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Entrepreneurship

The Tippie College of Business and the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center offer the undergraduate Certificate in Entrepreneurial Management. The Colleges of Engineering and Liberal Arts and Sciences and the University of Iowa health sciences colleges also collaborate in the program.

The certificate may be completed on campus, or it may be completed online or by distance education in conjunction with the Bachelor of Applied Studies (University College) or the Bachelor of Liberal Studies (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences).  It is open to all University of Iowa undergraduates and to individuals who hold a bachelor's degree and are not currently enrolled in a graduate or professional program.

The certificate program was named the 2004 National Model Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Program by the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

The Tippie College of Business and the College of Engineering offer an entrepreneurship certificate program; see "Certificate in Technological Entrepreneurship" below.

The John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and the Division of Performing Arts also offer an entrepreneurship certificate program; see Performing Arts Entepreneurship (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences) in the Catalog.

Certificate in Entrepreneurial Management

The Certificate in Entrepreneurial Management requires a minimum of 18 s.h. in course work related to entrepreneurship. The program is designed to help students acquire the entrepreneurial mindset that will enable them to launch new ventures or manage growing companies. It focuses on qualities and skills essential for entrepreneurs and successful business leaders: innovation and creativity; recognizing, evaluating, and seizing opportunities; professional communication skills; and strategic business planning.

Entrepreneurship students learn from a select team of faculty members and business leaders distinguished by their ability to teach, model, and inspire the entrepreneurial process. They gain understanding of the entrepreneurial approach to acquiring and managing resources; develop team-building skills critical to both small and large companies, network with successful entrepreneurs and business leaders, and participate in experiential learning opportunities.

Students may begin working toward the Certificate in Entrepreneurial Management in their sophomore year. They must declare their intention to pursue the certificate; see "Admission" later in this section. The certificate is noted on students' permanent records when their undergraduate degrees are added to their transcripts.

Students may count a maximum of 6 s.h. of transfer credit toward the certificate, with approval of the entrepreneurship program director. Credit from entrepreneurship courses (prefix 06T) is counted as semester hours earned in business on the degree evaluation. Students must satisfy all prerequisites before enrolling in a required course.

Certificate requirements are as follows. 

Students earn an additional 6 s.h. in elective courses chosen from the following list. Students who wish to use a course not on the list must consult with the Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center director. 

Admission

University of Iowa undergraduate students and individuals who hold an undergraduate degree and are not currently enrolled in a graduate or professional program are eligible to earn the certificate. Undergraduate students must declare their intention to pursue the certificate. Business students should contact the Tippie College of Business Undergraduate Program Office. Liberal arts and sciences students should contact CLAS Academic Programs & Services.

Certificate in Technological Entrepreneurship

The Tippie College of Business and the College of Engineering offer a program leading to the Certificate in Technological Entrepreneurship. The program focuses on the entrepreneurial process as it relates to technology. It is designed for students who intend to run their own businesses as well as for others interested in gaining a better understanding of the entrepreneurial process. For more information, see College of Engineering in the Catalog. For application information, contact the College of Engineering Office of the Dean.