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Graduate Certificate inCorporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Summary Courses Careers Costs and Aid

Build the business, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills needed to develop groundbreaking products and services and manage high-performance teams. This online program is ideal for entrepreneurial-minded, creative thinkers who want to understand the principles of innovation and entrepreneurship.

100% Online

Complete your Penn State course work at your own pace and 100% online.

Apply by July 20 to start August 25

12 Credits$1,027 per credit

No GRE/GMAT

GRE and GMAT test scores are NOT required.

Gain Skills to Lead Innovation and Launch New Ventures

  • Analyze, develop, and assess new products, services, and business models by thinking creatively and strategically.

  • Understand current and future trends and the changing market conditions that influence innovation and entrepreneurship.

  • Demonstrate key competencies in methods and practices associated with new venture creation and corporate innovation.

  • Formulate and articulate ideas, and analyze and communicate new venture plans to key stakeholders.

This 12-credit certificate is designed to provide you with the theoretical knowledge and practical applications of innovation strategy and entrepreneurship, while you explore how to develop a corporate culture that fosters innovation, positive change, and forward thinking.

You will explore the concepts of:  

  • business modeling and business strategy 
  • idea generation 
  • innovation management 
  • design thinking 
  • customer discovery 
  • market research 
  • product development 
  • benchmarking 
  • business process improvement

While courses are autonomous, you will have the opportunity to interact and engage with fellow classmates through integrated experiences. This peer-to-peer interaction enhances your learning experience while strengthening your professional network on a global scale. 

Required Courses (12 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Understanding, exploring, and applying innovation-related concepts, principles, and practices to corporate environments involved with new venture creation and other contexts.

Choose Three of the Following:

  • 3
    credits

    Surveys emerging trends and disruptors in technology and industry that create new markets and influence decision-making, product development, business models, and business practices associated with innovation.

  • 3
    credits

    Explores the methods used to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in a corporate setting, with a special emphasis on how organizations foster creativity, innovation, and new venture creation.

  • 3
    credits

    Focuses on the process of launching a new venture, in a corporate setting or as a new start-up, including identifying a problem or market opportunity, developing business models, forming a team, financing, analyzing markets, assessing the competitive environment, and planning to acquire leadership talent.

  • 3
    credits

    A comprehensive overview of the various ways to finance a company, develop valuation models, and present investment recommendations of evaluated companies utilizing the Garber Venture Capital Fund.

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You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.

Career Services to Set You Up for Success

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From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.

  • Opportunities to connect with employers
  • Career counselor/coach support
  • Occupation and salary information
  • Internships
  • Graduate school resources 

Ready to Learn More?

Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.

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Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State graduate certificate?

Apply by July 20 to start August 25. How to Apply 

Learn about this program's tuition, fees, scholarship opportunities, grants, payment options, and military benefits.

Graduate Tuition

Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.

2024–25 Academic Year Rates

Tuition Rates for the Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025 Semesters
How many credits do you plan to take per semester?Cost
11 or fewer$1,027 per credit
12 or more$12,325 per semester

2025–26 Academic Year Rates

Tuition Rates for the Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026 Semesters
How many credits do you plan to take per semester?Cost
11 or fewer$1,037 per credit
12 or more$12,448 per semester

Paying for Your Certificate

Students pursuing a certificate are considered "nondegree," a status that is not eligible for federal student aid, including the Federal Direct Stafford Loan program. A private alternative loan may be an option to consider.

Additionally, Penn State offers many ways to pay for your education, including an installment plan and third-party payments. Penn State World Campus also offers an Employer Reimbursement and Tuition Deferment Plan. Learn more about the options for paying for your education.

Students pursuing a degree and meeting all other eligibility requirements may qualify for financial aid.

Military Benefits

Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.

Additional Cost of Attendance Details

To view the detailed list of cost of attendance elements:

Technical Requirements

Review the technical requirements for this program.

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Smeal College of Business is committed to being your partner in lifelong learning. Smeal offers programs, support, and resources for every career stage and life circumstance that will prepare you not only for your next great opportunity but also for the one after that.

More options, greater flexibility, and a commitment to lifelong learning

The desire for knowledge and professional growth spans a lifetime. That is why the Penn State Smeal College of Business offers a portfolio of professional graduate programs for all stages of your career. In partnership with Penn State World Campus, Smeal makes it easy to customize a learning plan to your unique career aspirations and busy schedule. Penn State Smeal offers you a lifetime of learning with more concentrations and one of the most integrated, flexible offerings of online and residential programs in the United States.

