Santa Clara University

The minor in entrepreneurship provides students who may be interested in either developing a business or working in a startup with the chance to explore entrepreneurship as a career option and acquire the skills that can help them be successful. Students completing the minor will develop an understanding of the venture creation process including how to generate and develop a new business concept, apply quantitative and qualitative methods and analytical tools to identify and evaluate entrepreneurial opportunities, use data and analysis to create and evaluate a business plan, and evaluate different funding sources for a new venture. A critical element of the program is an internship working with an emerging for-profit startup or socially-beneficial organization to develop a formal business plan or growth plan.

The entrepreneurship minor is open to all students via an application process through the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Accepted business school students can begin the minor after they have earned 60 units. For students outside the business school, prerequisites for the core courses should be completed in the sophomore year.

Requirements for the Minor

• MGMT 164: Introduction to Entrepreneurship
• MGMT 165: Building a New Business  
• MGMT 198E: Internship in Entrepreneurship (may be taken concurrently with MGMT 165) 

Plus two courses from the following list:

• BUSN 197: Business/Engineering Practicum (teamed with Engineering students as part of the KEEN initiative)
• ECON 129: Economic Development
• ENVS 145: Environmental Technology
• ENVS 148: Solar Revolution
• FNCE 141: New Venture Finance 
• FNCE 143: Entrepreneurial Finance  
• FNCE 170: Business Valuation 
• MGMT 175: Managing a Family Business 
• MGMT 177: Managing with the Internet  
• MKTG 175: Internet Marketing  
• MKTG 182: Market Analysis  
• MKTG 187: Innovation and New Product Marketing  
• SOCI 150: Ethnic Enterprises
• SOCI 172: Management of Healthcare Organizations

Note:  Students should always consult the course catalog for prerequisites and schedule.

How to Declare

Students must apply and be admitted to the Minor in Entrepreneurship.  Follow these three steps:

• Complete the Minor in Entrepreneurship application form and submit to the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (declaration of the minor requires admission via this application process), Suite 109, Lucas Hall.

• Schedule follow up meeting with CIE representative to review application and discuss course planning.

• Upon approval, receive necessary minor declaration signature on the Program Petition Form (from the Office of the Registrar or the Undergraduate Business Office) and return form in its entirety to Drahmann Center Advising.

For full details, including our Frequently Asked Questions, info on prerequisites, and other information, pleas visit the CIE Minor in Entrepreneurship page.  We look forward to seeing you!

Not sure about pursuing a minor? All students are welcome to join the CIE mailing list to receive the latest updates and information on events, internships, Silicon Valley event attendance opportunities, counseling on pitch prep/business plans/startup questions, CIE Office Hours for Entrepreneurs featuring Silicon Valley angels, VCs and experts and more-to join our mailing list, click here.