Innovation, Design and Commercialization

This certificate is designed to provide engineering students exposure to aspects of entrepreneurship, including new venture creation. This certificate provides students skills and competencies to commercialize innovations and develop entrepreneurial ventures. The certificate will help students develop the entrepreneurial skills in three key areas: creativity and innovation, business model design, business model application, and is designed to help engineering students incorporate entrepreneurial perspectives in supporting the identification, development and realization of business opportunities.

Admission to the certificate program is competitive and open to Engineering majors exclusively. Students interested in the certificate should fill out and submit an application to the Department of Management located in Barsema Hall 245.

A grade of C or above must be earned in all of the certificate courses. Only courses taken at NIU may be applied toward the certificate. Students who earn a major in management with an emphasis in entrepreneurship and social responsibility or a minor in entrepreneurship and innovation will not be awarded the certificate.

• High School Diploma: You must have graduated by the time you start at NIU in order to be admitted.
• Grades: You must have passing grades equivalent to a U.S. C+ average on all transcripts and/or exam scores