News Summary
Mississippi State University has introduced a new major in entrepreneurship within the College of Business, aimed at equipping students with the skills necessary for launching their own businesses or innovating in existing organizations. The program includes foundational and advanced courses such as Business Venture Creation and Creativity and Innovation, supporting both aspiring entrepreneurs and those interested in intrapreneurship. The initiative is complemented by resources from the E-Center and an active eClub, fostering a dynamic learning environment for students interested in business ventures.
Starkville, Mississippi – Mississippi State University (MSU) has announced the launch of a new major in entrepreneurship within its College of Business, aimed at equipping students with the essential skills for launching their own businesses or innovating within existing organizations. The program signifies a commitment to fostering entrepreneurial talent and enhancing business education at the university.
The new entrepreneurship major integrates foundational and advanced courses, building upon existing curriculum offerings such as Entrepreneurship, Experiential Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Family Business Management. Among the new core courses in the curriculum are Creativity and Innovation and a capstone course titled Business Venture Creation, both designed to provide practical and theoretical knowledge necessary for aspiring business innovators.
Dean Scott Grawe of the College of Business has highlighted the importance of the entrepreneurship major in preparing students with essential knowledge and skills, regardless of their chosen entrepreneurial path. The initiative not only caters to students aiming to start their ventures but also supports those interested in intrapreneurship—the practice of fostering innovation within a larger organization.
A key component of the program includes support from MSU’s nationally recognized Center for Entrepreneurship and Outreach (E-Center). The E-Center offers a variety of resources, including coworking spaces, funding for startups, mentoring opportunities, and specialized programs aimed at enhancing the potential of student-led ventures. Although participation in E-Center’s offerings such as business plan competitions and mentorship is optional, it is strongly recommended for students to gain invaluable hands-on experience.
Laura Marler, head of the Department of Management and Information Systems, has underscored the emphasis on experiential learning opportunities available for students pursuing the entrepreneurship major. This includes the option to join an entrepreneurship living-learning community, which promotes collaboration and innovation among students who share a common interest in business ventures.
The entrepreneurship program also connects students through the MSU Entrepreneurship Club (eClub), which organizes various networking events, guest speaker sessions, and workshops designed to enhance practical knowledge and industry connections throughout the academic year. This club serves as a vital platform for students to engage with entrepreneurship in a dynamic and interactive way.
Available to incoming freshmen, transfer students, and current business administration majors, this new major not only emphasizes creativity and innovation but also promotes a comprehensive understanding of entrepreneurial principles and practices. This initiative reflects an increasing recognition of the importance of entrepreneurship as a driving force in today’s economy.
Students interested in the new entrepreneurship major or seeking further information can reach out to Kim McLeod, the academic coordinator for the College of Business, via email or phone. With the introduction of this program, MSU aims to play a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of business leaders and innovators.
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Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
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