Master of Entrepreneurship - Florida Gulf Coast University

The Best Way to Predict the Future is to Create It

FGCU’s Master of Science in Entrepreneurship (M.S.) is a 30 credit-hour interdisciplinary degree designed for students who are focused on channeling their passion towards creating or growing new ventures. Students not only learn the essential skills of innovation, but also advance their industry-specific knowledge by taking graduate courses from other disciplines at FGCU. The program is experiential and emphasizes putting knowledge into practice. Students graduating with a M.S. in Entrepreneurship will be capable of running their own businesses or leading innovative teams in large organizations. Apply Now >

GMAT

GMAT waived for students with 3.0 GPA (last 60 credit hours)

Finish Quickly

Complete the program in only 30 credit hours (less than 2 years)

Night Classes Offered

Flexible curriculum allows you to balance work, life, family, and college at your own pace.

Your Path to Success

A Master’s degree in entrepreneurship empowers professionals to launch or grow their own ventures, but its value extends far beyond startups. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that entrepreneurial and self-employment opportunities will expand across nearly half of all occupations over the next decade, underscoring the critical role entrepreneurs play in driving innovation, competitiveness, and economic growth.

Graduates of entrepreneurship master’s programs are well-equipped for leadership roles across diverse industries. They commonly take on positions such as Business Manager, Sales Director, or Corporate Recruiter, and thrive in sectors like real estate, consulting, finance, healthcare, and insurance. This degree provides the vision, adaptability, and strategic skills needed to shape organizations, lead transformative initiatives, and make a lasting impact in a dynamic global economy.

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Lucas Hall: The Epicenter of Entrepreneurial Excellence.

At the heart of our Master’s in Entrepreneurship program is Lucas Hall, a state-of-the-art facility designed to be the epicenter of entrepreneurial innovation. Beyond Lucas Hall, students gain access to cutting-edge workspaces, creative studios, and collaborative environments across the DKSOE campus. These spaces are purposefully crafted to provide the tools, technology, and support necessary to transform ideas into reality. Whether you’re developing a groundbreaking business venture or exploring digital media design, every facility at DKSOE is built to spark creativity, foster collaboration, and propel you toward success in your entrepreneurial journey.

The FineMark National Bank Incubator Space
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State-of-the-Art Classrooms
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The Rist Family Foundation Makerspace
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Creative Innovation Studio
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The Creative Innovation Studio is a hands-on, collaborative space designed to empower students to prototype, build, and test their entrepreneurial visions. From digital media and product design to immersive storytelling and branding, this studio fuels creativity with the tools, technology, and mentorship to turn concepts into real-world impact.
Advanced Computing Lab
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Located on the third floor with the most stunning view on campus, this spacious computer lab is equipped with high-performance workstations designed to power your biggest ideas and bring your creative projects to life.
The Ain Technology and Design Hub
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The Ain Technology and Design Hub is driven by students, powered by innovation—our digital marketing and AI solutions help Southwest Florida businesses, nonprofits, and agencies grow and thrive in the digital space.
Click here to learn more!
"THE NEST" Innovation Learning Hub
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The NEST Innovation Learning Hub is a collaborative space designed to support student entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. Whether you're refining a concept, developing a prototype, or preparing to launch, The NEST provides access to guidance, mentorship, and additional assistance when you need it most, ensuring you never have to build your vision alone.

Next Steps

Over the past two decades, 62% of new job growth in the U.S. has stemmed from innovation-driven enterprises and small businesses, underscoring the pivotal role entrepreneurship plays in strengthening our economy and global competitiveness. The FGCU Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship’s Master’s in Entrepreneurship is designed for visionary leaders eager to shape the future of business, society, and the world. This transformative program equips you with the advanced skills, strategic insight, and innovative mindset needed to drive impactful ventures and achieve unparalleled career success. Join us at FGCU to redefine entrepreneurship and create a lasting legacy of innovation.

