Certificate in Entrepreneurship
Next Session Start: February 9, 2026
- 3 COURSES
- 100% ONLINE
- ENROLLING MONTHLY
- 225 CLOCK HOURS
Bring bold ideas to life and build the expertise to make them thrive.
Villanova's Certificate in Entrepreneurship equips you with the mindset and tools to turn ideas into impact. You’ll learn to recognize opportunities, test and refine business concepts and build strategies for sustainable growth. Through hands-on projects and mentorship, you’ll develop the confidence to think creatively, act strategically and lead with an entrepreneurial mindset.
Whether you’re launching a new venture, innovating within your organization or growing an existing business, this program provides a practical framework for success. You’ll gain the skills needed to communicate your value, build viable business models and move your ideas forward with clarity, purpose and measurable results.
ENROLLMENT OPTIONS
Certificate Program 3 courses | 6 weeks per course 12.5 hours per week Fast Track |
15% savings |
|
Single Course Each single course is made up of a Principles asynchronous micro-course and a Practice live virtual micro-course. |
10% savings See courses to enroll. |
BENEFITS BY ENROLLMENT OPTION
- 15% tuition savings
- A mix of asynchronous online coursework and assessments with weekly live virtual class sessions led by faculty
- Increased interaction between you, faculty and peer professionals throughout the course
- Digital Badge upon completion
- Certificate upon program completion
- 10% tuition savings
- A mix of asynchronous online coursework and assessments with weekly live virtual class sessions led by faculty
- Increased interaction between you, faculty and peer professionals throughout the course
- Digital Badge upon completion
ENTREPRENEURSHIP CERTIFICATE COURSES
Choose two of the three required courses plus one elective to complete the certificate.
REQUIRED
This course is designed to develop the mindset and skills to identify opportunities, take initiative and navigate uncertainty like an entrepreneur.
This course is designed to explore how to test ideas, understand your target market and build viable business models.
This course is designed for students to discover how to grow their business sustainably with simple strategies that scale.
Prerequisite: Entrepreneurial Toolkit: Markets and Models
ELECTIVES
In this course, students will learn to put their ideas into motion by working closely with a faculty mentor to test and refine entrepreneurial concepts using tools and insights from the program.
Prerequisites: Entrepreneurial Toolkit: Markets and Models and Smart Growth Strategies for Entrepreneurs
In this course, students learn a human-centered approach to leading through complexity by pairing inner awareness with practical tools. You’ll clarify values, analyze systems and turn insight into a clear plan, then use simple tests and feedback to refine direction. Students apply the tools to a real leadership challenge and leave with habits that sustain momentum and impact over time.
Gain the financial acumen needed to make informed business decisions. This course equips non-financial managers with the skills to interpret financial statements, analyze business performance and confidently engage in strategic financial discussions. Through a hands-on approach, you'll learn key concepts such as budgeting, forecasting, capital budgeting and risk assessment, empowering you to contribute meaningfully to financial planning and business strategy.
In this course, students learn to plan, produce and optimize social media content that aligns brand voice with audience insights across major platforms. You’ll apply storytelling, copywriting, design and short-form video techniques to build platform-ready posts and mini campaigns, then use analytics to test, iterate and improve results. Students create a content calendar, launch a four-week publishing plan and evaluate performance with KPIs to drive engagement and conversions. The course also covers ethical guidelines, attribution basics and light automation for consistent output.
INTERESTED IN ENROLLING A GROUP?
Group enrollment is available for our professional education programs and provides cost-effective rates for teams. Investing in your workforce through shared training helps build future-ready leaders, strengthens employee engagement and supports your organization’s long-term growth.
PRINCIPLES + PRACTICE LEARNING MODEL
Principles serves as the foundation for each course, providing essential knowledge to help you expand your skill set and deepen your expertise. Through independently paced online coursework, you’ll watch videos and complete weekly assignments on your schedule. This flexible format ensures you can build your expertise at a pace that works for you.
