The Master of Science in Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MSIE) degree program prepares students for careers in new venture development, entrepreneurial finance, angel or venture capital investment and innovation-related roles (such as strategic marketing, product marketing, business development and project management) in established organizations. Designed by top-tier faculty at The University of Texas at Dallas' Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship within the Naveen Jindal School of Management, the program allows students to benefit from a unique, experience-based curriculum that features:
- Startup Launch Courses: these courses enable students to launch companies while receiving academic credit. Students with scalable concepts can apply for office space in the university's Venture Development Center and receive customized mentorship experiences.
- Seed Fund Venture Analyst Course: where students conduct due diligence and make investment recommendations for the university's exclusive venture fund - the UT Dallas Seed Fund.
- Entrepreneurial Experience Course: Students partner with personnel at major technology companies to analyze new market opportunities.
- Social Entrepreneurship Course: Students work with local nonprofits to improve key aspects of their businesses.
- Internship Course: Students have the opportunity to work in support of a startup company or corporation and get paid while gaining experience and receiving course credit.
The Innovation and Entrepreneurship master's program allows students to choose between two focus areas: 1) the New Venture concentration or 2) the Innovation within the Corporation concentration. The program emphasizes technology-based innovation, consistent with, and complementary to, UT Dallas' strengths in science, engineering, computer science and management disciplines.
The Innovation and Entrepreneurship master's program was ranked No. 10 in Princeton Review's Top Schools for Entrepreneurship in 2020 and recognized as the 2014 National Model Master's Program by the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE). The program was also recognized in 2014 with an Award for Excellence in Entrepreneurial Teaching and Pedagogical Innovation by the Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers (GCEC).