Smith Enterprise Risk Consortium (SERC) Risk Academy
Smith Enterprise Risk Consortium (SERC) Risk Academy
The Art of Risk-Informed Decision-making
Learn how to enable business growth with this professional certificate program.
2026 registration closed.
Program Overview
Earn an Executive Certificate in Risk Management

2027 SERC Risk Academy
8-week Online Academy
Virtual, Synchronous
Please check back for an announcement of 2027 dates and registration.
The SERC Risk Academy is an ONLINE eight-week intensive training focused on the fundamentals of risk management and best practices across industry sectors. The underlying premise of SERC is that risk is industry-agnostic and that every risk practitioner can benefit and learn from the experiences of other industries.
The goal of the Risk Academy is to expose up-and-coming risk practitioners to cross-industry perspectives so they can think about risk differently. Our high-caliber faculty are set to impart their knowledge on the next generation of risk practitioners, so they do not have to learn it the hard way!
Over the course of eight weeks, the cohort will hear from leaders in financial services, pharmaceuticals, insurance and aerospace – all regulated industries, but each with different experiences in risk management. What better way to jump-start a career in risk management than by learning from these industry leaders!
Valuable Outcomes
- Understanding of the fundamentals of risk management – everything from core definitions to taxonomy & appetite to management & mitigation strategies
- Introduction to how risk management issues present and are tackled in different industries
- Insights into key risks faced by companies in all sectors – financial, nonfinancial and nontraditional risks
- Application of key risk management skills, learned over the eight weeks, in a team-based Capstone project
Who should take this course?
This course is ideal for early to mid-career risk practitioners – those currently in risk management roles, as well as those who may not have risk in their title.
Attendees will span industries.
I thoroughly enjoyed participating in the SERC Risk Academy. The program provided a unique opportunity to learn from seasoned risk leaders across multiple industries, each bringing different perspectives and experiences to complex risk management challenges. The curriculum strengthened my understanding of enterprise risk management and the importance of risk-informed decision-making. Most importantly, the program challenged me to think about risk through a broader, cross-industry lens and provided insights I can apply directly in my role. I highly recommend the SERC program to any professional seeking to deepen their risk management expertise and expand their leadership perspective.
Professional Certificate
Upon successful completion of the Academy (with minimum 80% participation and a panel-reviewed Capstone project), earn a professional certificate in risk management from the University of Maryland.
2026 Faculty

Gerald Suarez
Professor of the Practice in Systems Thinking & Design












Diane Doering
Gary Ganci
Bhanu Sood