Upcoming Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester: August 1, 2025
  • Spring Semester: January 1, 2026

15-Credit Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship

The Entrepreneurship Graduate Certificate Program allows students to gain the specialized knowledge and skills to lead with an entrepreneurial mindset within any organization, including how to identify and pursue new business opportunities, develop innovative solutions, and navigate the complexities of starting and growing ventures, both within and outside of an organization. Students will emerge with the skills to combine the opportunity-seeking mindset of an entrepreneur with strong, strategic leadership skills.

Through this certificate, students will:

  • Develop an understanding of successful business models and their development.
  • Acquire skills for managing a growing business for short-term and long-term success.
  • Develop the leadership and management skills needed for the entrepreneurial environment.
  • Identify the financial and legal issues relevant to entrepreneurial endeavors.
  • Develop strategies for practicing an entrepreneurial mindset within an organization as well as a start-up venture.

This program can be completed fully online or with a mix of in-person and online classes. Its flexible schedule is designed to meet the needs of working professionals.

Students who complete this graduate certificate and wish to pursue their Master of Business Administration may apply these courses toward the master's degree.

Become an Entrepreneurial Leader

The 15-credit Entrepreneurship Graduate Certificate includes five courses to ensure students broaden their understanding of cross-functional business concepts and strengthen their leadership skills. The program includes a combination of thought leadership, collaborative projects and hands-on simulations.

This course is designed to introduce to students various marketing aspects of entrepreneurship such as idea generation, problem validation, market research, marketing strategy development and financial forecasting. Students will develop a marketing plan for a venture idea of their choosing and apply online marketing strategies to help market that idea. The course focuses on understanding customer needs, target selection, positioning, and data analytics. Through case studies and project work, students learn to develop a feasible marketing plan, and leverage digital technology to market their new venture.

This course explores the intersection of law and finance in the entrepreneurial environment, focusing on the legal and financial challenges faced by startups and emerging businesses. Students will gain an understanding of the legal principles that govern business formation, contracts, intellectual property, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution, as well as how to structure financing options for entrepreneurial ventures. The course covers various sources of capital, including venture capital, angel investing, crowdfunding, and debt financing, and provides insights into financial modeling, valuation, and risk management. Through case studies, simulations, and real-world applications, students will develop the skills needed to navigate the complex legal and financial landscapes that entrepreneurs require to succeed in the business world.

This course focuses on developing the leadership and management skills necessary for success in entrepreneurial ventures. Students will explore how entrepreneurs lead and manage their businesses through the phases of startup, growth, and scaling, with a focus on creating value, building strong teams, and driving innovation. The course emphasizes practical strategies for navigating the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, such as resource constraints, risk management, and market competition. Students will learn how to effectively lead teams, make strategic decisions, and foster a culture of innovation within their organizations. The course covers key aspects of entrepreneurial management, including operational efficiency, financial oversight, and growth strategies, equipping students with the tools to lead successfully in both small businesses and high-growth startups.

This course explores the strategic design, innovation, and development of business models in both established organizations and startups. Students learn to create, evaluate, and refine business models that can drive growth, profitability, and sustainability. Through a combination of frameworks, case studies, and practical applications, the course will cover key topics such as value proposition design, customer segmentation, revenue models, and the integration of technology in business model innovation. Emphasizing both traditional and emerging business models, the course will provide students with tools to adapt and thrive in rapidly changing business environments. By the end of the course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of how to innovate and adapt business models to meet evolving market demands, enhance organizational performance, and capture new opportunities.

This course examines the unique challenges and strategic decisions involved in managing a business beyond the startup phase and through various stages of growth. Focusing on the complexities and challenges of managing growth, students will explore key areas such as operational efficiency, organizational structure, leadership, financial management, marketing strategies, and strategic decision-making in expanding businesses. Students will learn how to address the unique challenges that arise during the growth phase, including maintaining company culture, managing resources, overcoming operational hurdles, and navigating market competition. The course emphasizes an experiential approach to growth management and equips students to lead and manage organizations effectively through periods of expansion while maintaining agility, innovation, and profitability.

Strong Demand for Entrepreneurial Skills

With entrepreneurship ventures continuing to surge since 2019 and revenues expected to increase, now is the time to gain the entrepreneurial leadership skills that will allow you to succeed in this fast-paced environment.

$115,848
Average Salary

The average salary for an entrepreneur in residence is $115,848, according to salary.com.

430,000
New Business Applications Per Month

In 2024, there was an average of 430,000 new business applications per month in the United States, 50% more than in 2019, according to the U.S. Department of Treasury.

72%
Small Businesses expect revenue to increase

72% of small businesses say they expect revenue to continue to increase in 2025, according to MetLife and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Upcoming Graduate & Professional Studies Events

  • Virtual Information Sessions

    Join us for a virtual information session or drop-in session to learn more about our master’s degree and certificate programs.

  • Business Bootcamp 2025

    Join us for Stonehill Business Bootcamp on Friday, April 11, for hands-on workshops and valuable networking opportunities to help you sharpen your skills.

The Meehan School of Business

The Meehan School of Business empowers students to be adaptive, compassionate leaders in a rapidly evolving global economy. Inside this modern, state-of-the-art business building, marketing students take courses, collaborate and build strong relationships with other working professionals.

AACSB Accredited

Stonehill’s business program is accredited by AACSB International, placing us within an elite group of higher education institutions that make up less than 6% of business schools worldwide.

Recent Accolades

Organizations involved in assessing U.S. colleges and universities continually cite Stonehill as being among the best in the nation when it comes to value, outcomes and a commitment to making the world a better place. See full list of accolades.

Contact Information

Graduate & Professional Studies Admission assists students as they explore graduate and professional opportunities offered at Stonehill College. 

Kristin M. McGillicuddy

Kristin M. McGillicuddy

Professor of Practice in Graduate Marketing and Director, Graduate Business Administration Program
Graduate Studies