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 Ģ������ƵStories      June 5, 2025

Ģ������Ƶ’s College of Business is proud to announce the launch of two new fully online graduate certificate programs in innovation leadership and entrepreneurship, beginning fall 2025.

These dynamic offerings are designed for working professionals, aspiring entrepreneurs, and established and rising organizational leaders seeking to sharpen their skills and make an immediate impact in their careers and communities.

Each certificate consists of four thoughtfully curated 3-credit-hour courses — 12 credit hours total — and offers students a high-value, flexible, and affordable path to develop critical competencies in today’s fast-paced business starting, scaling, and evolving landscape.

“Today’s graduate students are seeking more than credentials; they’re looking for purpose, flexibility, and momentum,” said Mariano Garrido-Lopez, director of Graduate Programs in WCU’s College of Business. “These new certificates are built for that. They allow students from any background — whether business, engineering, psychology, or beyond — to step confidently into the innovation and entrepreneurial spaces. What’s more, they offer a powerful pathway: immediate value in the workforce, and a seamless bridge to a full master’s degree. We’re meeting students where they are and helping them advance with confidence toward the future they envision.”

Graduate certificate in innovation leadership

This program empowers professionals to lead innovation from within organizations by equipping them with tools to solve complex challenges, drive human-centered change, and build cultures that foster intrapreneurship. With a focus on systems thinking, design thinking, and the lean startup methodology, students will gain the confidence and capabilities to lead strategic renewal and growth efforts across industries and organizations.
Courses include:

• Entrepreneurial innovation
• Design thinking
• Intrapreneurship: innovation within organizations
• Building innovative organizations

Graduate certificate in entrepreneurship

Designed to be your first — or next—step to starting a business, this program supports aspiring founders and changemakers ready to take bold ideas from concept to launch. Students will learn to refine their value propositions, identify key resources and partners, develop revenue models, and acquire customers through proven marketing strategies. The curriculum encourages real-time application, allowing students to actively work on launching or scaling a venture while completing their coursework.
Courses include:

• Entrepreneurial planning
• Entrepreneurial innovation
• Entrepreneurial growth
• Entrepreneurial marketing

Both programs are delivered by the College of Business, which is accredited by AACSB International — a distinction held by fewer than 6 percent of business schools worldwide. Courses are taught by faculty with real-world experience as founders, consultants, and organizational leaders. Delivered entirely online, these certificates are ideal for professionals balancing work, family, and personal commitments.

“These new programs reflect our commitment to providing accessible, relevant, and transformative business education with the intention of sparking curiosity, framing creativity, and launching scalable solutions,” said Lane Perry, assistant professor in WCU’s College of Business. “Whether you’re leading change within an existing organization or launching your own venture, these certificates are designed to give you the knowledge, tools, and confidence to succeed. Come on, let's go — take that first step and help us support you in your journey.”

For more information about the graduate certificate programs in innovation leadership and entrepreneurship, please visit the program websites ilc.wcu.edu (innovation leadership), entc.wcu.edu (entrepreneurship) or email businessgrad@wcu.edu.