Practice builds upon Principles through collaboration and real-world application. Weekly, live faculty-led sessions further enhance learning by fostering open dialogue and connecting you with peers across multiple industries. These interactive sessions provide opportunities to discuss workplace challenges, share insights and receive valuable feedback.
WHO SHOULD ENROLL?
- Small business owners ready to scale their ventures and strengthen their strategic foundation.
- Career changers looking to pivot into roles that emphasize creativity, problem-solving and business growth.
- Corporate professionals interested in roles in innovation, product development or strategy.
- Startup founders, consultants and freelancers aiming to refine their business models and expand their market impact.
- Social impact and nonprofit leaders who want to apply entrepreneurial principles to drive meaningful change.
- Creative and independent professionals, such as artists, coaches and content creators, turning passion projects into sustainable ventures.
LEARNED SKILLS
- Entrepreneurial Mindset Development
- Opportunity Recognition and Validation
- Human-Centered Design Thinking
- Business Model Innovation
- Marketing and Competitive Analysis
- Strategic Growth Planning
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Persuasive Communication and Pitching
- Financial and Operational Acumen
- Innovation and Intrapreneurship Leadership
- Venture Launch and Execution
- Reflective and Adaptive Growth
CREDENTIALS
Earn a digital badge for every completed course. You'll also earn a program certificate and program digital badge upon completion of required courses. Showcase your new skills and gain a competitive edge by adding badges backed by Villanova University to your resume, LinkedIn profile or email signature.
THE VILLANOVA DIFFERENCE
The College of Professional Studies has cultivated a distinguished reputation for delivering the hallmark Villanova experience — academically rigorous, top-quality and innovative programs within a supportive community — to students who are pursuing higher education amidst busy professional and personal lives. As an internationally recognized institution, Villanova is proud of its vibrant community of alumni, faculty, students and staff who are dedicated to driving meaningful impact and transformative change within their communities.
At Villanova, we believe where you've been is just the beginning.
Pursue the Next You.™
GET IN TOUCH
610-519-7655
M-Th. 9 am - 7 pm | Fri. 9 am - 5 pm
FUNDING YOUR PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION
EdAssist by Bright Horizons
Villanova University has partnered with EdAssist by Bright Horizons to help you take the next step in your education journey. Employees of participating organizations receive 15% in tuition savings and waived application fees on eligible Villanova programs.
Employee Tuition Reimbursement
Many organizations offer tuition reimbursement for professional education programs. Check with your employer to learn about available opportunities. To support your request, you can also reference our library of supervisor request letters.
Military service members and veterans may be eligible for tuition payment/assistance through the Department of Veterans Affairs under the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill® or other benefits.
Resources available to help you navigate your military and veteran benefits:
- Villanova Military Savings: active-duty, veterans and military-connected spouses and dependents are eligible to receive 15% savings per professional education certificate course.
- Military Tuition Assistance
- VA Education Benefits (including GI Bill®)
Please visit the Office of Veterans and Military Service Members' webpage for more information.
Employees of the U.S. government can take advantage of educational savings through Villanova's partnership with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Federal Academic Alliance.
Villanova supports the continued education and professional development of Boeing's employees. Learn more about education benefits and tuition savings information for Boeing employees.
CPS students enrolled in a non-credit program and/or any individual non-credit course may participate in a payment plan.
Payment plans are offered through Nelnet Campus Commerce and students are encouraged to reach out to Nelnet directly through the NCC website.
Please note:
- Payment plans are available for fall, spring and summer.
- Payments must be made over the course of 2-5 months, depending on when you enroll in the plan.
- There is an additional $45 payment plan fee for each semester.
Personal Loans
Students may use any loan provider they prefer. One option is Salle Mae's Career Training Loan, a credit-based loan that offers flexible repayment plans.
Tuition assistance and deferred payment plans can help you finance your education. Please consult with your employer to determine eligibility and specific reimbursement procedures, including any required documentation.
Learn more about Villanova University's professional education enrollment terms and conditions.