulations, and essential customer service skills. The curriculum is designed to provide the knowledge and tools needed for a successful start in the field.
Offered online and on-campus, this 12-credit-hour certificate is flexible and accessible for working professionals and recent graduates alike. Courses cover topics such as insurance planning, property insurance, estate planning, retirement planning, and strategic selling, providing practical, career-ready knowledge applicable across the insurance industry.
Why pursue a Kansas Insurance Certificate at Fort Hays State University?
The Kansas Insurance Certificate offers distinct advantages over similar certificates. Its curriculum is aligned with current industry standards, providing students with strong academic preparation for careers in the insurance field. With online and on-campus options, the certificate offers flexibility to accommodate a variety of student needs.
Students may also be eligible for scholarships designated specifically for those pursuing this certificate. Additionally, the widespread demand for insurance professionals across communities enhances job prospects, making it easier for students to find employment upon completion.
Who is this program for?
This certificate serves individuals seeking to enter or advance into the insurance industry. It builds foundational knowledge or specialized skills to support professional growth across various insurance roles.
Offered online and on-campus, it provides flexible learning and helps meet state certification requirements, including those for an insurance producer or resident license.
- Students interested in life insurance certification
- Aspiring insurance agents and producers
- Individuals pursuing a career in property and casualty insurance
- Working professionals seeking career advancement
- Recent graduates exploring insurance careers
- Aspiring insurance underwriters and adjusters
Real-World Applications
The certificate equips individuals with practical skills for the insurance industry. Its curriculum covers core topics such as insurance principles and risk management, giving participants a solid foundation for success. Practical assignments and case studies reinforce learning by connecting concepts to real-world scenarios. The certificate also emphasizes essential industry skills, including policy analysis and customer communication, preparing individuals for roles such as insurance agent, customer service representative, or underwriter.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Fort Hays State University incorporates the latest trends and developments in the insurance industry into its curriculum. Regular updates ensure participants stay current with industry standards. Students benefit from the expertise of experienced faculty and industry professionals, gaining practical insights that prepare them for careers in today’s evolving insurance landscape.
Hands-on Activities
The Kansas Insurance Certificate provides experiential learning through hands-on activities, including insurance case studies and group projects. These experiences help students develop practical skills in policy evaluation and customer service. Participants also have an opportunity to complete an internship with an insurance agency, gaining valuable real-world experience that deepens their understanding of insurance principles and procedures. This practical foundation supports career readiness in the insurance industry.
What You’ll Learn:
- Understand insurance principles
- Explore different insurance types
- Develop risk management strategies
How You’ll Learn:
- Flexible online or on-campus classes
- Real-world case studies
- Interactive group projects
The comprehensive curriculum provides a well-rounded understanding of the insurance industry and related fields, covering key areas such as insurance principles, property coverage, financial planning, and strategic sales.
FIN 630: Insurance Planning
This course introduces the theory and general principles of insurance, as well as its impact on financial planning. Topics include insurance and risk, property and casualty insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, long-term care insurance, and health insurance.
FIN 401: Property Insurance
This course is a basic study of coverage offered by property and casualty insurers. Emphasis will be on the development, basic concepts, and legal basis of the various lines of property and casualty insurance.
FIN 680: Retirement and Employee Benefit Planning
This course is a comprehensive study of the fundamentals and techniques of retirement and employee benefit planning. Topics include ethics, types of alternative retirement plans, retirement needs analysis, tax implications, life, medical, and disability plans, as well as other current topics.
Discover the full Kansas Insurance Certificate course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.
This certificate prepares students for a variety of career opportunities in the insurance industry and related fields. Upon completion, participants gain the knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in professional settings. The certificate provides a strong foundation for entering the industry and supporting long-term career growth.
Insurance Agent
Insurance agents sell and manage policies in various areas, including health, property, and casualty. They assess client needs, recommend coverage, and provide ongoing support. Success in this role requires a strong understanding of insurance principles and practical communication skills.
Claims Adjuster
Claims adjusters investigate insurance claims, assess damages, determine coverage, and negotiate fair settlements. They analyze documentation, interview claimants and witnesses, and work to ensure accurate and timely resolution of claims across various types of insurance.
Customer Service Representative
Insurance customer service representatives assist clients in managing their policies, processing claims, and handling account changes, serving as the primary point of contact. This role requires strong interpersonal skills and a thorough understanding of insurance products to provide effective support.
