NC State Launches Graduate Certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The new NC State Graduate Certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship will prepare students to initiate and manage new organizational opportunities and innovative ventures. Developed through a collaboration between Poole College of Management and NC State Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the certificate is now open to graduate students from all NC State majors. 

This certificate helps students — including those in non-business fields — transform ideas into viable ventures while also complementing their technical skills with in-demand management expertise. It will be delivered in hybrid and online formats. 

“Essential foundations and hands-on experience are critical factors to create value in organizations,” says Stephen Markham, executive director of NC State Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and the Goodnight Distinguished Professor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Poole College. “These career-enhancing skills are just as important in startups as they are for corporate innovation.”  

The certificate program begins with a foundational course exploring innovation and entrepreneurship as drivers of value. Students then dive into the challenges of sparking innovation within complex organizations through a Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship course. Next, they apply their knowledge in a hands-on practicum, implementing real-world innovations in partner organizations. The program concludes with an elective that deepens expertise in a chosen focus area.

Students who complete the certificate build skills to evaluate opportunities for new or existing businesses, develop business models to commercialize them, and lead interdisciplinary teams through implementation. 

“They also learn to effectively communicate the elements of business models, foster an innovative culture in their organizations, and gain hands-on experience in developing and implementing real-world commercialization plans,” Markham says.  

The NC State Graduate Certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship is a 12-hour program open to graduate students from all majors, as well as to eligible non-degree-seeking students. No prerequisites are required.

This post was originally published in Poole College of Management News.