Certificate in Entrepreneurship
Hours: 9 On-Campus Online
About
The Certificate in Entrepreneurship at Fort Hays State University provides an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking to transform their passion for innovation into a successful career. This certificate offers a solid foundation in entrepreneurship, equipping students with the skills necessary to create new opportunities, whether by launching a business, establishing a non-profit, or fostering innovation within an existing organization. Upon completion, participants are well-prepared to navigate the dynamic business landscape and make a meaningful impact.
Why pursue a Certificate in Entrepreneurship at Fort Hays State University?
The Certificate in Entrepreneurship delivers hands-on experience and equips students with the skills to think and act like entrepreneurs. Participants learn to identify and create business opportunities across diverse environments, whether launching their own ventures, contributing to established organizations, or uncovering opportunities within their communities. This certificate complements a wide range of majors by offering valuable entrepreneurial skills that help individuals stand out and succeed in their careers.
Who is this program for?
This certificate is designed for students from any major who wish to enhance their career skills with innovative tools and techniques. Whether to complement another field of study or to build a strong foundation in entrepreneurship, this certificate helps students stand out and prepares them for success in today’s competitive environment. It is especially well-suited for:
- Aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their own businesses
- Students seeking to enhance their major with creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills applicable to various careers
- Professionals aiming to add innovation and adaptability in the workplace
- Freelancers seeking to strengthen skills and manage business aspects
- Community leaders wanting to provide strategies for sustainable social impact
- Those seeking new opportunities to adapt to different industries
- Young adults looking to develop leadership, growth, and proactive thinking for future success
Real-World Applications
The Certificate in Entrepreneurship uses an experiential, hands-on teaching approach that allows students to actively develop, test, and refine their business ideas. This practical methodology emphasizes learning by doing, encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and resilience through real-world application. Through this process, students cultivate a strong entrepreneurial mindset that prepares them to launch new ventures and to apply entrepreneurial skills across a wide range of career paths.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Fort Hays State University incorporates the latest advancements and trends through a dynamic, research-driven curriculum. Faculty members actively engage in research and maintain strong connections to developments in the entrepreneurial landscape, ensuring that course content remains current and relevant. By integrating current events, emerging trends, and real-world case studies, the curriculum immerses students in the contemporary challenges and opportunities shaping entrepreneurship.
This approach deepens the learning experience and equips students with a modern, informed perspective on the rapidly evolving business environment. As a result, students gain practical insights and actionable knowledge they can immediately apply to launching new ventures or driving innovation within existing organizations.
Hands-on Activities
Students have an opportunity to pursue their entrepreneurial goals through hands-on learning and distinctive experiences that extend beyond the classroom. FHSU fosters a dynamic environment for innovation, beginning with Entrepreneurship Hall, a state-of-the-art facility where students live, learn, and network. Within this collaborative space, students engage with peers from diverse disciplines, connect with successful entrepreneurs, and gain valuable insights through real-world interaction.
Students can also bring their business ideas to life by participating in competitions such as the fall EPI²C Challenge and the spring Faulkner Challenge. These events enable participants to pitch ideas, develop business plans, and compete for awards that help support their ventures.
Beyond campus, Fort Hays State University enhances the entrepreneurial journey with tours of regional businesses and visits to entrepreneurial hubs across the country and around the world. These experiences broaden students’ perspectives, expand their professional networks, and provide inspiration drawn from successful ventures globally.
What You’ll Learn:
- Develop the skills needed to create thriving businesses
- Identify entrepreneurial opportunities
- Explore various approaches to launching new businesses
- Gain practical experience to launch your own business successfully
How You’ll Learn:
- Interactive courses
- Hands-on learning
- Collaborating with entrepreneurs
- Apply skills in real-world scenarios
The core curriculum comprises three courses, totaling 9 credit hours. Each course focuses on a distinct aspect of entrepreneurship, offering students a well-rounded foundation for launching and managing new ventures.
ENTR 301: Discovering Entrepreneurship
This foundational course introduces entrepreneurship as a mindset and process, emphasizing the pursuit of opportunities regardless of available resources. It covers evaluating opportunities applicable to for-profit and non-profit organizations, as well as personal career contexts. This course is a prerequisite for all subsequent entrepreneurship courses and is open to all students, with recommended prior or concurrent enrollment in specific classes.
ENTR 401: Entrepreneurship by Design
The course emphasizes generating, evaluating, and refining ideas through feasibility analysis and design thinking. Students learn to create and assess business models, differentiating between ideas, opportunities, and commercially viable ventures, with a focus on contexts that support successful implementation.
