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Course Descriptions
The Social Entrepreneurship graduate certificate is a 12-credit, online degree program that can be completed in as little as one year.
Foundations in Health and Social Innovation (INNO 600) 3 credits ▾
This course introduces students to social and health entrepreneurship through case studies, key readings, and primary information resources. Students will become familiar with the social determinants of health, systems of public health, the science of team-based innovation, basic business fundamentals, and the essentials of social and health improvement through the lens of entrepreneurship. Students will begin to develop skills demonstrated by successful social entrepreneurs, including team building and leadership, negotiation, and working in complex social and cultural environments. They will explore the sources of funding for social enterprises, including philanthropy, governmental funding, and income generating, self-sustaining social enterprises.
Methods in Innovation (INNO 602) 3 credits ▾
This course provides an overview of the entrepreneurial process, while examining entrepreneurship from a range of several scholarly contexts, including the social, health and behavioral sciences. The course introduces the student to the language of entrepreneurship and covers the initial stages of idea formation and initial development of entrepreneurial opportunities. Emphasis is given in this course to developing theoretical frameworks for enhancing entrepreneurial success. Students will learn to engage with their ideas in early-stage market and rapid prototyping. Students will engage in both qualitative and quantitative approaches to understanding innovation. Students will learn the tools, methods, and self-reflection techniques necessary to bring new ideas to reality while also providing them with ways to learn about how to test the viability of and response to their ideas in the market. Learning through iteration is a key component of this course as it is expected that the first version of any idea is not likely the last. Human-centered design methodologies will be front-and-center in this course from the perspective of how to innovate based not on the ideas of the innovator but based first on the needs of the customer. This course will provide practical, real-world knowledge about the lean approach, human centered design, how to design a minimum viable product, when to pivot, and other aspects of entrepreneurial strategy. At the end of the course students will be able to develop a strategy to launch their ideas.
Business and Finance (INNO 640) 3 credits ▾
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the essential elements of successful business strategy and financing. Students will create a business canvas and will gain an understanding of basic principles in accounting, financing models, equity financing, and investing. In addition, students will be exposed to different types of funding including crowdfunding, angel investors, grants, and venture capital. At the end of the course, students will be able to develop a sustainable business and financing model to advance their health or social innovation concepts. Emphasis will be placed on principles of growth strategies and scaling growth opportunities.
Marketing Strategies (INNO 642) 3 credits ▾
Students will learn how to conduct a market analysis and apply the marketing mix as it relates to health and social enterprises. Students will employ techniques to market their ideas effectively using best practices in digital marketing, SEO, social media, and public relations. Emphasis will be placed on customer discovery, determining segments and positioning, the importance of branding, consumer behavior, and strategic marketing management. By the end of the course students will be able to develop a marketing plan for their health and social venture and examining marketing needs in the context of their goals and business strategy.