Why should I study innovation and entrepreneurship?

This emphasis is designed for students who want to launch their own business or be involved in growing an existing business. It also provides critical skills in the areas of innovation, creativity, customer development, strategy, and project management that can support your career regardless of the area of business in which you work.

What can I do with this degree?

While this emphasis can stand alone if you want to start a business immediately, you can also pair it with another emphasis. For example, you'll develop skills helpful for financial planners, as well as for human resources specialists at small- to medium-sized companies and human resources consultants with a variety of companies. Marketing students will benefit from the innovation, entrepreneurial thinking, and customer development skills developed in the program.

With this degree, you'll also be able to:

• Start a business or improve an existing one
• Work in corporations to start new departments or launch new products
• Innovate and strengthen a family business
• Apply experimentation and creativity in a business setting
• Be a key player in a small business or non-profit

What skills will I develop?

• Lean startup methodology
• Project management
• New product development
• Organizational strategy
• Data and financial analysis
• Self-management, versatility and flexibility
• Social entrepreneurship
• Vision casting/imagination/visualization
• Critical and creative thinking
• Leading organizational change

You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in the R.E.A.L. Experience—a program specifically designed to help you gain the relevant, hands-on experience employers desire—so that when you graduate, you’ll be as impressive in practice as you are on paper.

What unique experiences or opportunities will I have?

• Practice business skills: work in a team to come up with an idea, create a product, find a supplier, price the product, sell it physically and online, and track the financials
• Pitch ideas to a panel of local entrepreneurs, shark-tank style, for feedback to gain valuable experience in the start-up process
• Wide exposure to business fields, concepts, and skills
• An internship to connect classroom learning to practical experience
• A group of students often attend Startup Weekend Twin Cities, an intense weekend event designed to connect you with innovative ideas and entrepreneurs from the region
• Networking opportunities with local entrepreneurs and Bethel alumni

Recent News

Bethel Students Gain Experience Through Innovation Partners

May 12, 2022 | Noon

Q&A With Bethel’s Student Body President and Vice President

January 14, 2022 | 9 a.m.

A Humanitarian Crisis That Hits Close to Home

November 29, 2021 | 12:15 p.m.

Upcoming Events

JUNE 14 2022

Bethel Business Academy

8 a.m.

Bethel Business Academy connects high school students who are interested in a business career with expert faculty and local business professionals in a university setting.

JUNE 15 2022

Bethel Business Academy

8 a.m.

Bethel Business Academy connects high school students who are interested in a business career with expert faculty and local business professionals in a university setting.

JUNE 16 2022

Bethel Business Academy

8 a.m.

Bethel Business Academy connects high school students who are interested in a business career with expert faculty and local business professionals in a university setting.

As a Christian in the workplace, I am able to connect with people on a different level. I know my reason for being there and do my part to create an encouraging work environment for my coworkers. I hope my attitude is a positive example observable through the way I make decisions, treat my clients, and strive for excellence every day.

Andrew Vennerstrom '07
Current job: Customer Account Manager, Frozen Organic Products, General Mills

I’m so grateful for my Bethel experience! I cultivated deep friendships and had wonderful leadership and spiritual development opportunities. Combined with, the learning experience and faculty relationships through the Communications and Business departments, it all prepared me for great leadership opportunities.

David Horsager '95, GS'07
Current job: Author, Speaker, Consultant and CEO, Horsager Leadership, Inc.

While interviewing with a Bethel alum for a position at UnitedHealth Group, the interviewer asked me to consider joining the International Audit department instead of the position for which I had applied. At the time, I had next to no idea what working in International Audit entailed! That same Bethel alum also connected me to the Healthcare Reform opportunity three years later. So, it’s safe to say that my career path was undeniably influenced by Bethel and this wonderful alum who decided to take a chance on me – not just once, but twice.

Chin-Chin Lin '09
Current job: Project Manager, Health Care Reform Implementation, UnitedHealth Group

Bethel really prepared me...having a liberal arts education was beneficial because it made me well rounded. [Businesses] look for people with all sorts of different backgrounds and leadership experience. Bethel encourages people to get involved.

Nicole (Nettleton) Willenbring '12
Current job: Business Analyst, Target Corporation