A master’s program in Innovation and Entrepreneurship (I&E) answers the increasing need for cutting-edge strategies in management and leadership, combining the best of entrepreneurial mindset and innovative thinking. Changing technologies and the broadening scope of the global market require experts who can interpret social and technological trends and diverse cultures to enhance company growth. I&E professionals also spawn new business ideas, develop original product lines and redefine existing goods and services to give industry a fresh insight into the needs and desires of consumers.
Careers in the field of I&E are growing with the continuing challenge of remaining competitive. Innovation experts are in high demand in the fields of leadership, management, marketing, product development and creation of new business. Graduates may decide to start their own business, or work as part of integrated teams within a corporation as an entrepreneur, or be engaged as independent consultants to observe current practices and create strategies for improvement. They may also work for someone while operating their own small business. Formal education remains the main vehicle for improving the supply of skills for I&E (OECD, 2018). The faculty believes that strength of this program is the application of an innovation framework to developing leadership skills fueled by creative and entrepreneurial thinking. The program assists students in understanding the difference between creativity and innovation, as they are not synonymous; and how they (creativity and innovation) fuel entrepreneurial thinking.
Creativity is most often defined as the mental ability to conceptualize (imagine) new, unusual or unique ideas, to see the new connection between seemingly random or unrelated things. An explanation of innovation is the process that transforms those forward-looking new ideas into real world (commercial) products, services, or processes of enhanced value. It is impossible to develop innovations when an organization or leader ignores the creative mind and entrepreneurial thinking.
General Graduate Admission Requirements
All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Concordia University Chicago graduate programs as published in the Concordia University Chicago academic catalog.
New students are accepted into graduate degree-seeking, certificate, endorsement and/or post-graduate programs for online and on-campus study in the fall, spring, or summer semesters. Previously admitted students seeking to change programs may do so at the beginning of a semester (only) by submitting a Change-of-Program quick app. Applicants must be in good academic standing according to Concordia University Chicago’s satisfactory academic progress standards at the time of requesting a program change.
Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MIE-6001 | Creative Thinking and Practice | 3 |
| MIE-6002 | Leading Innovation in the Digital Age | 3 |
| MIE-6003 | Entrepreneurship for the Global Society | 3 |
| MBAE-6265 | Prototyping/Co-Designing Solutions | 3 |
| MBAD-6115 | Social Media Marketing Communications | 3 |
| MBAL-6020 | Agents of Change | 3 |
| MIE-6004 | Financial Accounting for the Entrepreneurial Firm | 3 |
| MBAC-6050 | Ethics, Law & Communication in Decision Making | 3 |
| MBAC-6250 | Strategy for Entrepreneurship & Innovation | 3 |
| MIE-6990 | Capstone | 3 |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Please note: Courses for this program should be taken sequentially in the order above.
Graduation Requirements
- Have on file an application as a degree-seeking graduate student.
- Have on file one official transcript from EACH college/university attended of all previous coursework taken.
- Complete, for the degree being sought:
- the credit hours and levels as designated,
- within the specified time limit,
- with grades of C- or higher,
- with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- Students completing multiple advanced programs or degrees at CUC must have a 3.0 GPA in each academic program in addition to a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- If transfer credit is approved to be applied: have on file an approved “Graduate Transfer Credit Approval” form(s) or evaluation(s).
- Have on file the Intent to Graduate/Complete form with the Office of the Registrar by the published deadline.
- Have on file, if applicable, necessary copies of a project, thesis or dissertation.
- Take and pass the final examination or terminal requirements in the program during or after the final course.
- Approval of the faculty.
- All administrative obligations to CUC must be cleared in order to prompt the release of CUC transcripts and diploma(s).
Every attempt has been made to include information to aid the student with information about his/her program, degree and graduation/completion requirements. It is, however, the student’s responsibility to complete all steps and meet all deadlines relevant to graduation requirements.