Specializations - Entreprenuership
The entrepreneurship and innovation specialization provides students with vital knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles through which new ideas and technologies are brought to market, either through entrepreneurial startups or through corporate ventures. The specialization includes a set of courses designed to guide students through the innovation journey: from idea generation and opportunity identification, through designing and developing the new venture, to funding, product development, testing, managing a growing business, and finally, successfully undertaking new ventures and innovation within an existing company. Whether students are interested in starting a new venture or growing an existing idea, this specialization offers a focus on understanding how successful innovations are developed and commercialized. Â
A specialization in entrepreneurship and innovation is an ideal choice for students who are considering founding their own new ventures or pursuing careers in related areas, such as venture capital, corporate development, consulting, or corporate venturing.Â
Entrepreneurship-Focused Opportunities
Some distinct entrepreneurship-focused opportunities and experiences in the Full-Time MBA program include:
- STARTUP Course: Test business model assumptions and receive recurring feedback from instructors and mentors while pursuing your own entrepreneurial venture through this intensive 2-credit course.
- Ventures Enterprise: Hone your entrepreneurial skills by creating, developing, and sustaining new business ideas.
- Sands Fellowship: Earn funding and support to launch a social venture with an economic impact for the Twin Cities community.
- MN Cup: Hosted by the Carlson School, MN Cup provides educational programming and an annual new venture competition that provides entrepreneurs with tools, resources and support to launch and accelerate the development of their new ventures.
Recommended Courses
We recommend that students complete 12 elective credits for the Entrepreneurship & Innovation specialization. Students are advised to take the three foundational entrepreneurship and innovation courses, and then an additional 6 credits from the list of recommended electives.
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENTR 6025 | Introduction to Entrepreneurship | 2 |
| MGMT 6071 | Technology Strategy | 2 |
| MGMT 6055 | Management of Innovation and Change | 2 |
This track is ideal for students interested in identifying new business opportunities and starting and growing new ventures, may want to consider the following courses:
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MGMT 5102 | STARTUP: Customer Development & Testing | 2 |
| ENTR 6021 | Developing New Ventures | 2 |
| ENTR 6023 | Financing Business Ventures | 2 |
| ENTR 6036 | Managing the Growing Business | 2 |
This track is ideal for students interested in creating new ventures and successful innovations within an existing company. We recommend the following courses:
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENTR 6036 | Managing the Growing Business | 2 |
| ENTR 6037 | Corporate Venturing | 2 |
| ENTR 6041 | Initiating New Product Design | 4 |
| ENTR 6042 | Implementing New Product Design | 4 |
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENTR 6025 | Introduction to Entrepreneurship | 2 |
| MGMT 6071 | Technology Strategy | 2 |
| MGMT 6055 | Management of Innovation and Change | 2 |
This track is ideal for students interested in identifying new business opportunities and starting and growing new ventures, may want to consider the following courses:
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MGMT 5102 | STARTUP: Customer Development & Testing | 2 |
| ENTR 6021 | Developing New Ventures | 2 |
| ENTR 6023 | Financing Business Ventures | 2 |
| ENTR 6036 | Managing the Growing Business | 2 |
This track is ideal for students interested in creating new ventures and successful innovations within an existing company. We recommend the following courses:
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENTR 6036 | Managing the Growing Business | 2 |
| ENTR 6037 | Corporate Venturing | 2 |
| ENTR 6041 | Initiating New Product Design | 4 |
| ENTR 6042 | Implementing New Product Design | 4 |
Additional Recommended Courses
Recommended electives for both tracks:
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MGMT 6004 | Negotiation Strategies | 2 |
| MGMT 6031 | Industry Analysis and Competitive Strategy | 4 |
| MGMT 6033 | Strategy Implementation | 2 |
| MGMT 6034 | Strategic Leadership | 2 |
| MGMT 6041 | Competing Globally | 2 |
| MGMT 6084 | Management of Teams | 2 |
| MGMT 6085 | Corporate Strategy | 4 |
| ENTR 6090 | Topics in Entrepreneurship | Varies |
| MGMT 6402 | Integrative Leadership: Leading Across Sectors | 3 |
Additionally, we recommend students consider incorporating interdisciplinary courses to obtain a well-rounded business foundation. The following courses are suggested as complementary to a specialization in entrepreneurship and innovation. While they are not counted towards the 12 credits needed for the specialization, we believe they will be a useful addition to your education.Â
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT 6102 | Financial Statement Analysis | 2 |
| MKTG 6088 | Strategic Marketing | 3 |
| MCOM 5515 | Persuasive Writing in Business | 2 |
| MCOM 5535 | Strategies and Skills for Managerial Presentations | 2 |
Please note, not all courses listed above are offered every semester. Use the One Stop Class Schedule to verify each semester's course offerings and the assigned professor.Â