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Accreditation
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Institutional Accreditation
Information on FGCU institutional accreditation is available at www.fgcu.edu/accreditation
Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral degrees, which includes the Master of Science in Entrepreneurship degree.
Admissions Information
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Getting Started
Applicants must submit an application online per the individual program’s instructions below. Please contact Graduate Admissions at 239-745-GRAD or graduate@fgcu.edu for additional information about the application process. Satisfaction of minimum University and program requirements does not guarantee admission to a graduate program. Applicants should check with the program for the most up to date admission requirements prior to commencing the application process.
Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- Submit an FGCU Graduate Admissions Application and satisfy all applicable university admissions requirements.
- Earned baccalaureate degree from an institution that maintains accreditation by a U.S. Department of Education sanctioned accrediting body (https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/higher-education-laws-and-policy/college-accreditation) or equivalent foreign institution.
- An applicant must have a GPA of 3.0 or greater (on a 4.0 scale) for the last 60 hours of the baccalaureate degree. If the GPA is less than 3.0, then an entrance exam is required and the applicant must have a minimum score of at least 145 (verbal) and 150 (quantitative) on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or a minimum score of at least 450 on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). GRE and GMAT scores cannot be more than five years old and must be completed before admission to the program.
- International students must demonstrate English language proficiency in accordance with University regulation.
- Provide a statement of graduate education goals (two pages maximum used to identify discipline specific requirements).
- Provide three letters of recommendation attesting to the student’s potential for graduate studies in the student’s chosen field of study.
Program Requirements
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Program Requirements for the 2025-2026 Catalog Year
Program Progression and Additional Graduation Requirements
- Complete a minimum of 30 credits.
- Earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 for all coursework in the program.
- Earn a grade of B (or S) or better in each core ENT course.
- Earn a grade of C (or S) or better in each elective course.
- Satisfy all degree requirements within seven years from the time of admission to the program.
- Students may transfer a maximum of 6 credits of approved graduate level coursework from an institution that maintains accreditation by a U.S. Department of Education sanctioned accrediting body (https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/higher-education-laws-and-policy/college-accreditation) or equivalent foreign institution. All transfer courses must have been completed within the past six years with a grade of B or higher. The evaluation of academic transcripts and articulation of transfer courses must be approved by the appropriate academic department.
- Submit an application for graduation by the semester deadline listed in the FGCU Academic Calendar.
- Students must register for a minimum of one credit during the semester in which they apply for graduation.
- Earn more than 50% of the credits toward the degree through FGCU.
Program Requirements
1. Required Courses in the Major (18 credits)
  ENT 6248 Opportunity and Lean Launch (3)
  ENT 6415 New Venture Capital (3)
  ENT 6441 New Venture Launch (3)
  ENT 6606 MVP Design and Development (3)
  ENT 6628 Mindset and Differentiation (3)
  ENT 6455 Venture Metrics and Growth (3)
2. Restricted Electives in the Major (12 credits)
  Students, in conjunction with their advisor, select electives from those offered in the graduate catalog that are not restricted to those programs or colleges. See program advisor for prior approval of elective courses. The following courses are grouped by areas of interest for advising purposes.
  
  ENT 6902 Runway Program Seminar (3)
  ENT 6903 Independent Study (1-3)
  ENT 6930 Special Topics (3)
  
  Environmental
  EVR 5925 Environmental Education (3)
  EVR 6825 Environ Program Evaluation (3)
  GIS 5306C Advanced GIS: Spatial Analysis (3)
  
  Educational
  EDA 6061 Principles of Ed Leadership (3)
  EDA 6192 Organizational Development (3)
  EME 5053 Foundations of Learning Tech (3)
  EME 6675 Design for Informal Learning (3)
  
  Health Sciences
  HSA 5115 Mgmt of Health Care Orgs (3)
  HSA 6114 Health Care Delivery Systems (3)
  HSA 6126 Health Insurance Managed Care (3)
  HSA 6155 Health Care Economics (3)
Total Credits Required: 30 HRS
Degree Map
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Course Descriptions
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Official Course Descriptions

Search for official course descriptions by using the Course Description Search utility.

Go to the Course Descriptions Search Web page, then follow these steps:
1. Select an Academic Year from the TERM dropdown (required)
2. Select a course prefix from one of the SUBJECT dropdowns (required)
3. Enter search words in the TEXT field (optional, but will narrow the search results)
4. Press Search
Supplemental Course Descriptions

The following course descriptions only provide information about the focus that an individual professor chooses to take for their course. These descriptions are not a replacement for the official course description. Use the Course Description Search page to find the official course description.

ENT 6248 - Opportunity and Lean Launch - 3 credits(s)

An exploration of how to create a new venture examining the fundamental ideas related to opportunity in entrepreneurship. Lean launch methodologies are stressed as a way to recognize and evaluate opportunities for future exploitation in a viable business model.

ENT 6628 - Mindset and Differentiation - 3 credits(s)

Covers the core skills needed for identifying opportunities that can lead to successful new ventures regardless of the individual's skill set. The course takes an in depth look at the critical importance of differentiation in successful new ventures and how individuals utilizing an entrepreneurial mindset can leverage their individual human capital and resources to identify, evaluate, and exploit opportunities.

ENT 6415 - New Venture Capital - 3 credits(s)

In-depth coverage of how to finance and fund a startup business. The course centers on a model that includes business model creation, financial analysis. cash management, funding alternatives, investor pitching, alternative financing, and exit strategies. We examine the various options that a company has for financing at all stages of its life-cycle, including seed rounds. The course addresses the full range of financing options including angel, venture capital & debt financing.

