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Entrepreneurship Curriculum

Southern California is a hotbed for entrepreneurial ventures. At the Merage School, you can take your bright ideas from ideation and conception through launch and growth, scaling a viable and profitable venture. We provide our students extensive training and resources through courses at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, certificate programs, access to faculty research, participation in the New Venture Competition, and exposure to our network of entrepreneurial partners within the Southern California ecosystem.

Master of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Thinking about pursuing that great idea and turning it into a business? How about launching a new product or service within an established company? What about launching or scaling a social enterprise?

The UCI Master of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MIE) is the first and only program of its kind in the UC System, and provides extensive integrated and immersive academic and practical experience for students looking to embark on careers as entrepreneurs (innovating to form new companies) and intrapreneurs (innovating within existing companies). The program provides students with knowledge on core topics on the process of innovation and entrepreneurship, including identifying new venture opportunities through lean startup methodology, developing a business model, preparing a business plan, assembling a team, raising the necessary financing including venture capital, and launching a new business. It is also rich in experiential learning opportunities within the UC Irvine entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Undergraduate Minor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Whether your dream is to be an entrepreneur innovating to form new companies or an intrapreneur innovating within existing companies, the Undergraduate Minor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship helps you gain the knowledge and practical experience to achieve your career goals. We train you in core topics on the process of innovation and entrepreneurship such as Planning a New Venture, Lean Startup Methodology, Venture Capital, Private Equity,and more. In this program, you are strongly encouraged to apply your acquired skills in the New Venture Competition and internships.

For course descriptions, prerequisites, and enrollment restrictions, please visit our Undergraduate Course Catalog.

Undergraduate Certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship

When pursuing a Certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, you will be required to participate in the annual New Venture Competition to put your entrepreneurial skills to the test while competing for thousands of dollars in prizes. The hands-on experience and core topics, including entrepreneurship and lean startup, provide you an extra edge which can make all the difference in your success in opportunities after graduation.

MBA Certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship

When pursuing an MBA Certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, you will be required to participate in the annual New Venture Competition to put your entrepreneurial skills to the test while competing for thousands of dollars in prizes. The hands-on experience you will gain through the competition will give you an extra edge which can make all the difference in your entrepreneurial endeavors.