Entrepreneurship takes a comprehensive view of business by focusing on the strategic thinking needed to run the entire business, rather than emphasizing one specific function within a business. The Innovation Leadership and Entrepreneurship program uses an active-learning model where, through hands-on work, students not only learn about entrepreneurship but experience the challenge and thrill of running a business.
The Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship (BSE) provides extensive training in how to develop and assess the feasibility of new business ideas; plan for the creation of a new enterprise; obtain physical, human, and financial resources; and operate and expand a small enterprise once created. The program provides the flexibility for students to develop the types of businesses they wish to pursue. A second major or a minor is required.
The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.) with a major in innovation leadership and entrepreneurship places emphasis on teaching you how to think creatively so that you may work within small or large business firms or go into business for yourself. The program takes a practical hands-on approach under the direction of a faculty composed of entrepreneurs.
A minor in entrepreneurship is also offered for both business and non-business majors.
The B.S.B.A degree with a major in innovation leadership and entrepreneurship is also offered as a distance degree program which allows students to take all of the required business and entrepreneurship courses 100% online. This degree completion program is designed to serve students who wish to finish their undergraduate degree but who are unable to attend courses on campus. Students typically enter the program following completion of a 2-year degree at a community college or with an equivalent number of credits.
See the graduate school page for information about our Master of Entrepreneurship in Innovation Leadership and Entrepreneurship (M.E.I.L.E) degree.
Students may choose a B.S. in Entrepreneurship, a B.S.B.A. with a major in Innovation Leadership and Entrepreneurship, or an Entrepreneurship minor.
The B.S. in Entrepreneurship requires 120 total hours: 42 Liberal Studies hours, 18 Cognate hours, 48 major hours and 21-27 general elective hours, depending on Liberal Studies courses completed. Students may select various interest areas, e.g., digital marketing, sales management, general marketing, by carefully choosing their electives in consultation with their academic adviser.
Liberal Studies: 42 hours
Liberal Studies Program Requirements
Major Requirements:
48 hours in the major
Required Second Major or Minor:
The underlying philosophy of the B.S. Entrepreneurship degree is to give students
a foundation in business concepts that can be combined with a second major or minor
in a discipline-specific area of knowledge in the type of business students would
like to start.
General Electives:
Hours will vary depending on the second major or minor.
The B.S.B.A. with a major in Innovation Leadership and Entrepreneurship requires 120 total hours: 42 Liberal Studies hours, 36 Business Core hours, 24 major hours and 18-24 general elective hours, depending on Liberal Studies courses completed.
Liberal Studies: 42 hours
Liberal Studies Program Requirements
Business Core: 36 hours
Business Core Requirements (36 hours)
Major Requirements:
24 hours in the major
General Electives (18-24 hours):
More hours may be required depending on the number of hours taken in the major that
also meet Liberal Studies requirements.
Students who wish to receive a Minor in Entrepreneurship must complete 18 hours of study.
Students who wish to finish an Entrepreneurship degree in eight semesters can follow a prescribed program of study.
For a B.S. degree in Entrepreneurship in eight semesters
For a B.S.B.A. degree in Entrepreneurship in eight semesters
The distance B.S.B.A. in Innovation Leadership and Entrepreneurship program replicates the active-learning model of WCU’s successful on-campus program with distance students taking the same courses delivered by the same faculty as students in the on-campus program.
Most students enroll in 6 - 9 credit hours per semester.
The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.) with a major in Innovation Leadership and Entrepreneurship requires 120 total hours: 42 Liberal Studies hours, 36 Business Core hours, 24 major hours and 18-24 general elective hours, depending on Liberal Studies courses completed.
Students pursuing the B.S.B.A. with a major in Entrepreneurship are required to take the following major courses:
ENT 201: Introduction to Entrepreneurship
ENT 250: Innovation and Creativity
ENT 301: New Venture Leadership
ENT 325: New Venture Creation
ENT 350: New Venture Growth
ENT 401: Entrepreneurial Funding
ENT 450: New Venture Strategy
learn more about admission to the B.S.B.A. in Entrepreneurship Online Program
Learn about the costs and financial aid for students in the online program.
If you have questions or comments about the B.S.B.A. in Innovation Leadership and Entrepreneurship Online Program, please feel free to contact cobdistance@wcu.edu. We look forward to hearing from you.
There are numerous internship opportunities for students. In some cases internships are established through a faculty member in the student's major. Oftentimes students find part-time jobs in an area related to their field of study. When this happens, students should discuss with their academic advisor the possibility of receiving college credit. Generally, three hours of general elective credit can be earned for a minimum of 200 hours of experience.
Advantages
How to Apply and Prepare
Participating in student clubs and organizations is a great way to enhance your educational experience and also looks good on your resume.
Sigma Nu Tau is the only acadmic honor society dedicated to Entrepreneurship. Its mission is to promote, recognize, onor and reward academic excellence in entrepreneurship and to encourage and recognize the practice of principled entrepreneurship. Members must posses a strong entrepreneurial sprit, have earned at least a 3.2 cummulative GPA and have junior class standing or higher. The chapter advisor is Dr. Janice Black, blackj@wcu.edu.
Study Abroad programs are a great way to expand your horizons and at the same time earn college credit toward the completion of your academic program. If you want to gain international experience and exposure and a distinguishing edge in today's competitive job market, then studying abroad is for you. Academically, studying abroad is not only a fun way to earn credits, but it also exposes you to different teaching methods and perspectives on academic topics.
Western's Study Abroad opportunities are designed for both undergraduate and graduate students. These opportunities consist of programs that are one semester or an entire academic year, or even just for the summer. Each program has its own distinctions and prerequisites. Learn more about these opportunities.