ENT 6606 - MVP Design and Development - 3 credits(s)

A practical training on developing high-fidelity minimum viable products and/or services. Students will be exposed to the important aspects of product, service, and software design and how they impact business model success.

ENT 6455 - Venture Metrics and Growth - 3 credits(s)

An in depth examination of start-up monitoring and control that ranges from the basics of accounting and bookkeeping to advanced metrics specific to a optimizing a new venture. This class focuses on the importance of utilizing data and metrics to move a startup to the revenue and growth stages of development.

ENT 6441 - New Venture Launch - 3 credits(s)

A hands-on experience in entrepreneurship that will cover the process of completing the first steps towards creating a business and establishing legitimacy with stakeholders. The course focuses on translating insights of a validated venture idea into a viable business model with established value propositions.
Course Schedule
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Getting started with the Course Schedule Search

Search for program courses by using the Course Schedule Search utility.

Go to the Course Schedule Search Web page, then follow these steps:
1. Select an Academic Year from the TERM dropdown (required)
2. Select one or more of the search options to narrow your results (for example, CAMPUS, COLLEGE, DEPARTMENT, LEVEL, PREFIX*, COURSE ATTRIBUTE**). For virtual or web courses, select VIRTUAL in the CAMPUS field.
3. Press Search.
*A course prefix is a three-letter designator for a major division of an academic discipline (for example, ACG for Accounting , BSC for Biological Science, ENC for English Composition). See the Degree Requirements page for a list of courses (with prefix and number) that can be used to fulfill degree requirements.

**A course attribute identifies specific characteristics of courses that can be used in a Degree Evaluation to satisfy a degree requirement. (Course attribute examples are Humanities courses - GEHM and Social Science courses - GESO.)
Learning Outcomes
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Academic Learning Compact

Consistent with its mission and guiding principles, Florida Gulf Coast University is committed to academic excellence and continuous quality improvement, as supported by a sound teaching- learning process. Within this process, students and instructors share responsibility for learning that is a movement from the simple to the complex, the concrete to the abstract, and the dependent to the independent. The Academic Learning Compact (ALC) initiative supports the teaching-learning process by clearly identifying expected core student learning outcomes in the areas of content/discipline knowledge and skills, communication skills, and critical thinking skills; aligning curricula with expectations; and using assessment to guide continuous improvement.

Content/Discipline Knowledge and Skills

Graduates will be able to:
1. Apply entrepreneurial theory to a variety of organizational contexts.
2. Conduct thorough research towards identifying opportunities to create value in society.
Content/Discipline Knowledge and Skills are assessed with written reports, research presentations, exams, and other projects completed in the following required courses: ENT 6248 Opportunity and Lean Launch and ENT 6628 Mindset and Differentiation.

Communication Skills

Graduates will be able to:
1. Demonstrate command of entrepreneurship terminology.
2. Work effectively in diverse, interdisciplinary teams.
Communication skills are assessed with oral presentations, written assignments, and team projects in the following required courses: ENT 6455 Venture Metrics and Growth and ENT 6415 New Venture Capital.

Critical Thinking Skills

Graduates will be able to:
1. Effectively identify and gather resources towards achieving organizational objectives.
2. Design viable solutions to opportunities.
Critical thinking skills are assessed with written reports and projects in the following required courses: ENT 6441 New Venture Launch and ENT 6606 MVP Design and Development.
Tuition, Fees, and Financial Assistance
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Tuition and Fees

Information on Tuition and Fees is available on the Student Account Services website.

Graduate Tuition Waivers and Assistantships
The Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship awards a limited number of graduate tuition waivers and assistantships to graduate students. For more information, along with application links, please visit the FGCU Graduate Studies webpage.
Financial Aid and Estimated Cost of Attendance

Contact the Financial Aid Office for information about grants, scholarships, loans, and student employment. See FGCU's Financial Aid website for information and applications. This site also has information on the estimated cost of attendance for graduate students.
Admission Deadlines
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Cohorts are only accepted for Fall Term starts.

Fall 2026 Graduate application deadlines for consideration:
- Priority Deadline: May 1^st
- Final Application Deadline: July 1^st

“The Entrepreneurship program at FGCU provides endless opportunities, real-world connections, and professors who support you every step of the way. It’s an environment where bold ideas turn into real success"

— Dillion Rosenthal

Azul's Innovation Challenge Winner

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MS in Entrepreneurship

The Best Way to Predict the Future is to Create It

Your Path to Success

Lucas Hall: The Epicenter of Entrepreneurial Excellence.

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