Entrepreneurship
Undergraduate Overview
The Entrepreneurship major appeals to innovative, creative, solution-oriented students that may not want to work for someone else. Students are provided the knowledge and skills required to identify issues facing entrepreneurial businesses, evaluate the viability of an opportunity, and prepare a start-up business plan emphasizing financing, marketing, and organization. Engaged in classes with like-minded students, they learn to create their own future while following their passions and projects.
The UW-Whitewater Entrepreneurship major has been ranked as a top Entrepreneurship Program in the nation by the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship ® (USASBE). The combination of practical courses, national award-winning students, and successful alumni make this an ideal option for budding entrepreneurs. Students learn the social and economic value of creating good jobs and have the opportunity to develop the independent thinking skills to compete in a global business environment.
The best way to build entrepreneurial skills is to take action, however. Through the programs and events described below, students receive one-on-one advice from professors, alumni mentors and an advisory board passionate about entrepreneurship and helping students. They also make connections with successful entrepreneurs, angel investors, venture capitalists, attorneys, software engineers and more.
Available to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at UW-Whitewater, Launch Pad was established to educate, inspire and accelerate entrepreneurial growth. Learn more >
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater CEO Chapter is a student-run organization that gives students opportunities to network with their peers and entrepreneurs in the business world. Learn more >
The annual Warhawk Business Plan Competition is hosted on campus each spring. Open to students of all majors, the competition includes three stages: idea statement, business plan and video, and pitch. Finalists pitch their ideas to judges and receive feedback, and the top three contestants are awarded cash prizes. Learn more >
The annual Elevator Pitch Competition is hosted on campus every fall. This exciting educational experience is intended to challenge students’ creativity and business skills, with the primary goal of teaching students to develop a well-organized presentation. Finalists present to judges and received feedback, and the top contestants receive cash prizes. Learn more >
UW-Whitewater Enactus is a student-run organization that teaches students how entrepreneurial actions can positively impact lives around the world. Students have access to the global Enactus network of businesses and universities, as well as national competitions. Learn more >
The UW-Whitewater Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship requires a minimum of 120 credits, including:
- General education requirements
- Business requirements
- Major requirements
- Electives (to bring the total to at least 120 credits)
Information on the requirements specific to the entrepreneurship major can be found in the Course Catalog.
Entrepreneurship is also available as a minor for non-business students. Requirements can be found in the Course Catalog, or in the College of Business and Economics listing of minors and certificates.
In addition to a strong curriculum, students have a wealth of resources available to help them on their entrepreneurial journey. Four "Trep Track" roadmaps have been developed that suggest a possible combination of curricular and co-curricular activities. Students do not need to fit into one category and can customize a plan to fit their unique interests and goals. The roadmaps are simply examples.
Job Outlook
Career prospects for entrepreneurship majors are limitless. Entrepreneurial pathways include launching new startups, driving innovation within existing companies, fostering social change, and taking over management of a family business. Recent examples of alumni accomplishments include:
- Appearing on Shark Tank
- Winning an international award for innovation in Paris
- Starting an internal initiative within Apple
- Helping lead a project in Africa to combat blindness
- Becoming vice president of marketing for a startup
- Running a family business
These demonstrated successes can lead to income levels significantly higher than other majors. It is common for graduating UW-Whitewater entrepreneurship majors to earn $70,000 or more per year immediately after graduation
UW-Whitewater Placement Information
Placement Rate1
100%
Highlighted Startups2
Digital Measures, Greet Feet, HUK TV Mounts, LatinPro, MGDS, MobCraft Beer, Recruit Chute, Scanalytics Inc.
Highlighted Employers3
Bird, Blue Line Battery, Cintas, Geneva Supply, KMK Property Holdings, Stryker, Thorne Research
Common Titles3
Director of Development, Founder/CEO, Manager, Marketing Analyst, Owner, Product Developer
1 Based on survey responses from the 2019-20 UW-Whitewater graduating class
2 UW-Whitewater Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization
3 Based on survey responses from 2017 - 2019 UW-Whitewater graduates