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The Iowa State University College of Business is the first state university in Iowa to offer an undergraduate major in entrepreneurship. Iowa State now offers a comprehensive approach to entrepreneurship, with an interdisciplinary minor, graduate courses, an undergraduate degree for business students, and a Ph.D. program.
"When it comes to entrepreneurship, Iowa State is the place to be," said Raisbeck Endowed Dean David Spalding. "Our Ph.D. program in entrepreneurship began this fall. It's only the eighth stand-alone program in the country, and the only one in Iowa. Our undergraduate program, the first at a public university in Iowa, will be in the university catalog beginning in fall 2017."
However, many of the courses are available to students this academic year.
"Entrepreneurship is one of the hottest and most pertinent topics in higher education today," Spalding said.
"Students want to be their own boss. They watch TV shows such as Shark Tank and they get excited. We need to offer programs that prepare students and future faculty members to lead this effort. Small businesses are the job creation engine in this country. We need to provide the future talent that will lead those businesses in Iowa."
"A degree in entrepreneurship also provides opportunities beyond starting a business," said Judi Eyles, assistant director of the Iowa State Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship.
"Many of our graduates go on to work for small businesses, and to have that degree and experience in entrepreneurship is very valuable."
Entrepreneurship faculty at Iowa State have excellent publication and teaching records, hold editorial positions at major journals, and are experienced in mentoring doctoral students. The program maintains a high faculty-to-student ratio, allowing close collaboration and interaction among faculty and students.
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Students interested in entrepreneurship enjoy working in the new economic development core facility, home of the Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship and CyBIZ Lab. The collaborative work environment offers hands-on experiences with real companies and access to resources within the building.
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