Master of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The Master of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MIE) provides academic and practical training for students to embark on careers as entrepreneurs (innovating to form new companies), and as intrapreneurs (innovating within existing companies).
The program provides students with knowledge and experience on core topics on the process of innovation and entrepreneurship, i.e., identifying new venture opportunities through lean startup methodology, developing a business model, preparing a business plan, assembling a team, raising the necessary financing including venture capital, and launching a new business. The program is a self-supporting terminal master’s degree, which includes opportunities for extra-curricular internships or practicums.
Students participate in the New Venture Competition at the Merage School, jointly run by the Beall Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and UCI Applied Innovation, from November through May. Students participating in the competition are coached and judged by entrepreneurs, business leaders, angel investors, and venture capitalists, and will have the option of attending several workshops on a variety of topics aimed at increasing the odds of success in the competition. Post May, students have the opportunity to apply to enter the Wayfinder incubator at UCI Applied Innovation where Innovation Advisors (IAs) through a broad set of available resources, help student teams build relationships with investors, advisors, and community partners to pave the path for successful capital raising, advancement of technology, and refinement of their business models, among other significant milestones.
Applicants may apply directly to the Paul Merage School of Business. Applicants must meet all the prerequisite requirements at the time of matriculation into the program. Admission to graduate level standing in the Paul Merage School of Business is accorded to those possessing an undergraduate degree with an acceptable level of scholarship from an institution of recognized standing.
Applicants for admission are evaluated on their academic record and potential for leadership, as demonstrated by the materials submitted in the application. These materials must include official university transcripts, two letters of recommendation, two essays, a resume, and a personal interview (by invitation only). The GMAT or GRE are strongly recommended for applicants with GPAs under a 3.3. While these tests are not required, the admissions team is looking for evidence of strong verbal and quantitative skills. If the potential applicant received their undergraduate degree from a foreign country and thier primary language is not English, then they are responsible to take the TOEFL exam with a minimum score of 80 on the internet-based test. A Pearson Test of English (PTE) may be substituted for the TOEFL. The minimum score for the PTE is 53.
Requirements
The program consists of 10 required courses (28 units) and two electives (8 units), for a total of 36 units. The degree can be completed full-time over three quarters or part-time over six quarters. The maximum time to degree is two years. The required courses are as follows:
A. Complete: | |
INNO 202 | Leadership for Entrepreneurs |
INNO 203 | Financial Accounting for Entrepreneurs |
INNO 205 | Marketing for Entrepreneurs |
INNO 209 | Managerial Finance for Entrepreneurs |
INNO 211 | MIE Pre-Accelerator 1 |
INNO 214 | Entrepreneurship |
INNO 215 | Lean Startup |
INNO 218 | Venture Capital for Entrepreneurs |
INNO 292 | Business Law for Entrepreneurs |
INNO 294 | Edge: Innovation in the New Digital Age |
B. Select two electives from the following: | |
Business Growth Strategies for Entrepreneurs | |
New Product Development for Entrepreneurs | |
Marketing on the Internet for Entrepreneurs | |
Merage Consulting Projects for Entrepreneurs |
1 | Must be taken during the fall, winter, and spring quarters. |