A group of students with a female professor having a discussion in the Entrepreneurship IDEA den. A group of students with a female professor having a discussion in the Entrepreneurship IDEA den.

Entrepreneurship
Major

Overview of our entrepreneurship major

In our entrepreneurship program, you won’t just learn how to fix problems. You’ll learn how to spot great business ideas and turn them into valuable products or services. This prepares you to innovate within existing companies, help develop new customers or even be your own boss in a startup. These skills could also help manage a family business, lead a company that helps others (like a social enterprise) or bring a whole new perspective to solving old problems.

AT A GLANCE

Degree Type
Bachelor of Applied Arts (B.A.A.)
Format
On Campus
Online
Credit Hours
21 - 48 Credit Hours
Go To Why This Program Program Highlights Careers & Outcomes

What sets our entrepreneurship major apart?

Our entrepreneurship major instills the skills to identify problems within any organization and craft innovative and practical solutions. You’ll develop the tools to nurture a groundbreaking idea, either within the structures of an existing company or by launching your own business. Our major helps you turn ambition into action.

If launching your own business is your passion, you'll explore business model development, translating theory into practice by creating a student-led company. The most promising of these student ventures have the chance to secure seed funding in our annual New Venture Competition. This exciting annual event has a track record of turning student businesses into lasting operations.

You’ll also benefit from the mentorship of a team of seasoned business professionals—individuals who’ve navigated the challenges of building their own companies or innovating within large firms. This expert group is complemented by alumni and investors from Michigan and beyond, all eager to share their insights and experiences. 

By combining this wealth of knowledge with hands-on learning opportunities through internships and reality-rooted projects, our entrepreneurship major gives you a comprehensive skillset for a successful career in the dynamic world of business.

Courses What Will Transfer Entrepreneurship Department Information

Entrepreneurship major highlights

Think like an entrepreneur long before you graduate.

  • Flexible learning options: The entrepreneurship major is offered on-campus or online. Pick the format that fits you!
  • Learn from seasoned pros: Our Entrepreneurship Department was the first of its kind in Michigan.
  • Real-world ready: Gain hands-on experience in a full- or part-time internship.
  • Funding opportunities: Fuel your entrepreneurial spirit by competing in our annual New Venture Challenge. This annual contest rewards the most innovative student business ideas in several categories.
  • Entrepreneurial infrastructure. The Entrepreneurship Department is home to the Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship, connecting students with mentors, best practices and resources.
  • Social entrepreneurship opportunities: Contribute to positive social change through Enactus, a student organization that empowers individuals through entrepreneurial ventures focused on social good.

Entrepreneurship careers

Graduates of our entrepreneurship program are prepared to start their own businesses, help existing companies innovate, and pursue opportunities in law, government and economic development.

Career Projected Salary
General Manager $103,840
Operations Manager $101,280
Product Developer $63,206
Business Development Representative $48,178
Economic Developer $115,730
Sales Representative $73,080
Business Operations Specialist $75,990
New Venture Competition

New Venture Challenge: Learn. Connect. Compete. Launch.

  • Cultivate your entrepreneurial spirit and gain the skills to turn your ideas into reality with CMU's New Venture Challenge. Open to students from all majors at CMU, NVC is a unique opportunity to develop your business acumen through a series of workshops, mentorship sessions, and networking events.

  • Transform your innovative concepts from ideation to launch. You'll gain practical knowledge in essential startup skills, allowing you to refine your business plan, build a network of valuable connections, and learn the art of effectively pitching your venture to potential investors.

  • Compete for funding to propel your business forward. NVC culminates in a pitch competition where student ventures compete for over $75,000 in total cash awards and in-kind services. This substantial prize money can provide the critical financial resources necessary to launch your business and bring your product or service to market.

More about the competition

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