Master of Science in Entrepreneurship and Innovation MS-EI

Designed for new age leaders, the Master of Science in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MS-EI) prepares you with the entrepreneurial mindset needed to launch successful ventures in any industry or sector, inside existing organizations (intrapreneurship) or as a new startup (entrepreneurship). In addition to learning design thinking and customer discovery methods, students build business model canvas, pricing strategy, and financial plans that are real and make money. You’ll perfect your presentation techniques, as you practice pitching and raising money from investors, or from the board of your company. Graduates are prepared to lead in a world of growing uncertainty and ambiguity.

Academics

The MS-EI degree is a studio-based program that places emphasis on academic and experiential learning. The studio approach places a high premium on design thinking, customer discovery, problem solving, customer empathy, prototyping, unit economics, collaboration, communication, storytelling, and continuous experimentation. This program is not an incubator, but a place where you will learn the entrepreneurial mindset that can be applied when starting your own company, or working for a large company.

You will learn that it is better to fail harder faster, rather than delay failure. Instructors will teach your frameworks and coaches will teach you apply them to business ideas and experiment. This program is delivered by leading faculty from two world-renowned colleges within Arizona State University: the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, and the W. P. Carey School of Business. In addition to academic rigor, the MS-EI program offers experiential learning opportunities guided by experienced industry coaches.

MS-EI degree tracks

To meet the diversity of opportunities available with an entrepreneurship master’s — and to prepare you for a wealth of new career paths — the ASU MS-EI program features four optional tracks in complementary business disciplines. Each of our tracks makes it possible to gain applied experience over the summer, while adding just one more semester to your degree.

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MS-EI fast facts

Two semesters
Full-time program length

Studio-centric program
Share your vision, team up, and make things happen

Four optional tracks
Add a third semester to your MS-EI degree

STEM-designated
Expanded career opportunities for international students

As a STEM-designated master’s degree, the master’s in entrepreneurship and innovation allows eligible graduates on student visas access to an Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension for up to 36 months, helping international students gain additional real-world skills and experience in the U.S.

Take a closer look at the MS-EI curriculum

Experience

Join a small founding team, tackle meaningful challenges, and prepare to make a difference in companies and communities around the world. Master’s in entrepreneurship and innovation students become entrepreneurs on day one. Team up with mentors and peers, as you create, develop, and road test ventures that deliver social, environmental, and financial value.

You’ll learn by doing, through studio-based classes that mirror the real world. You’ll experience every step of the venture development process, while working on a pain point you’ve always wanted to resolve.

W. P. Carey Students Talking

Cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset

Discover a wealth of entrepreneurship resources and opportunities at Arizona State University. Featuring interviews with MS-EI Faculty Director Hitendra Chaturvedi, our Entrepreneurial Mindset podcast provides an inside look at your next frontier. Join us!

How to apply

Start your journey on the right foot: Join us for an upcoming event to learn more about the MS-EI program, and take note of application deadlines and application materials.

Application deadlines

Round I

Dec. 1, 2024

Round II (International priority)

Feb. 1, 2025

Round III (International final)

April 1, 2025

Round IV (Final)

July 1, 2025

Note: Applications for Fall 2025 admission will be accepted on a rolling basis until July 15, 2025.

Attend an event

>> Check out our complete calendar of events

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Cost and financial aid

Invest in yourself — and a brighter future for all. In just two semesters, the W. P. Carey Master of Science in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MS-EI) delivers the real-world experience and skills needed to excel in entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship, and beyond.

MS-EI

Estimated tuition and fees

Resident

$26,787

Nonresident

$49,545

International

$52,751

MS-EI (all other tracks)

Estimated tuition and fees

Resident

$40,181

Nonresident

$69,906

International

$74,309

Career management

With dynamic career coaching and resources tailored to your program, the W. P. Carey Career Services Center will be here to help you throughout your time at ASU. More than 650 organizations in over 35 industries partner with W. P. Carey to recruit talent.

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What can I do with a master’s degree in entrepreneurship and innovation?

Earning a master's degree in entrepreneurship and innovation from W. P. Carey prepares students with crucial skills in analytical thinking, creative problem-solving, and collaboration needed to launch and grow successful ventures. According to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report, employer demand for business soft skills is rising as artificial intelligence reshapes the workforce. Graduates are equipped to drive change and create value for businesses of all sizes and industries, from startups to established corporations.

Put the power of W. P. Carey to work for you