Option in Entrepreneurship

The Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship at California State University is designed to equip students with the essential skills, knowledge, and mindset necessary to launch and grow successful new ventures in a dynamic and competitive global economy. This comprehensive program combines fundamental business principles with specialized entrepreneurship courses, providing learners with a solid foundation in areas such as business planning, innovation, marketing, finance, and management. Students will have opportunities to engage in experiential learning through hands-on projects, internships, and collaboration with local startups and entrepreneurial organizations. The curriculum emphasizes developing entrepreneurial thinking, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and leadership skills, enabling graduates to identify opportunities, evaluate risks, and implement effective strategies for business success. Resources such as dedicated incubators, mentorship programs, and networking events are integrated into the program to foster a vibrant entrepreneurial community on campus. The program prepares students for diverse career paths, including starting their own businesses, working in venture capital, consulting, or corporate innovation roles. By participating in this program, students gain not only theoretical knowledge but also practical experience, critical thinking capabilities, and an innovative mindset crucial for thriving in today’s rapidly evolving marketplace. The curriculum is regularly updated to reflect current trends and emerging opportunities within the entrepreneurial ecosystem, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to meet contemporary challenges and leverage new technologies. Overall, the Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship at California State University aims to cultivate the next generation of entrepreneurs who will positively impact their communities and the economy through inventive ideas, resilient leadership, and sustainable business practices.

Lower Division Requirements (21-22 units)

ACCT 210 Financial Accounting (3)
ACCT 220 Managerial Accounting (3)
BUS 110 Business Law (3)
COMP 101 Computer Literacy (3)
ECON 110 Principles of Microeconomics (3)
ECON 111 Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
Select either:
MATH 140 Calculus for Business Applications (3)
or
MATH 150 Calculus I (4)

Upper Division Required Major Courses (36 units)

ACCT 300 Applied Managerial Accounting (3)
BUS 320 Business Operations (3)
ECON 310 Intermediate Microeconomics (3)
ECON 311 Intermediate Macroeconomics (3)

Select one of the following courses:

ENGL 330 Interdisciplinary Writing (3)
or
ENGL 482 Technical and Business Writing (3) 
or
ENGL 483 Technical Visual Communication (3)

Complete the following:
FIN 300 Business Finance (3)
MATH 329 Statistics for Business and Economics (3)
MGT 307 Management of Organizations (3)
MGT 326 Scientific and Professional Ethics (BIOL) (3)
MIS 310 Management Information Systems (3)
MKT 310 Principles of Marketing (3)
BUS 499 Capstone (3)*

* A student must complete these 5 courses before enrolling in BUS 499.
ACCT 300
FIN 300
MATH 329
ECON 310/329 (either ECON310 or ECON329)
ECON 311/320 (either ECON311 or ECON320)

* A student may take two courses from the list below concurrently with BUS 499.
BUS 320
MIS 310
ENGL 330/482/483 (select one from the three)
MGT 307
MGT/BIOL 326
MKT 310

* For Bus 499 please fill out and complete form below and e-mail to john-andrew.morris@csuci.edu

Bus 499 Permission Form (MS Word, 50.5KB)

Upper Division Interdisciplinary Major Courses (6 units)

BUS 331 Biotechnology in the Twenty-First Century (BIOL) (3)
BUS 334 The Business of Art (ART) (3)
BUS 335 Business and the Performing Arts (PA) (3)
BUS 340 Business and Economics in American Literature (ECON/ENGL) (3)
BUS 341 Drug Discovery and Development (CHEM/ECON) (3) (may double count in the Entrepreneur Option)
BUS 342 The Zoo: Conservation, Education and Recreation (BIOL/ECON/EDUC) (3)
BUS 344 The Library: Collections, Services and Instruction (ECON/EDUC/LIB) (3)
BUS 349 History of Business and Economics in North America (ECON/HIST) (3)
BUS 434 The Museum: Culture, Business and Education (ART/EDUC) (3)
ECON 343 Capital Theory (FIN) (3)

Option (15 units)

Students may select one of the following options:
To complete the elective requirements indicated below, choose any upper division course from ACCT, BUS, ECON, FIN, MGT, MKT or MIS not already used in the major. (Not applicable to the Management Option)

Entrepreneurship Option
BUS 341 Drug Discovery and Development (CHEM/ECON)(3)
MGT 325 Entrepreneurial Management (3)

Select three of the following:
ECON 411 Economics of Entrepreneurship (3)
MGT 424 Organizational Behavior (PSY) (3)
MKT 411 New Product Development and Management (3)

Electives (3)
 

Finance Option
FIN 410 Financial Markets and Institutions (3)
FIN 411 Corporate Finance Management (3)
FIN 412 International Financial Management (3)
FIN 413 Investment Analysis (3)
Electives (3)
 

