Master of Science in Innovation and Entrepreneurship



The MS in Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MSIE) is designed to prepare students for successful careers in innovation-related roles in established organizations, entrepreneurial finance, or in the creation of new ventures. In today’s fast paced business world, executives from leading companies recognize the need for employees who can evaluate opportunities and manage the process of innovation in positions such as strategic marketing, product marketing, business development, engineering, R&D and project management.

Note: To apply for this degree program, an undergrad business degrees is not required (all undergraduate majors welcome).

The MSIE lets students choose between two focus areas: 1) The New Ventures Concentration or 2) The Innovation within the Corporation Concentration. The program emphasizes technology-based innovation, consistent with and complementing UT Dallas’ traditional strengths in science, engineering, computer science, and management disciplines.

The program provides a solid foundation in the management disciplines essential to innovation, with specific focus on the tools, techniques and skills required to develop and lead product, service and business model innovation. The MSIE degree is designed to complement baccalaureate or advanced degrees in business, economics, arts and humanities, engineering or scientific disciplines. Download Graduate Programs in Innovation and Entrepreneurship brochure. Download MS in Innovation and Entrepreneurship brochure.

We live in an entrepreneurial world! Innovation is the engine that drives our global economy, accounting for more than 80 percent of net new job creation.  The global “innovation economy” of the future will require all of the traditional skills, such as accounting, finance, marketing, engineering, etc., but the most exciting opportunities will involve individuals and teams who can manage innovation to create exceptional value for their customers.  The MS in Innovation and Entrepreneurship Degree is designed to prepare students to hold exciting leadership positions at the forefront of this global innovation economy.

The Master of Science in Innovation and Entrepreneurship was designed in collaboration with experienced entrepreneurs and senior executives from major technology companies.  These executives observed:

“The MSIE program addresses a vacuum that exists in most businesses – few people have the experience and/or knowledge to successfully craft, sell and launch a new business area.”

“It fits well into our externally focused functions including business development, product management, marketing and sales, program management, and engineering management.”

In addition to a rigorous curriculum and an exceptional classroom experience, there are multiple opportunities for students to meet, learn from, and network with leading industry professionals, including entrepreneurs, investment professionals, and executives from major technology companies. Students are encouraged to compete in the annual UT Dallas Business Idea Competition, participate in the Entrepreneurship Club’s networking events and Distinguished Speaker Series, work as an intern in support of the start-up companies in UT Dallas’s Venture Development Center, and get involved in the community outreach programs of the award-winning Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

At UT Dallas, we really believe that “Innovation is Where the Action Is!”.

Come join us and experience the excitement!

Joseph C. Picken, PhD

Program Director


Email
(972) 883-4986
Office – JSOM 4.212
  • Flexible 36 hour degree program
  • 12 hours of required core courses
  • 12 hours of concentration area courses:
    • The New Venture Concentration – focuses on the processes of innovation and entrepreneurship in early stage ventures. Startup launch option allows students to start their business while getting course credit.
    • Innovation within the Corporation Concentration – focuses on the development and introduction of new products, new technologies, and new business models within established organizations.
  • 12 hours of electives providing flexibility for specialization.
  • Hands-on experiential courses in the UT Dallas Venture Development Center.

Download:

  • Nationally recognized programs
  • Exceptional faculty with significant real world professional experience
  • Robust curriculum: experiential learning – “hands-on” experience in the UT Dallas Venture development Center
  • Internships and projects with new ventures and established technology firms
  • Internships with UT Dallas Incubator (Integrated Venture Development)
  • Frequent interaction with entrepreneurs and venture finance professionals
  • Outstanding  student programs including:
    • UT Dallas Business Idea Competition
    • Distinguished  Speaker Series
    • Annual CEO Dinner
  • Entrepreneurial Development Series
  • Flexible scheduling with classes in the evening; several courses offered online

The MSIE Startup Launch Program offers an exciting and unique opportunity for a select group of entrepreneurs to launch their new business ventures within the framework of UT Dallas’ highly regarded Master of Science in Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MSIE) degree program.

Students or student teams admitted to the Startup Launch Program will be provided with office and/or laboratory space in the Venture Development Center, up to $25,000 in seed capital, and ongoing support and mentoring by UT Dallas faculty and experienced entrepreneurs, while they earn the MSIE degree and receive course credit for progress toward the launch of their startup. Students will be expected to complete the program in 16-24 months (full-time or part-time) and to launch their businesses either while enrolled in the program or within six months after graduation.

Application to the program is competitive and, in addition to admission to the MSIE degree program, will require a business concept proposal, faculty interviews and the expression of a strong commitment to launch the venture.

Additional information is available below.

Dual MS in Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Professional MBA Degrees

  • Total of 63 credit hours for two degrees after prerequisites are met (10 hours beyond the regular PMBA requirement of 53 credit hours)
  • Students complete the MSIE first, then complete the Professional MBA curriculum
  • Two degrees are awarded after completion of both degree programs
  • Example curriculum or individual consultation available on request

Dual MS in Innovation and Entrepreneurship and MS in Marketing Management

  • Total of 54 credit hours required for two degrees after prerequisites are met (18 hours beyond the regular MSIE curriculum)
  • Example curriculum or individual consultation available on request

Dual MS in Innovation and Entrepreneurship and MS in Finance

  • Pursue New Venture Focus in MSIE and Financial Analyst Concentration in MS Finance.
  • Total of 54 credit hours required for two degrees after prerequisites are met (18 hours beyond the regular MSIE curriculum)
  • Example curriculum or individual consultation available on request

Dual MS in Innovation and Entrepreneurship and MS in IT Management

  • Total of 54 credit hours required for two degrees after prerequisites are met (18 hours beyond the regular MSIE curriculum)
  • Example curriculum or individual consultation available on request

Other dual degree combinations

  • Other dual degree combinations may be possible and may require varying amounts of credit hours. Please work with the appropriate Program Directors and Graduate Advising in advance regarding other dual degree plans

The Naveen Jindal School of Management (JSOM) offers two graduate certificates in the field of innovation and entrepreneurship. These certificates are offered both to degree-seeking and non-degree seeking students wishing to complement their skills in a technical or functional discipline with management skills that will prepare them for leadership roles in product, service or business model innovation. Skills learned are applicable either in a startup or within the structure of an established organization.