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An entire team dedicated to your success

Personal advising — Our experts will explain the many options that Penn State Smeal offers and will help you refine your career strategy and craft the educational experience best suited to your interests. It all starts with a simple, but critical question: “What are your goals?” 

Career coaching* — Our Alumni Career Services team will support you across all career stages with professional advancement opportunities and coaching to help you stay focused on achieving your goals.

Delivering the best of online and in-person learning for a rich educational experience

We understand that today’s professional learners want meaningful discussion and interaction with faculty and classmates along with the technologies and flexible approaches of contemporary online learning. By aligning the best of both worlds, we bring richness, depth, and diversity to the overall educational experience.

Courses designed to engage and motivate the professional student

Creative Teams consisting of a lead faculty member, a Teaching Support Specialist (TSS), and an Instructional Designer use advanced analytics to develop and deliver contemporary graduate courses that promote application and engagement. We strive to innovate in ways that others don’t. 

A real-world perspective

  • Industry professionals inside the virtual classroom — Many of Penn State Smeal’s courses feature industry professionals who have been in the trenches and work hard to make an impact every day. These individuals, most of whom hold a Smeal graduate degree, partner with our renowned faculty to provide a rich academic context with real-world application.
  • Global immersion* — This unique, optional experience will enhance your ability to communicate cross-culturally, adapt to evolving business environments, and manage the risks and benefits of operating on a global scale. Any student pursing a full degree from Smeal may participate in this optional, faculty-led experience for elective credit. Previous destinations have included Shanghai, China; Johannesburg, South Africa; Prague, Czech Republic; Santiago, Chile; and Zagreb, Croatia.

One of the largest and most influential networks in the country

At Penn State, you are part of a worldwide community of instructors, learners, and more than 775,000 alumni who support one another and make a meaningful impact. Whether studying on campus or online through Penn State World Campus, all Penn State students can experience a sense of community and belonging. You’ll have opportunities to engage with your peers, faculty, and alumni through virtual and in-person, on-campus events such as Impact Smeal Day, WE ARE Weekend, THON™, and the Blue-White game.

More than 94,000 Smeal alumni benefit from connections around the globe as well as networking events, podcasts, webinars, a powerful LinkedIn community, and opportunities for volunteerism.

* Services are available only to students and alumni of Penn State Smeal’s degree programs and online degrees led by Smeal and delivered through the World Campus. Students and alumni of online graduate certificates are not eligible to receive these benefits unless they are also enrolled in a degree program.

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Not only can this program help create opportunities in your career, it can also give you a solid head start toward a full master’s degree.

Degree Programs Related to This Certificate

Some or all credits earned for this certificate can be applied to the following Penn State World Campus degree programs:

Learn to strategically manage high-performance teams and solve complex, real-world business challenges. With more than 25 concentrations available, you can customize this top-ranked online MBA to suit your unique career goals.

Learn more

Learn to strategically manage corporate innovation; develop new products, services, and business models for companies; and launch startups. With multiple concentrations to choose from, you can customize this online degree program to support your goals.

Learn more

Learn to leverage data to generate meaningful insights in the areas of digital marketing communications, customer experience and lifecycle, and brand management. This online master's degree program can help you articulate marketing's return-on-investment to stakeholders across your organization.

Learn more

Prepare to lead organizations at the highest level. This program focuses on strategic thinking and leadership and is designed to help you master organizational strategies that drive effectiveness and performance.

Learn more

Learn to gain a competitive business advantage using forecasting, inventory analysis, demand planning, and transformation strategy as a student in Penn State’s online supply chain management program. Courses from this flexible master’s degree also satisfy the requirements for a graduate certificate in supply chain management.

Learn more

Who Should Apply?

The CIENT program is an ideal choice for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders in a corporate environment or for those in a STEM field such as engineering or information science. The program is equally relevant for professionals who aspire to launch a start-up company.

Come together with students who are like-minded and excited about innovation, entrepreneurship, and business development.

This certificate program provides access to mature students who are experienced business professionals intent on expanding their skills for leading innovation and launching new ventures. You will have many opportunities to work in teams and collaborate on projects with the potential to initiate and transform business.

AACSB Accredited

This program is AACSB Accredited

The Penn State Smeal College of Business is AACSB accredited, an honor reserved for the top 5% of business schools worldwide. This program is competitively priced compared to other AACSB–accredited programs.

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Whether you are looking to finish your program as quickly as possible or balance your studies with your busy life, Penn State World Campus can help you achieve your education goals. Many students take one or two courses per semester.

