Traditional Master’s
The on-campus experience with the traditional Master of Science in Entrepreneurship option is engaging. Students build strong networks with other entrepreneurs in the program and in Gainesville’s thriving entrepreneurial community. Resources like the annual Silicon Valley trip help students gain a better perspective of what it’s like to work for a startup, while on-campus resources like GatorNest (an experiential learning program that allows UF students to serve as consultants for Gainesville-area businesses) and the Gator Hatchery (a place to grow a business) ensure students are ready for success after graduation.
With strong program rankings and the backing of a top 10 public university, the MSE program helps students learn about entrepreneurship through simple concepts that can turn a business dream into reality.
The Traditional MSE Experience
GatorNest
An 8-week required program whereby students work with a start-up organization to complete a project deliverable for the development of a new venture opportunity. Examples include customer analysis, competitive assessment, development of a marketing plan, financial due diligence, etc.
Mentoring Program
A program that aligns students with mentors in respective areas such as small businesses, high-growth enterprises, socially-responsible companies and the investment community.
Entrepreneur-in-Residence Program
Seasoned entrepreneurs spend a week on campus working one-on-one with entrepreneurship students. Activities also include classroom lectures, advisement to GatorNest project teams and networking sessions. There is generally follow-up contact and correspondence by students with the entrepreneurs after the visits.
Entrepreneurship Speaker and Luncheon Series
Throughout the year, students have the opportunity to participate in intimate discussions with numerous entrepreneurs and investors from a variety of sectors and backgrounds.
Start-Up Hour
Targeting a growing population of young, energetic entrepreneurs in Gainesville’s innovation ecosystem, Start-Up Hour provides the perfect monthly venue for these change makers to network, share ideas, and establish partnerships.
The Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center is deeply committed to experiential learning, or learning by doing and by observing others doing. Our unique approach centers on entrepreneurship as method, one that can be mastered by learning experientially. The ability to navigate the unpredictable and uncontrollable entrepreneurial path requires that theory have relevancy for real world contexts and that students be required to continuously practice, reflect, learn and apply.
All students in the Master of Science in Entrepreneurship (MSE) will build an experience portfolio while in the program, and be prepared to present that portfolio upon program completion. The portfolio will include specific experiential learning activities and projects undertaken and completed by the student. It will consist of approved experiential learning opportunities tied to:
- particular classes taken while in the program
- opportunities pursued independently of formal entrepreneurship courses
- the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center’s entrepreneurial programs, and
- most importantly, experience in venture creation
These experiences will be selected from the MSE Program Experience Portfolio Checklist.
Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative
The Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative in Warrington’s Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center empowers students to apply the skills and strategies of successful business & community leaders to create innovative, impactful, and resilient ventures that benefit people, places, and prosperity, locally and around the world.
UF Impact Leaders Awards
MSE students who complete the core Intro course and engage in experiential learning consulting projects in the greater-Gainesville community are recognized as “UF Impact Leaders,” to formalize and recognize their education and experience in impact-focused entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership. Students who study impact, practice impact, create impact, and share their impact stories will receive their UF Impact Leaders Awards. Questions? Contact Dr. Kristin Joys.
