The entrepreneurship specialization focuses on the special problems of new venture development and the management of the small business enterprise. The specialization requires coursework in which students work with start-up ventures, small businesses, or small business development groups to apply their knowledge to business problems. In the required entrepreneurship practicum students develop their own business plan.
The Business Administration degree with an entrepreneurship specialization will prepare you to be a business professional who understands the environment in which small businesses operate and the unique challenges they face in a complex global economy. In addition, you will learn about the functional areas of modern business and the ethical and global issues confronting business today along with the economic, social, political, and legal environments in which business decisions are made. Practice in making decisions using quantitative and analytical skills are complemented with leadership and team-building skills. The curriculum is delivered using a variety of methods including analysis of business cases and other experiential exercises as well as co-curricular activities.
According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses have generated over 64 percent of net new jobs over the past 15 years and employ just over half of United States workers. Graduates of the program are qualified for careers in a variety of administrative and managerial functions in business firms, the non-profit sector and government agencies. Some SIUE graduates open small businesses after graduation while others have typically obtained positions at a variety of companies and then later opened their own businesses. Students are strongly encouraged to obtain professional experiences through co-operative education, internship and other co-curricular activities prior to graduation.
Admission to the School of Business is through a selective, competitive application process. Students must first apply to SIUE and be admitted to the University, then complete a set of prerequisite courses before applying for admission to the School of Business. Additional information regarding admission to all undergraduate programs is available on the School of Business website and in the undergraduate catalog. Students are encouraged to work closely with their academic advisor as they make plans to apply for admission to the School of Business.
