Academic Structure

Based on the Task Force�s recommendations, we are proposing a curriculum for the Minor in Entrepreneurship that includes three core courses (9 SCH) and two elective courses (6 SCH) taken from an approved list (approved by the Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship Internal Advisory Board who will serve as the curriculum committee and is described later in this proposal).

We propose that the Minor in Entrepreneurship Studies require 15 student credit hours:

• three core courses of three student credit hours each (9 SCH);
• two elective/recommended courses of three student credit hours each (6 SCH).

In recognition of the differences in their skills levels, interests, and aptitudes coming into the Minor in Entrepreneurship program, it is recommended that the minor be designed to serve three populations: (1) those with a general interest in entrepreneurship but no real focus; (2) those students with a specific area of interest for starting a venture; and (3) those students are advanced or actively engaged in a venture(s) while in school. Through selection of electives, participation in co-curricular offerings (i.e. venture competitions, mentoring, incubation, consulting) from the Center for Advancement of Entrepreneurship, and advising by the student�s advisors, a plan of study can be selected to best address the needs of the student. In our effort to engage students at their levels and provide for their needs, the program also will endeavor to make all of its activities as student-centered and student-needs-driven as possible.

Core and Elective Courses

The following are the three core courses to be required for all students seeking the minor:

• Introduction to Entrepreneurship (3 SCH) (General Education eligible)
• Creativity and Ideation (3 SCH)
• Creating an Entrepreneurial Venture (3 SCH)

Student Learning Outcomes

The following are proposed student learning outcomes (SLOs) for the Minor in Entrepreneurship. These SLOs may undergo refinement as the program is developed in more detail. The core courses in which each SLO is to be included are also identified:

1. The creation of an �entrepreneurial mindset� where the student, regardless of the business or social environment, creatively seeks opportunities, solves problems, and pursues ideas.
2. The ability to identify resources and tools as well as build and manage teams of people with complementary skills to help them translate opportunities into sustainable solutions.
3. The ability to write a venture plan to guide the development of sustainable solutions and the competence to execute such a plan.
4. The technical and conceptual expertise in the creation of clear and compelling value propositions to facilitate their ability to win support for their ideas, enroll others in their cause, and foster a team environment to achieve desired results.
5. The development of an ethical orientation in decision-making, strategy development and relationships in their pursuit of discovered opportunities.

Each participating college and/or department will contribute to courses qualifying for fulfilling elective requirements. It is important, however, that all courses fulfilling elective requirements meet, at least in part, student learning outcomes defined by the Center�s Internal Advisory Board for this minor.

Proposed Course Descriptions of Core Courses

ENTR 240 Introduction to Entrepreneurship

The foundation course in the program, this course examines the nature of entrepreneurship and the role of entrepreneurship in society. The role of the entrepreneur and the process of entrepreneurship is introduced and examined in the conception, start-up, organization, and development of new ventures. New venture problems to be studied include identification of possible new products and services, evaluation of practical commercial/value potential, and assessment of venture feasibility, with attention to financing, operating, and marketing the venture idea. Concepts related to traditional, organizational, and social entrepreneurship will be introduced.

ENTR 440 Creativity, Ideation, and Innovation

This course will review state-of-the art theoretical and applied models of creativity and innovation as they apply to individuals, groups, and organizations.  Extensive practice in opportunity recognition and ideation will be utilized to develop individual and team-based skills in creative problem solving. By the end of the term, students should be familiar with the concept of the creative mindset able to apply the concepts to relevant concepts to building a venture. 

ENTR 540 New Venture Creation

This course is designed to expose students to the process of conceptualizing and creating a new venture. Using the central concepts of creativity, innovation, and opportunity recognition, students will evaluate opportunities and consider the value proposition of launching the venture. Additionally, students will work individually or in teams to develop business plans in which they address the issues critical to a start up venture.

An approved elective list will be developed by the internal advisory board.