General information

Applied Minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation: 

Open to all UA doctoral students, university wide.
Successful entrepreneurs within the idea age economy possess knowledge and skill sets that include the fundamental principles and practices of both scientific and technological research and development, as well as innovation and entrepreneurship.

Scholars and researchers who intend on pursuing academic careers also benefit from the development of an entrepreneurial skill set that equips then with new and innovative strategies for supporting and growing their research agendas and activities (e.g., engaging in university-industry partnerships; building and managing interdisciplinary centers and institutes). The development of an entrepreneurial background through the completion of a doctoral minor in entrepreneurship helps prepare doctoral candidates for successful careers in industry and/or academia. Available upon committee approval.

Curriculum

The McGuire curriculum is an integrated package that is grounded in a two semester course sequence of new venture development in which students learn the strategies and develop skills essential to moving an innovation along an idea path that begins with an early stage idea and ends with a sustainable enterprise model.  The learning outcomes of the minor will benefit students interested in creating commercial ventures and non-profit organizations, as well as scientific and research groups, centers, and institutes.  Specifically, the doctoral minor in entrepreneurship requires completion of the following courses:

• ECON 534: Industry Analysis and New Venture Development (3 units): Fall semester only
• MGMT 539: Planning of New Ventures (3 units): Spring semester only
• • SIE 567: Financial Modeling for Innovation (3 units): Fall semester only

The minor curriculum requires that students actively participate in an entrepreneurial venture team that typically consists of four graduate students. The student team will develop a new venture development plan that requires the direct application of knowledge and skills gained through the nine units of coursework outlined above.

Minor Exam
The doctoral minor program requires the successful completion of a written comprehensive exam that is individually tailored to the specific research interests and career goals of each student. The exam must be satisfied with one year following the completion of minor coursework.

Information and Application Process
Students interested in learning more about entrepreneurship and innovation, as well as the doctoral minor program are encouraged to attend the following events:

Matthew Mars, Ph.D.
McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship
McClelland Hall, Room 116
520.626.1954
mmars@eller.arizona.edu