ENTR 605: Venture Launch
This capstone course, designed for undergraduate students in entrepreneurship, is taken after completing ENTR 301 and ENTR 401. Students will develop a business plan or launch a new venture, integrating and applying the knowledge gained from the core Entrepreneurship curriculum to prepare for real-world entrepreneurial success.
Discover the full Certificate in Entrepreneurship course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.
Students who complete the Certificate in Entrepreneurship acquire valuable skills that are applicable across a broad spectrum of career paths. The entrepreneurial knowledge gained through this certificate opens doors to diverse opportunities, including:
Business Owner
Students who complete the certificate have an opportunity to start and manage their own businesses in industries such as retail, food service, consulting, construction, or any area of expertise.
Startup Founder
Those who complete the certificate can launch innovative startups in sectors such as technology, healthcare, sustainability, or other emerging industries.
Freelancer/Consultant
Students completing the certificate can provide specialized services in marketing, business strategy, graphic design, and other professional fields.
Social Entrepreneur
Students who complete the certificate can establish and lead organizations dedicated to addressing social, environmental, and community challenges.
Innovation Manager
Students completing the certificate will design and implement innovative strategies within large organizations to drive growth and foster innovation.
Product Manager
Those who complete the certificate can manage the development and launch of new products or services, ensuring they meet market demands and customer satisfaction.
Business Development Manager
Students completing the certificate will identify and pursue opportunities for business growth, strategic partnerships, and market expansion.
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $1,833.57* (on-campus) or $2,385.45* (online) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 9 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($203.73/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate (265.05/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related Programs
Fort Hays State University offers several related programs that complement the Certificate in Entrepreneurship. These programs provide additional skills and knowledge that enhance entrepreneurial capabilities and expand career opportunities.
- Minor in Management
- Certificate in Business Development and Sales
- Certificate in Arts Entrepreneurship (with a BA Degree)
- AAS in Technology and Leadership (Leadership Studies)
- B.S. in Agricultural Business
- B.S. in Technology Leadership (Business & Industry)
Yes, the Certificate in Entrepreneurship is designed to complement any major. Its flexible coursework allows students from all disciplines, whether in the arts, sciences, business, or other fields, to integrate this valuable credential into their academic journey seamlessly.
There are no specific admission requirements, making the certificate accessible to a broad range of students.
The Certificate in Management offers online and on-campus classes, accommodating different schedules and making it ideal for working professionals.
Related programs include a Minor in Management, Certificates in Business Development and Sales, Arts Entrepreneurship (with a BA Degree), AAS in Technology and Leadership (Leadership Studies), B.S. in Agricultural Business, and B.S. in Technology Leadership (Business & Industry).
Information about the Department of Management
The Department of Management at FHSU offers both on-campus and online programs designed to prepare students to lead teams and manage resources effectively in today’s dynamic business environment. With a strong emphasis on leadership development, the programs equip students with the skills needed to handle daily operational challenges and engage in long-term strategic planning.
The curriculum focuses on critical areas such as decision-making, solution-oriented thinking, and team leadership, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the demands of modern management roles. Each program is tailored to align with students' personal and professional goals, providing the tools necessary to succeed across a wide range of industries.
Through hands-on learning experiences, personalized mentorship, and a comprehensive academic approach, students gain the confidence and capabilities to thrive in competitive business settings. The department’s dedicated faculty and staff are committed to supporting each student’s journey, offering guidance and encouragement every step of the way.
While earning a degree remains the primary focus, college life offers much more than classroom learning. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that foster leadership skills, deepen their understanding of their chosen careers, and provide opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities.
- Alpha Kappa Psi: Alpha Kappa Psi is a professional co-ed business fraternity dedicated to developing principled business leaders. Founded in 1904 by four students at New York University, the organization has grown into the oldest and largest co-ed business fraternity in the world, with over 298,000 initiated members across 219 universities in four countries.
With a strong network of alumni, Alpha Kappa Psi provides members with valuable professional connections and access to opportunities at some of the world’s most successful companies. The fraternity emphasizes leadership, professionalism, and career readiness, preparing members for lifelong success in the business world.
The Zeta Pi Chapter at FHSU, chartered in 1965, remains an active and engaged part of the campus community. Students interested in joining are encouraged to connect with the chapter’s leadership for more information. - The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM): The SHRM student chapter at FHSU provides valuable resources, industry best practices, and networking opportunities for students interested in human resource management. The organization serves as an excellent platform for those pursuing careers in HR, leadership, management, training, and organizational development.
Through SHRM, students gain exposure to real-world HR practices, connect with professionals in the field, and enhance their academic and career development. Students interested in joining or seeking more information are encouraged to contact Dr. LeAnn Brown, the chapter’s faculty advisor.
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