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Bachelor of Arts in Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Develop the mindset and skills to lead in any setting.

The Bachelor of Arts in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, housed in the Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship at the LeBow College of Business, prepares you to think and act like an entrepreneur while developing the business, innovation and problem-solving skills needed in a competitive workforce. Our students learn how to identify opportunities, develop creative solutions and turn ideas into real-world ventures through coursework that emphasizes creativity, resilience, communication, teamwork and entrepreneurial thinking.

#2

Top Schools for Entrepreneurship Studies, Mid-Atlantic Region

The Princeton Review, 2025

$65,000

Median starting salary for entrepreneurship and innovation majors

Class of 2025

Why Study Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Drexel LeBow?

Innovation thrives where ambitious people, bold ideas and strong support systems come together. At the Close School, you’ll develop the entrepreneurial mindset and practical experience to turn ideas into action while studying at one of the nation’s top-ranked undergraduate entrepreneurship programs in Philadelphia, one of the world’s leading startup ecosystems.

Drexel LeBow’s BA in Entrepreneurship and Innovation:

  • Develops an entrepreneurial mindset through creativity, initiative, adaptability, ethical decision-making and resilience that prepares you to succeed in startups, established organizations and changing industries.
  • Provides immersive, hands-on experiences including venture development projects, the Close School’s Annual Startup Fest, off-site experiential courses and the Entrepreneurship Co-op.
  • Connects you with expertise across Drexel University through collaborative coursework with LeBow College of Business, the College of Engineering and Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, preparing you to solve complex challenges from multiple perspectives.
  • Builds leadership, communication and digital fluency while strengthening your ability to identify opportunities, design solutions and create meaningful impact in entrepreneurial and organizational settings.

Inside the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Curriculum

The BA in Entrepreneurship and Innovation develops both the entrepreneurial mindset and the technical and business skills needed to transform ideas into real-world solutions. Through coursework in venture creation, innovation management and entrepreneurial practice, you’ll learn to identify opportunities, design solutions and create impact in entrepreneurial and organizational settings.

Hands-on learning includes collaboration, simulations and venture development projects that build digital fluency, strengthen communication and prepare you to apply what you learn to real challenges. You’ll also have opportunities to participate in signature experiences like the Close School’s Annual Startup Fest, experiential courses and the Entrepreneurship Co-op.

Courses

Coursework explores topics including:

  • Opportunity Recognition & Customer Discovery
  • Venture Creation & Business Model Development
  • Innovation Strategy & Corporate Entrepreneurship
  • Entrepreneurial Finance & Venture Growth
  • Social Entrepreneurship & Impact Innovation

Review the Degree Requirements
View a Sample Plan of Study

a student at the Close School presents her startup idea during a co-op

Drexel Co-op and Experience

Through the Drexel Co-op program, students alternate classroom learning with full-time professional experience through University-approved employers. With plans of study that allow for up to three co-ops, you can gain as much as 18 months of practical experience while building professional networks, developing career clarity and applying classroom knowledge in real-world settings.

Up to 18 months of experience

Graduate with as much as 18 months of experience in the workplace

$21

Median co-op hourly pay for entrepreneurship and innovation majors

45%

of co-op students received a full-time job offer from their co-op employer

LeBow Class of 2024

For Charles D. Close School students, the Drexel Co-op provides the opportunity to understand how large companies, small companies, non-profits and startups operate, while learning and building your network.

Past entrepreneurship and innovation co-ops include:

Amazon, Campbell’s, Comcast, GoPuff, Paramount, PayPal

Entrepreneurship Co-op

Looking to launch your own venture? The Close School’s Entrepreneurship Co-op gives you the opportunity to spend your co-op building your own business instead of working for an employer. Eligible students receive mentorship, guidance and a scholarship to help bring their ideas to life while earning Drexel co-op credit. Along the way, you’ll strengthen your creativity, resilience and hone the entrepreneurial mindset needed to launch a venture or lead innovation throughout your career.

Entrepreneurship Co-op

Beyond Co-op

Co-op is just one way to gain real-world experience at LeBow. Many students also expand their experience through consulting courses, case competitions, research projects, international residencies, industry events, alumni mentorship and other hands-on learning opportunities.

Many of these opportunities are made possible through the Dana and David Dornsife Office for Experiential Learning, where students work on real and simulated projects with industry partners. Partners have included organizations such as Unilever, the Philadelphia 76ers, Boeing, PwC, and nonprofit and governmental agencies.

The Laurence A. Baiada Institute for Entrepreneurship

The Baiada Institute is the hub of student innovation at Drexel. As part of the Close School, the Baiada Institute empowers students from every major to launch and grow their ventures. With access to mentorship, funding, competitions and a vibrant entrepreneurial community, you’ll gain the tools and support you need to bring your ideas to life.

Inside the Baiada Institute.
Aquiera Halsey student photo

I felt that if I studied entrepreneurship and learned the fundamentals of business then no one would be able to take my business away from me. If it wasn’t for Drexel I wouldn’t have the confidence in such a high-stress, high reward environment.

Aquiera Halsey ’11

Manager, Oncology Quality Data & Cancer Registry

Thomas Jefferson University Hospital

Read more about Aquiera

What Can You Do With an Entrepreneurship and Innovation Degree?

Graduates are prepared to pursue entrepreneurial careers or leadership roles in new ventures or established organizations that value innovation, sustainability and social responsibility. The program also provides a strong foundation for graduate or professional study that builds upon these components of the entrepreneurial mindset.

Explore entrepreneruship and innovation career opportunities

Common Questions About the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Degree Program
What types of students are a good fit for the BA in Entrepreneurship and Innovation?

The BA in Entrepreneurship and Innovation is a great fit for students who enjoy solving problems, thinking creatively and turning ideas into action. Whether you hope to launch your own business, grow a family business or bring new ideas to an established organization, you’ll develop the entrepreneurial mindset and practical skills to create value in a variety of settings.

Students who thrive in this program are curious, adaptable and eager to learn by doing. Through venture development projects, experiential coursework and Drexel’s renowned co-op program, you’ll have opportunities to test ideas, collaborate with others and build the confidence to navigate change and pursue new opportunities.

How does Drexel support students who want to launch a startup?

Students have access to a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem through the Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship and the Laurence A. Baiada Institute for Entrepreneurship. From mentorship and startup advising to pitch competitions, funding opportunities and Drexel’s online StartupTree community, you’ll find resources to help move your idea forward. Eligible students can even develop their own venture through the Entrepreneurship Co-op while earning Drexel Co-op credit.

Should I study entrepreneurship even if I don’t want to start my own business?

Absolutely. Many graduates apply entrepreneurial thinking in established companies, nonprofit organizations and family businesses. The program prepares you to identify opportunities, lead innovation, solve complex problems and adapt to change, skills that are valuable across industries and career paths.

Take the Next Step

All undergraduate applications are processed through Drexel University’s central admissions portal. Have questions about applying to LeBow? Our undergraduate enrollment team is here to help.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Find the information you need to plan for your education through Drexel Central. Review tuition and fees, estimate the cost of attendance, and explore financial aid resources, including scholarships, grants, loans and payment options.

Connect with Us

Our staff is ready to help you with any questions you may have about the application process, including which program is right for you. We look forward to hearing from you.

Germyce Harris Williams

Assistant Director, Recruitment & Retention

(215) 571-3392

Pearlstein Building 429