Entrepreneurship Certificate

The need for education for entrepreneurs and small business owners cannot be understated. A vast majority of the small businesses fail during the first couple, often due to a lack of education and appropriate training. Entrepreneurial education can help develop an entrepreneurial attitude, and give aspiring entrepreneurs the requisite skills and know-how to run a business. This dedicated certificate program in Entrepreneurship helps assist small businesses, new and existing, to thrive and succeed across the state of New York and beyond.

SUNY Empire State College's Entrepreneurship Certificate is intended for students who strive to acquire the entrepreneurial knowledge and skills to become successful entrepreneurs. The 20-credit program may stand alone or be entirely applied towards the B.S. in Business, Management and Economics program.

Program Design

This certificate program courses are offered in multiple modalities, including online and independent study with SUNY Empire State College faculty. The Entrepreneurship Certificate courses are fully applicable to an undergraduate degree program developed in the business, management and economics area of study.

Program Requirements

This 20-credit program may stand alone or be entirely applied towards the B.S. in Business, Management and Economics program. Courses must be taken in order:

MGMT 1005 Principles of Management (4 Credits)

This study is designed to introduce students to basic principles and functions of Management in an organizational setting including decision-making, planning, organizing, staffing, leading and controlling. The roles and functions of managers are examined within the context of organizational structure, cultural diversity, teamwork, ethics and global challenges. This course was previously BME-212314 Management Principles.

BUSN 1025 Legal Environment of Business I (4 Credits)

This course will familiarize students with the essentials of business law and the broader legal environment, which consists of the various sub-areas of the law within which business operates. The major areas of law that will be studied include criminal, administrative, contracts, and torts, bankruptcy law, as well as business ethics and social responsibility, and legal aspects of business and consumer transactions. This course was previously BME-212154 Legal Environment of Business 1.

ACCT 2005 Introductory Accounting I: Financial Accounting (4 Credits)

The objective of this study is to introduce students to the fundamental concepts of financial accounting systems and principles, including financial statements preparation, interpretation and communication to external parties and managers. Among topics covered are: the accounting cycle for gathering, recording, summarizing, reporting and analyzing of accounting data. The course includes an overview of accounting for assets, liabilities, stockholders' equity, revenues and expenses including cash, investments, accounts receivable, inventories, plant assets and equipment, intangible assets and natural resources, short and long term liabilities, in addition to basic principles of internal control and the role of ethics in accounting profession. This course covers professional ethics and social responsibility in business. Notes: Students cannot count the credit for Accounting for Decision Makers (ACCT 1005) in their degree plan if they also take Introductory Accounting I (ACCT 2005) 'Financial' and/or Introductory Accounting II (ACCT 2010) 'Managerial', since the course contents are similar. The course satisfies quantitative aspects of business. This course was previously BME-212054 Introductory Accounting 1.

MGMT 1020 Introduction to Entrepreneurship (4 Credits)

This course focuses on gaining basic knowledge and skills to analyze entrepreneurial opportunities and problems. The objective of this course is to learn the basic tools needed for launching new ventures and becoming a successful entrepreneur. Major topics include developing a successful business, recognizing opportunities and generating ideas, writing a business plan, developing an effective business model, conducting industry and competitor analysis, assessing new ventures, assessing financial strength and viability, and securing financing or funding. This course was previously BME-212704.

MGMT 3022 New Venture Planning (4 Credits)

One of the most exciting and satisfying activities in business is to start a new venture. This course will provide students the opportunity to explore the entrepreneurial mindset and investigate how innovative and creative concepts can be transformed into a viable business. Student will develop a comprehensive strategy for launching and sustaining a new business venture.

Program Outcomes

The primary student learning outcomes for the proposed certificate are:

Develop a basic understanding of the fundamental skills of entrepreneurship.
Identify the importance of accounting principles and business law as it relates to entrepreneurship.
Examine market entry strategies for developing new ventures in today’s marketplace.
Apply knowledge of entrepreneurial concepts and techniques in an organizational setting and the student’s field of work.
Design and create a sound business plan, from opportunity to implementation.

Enroll in the Certificate Program for Entrepreneurship

Currently enrolled students: Submit the online Degree Add/Change Request Form, select “add”, select “CUG” for degree, and choose “Entrepreneurship” for program. If you are not currently enrolled, apply online and select the certificate option.

Certificate students who are concurrently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program are eligible to apply for federal financial aid, while those students who enroll only in the certificate program are not.

Certificate Program Coordinator

Anant R. Deshpande, Ph.D.
Professor, School of Business, Management and Human Resource Management Department
Associate Department Chair, Management

Email questions about the certificate courses to Anant.Deshpande@esc.edu.