Program Summary
Online Graduate Certificate in Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Innovation and continuous improvement are imperative in today's highly competitive business world. Now you can gain the critical skills and business acumen needed to become a successful game changer with the Graduate Certificate in Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIENT) offered online through Penn State World Campus.
The CIENT program can provide you with the foundational knowledge behind the principles of innovation and entrepreneurship in a corporate context. As a student, you will explore a broad spectrum of topics including ideation, product/service development, managing customer experiences, entrepreneurial leadership, innovation strategies and methods, leading innovative teams, benchmarking, competitor assessment, future trend tracking, new venture creation, technology commercialization, and more.
Developed by the internationally ranked Smeal College of Business, the CIENT program is an ideal choice for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders who work 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.
The Penn State Difference
Connections. When it comes to launching a new venture, whether as a separate start-up company, or as a project within a larger business enterprise, your network of resources is crucial. As a Penn Stater, you will have numerous opportunities to interact with a diverse global network of peers. Penn State is also home to one of the world's largest and most powerful alumni networks, which can provide you with a wealth of contacts, resources, and opportunities.
Global Recognition. Penn State is a top tier research institution and home to the Farrell Center for Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship. In addition, the Penn State Smeal College of Business carries the elite AACSB accreditation, an honor reserved for the top 5% of business schools worldwide. Through this certificate program, you will earn a respected credential that can help open doors for you.
Your Online CIENT Curriculum
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, innovation management, product development and business process improvement, and discover how to develop a corporate culture that fosters innovation, positive change, and forward thinking. As student in the program, you can learn to:
- 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
Your Stepping Stone to a Penn State Master's Degree
You may pursue the CIENT 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 of Professional Studies in Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Certificate students who apply and are accepted into this new master's program will only need to take an additional 21 credits of advance study to fulfill the degree requirements.
In addition to being an excellent stand-alone credential, all of the courses in the 12-credit CIENT Graduate Certificate may be able to be applied toward the Penn State Online MBA if you apply and are accepted into program.
Information for Military and Veterans
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, or application instructions.