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MS-EI academics
Earn your Master of Science in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MS-EI) at America’s most innovative university. Students engage in studio-based classes and join a small founding team to gain practical experience in launching successful ventures and creating high-impact business models. The MS-EI program develops the technical, critical thinking, and communication skills needed to manage teams and produce innovative business solutions. With mentorship from leading faculty across disciplines and a failure-friendly environment, you'll be well-prepared for entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial career paths
Curriculum
Designed to be completed in two semesters, the MS-EI degree is a full-time in-person program that requires 30 total credit hours. Strategically designed core courses introduce students to all aspects of entrepreneurship, reinforcing concepts you can apply within an organization or to your own venture.
Paired with electives of your choosing, this program is a great fit for visionary students who know where they want to go next. Students also have the opportunity to add an optional, third-semester track in a complementary business discipline.
Required courses
How to learn ideation process, defining problem statement, solution idea, viability of the idea, design thinking, opportunity/market sizing and identification, customer segments, strategic innovation, experience design, vision, mission, communications skills, storytelling, presentation skills, pitching skills to investors, customers, employees, supervisor, and partnership formation.
In this iterative, creative 'make-to-learn' phase of venture development, students explore prototyping and testing with audiences or end-users to develop feedback loops for real-time evaluation of their ideas, then synthesize learning from both successes and failures to progress toward a solution. Key components include mastery of ideation and creative development, framing strategic questions and success indicators for prototyping of services or products, evaluation of feedback and iteration of progressively more promising ideas, and evaluation of their innovations measured against the success indicators they developed. Students learn and practice prototyping service interactions as well as product innovations.
Innovation best practices, disruptions, business model design, applying business model design, innovator's dilemma, examples of disruptive business models, examples of emerging business models in the age of AI.
Reading financial statements, ratios, trends, profit planning, break even point, decision-making models. Cash burn, runway determination, Working Capital analysis, cash budgeting, alternate forms of financing. Startup documentation, founder equity, equity distribution, ESOP, vesting, taxes, etc.
Startup supply chain, sales and operations planning for startup, strategic partnership formation, competition, risk management, pricing strategy, building business performance measures, buy versus make.
Preparation of a supervised applied project that is a graduation requirement in some professional majors.
Key areas covered include digital marketing foundation, web user experience, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), search engine advertising, social media marketing, mobile marketing, and trends of new technology. This approach highlights how digital marketing has transformed business-customer interactions. As a hands-on workshop, it goes beyond theoretical understanding. You will be actively applying principles in activities and participating in discussions to ensure a comprehensive grasp and practical application of digital marketing fundamentals.
Electives
MS-EI students are required to complete three electives as part of their degree program. We offer a range of electives to support your success as an intrapreneur within an organization, or as an entrepreneur at the helm of your own business. Create the learning experience that aligns best with your background and career aspirations. From the role of AI in business to in-demand digital marketing skills, the right combination of electives will add immediate value to your desired career after graduation.
- AI in Business
- Corporate Entrepreneurship
- Decision-making with Data Analytics
- Financing Early Stage Ventures
- Lean Launch
- Negotiations
- New Venture Challenge
- Promoting the B2B Enterprise
- Social Entrepreneurship
- Supply Chain Project Management
- Venture Capital Experience
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.
Professional preparation
The MS-EI program at ASU equips graduates with these skills and the knowledge to navigate an ever-changing world and make meaningful contributions to the business community. By blending entrepreneurial thinking with innovative business solutions, our graduates are well-prepared to identify market opportunities, develop scalable business models, and drive sustainable growth.
STEM designation
Our record of excellence and impact attracts motivated, diverse scholars from all over the world: over 100 countries are represented in the W. P. Carey student body alone. As a STEM-designated program, eligible MS-AIB graduates on student visas have access to an Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension for up to 36 months. This longer work authorization term may help international students gain additional skills and experience in the U.S.
Career coaching
Experienced career coaches in the W. P. Carey Career Services Center will help you build critical skills and your personal brand, working with you every step of the way — and even after you graduate.
- Consultations and guidance from dedicated career professionals
- Library of on-demand content and resources to help advance your career
- Continued access to career coaching and support for alumni
Faculty
The MS-EI program is delivered by leading faculty from two world-renowned ASU colleges: the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts and the W. P. Carey School of Business. Empowering students with cutting-edge knowledge, mentorship, and experience in entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship, we support outstanding growth in and out of the classroom.
Industry coaches
In addition to academic rigor, the MS-EI program offers experiential learning opportunities guided by experienced industry coaches. These proven innovators and industry experts are always available to offer advice and share their knowledge and experience with you. Graduates will be prepared to lead in a world of growing uncertainty and ambiguity.
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!