Global Business Option
MGT 410 Management of International Business (3)
MKT 410 International Marketing Management (3)

Select three from the following:
ECON 470 The World Economy (3)
ECON 471 International Trade (3)
ECON 472 International Macroeconomics (3)
FIN 412 International Finance Management (3)
MGT 471 Project Management (3)
Electives (3)
 

Management Option
MGT 410 Management of International Business (3)
MGT 421 Human Resource Management (3)
MGT 424 Organizational Behavior (PSY) (3)

Select two from the following:
MGT 325 Entrepreneurial Management (3)
MGT 429 Program Management (3)
MGT 471 Project Management (3)
MGT 490 Special Topics (3)
MGT 492 Service Learning/Internship (1-3)
MGT 497 Directed Study (1-3)
 

Marketing Option
MKT 311 Consumer Behavior (3)
MKT 409 Marketing Research (3)
MKT 410 International Marketing Management (3)
MKT 411 New Product Development and Management (3)

Electives (3)

Required Supporting and Other GE Courses (57 units)

Upper Division Interdisciplinary course outside
Business Major (3)
American Institutions (6)
Other GE Courses in Categories A-E (39)
Free Electives (8-9)

International Undergraduate Admission Requirements

The process for freshmen and transfer students is the same; however, as a transfer student additional criteria must be met. This additional criteria is marked with an *.

International Checklist & Application

International Freshmen Checklist  

International Transfer Checklist 

Financial Affidavit for Undergraduate applicants 

Submit all application documents to the Center for International Affairs. 

*Transfer Students: We are currently accepting applications from all community colleges in the U.S.  Please make sure that you have at least 60 units and have completed “Oral communication”, “Written communication”, “Critical thinking” and “College level mathematics/quantitative reasoning” with “C” or better.  Please note that the Nursing programs are closed for international students.  

English Score

Submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or other acceptable test (see below for list of tests).  Scores must be sent directly to CSUCI from testing agency.

Acceptable English Placement Exams

TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language with a minimum Paper-Based score of 500, a minimum Computer Based score of 173 or a minimum Internet Based score of 61.

IELTS – International English Language Test System with an overall band score of 6.0.

The financing studies for the Option in Entrepreneurship at California State University are designed to provide students with comprehensive financial knowledge and skills necessary to launch and sustain new ventures, manage startup finances, and secure funding for business growth. The program emphasizes understanding various sources of financing, including venture capital, angel investments, bank loans, government grants, and crowdfunding. Students learn how to develop detailed financial plans, perform cash flow analysis, and evaluate the financial viability of entrepreneurial ideas. The curriculum covers financial management principles tailored specifically for startups and small businesses, such as budgeting, pricing strategies, and financial forecasting. Additionally, students explore legal aspects of financial transactions, intellectual property rights related to investments, and the role of financial technology (fintech) in modern entrepreneurship. Practical components include case studies, financial simulation exercises, and pitches to potential investors, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. The university encourages students to participate in entrepreneurial competitions and internship programs with funding and venture capital firms, providing firsthand experience in securing financing. Financial aid options available to students include scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and loans through federal and state funding sources. The university also offers workshops and seminars on pitching skills, financial negotiations, and investment readiness, preparing students for successful fundraising activities. Overall, the financing studies within the Option in Entrepreneurship aim to equip graduates with the financial literacy and strategic insight needed to attract investment, manage resources effectively, and sustain long-term business success.

The Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship at California State University is designed to prepare students to effectively start, manage, and grow new business ventures. This program emphasizes the development of innovative thinking, strategic planning, and practical skills necessary for entrepreneurial success. Students engage with coursework covering core business principles such as finance, marketing, management, and operations, with a specialized focus on entrepreneurship topics including opportunity recognition, business plan development, venture financing, and entrepreneurial leadership. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and experiential learning, students have opportunities to participate in internships, business plan competitions, and mentorship programs that connect them with the local business community. The program aims to equip graduates with the entrepreneurial mindset, resilience, and problem-solving abilities required to launch new startups or drive innovation within established organizations. The curriculum may also explore contemporary issues such as social entrepreneurship, sustainable business practices, and technology-driven ventures, preparing students to adapt to evolving markets. Faculty members typically have extensive industry experience, providing mentorship and real-world insights. Upon graduation, students are prepared to pursue careers as startup founders, small business owners, or intrapreneurs within larger organizations. The program’s facilities often include dedicated innovation labs and collaboration spaces designed to foster creativity and teamwork. Networking opportunities through alumni events, business simulators, and partnerships with local chambers of commerce further enhance the student experience. Overall, the program’s mission is to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and entrepreneurial spirit necessary to succeed in today’s dynamic economic landscape, making it an ideal choice for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking a comprehensive, career-oriented education.