ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Available as a Major, Minor or Certificate
Online & Hybrid

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the creation of new businesses is the driving force of our economy. That's because when a new business is able to successfully grow, it usually means job creation. To become an entrepreneur is to be bold, and it requires business acumen, creative and strategic thinking, and an innovative approach for how to do things better, perhaps more efficiently.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP MAJOR & MINOR DETAILS

The major in Entrepreneurship within the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree was created in partnership with Villanova's Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IIE).

The Entrepreneurship major prepares students to expand their knowledge, develop their skills, and convert their ideas into tangible products and organizations that can positively impact society and promote the common good. Guided by the values of curiosity, resiliency, collaboration, and creativity, this major is focused on helping students develop a habit of mind oriented towards innovation and entrepreneurship that is applicable to both work and life.

Curriculum and Coursework

Through the courses in this major, students will cultivate their ability to accept criticism and experience failure as part of the creative, entrepreneurial process. Additionally, in line with the University’s Catholic and Augustinian mission, a focus on ethics, social responsibility, and community as related to entrepreneurial pursuits is woven throughout the curriculum.

Where Can this Major Lead Me?

Start your own venture.
Lead highly creative teams.
Become an innovator within your organization and community.

Entrepreneurship as a Minor

If you choose to major in another area, you can always add Entrepreneurship as a minor! This is a great way to add an area of interest to your degree plan and, ultimately, to your resume! To add a minor, students must complete an add form.

Dr. James Klingler serves as the Entrepreneur-in-Residence for the Villanova Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. As a professor at Villanova, Dr. Klingler has been a key figure in entrepreneurial education since its early development at the university. Before the advent of an official entrepreneurship program, he worked with students in his office developing ideas, advised aspiring entrepreneurs, and even taught a small business management class. He went on to advise the Villanova Entrepreneurship Society and play active roles in the formation of the entrepreneurship minor and the ICE Institute.

II Luscri (pronounced "two") is an Adjunct Professor at Villanova University and serves as the Managing Director & Assistant Vice-Provost, Skandalaris Center for Interdisciplinary Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Washington University in St. Louis.

Ann Miller serves as the Daniel J. Hogarty, Jr. ’61 Director of the Villanova Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Also an adjunct faculty member at Villanova's College of Professional studies, she partnered with the Dean to design the Entrepreneurship Major and the first Basics of Entrepreneurship course.

Prior to Villanova, Ann was an Associate Director at Penn Wharton Entrepreneurship. There, she managed the Penn Wharton Innovation Fund, Entrepreneur in Residence program, the Student Expert program, and directed the annual Penn Wharton Startup Showcase.

Ann earned her master’s in Education Entrepreneurship from the Penn Graduate School of Education (GSE). She received her bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Religious Studies from Colgate University. A successful entrepreneur herself and noted chef, Ann founded Philly Cooking Lessons in 2013.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP CERTIFICATE DETAILS

This program prepares students to expand their knowledge, develop their skills, and convert their ideas into tangible products and organizations that can positively impact society and promote the common good. A bachelor's degree is not required for acceptance into the program, but credits fully apply toward CPS degree programs.

Consisting of 3 required courses (9 credits) and 1 elective (3 credits) for a total of 4 courses (12 credits), you have the ability to tailor your elective course to your individual career and/or personal goals. Our students in the entrepreneurship certificate hail from many different industries and have a wide range of career aspirations. Pursue the next you with an exceptional entrepreneurial education from Villanova.

Students will earn a digital badge that demonstrates their skills and commitment to furthering their professional education when they successfully complete the full Entrepreneurship Certificate program. These badges are great to display on career platforms like LinkedIn and are a visual way of representing your expertise.