��College of Business launches new entrepreneurship major this month

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State University’s College of Business is offering a new major in entrepreneurship, educating students with the knowledge, skills and experiences to launch their own ventures or bring innovative thinking to existing organizations.

The new program builds on the college’s long-standing commitment to entrepreneurship education. For many years, ��has offered courses in Entrepreneurship, Experiential Innovation and Entrepreneurship (formerly Field Studies in Entrepreneurship) and Family Business Management. The new major adds new core courses like Creativity and Innovation and the capstone Business Venture Creation, providing a strong academic foundation for aspiring entrepreneurs.

young man in suit speaking to crowd in front of screen — Mississippi State doctoral graduate and MBA student Max Wamsley speaks during the spring Startup Summit. Hosted by the College of Business’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Outreach, the event is one of many venture-startup programs held throughout the year. (Photo by Grace Cockrell)

“Many students come to Mississippi State with a plan to start something big,” said College of Business Dean Scott Grawe. “Some of these big things are new businesses, and some are new paths within existing organizations. Our new entrepreneurship major provides the knowledge to succeed on either path.”

Entrepreneurship majors can enhance their studies through Mississippi State’s nationally recognized Center for Entrepreneurship and Outreach, commonly known as the E-Center, which offers coworking space, startup funding, mentoring and other programs that support student-led ventures. While participation in E-Center initiatives—such as business plan competitions or mentorship programs—is not required, these opportunities allow students to apply classroom learning in real-world settings.

“Entrepreneurship majors can learn through experience by engaging with MSU’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Outreach,” said Laura Marler, the Jim and Pat Coggin Endowed Professor of Management and head of the Department of Management and Information Systems. “From pitch competitions to mentorship, there are many ways for students to put their ideas into action while earning their degree.”

Students also can choose to live in the entrepreneurship living-learning community, which offers designated on-campus housing for like-minded peers, fostering collaboration and innovation. In addition, MSU’s Entrepreneurship Club, or eClub, hosts networking events, guest speakers and hands-on workshops throughout the year.

The new entrepreneurship major is open to incoming freshmen, transfer students and current ��students—including business administration majors—interested in pursuing a degree with a focus on creativity, innovation and applied business skills.

Students seeking more information or wishing to apply should contact Kim McLeod, academic coordinator for the College of Business, at kmcleod@business.msstate.edu or 662- 325-1891. Learn more about the College of Business at .

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