The Barton School of Business at Wichita State University will offer a new Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation in fall 2009.

The certificate is an opportunity for individuals in the community to receive advanced study in the field without completing a degree program.

“There is a definite need in our community for accelerated offerings during this economic downturn,” said Tim Pett, director of the Center for Entrepreneurship. “This is a chance for professionals in a variety of disciplines – the arts, sciences, health professions and engineering – to gain exposure to the challenges that entrepreneurs and existing businesses face in developing innovations into commercial products. There is much more to starting a business than a business plan.”
 

The certificate, which consists of 12 hours of graduate level classes such as technology entrepreneurship and new product development, may be completed in as little as two semesters plus summer. No prerequisite courses are required for the program and all classes are offered in the evening.

Participants must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year institution.

Applicants must be admitted to the WSU Graduate School as a non-degree candidate and pay a $35 application fee.

Anyone interested is encouraged to call the Graduate Studies in Business office at (316) 978-3230 for more information.

The Barton School also offers a similar 12-hour certificate program in Enterprise Systems and Supply Chain Management.