Delivery
In-person, evening classes at the Dubois Center
Corporate Venturing, Graduate Certificate
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Build what’s next — inside the company or out.
The Corporate Venturing Graduate Certificate at UNC Charlotte gives you the entrepreneurial skills that organizations are actively looking for in their own ranks — the ability to identify opportunity, challenge conventional thinking, build business models and drive innovation inside complex, competitive environments.
This program is designed for professionals who want to lead transformation within existing corporations and for those looking to launch something new. Either way, you’re learning to think and move like an entrepreneur.
Why get a Corporate Venturing certificate at UNC Charlotte?
The Difference is Charlotte
Charlotte is one of the fastest-growing business ecosystems in the Southeast — a city where established corporations, high-growth startups, and venture-backed companies operate side by side. This program connects you to that environment and the people driving it, giving corporate venturing skills real-world context from day one.
Built for corporate innovators
This isn’t a startup program — it’s a program for people who want to build entrepreneurial capacity where they already work. You’ll learn to identify high-potential opportunities, stress-test business models and lead the kind of bold internal initiatives that define careers.
A flexible path forward
This certificate stands alone as a credential — or serves as a direct on-ramp to the JL Price MBA. All four courses apply toward MBA concentration requirements, so you’re building toward the degree at the same time that you’re earning the certificate.
Still trying to decide?
Find out more about the Graduate Certificate in Corporate Venturing program and learn if it is a good fit for you by speaking with our recruitment specialist.
Ready to apply?
Empower your entrepreneurial journey with our Corporate Venturing certificate. Apply now to start creating new ventures and adding value to your corporate role!
Corporate Venturing
Curriculum
Students must earn a grade of B or above in all four courses that make up the certification program. All courses are offered in-person in the evenings at the Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City.
Core Courses (6 credit hours)
Elective Courses (6 credit hours)
Select two of the following:
- MBAD 5300 – Entrepreneurial Decisions
- MBAD 6191 – Entrepreneurial Strategy
- MBAD 6207 – Business Project Management
- MBAD 6273 – Product and Brand Strategy in the Connected World
- MBAD 6279 – Design Thinking and Innovation
- MBAD 6302 – Evaluating Entrepreneurial Opportunities
- MBAD 6304 – Entrepreneurial Organizing
- MBAD 6305 – Entrepreneurship and Uncertainty
CORPORATE VENTURING
Admissions
Admission to the Corporate Venturing graduate certificate requires:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum 2.75 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) on all prior college coursework
- An online application through the Graduate School’s application system
- A statement of purpose
- Unofficial transcripts of all attempted college coursework
- Non-native English speakers who have not earned a post-secondary degree from a U.S. institution must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores
GMAT/GRE scores are not required for admission. Transfer credit is not accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is corporate venturing?
Corporate venturing is the practice of applying entrepreneurial thinking and methods inside established organizations — identifying high-potential opportunities, building and testing business models, and driving innovation that creates real value. It’s entrepreneurship for the professionals already in the room.
Who is this certificate designed for?
This program is a strong fit for working professionals who want to lead innovation initiatives within their organizations, recent graduates interested in entrepreneurship and business model development, and anyone considering the JL Price MBA who wants to explore the material first.
Do I need an entrepreneurship background to apply?
No. This program is designed to build entrepreneurial skills — not assume them. You should have a bachelor’s degree and meet the standard admissions requirements, but no prior startup or venture experience is required.
Can these certificate courses apply toward the JL Price MBA?
Yes. All four certificate courses can be applied toward MBA concentration requirements if you are admitted to the JL Price MBA program. MBA admission requires a separate application and meeting MBA admissions requirements.
What skills will I gain?
You’ll develop skills in opportunity identification, business model design, entrepreneurial strategy, design thinking and innovation leadership — applicable inside corporations or in new venture contexts.
How long does the certificate take to complete?
The certificate requires 12 credit hours and typically takes one to two years to complete, depending on how many courses you take per term.
Is the GMAT or GRE required?
No. GMAT and GRE scores are not required for admission to this certificate program.
Contact Us
Have questions?
Ready for a one-on-one conversation?
Contact Kalli Vimr, enrollment and advising specialist for Belk College of Business graduate certificates and dual degree programs.
kvimr@charlotte.edu