As a Graduate of the Penn State Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIENT) Graduate Certificate Program, You Can:
- 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
Innovative Curriculum Delivered Completely Online
The certificate curriculum is designed to provide you with both the theoretical knowledge and practical applications of innovation and entrepreneurship. You will explore the concepts of business modeling, ideation, innovation management, design thinking, customer discovery, product development, benchmarking, and business process improvement, while exploring how to develop a corporate culture that fosters innovation, positive change, and forward thinking.
Relevant to Professionals of Multiple Disciplines
Developed by the internationally ranked Smeal College of Business, 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 their own start-up company.
Benefit from Partnering with Smeal College of Business
You'll benefit from Smeal’s commitment 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. You'll receive:
- personal advising
- additional networking opportunities
- exclusive access to a virtual hub for those interested in venture creation
Experience a Unique and Flexible Online Curriculum
Learn when it's right for you thanks to flexible, asynchronous online courses. Meet your deadlines by doing work individually, and with project teams, when it’s most convenient for you. You can also attend optional synchronous online sessions for real-time engagement and learning. All course lectures and discussions are recorded so you can access them at any time.
Meet Business Professionals Who Share Your Interests and Passions
Come together with students who are like-minded and excited about innovation, entrepreneurship, and business development. This degree 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.
Study with a Trusted Leader in Online Education
Penn State has more than 100 years of experience in distance education and more than two decades of experience in online education. Our online learning environment offers you the same quality education our resident students experience in a face-to-face setting.
Your Stepping-Stone to a Penn State Master's Degree
You may pursue the graduate certificate as a stand-alone credential or use it to step up into a Penn State master's degree. All four of the certificate courses are embedded into the more comprehensive online Master's in Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship program. Certificate students who apply and are accepted into this master's program will only need to take an additional 21 credits of advanced study to fulfill the degree requirements.
Additionally, all of the courses in the 12-credit graduate certificate may be able to be applied toward the Penn State Online MBA if you apply and are accepted into this program.
