Academic Programs

Entrepreneurship programs in the School of Engineering and Applied Science provide every engineering student with the opportunity to integrate entrepreneurial and business studies into their degree programs.

  • Entrepreneurship Minor

    The entrepreneurship minor is administered by the McIntire School of Commerce. Visit their program page to learn more.

  • Engineering Business Minor

    The Engineering Business Minor is no longer accepting applications. Students currently enrolled may complete the minor as planned. 

    Students interested in minoring in business should consider the general business minor.

    Engineering Business Minor Requirements

    The Engineering Business Minor requires the successful completion of three required courses and three electives.

    Students pursuing the minor should declare the minor as early as possible since COMM 2010 and STS 4810 are restricted to students in the minor. Students generally take STS 4810 in their fourth year of study.

    Required Courses (three):

    All students, regardless of graduating class, must take these 3 courses in the following recommended sequence:

    COMM 2010: Introduction to Financial Accounting,

    Recommended for either spring, second year or spring, third year

    ECON 2010: Principles of Economics: Microeconomics,

    Recommended for either fall or spring, first year

    STS 4810: The Business of New Product Development

    Recommended for either fall or spring, fourth year

    Electives (Students choose three):
    Be sure to check SIS for courses offered for a particular semester.

    The three electives, from the STS 2700 series courses or the STS 2800 series courses, can be taken in any semester beginning in the spring of your second year. Look under the “Courses” tab for course descriptions.

    CE 2030: Management of Engineering and Construction Projects
    CE 3010: Projects Business Planning
    CE 4000: Construction Engineering
    CE 4500: Special Topics in Civil Engineering: Introduction to Construction Management

    COMM 2020: Introduction to Management Accounting
    COMM 2600: Leadership across Disciplines (best for SEAS students in spring)
    COMM 2610: Startup
    COMM 3200: Project Management
    COMM 3410: Commercial Law I
    COMM 3420: Commercial Law II
    COMM 3600: Principles and Practices of Arts Administration
    COMM 3660: Business of Consulting (J-term not currently offered)
    COMM 3800: Business, Government, and Society
    COMM 3810: Business Ethics
    COMM 3845: Foundations of International Business (requires 4th year status)
    COMM 4230: Information Technology in Finance
    COMM 4240: Electronic Commerce
    COMM 4570: Topics in Finance: Investing in a Sustainable Future
    COMM 4650: Business, Politics, and Culture in the European Union (offered May term)
    COMM 4660: The Advice Business:  The Basics of Strategic Consulting
    COMM 4821: Managing Sustainability Development
    COMM 4822: Investing in a Sustainable Future

    CS 4753: Electronic Commerce Technologies

    ECON 2020: Principles of Economics: Macroeconomics
    ECON 2060: American Economic History
    ECON 3030: Money and Banking
    ECON 4210 International Trade: Theory & Policy
    ECON 4350 Corporate Finance

    ENGR 4599: Special Topics in Engineering: Business Intelligence
    ENGR 4880: Business and Technical Leadership in Engineering

    ENTP 1010: Startup: An Introduction to Entrepreneurship

    STS 1800: Business Fundamentals for Engineers
    STS 3020: Science and Technology Policy for Interns

    SYS 2057: Management of E-Commerce Systems
    SYS 3054: Argentina (J-Term)
    SYS 4000: Financial Aspects of Engineering
    SYS 4044: Economics of Engineering Systems
    SYS 5044: Economics of Engineering

  • OTHER Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: Is the tech entrepreneurship minor only for engineers? Can I take it if I'm not an engineer?
    Yes. The minor is open to all UVA students

    Q: Will the minor show up on my diploma?
    Yes; but the venture track is life learning rather than a diploma distinction. 
    The venture track can lead to the minor, and the minor track can segue into venture track.

    Q: Do I have to apply to be admitted to the minor?
    No (??)

    Q: I am interested in the new General Business Minor, what do I do?
    Start by taking Comm 1800 which is pathway and introduction to the minor.

    Q: I am currently working on an Engineering Business minor track; can I switch to the Technology Enrepreneurship Minor?
    3rd years are eligible and should contact Doug Garland.
    4th years may not pivot to the new track. 
    NOTE: Applications for engineering business minors are no longer  being accepted.

    Q: If I started as an engineering business minor, do I have to switch?
    Depending on where you are in process, you may be able to finish those requirements. Contact the program to find the best option.  

    Q: What do I do if I have an idea for a startup or invention that could be marketable?  Do I have to be affliaed wth the program to get involved with entrepreneurship? 
    UVA's entrepreneurship resources can be utilized by any student or faculy member interested in start ups, venture captial, entreprenuership or intellectual property. 

Students interested in entrepreneurship programs may also be interested in the Policy Internship Program or an STS minor (History of Science and Technology or Science and Technology Policy)