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Experience an MBA in Entrepreneurship

When you pursue Willamette’s MBA with an entrepreneurship concentration, you will gain the skills needed to thrive in the world of start-ups and innovation. This concentration is an integral part of Willamette’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and helping ambitious students turn their ideas into thriving business ventures. 

Pursue entrepreneurship and innovation

Our entrepreneurship concentration is ideal for aspiring business and non-profit leaders. The opportunity for hands-on learning ensures that students graduate with the skills needed to build successful ventures. 

Our curriculum combines theory, practice, specialized courses, and a commitment to holistic learning. We don’t just focus on what you’ll learn in the classroom. We focus on helping you take that knowledge and turn it into action. 

Entrepreneurship curriculum

Whether you’re interested in starting a small business or growing an existing business, our entrepreneurship courses are designed to prepare you for success. Students who choose to pursue an entrepreneurship concentration will benefit from these elective courses

  • GSM 6226 - Venture Investing I
  • GSM 6227 - Venture Investing II
  • GSM 6228 - Enterprise Development and Entrepreneurial Thinking
  • GSM 6281 - Developing New Ventures

However, Willamette offers many other relevant courses to help students with growing ventures. We are committed to offering courses that will help our students develop practical skills. From discussing business ideas to learning about venture capital and private equity, our elective courses will give you the experience you need. 

  • Entrepreneurial thinking and developing new ventures

    One of the most impactful courses in the entrepreneurship concentration is “Entrepreneurial Thinking.” This course examines the mindset of accomplished entrepreneurs. It looks at their ability to establish sustainable businesses amidst uncertain climates. Collaboration with local entrepreneurs is a highlight. 

    Students will focus on business model design, venture finance, marketing in new organizations, and direct selling. It helps students develop the mindset and skills needed to face the challenges of entrepreneurship. 

    Inc. Magazine ranked our entrepreneurship and new ventures program as  "one of the top 10 entrepreneurship courses in the U.S.” In this program, students learn how to tackle the difficult transition between planning and launching a new venture. Students will transform early-stage ideas into viable enterprises and hone their ability to respond to market feedback. 

  • Real-world impact and recognition

    Willamette MBA’s entrepreneurship concentration has established a strong reputation. Businessweek has consistently ranked the program within the top 50 entrepreneurship courses in the US. This recognition is due to our commitment to provide students with exceptional entrepreneurial skills and the drive to succeed. Whether students choose to start their own businesses or work in large organizations, the training they receive at Willamette will directly support their goals.

  • Hands-on learning with Willamette’s Angel Fund

    One of the standout features of Willamette MBA’s entrepreneurship concentration is the Angel Fund program. In this two-semester course, students work alongside executives, business leaders, and investors as they fund start-up ventures. 

    This program allows students to apply their classroom knowledge to real life scenarios. Students will analyze potential investment opportunities, perform due diligence, and work with a professional Advisory Board. They will have an impact on real entrepreneurial ventures, become savvy investors, and develop a strong professional network.

    This program allows students to apply their classroom knowledge to real life scenarios. Students will analyze potential investment opportunities, perform due diligence, and work with a professional Advisory Board. They will have an impact on real entrepreneurial ventures, become savvy investors, and develop a strong professional network.

    The Angel Fund program relies on a self-sustaining model, reinvesting all the proceeds from angel investments. This allows future MBA students to benefit from this unique hands-on learning experience and support future start-ups. 

An MBA for Entrepreneurs

No matter where innovation takes you, Willamette will be there every step of the way. With electives that help you think outside of the box and a program that covers all you need to know in a start-up environment, you can count on our MBA program. 

Understand how to grow your business, develop a business plan, and become a successful entrepreneur. Chart your own career path and business opportunities with Willamette's MBA program.

Our holistic approach

No matter what concentration you choose, our Masters of Business Administration program ensures that students develop a well-rounded understanding of business and management. This includes offering courses in marketing, finance, accounting, management systems, sales, and industry analysis. 

Through this core business curriculum, we prepare students to excel in all aspects of entrepreneurship. This benefits students seeking entrepreneurial experience in business, government, or the non-profit sector.

Apply for an MBA in Entrepreneurship

Willamette University

Early Career and Career Change MBA

Salem Campus

Address
900 State Street
Salem Oregon 97301 U.S.A.
Phone
503-370-6167