Marshall’s minor in entrepreneurship helps students
hone their skills and lay the groundwork to start
their own businesses.
Marshall students hoping to start their own businesses can start planning for their future with a minor in entrepreneurship in the Lewis College of Business at Marshall University. The program, which was established in 2004, requires students to complete a minimum of 15 credit hours including courses in accounting, management, marketing, a business elective and an internship in entrepreneurship.
“The entrepreneurship programs gathered momentum nationwide when leading universities had very successful programs and it’s become its own professional field,” said Dr. Haiyang Chen, dean of the Lewis College of Business. “We at Marshall are in agreement that we should have such a program with our own characteristics to improve students’ mindset and unleash their innovative potential.”
Chen said the ultimate goal is to expand the minor into a major.
“Part of the American culture is the ‘can-do’ spirit and that drives to innovate and create something new for society,” Chen said. “That’s why we’re really excited about the idea of developing the entrepreneurship minor into a full-fledged major. We want help students get out of their comfort zones and meet new challenges.”
Chen said the Lewis College of Business faculty is encouraged to use more experiential learning techniques in order to give students a more handson experience. Students have the opportunity to join student clubs to engage them on campus, as well as complete internships and other community service related activities. Not everything will be gained through textbooks.
Chen said the program is not specific to the Lewis College of Business, and it is a cross-discipline, cross-campus collaboration that requires students to gain knowledge and experience in other fields, such as technology.
The BB&T Center for the Advancement of American Capitalism has funded a grant for the support of the entrepreneurship program since 2008. The Lewis College of Business is working with business and government leaders in the community to create an environment and opportunities for students to start new business and create new jobs.
“We will give our students everything we have to help them succeed and we want them to come back to help other students,” Chen said.
Rebecca Stephens is the managing editor of Marshall Magazine.