More and more students want to be their own boss, and the David Eccles School of Business is answering that demand with a new Interdisciplinary Certificate in Entrepreneurship for undergraduate students that is available to every undergraduate in the university, regardless of their major. The certificate adds to the business school’s already nationally recognized entrepreneurship program.

“Entrepreneurship is more popular than ever, and this certificate allows more students to learn the fundamentals from experts,” says Bill Schulze, academic director of entrepreneurship programs and a professor of strategy at the David Eccles School of Business.

The David Eccles School of Business already offers undergraduate and graduate degrees with an emphasis in entrepreneurship. But this is the first time the school has opened its doors to students from any major that want to learn how to start a company.

Business school faculty created the certificate to address changing trends in the economy and education. There is a growing demand for the skills needed to start a company, launch a new product or test an idea. And companies increasingly seek students who have practical business skills in addition to industry expertise.

“It’s no longer enough to have a chemistry, engineering or art degree,” Schulze says. “Students also need to know what makes a company tick and why they succeed.  This certificate fills that void by allowing any student to complement their degrees by teaching them how to test their ideas, and design and launch a company. This ability would benefit any student and make them much more employable.”

Enrollment for the course begins in November 2013. The first classes will be taught in spring 2014. Completion of the certificate requires six courses, including four at the David Eccles School of Business and two electives in another department. Business classes include: Entrepreneurship and Society, Entrepreneurial Marketing, Entrepreneurial Finance and Venture Discover.

In addition to the certificate, the David Eccles School of Business provides many other ways for students across campus to get involved with entrepreneurship through the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute, which provides competitions, programs and networking opportunities for student innovators.

Learn more about entrepreneurship at the U at www.business.utah.edu or www.lassonde.utah.edu.