Our online courses typically follow a 12- to 15-week semester cycle, and there are three semesters per year (spring, summer, and fall). Depending on the course offering schedule for the program, certificates may be completed in 8–16 months.

Convenient Online Format

This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.

A Trusted Leader in Online Education

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Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. Our online learning environment offers the same quality education that our students experience on campus.

Information for Military and Veterans

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Are you a member of the military, a veteran, or a military spouse? Please visit our military website for additional information regarding financial aid, transfer credits, and application instructions.

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Apply by July 20 to start August 25

Application Instructions

Deadlines and Important Dates

Complete your application and submit all required materials by the appropriate deadline. Your deadline will depend on the semester you plan to start your courses.

  • Fall Deadline

    Apply by July 20 to start August 25

  • Spring Deadline

    Apply by November 15 to start January 12

Steps to Apply

  1. For admission to the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.

  2. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:

    Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. If you are a Penn State alumni, you do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State but must list Penn State as part of your academic history.

    Test Scores — GRE and GMAT test scores are NOT required.

    English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Fox Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.

    Program-Specific Questions/Materials

    Vita or Résumé — A one- to two-page listing of your professional experience and education.

    Statement of Purpose — Describe how your professional experience and goals align with the Certificate in Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Please do not exceed 500 words.

  3. To begin the online application, you will need a Penn State account.

    Create a New Penn State Account

    If you have any problems during this process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

    Please note: Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application or create a new Penn State account. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.

  4. You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.

    • Choose Enrollment Type: "Certificate Admission"
    • Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus

    Checking Your Status 
    You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form. 

  5. 5. Complete the application.

    Penn State Fox Graduate School Application

Admissions Help

If you have questions about the admissions process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

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Have questions or want more information? We're happy to talk.

To learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and when courses are offered, please contact:

Penn State Smeal College of Business
Professional Graduate Programs Office
Phone: 814-865-5290
Email: [email protected]

For general questions about the application process, please contact:

World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
Email: [email protected]

This program is offered in partnership with the Penn State Smeal College of Business. Through this certificate program, you can earn a respected credential while learning from faculty with diverse backgrounds, intellectual perspectives, and industry expertise.

Faculty

  • Steve Carpenter

    • MBA, Penn State
    • B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Lehigh University

    Steve Carpenter is the director of research startups at Penn State’s Office of Entrepreneurship and Commercialization, providing guidance and support to scientists pursuing commercialization of their technology. Steve teaches MGMT 870: Entrepreneurial Finance and administers investments by the Garber Fund as an integral part of the course. His background includes 19 years providing seed- and early-stage investments in promising life sciences companies in Pennsylvania at Life Sciences Greenhouse Investments.

  • Shawn Clark

    • Ph.D., Business Administration, Penn State
    • Master of Organizational Behavior, Brigham Young University
    • B.S., Brigham Young University

    Dr. Shawn Clark is director of the Farrell Center for Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship and a clinical professor of innovation and entrepreneurship in the Smeal College of Business. He teaches courses in corporate innovation, entrepreneurship, business planning, strategic management, enterprise modeling, project management, and business transformation consulting. His research focuses on business architecture modeling, corporate innovation, global prescience, enterprise transparency, and the strategic alignment of business and information technology.

  • Raghu Garud

    Ph. D., Strategic Management and Organization, University of Minnesota

    Raghu Garud is the Farrell Chair in Innovation and Entrepreneurship and a professor of management and organization at Penn State. His research explores the emergence and adoption of novelty. Raghu was recognized by the Technology and Innovation Management Division of the Academy of Management as its distinguished scholar for 2020. In addition to many journal articles, Raghu has co-edited or co-authored several books.  

    He has served on the faculty at the Stern School of Business at New York University. Raghu also has been a Fellow of the Sydney Sussex College, the University of Cambridge, a visiting scholar at VU Amsterdam, the Copenhagen Business School, the University of Bologna, the University of St. Gallen, The Indian School of Business, and the Singapore Management University.

  • Jeanette Miller

    • DBA, Business Administration, Georgia State University
    • M.A., International Business (International Relations), Webster University
    • B.A., Economics, University of Texas at Austin

    Dr. Jeanette Miller is associate director of the Farrell Center for Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship and an assistant clinical professor of entrepreneurship in the Smeal College of Business. She teaches courses in new venture creation, entrepreneurship, and managing startups. Her research focuses on social impact, student entrepreneurship, and measurement of impact investing on startups.

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Five people pose in front of a blue Penn State background.

Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State graduate certificate?

Apply by July 20 to start August 25. How to Apply 

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