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $2,444.76* (on-campus) or $3,180.60* (online) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 12 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($203.73/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate (265.05/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related Programs
Fort Hays State University offers several programs that complement the Kansas Insurance Certificate, supporting students’ diverse interests in insurance, finance, and business. These programs provide specialized knowledge and skills that prepare students for various careers within the insurance industry and related fields. Whether focusing on risk management, finance, or business administration, students gain a well-rounded education to enhance their career prospects.
To obtain insurance certification in Kansas, applicants must complete a pre-licensing education course, pass the state licensing exam, and submit their application to the Kansas Department of Insurance. Additionally, they must undergo a criminal background check and pay the required application fee.
Yes. Insurance agents in Kansas are required to complete a pre-licensing education course and pass the corresponding licensing exams for their chosen lines of authority. They must also submit an application, pay the necessary fees, and fulfill continuing education requirements to maintain their license.
Applicants must submit proof of completing a pre-licensing education course, a passing score on the licensing exam, and a completed application form. They are also required to undergo a criminal background check and provide any additional documents requested by the Kansas Insurance Department.
The Kansas Insurance Certificate typically takes two semesters to complete. The certificate consists of 12 credit hours, which can be completed at a pace that suits the student's needs.
Completing the Kansas Insurance Certificate provides academic preparation and practical skills for careers in the insurance industry. It enhances career opportunities by equipping students with relevant knowledge for various insurance roles. The certificate also offers flexible learning options, including online and on-campus formats, making it accessible to both working professionals and recent graduates.
Information about the Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting
The Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting at FHSU equips students with the knowledge and skills to manage financial resources effectively and ethically across both public and private sectors. The department offers highly sought-after degree programs in accounting, finance, and international business and economics—each designed to prepare students for versatile and in-demand career paths.
Students benefit from career-focused internship opportunities, personalized mentoring from expert faculty, and the flexibility of fully online degree options. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of the business world, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to navigate a competitive job market.
Additionally, the Robbins Banking Institute enhances professional development in the banking sector by offering a practical, real-time curriculum tailored for rewarding careers in finance and banking. With a strong emphasis on student success and growth, the department’s faculty provides dedicated support to help each student reach their full potential.
While earning a degree remains the primary focus, college life offers much more than classroom learning. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that foster leadership skills, deepen their understanding of their chosen careers, and provide opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities.
- Accounting Club: This club provides accounting students with valuable opportunities to connect with peers, explore career paths, and prepare for professional success. The club helps members gain insight into the diverse opportunities within the accounting field and facilitates introductions to potential employers. Regular meetings often feature guest speakers, professionals with accounting degrees, who share real-world experiences and career advice.
- Student Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE): The ACFE organization brings together students from a variety of disciplines to promote awareness, detection, and prevention of fraud in the business world.
- Economics Club: The FHSU Economics Club is open to all students, regardless of major or prior knowledge of economics. Its mission is to promote interest in and understanding of economic concepts through engaging activities and discussions. A hallmark project of the club is the creation of the “Student Price Index,” a collaborative research initiative that explores FHSU students’ economic expectations. Each year, club members also have an opportunity to travel to a major U.S. city, enhancing their academic and professional development through real-world experiences.
- Finance Club: The FHSU Finance Club is dedicated to supporting the professional, educational, and social development of students with an interest in finance. The club fosters meaningful connections among students, faculty, and professionals in the business and finance sectors. Through guest speakers and educational trips across the U.S., members gain valuable insights into the finance industry and explore potential career opportunities.
- International Business Club: This club aims to enhance students’ understanding of global business practices and economic issues from a variety of cultural and international perspectives. Through discussions, activities, and international travel experiences, the club fosters professional, educational, and social development. Its ultimate goal is to cultivate globally minded citizen-leaders prepared to navigate and contribute to an increasingly interconnected world.
The Tiger Money Mentors Program, housed within the Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting at FHSU, is led by a faculty expert in financial planning. This initiative offers free, confidential financial guidance provided by a team of trained, financially knowledgeable student mentors dedicated to helping their peers manage personal finances effectively.
Through one-on-one sessions, Tiger Money Mentors assist students with a wide range of financial topics, including:
- Organizing personal finances and managing expenses
- Creating and maintaining a realistic budget
- Developing plans to achieve both short- and long-term financial goals
- Understanding student loans and exploring repayment options
- Reviewing job offers and employee benefits
- Obtaining and reviewing credit reports
- And more!
- Certificate
- On-Campus
- Online
