The Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurial Leadership equips professionals with the skills and strategic insights necessary to drive innovation, launch new ventures, and lead organizational change in dynamic business environments. This interdisciplinary program blends principles of entrepreneurship, leadership, and business strategy to prepare students to identify opportunities, develop sustainable business models, and navigate the challenges of innovation and growth.
The curriculum covers key topics such as opportunity recognition, business model development, strategic leadership, venture financing, and risk management. Students will engage in experiential learning through case studies, applied projects, and interactions with entrepreneurs and industry leaders. The program also emphasizes ethical decision-making and social impact, ensuring that graduates can build and lead ventures that are both innovative and responsible.
Designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, business professionals, and corporate leaders, this certificate provides a competitive advantage in today’s fast-paced business landscape. Graduates will be prepared to lead startups, drive corporate innovation, or take on leadership roles that require entrepreneurial thinking. Additionally, the certificate serves as a pathway for further graduate studies in business, innovation management, or leadership.
The Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurial Leadership is open to individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, with courses designed to accommodate working professionals through flexible options. This program provides the knowledge and practical experience needed to lead with confidence, adapt to change, and create value in an increasingly entrepreneurial world.
Admission
To be considered for admission, the applicant must submit these materials to the Office of Admissions:
- Application for Admission;
- Application for Virginia In-State tuition rates, if applicable; and
- Official transcript(s) showing completion of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited college or university with an earned GPA of at least 3.0.
Students who intend to complete this certificate as part of their MBA program would follow the admissions requirements for the MBA degree program.
Entrepreneurial Leadership Graduate Certificate Program Requirements
Successful completion of all required core course and elective courses with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher is required to meet program requirements. All required course work must be completed within three years of matriculation into the program.
Entrepreneurial Leadership Graduate Certificate Requirements (12 Credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GBUS 517 | Creativity and Design Thinking | 3 |
| GBUS 506 | Entrepreneurial Leadership Fundamentals | 3 |
| GBUS 549 | Corporate Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Select 3 additional credits from among the following courses: GBUS 521, 523, 529, 551. | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Continuation Requirements
Students in this post-baccalaureate certificate program are expected to maintain satisfactory academic progress in their courses toward completion of the certificate. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher is required for completion and awarding of the certificate.
Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 each session to remain in good standing. Any student whose cumulative GPA is below 3.0 at the end of any session will have the following session to correct the deficiency.
A student who earns grades of C+ or below (C+, C, or F) in three classes will automatically be suspended from the program.
Students who voluntarily interrupt their enrollment for one to three semesters should refer to the Leave of Absence policy in the Academic Rules and Regulations section of this catalog.