Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Entrepreneurs are innovators and problem-solvers who spot opportunities, turning ideas into action by taking calculated risks. They are bold, creative thinkers who set trends in the business world. No matter where your career takes you—whether you’re launching a startup, innovating inside a major company, or making a difference in the nonprofit or government sectors—an entrepreneurial mindset gives you a competitive edge.
Why Study Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business?
As an Entrepreneurship and Innovation major, you’ll gain hands-on experience using the Lean Startup Methodology, designed to help entrepreneurs test ideas, adapt quickly, and build successful ventures. This methodology focuses on the following principles:
- Entrepreneurs are Everywhere: Think like a startup founder, no matter where you work.
- Entrepreneurship is Leadership: Learn how to manage uncertainty, scale businesses, make strategic decisions, and drive innovation.
- Validated Learning: Test ideas, gather feedback, and improve using real-world data.
- Innovation Accounting: Measure progress, set milestones, prioritize work, and turn ideas into reality.
- Build-Measure-Learn: Master the cycle of creating, testing, and refining ideas.
Discover Duquesne’s Distinctive Educational Experience
Our program follows a theory-to-practice model, providing you with hands-on experience in entrepreneurial methods. We offer:
- New Venture Enterprise: Pitch ideas, launch, and manage a business in our unique two-semester course. The best pitches are selected to create new micro-ventures with a $5,000 investment from the School.
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation Capstone: Entrepreneurship and Innovation majors act as venture capitalists by consulting and investing real money in select local startups through our partnership with 412 Venture Fund.
- Duquesne New Venture Challenge (DNVC): All Entrepreneurship and Innovation majors enter our nationwide premier business plan competition with over $100,000 in prizes, where they develop ideas and connect with the region’s thriving startup ecosystem.
- TechStars Startup Weekend and InnoPitch: Build your network and connect with fellow entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders at Duquesne sponsored pitch competitions.
- The Center for Excellence in Entrepreneurship: Rockwell Hall is home to Bob’s Launch Pad, a state-of-the-art makerspace; the Entrepreneurship Zone, designed to foster creativity and collaboration; and Duquesne’s Small Business Development Center, a hub for entrepreneurial support and mentorship.
- Duquesne Entrepreneurship Council: Connect beyond the classroom by joining the student-run organization that hosts guest speakers, skill-building workshops, and pop-up sales opportunities.
Program Information
Our Entrepreneurship and Innovation undergraduate major helps students develop an entrepreneurial mindset that benefits them in all areas of business, including new ventures, corporations, government, and the nonprofit sector.
Program Type
Major, Minor
Degree
Bachelor's
Duration
4-year
Required Credit Hours
Students must complete a minimum of 120 credits.
From Our Alumni
"I came from a different major that I didn't feel aligned with. Once I switched to Entrepreneurship, I felt at home. I was surrounded by so many amazing people, from my peers to faculty. With the knowledge and resources I gained, I established my own business."
Career Opportunities
Invest in Your Future
Entrepreneurship and Innovation graduates are shaping the future. They:
- Lead innovation in startups, corporations, nonprofits, andgovernment.
- Develop new products, services, and business opportunities that drive growth.
- Commercialize ideas by securing funding and resources.
- Address social issues through business innovation.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Majors Employment
Recent graduates from our Entrepreneurship and Innovation program are working in various fields, from corporations to mid-sized ventures, and even launching their own companies.
- ADP
- Amazon
- BNY
- Bobby Rahal Volvo
- Clean Plate Innovations*
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- European Summer*
- Everyday Web*
- Giant Eagle
- IBM
- Icey Aesthetics*
- Pittsburgh Executives Association
- PNC
- PLS Logistics Services
- SnapRetail
- Subtle Beauty
- The Motherhood
- 84 Lumber
- Wesco
* Company owned and operated by Duquesne Entrepreneurship and Innovation alums.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation as a Second Major or Minor
Combining Entrepreneurship and Innovation as a double major or minor with another business major gives students a competitive advantage in the job market.
Curriculum
- Bridges Requirements: 19 credits of University-wide courses taken by all students
- Business Core Required Courses: 51 credits plus 3 additional credits of required courses taken by business students
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation Major Required Courses: 18 credits
- Major Specific Electives: 3 credits
- Open Electives: 26 credits
- Graduation Requirements: Students must earn a minimum overall 2.0 GPA.
Students are encouraged to meet with their Student Success Coach for more information.
- ENTR 301 New Venture Enterprise I (3 credits)
- ENTR 302 New Venture Enterprise II (3 credits)
- ENTR 376 Entrepreneurship Fundamentals (3 credits)
- ENTR 480 Financing, Valuing, and Exiting Business (3 credits)
- ENTR 481W Guerilla Marketing (3 credits)
- ENTR 485 Entrepreneurship Capstone (3 credits)
- MKTG 476 Product Innovation (3 credits)
- ENTR 495 Independent Study (3 credits)
The elective can be dropped from this major when paired with a second business major or minor.
Minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation by taking:
- ENTR 375
- ENTR 480
- ENTR 481W
- MKTG 271
- MKTG 476 or ENTR 495