Academics

The E-SHIP program provides unique cross-discipline courses for students to thrive in multi-disciplinary teams used in industry and startup companies. Students who complete this program will develop broad-based entrepreneurial skills in new technology product development, new product launch, financial accounting for startups, product and service marketing, pricing strategies, sales management, business operations for startups, and intellectual property management. Students will also develop a clear understanding of the design process. Classes are taught through projects with real startups where you are directly helping an existing startup with a current challenge they face. The program's intercollege minor in entrepreneurship and innovation (ENTI) technology-based entrepreneurship cluster is open to all undergraduate students from any University college. Non-engineering majors are encouraged to take the technology-based entrepreneurship cluster.

Courses

ENGR 407: Technology Entrepreneurship

Put the entrepreneurial mindset into practice.  Deal with ambiguity and persevere in a variety of experiences in this unique class. Students learn about business and entrepreneurship through risk-taking, creativity, and innovation. Practice teamwork in the process of developing and selling products and services, assembling business plans, consulting with startup businesses, and through the exploration of success and failure. Topics studied and practiced include design, marketing, sales, and finance. The course is designed to increase students' team-working abilities and leadership competencies moving a product from idea to market through many challenging and exciting projects. The course is designed to increase students' team-working abilities and leadership competencies moving a product or service from idea to market through many challenging and exciting projects. This class is required for ENTI's technology-based entrepreneurship cluster and for the engineering leadership development (ELD) program.

ENGR 411: Entrepreneurship Business Basics

This course introduces critical entrepreneurship business skills from a startup perspective. Learn the basics of business formation structures, finance and accounting, intellectual property, marketing, and operations. Whether you start your own business, work for a startup, or work in a traditional business, these essential topics will help you understand how the entire business operates and appreciate the contributions of all the business functions. This "big picture" understanding will enhance your leadership potential. This class is required for ENTI's technology-based entrepreneurship cluster and for the engineering leadership development (ELD) program.

ENGR 415: Technology Launch for Entrepreneurs

This course provides an in-depth look at developing a technology-based product from concept through customer fulfillment or developing and delivering software or services to the customer. You will generate a new product idea and develop it through a minimum viable product in a team-based environment. Teams develop business plans, including how to manufacturing and deliver the product or develop and deliver the software or service. Manufacturing and service delivery costing is explored to allow for sustainable pricing models. Marketing and sales are also developed. Operational considerations for scaling the business are also explored. Startup assistance channels will be introduced, providing a path to commercialization.

Online Offerings

The entrepreneurship fundamentals digital badge course provides students with an introduction to entrepreneurship and its ecosystem at Penn State. As a preview of the intercollege minor in entrepreneurship and innovation, the course covers entrepreneurial fundamentals and information on Centre County resources.