At the Undergraduate level, the University’s Programs and Courses include the pan-University Entrepreneurship Minor, the Architectural Design Thinking Concentration, the Social Entrepreneurship courses within the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, the Youth and Social Innovation Major within the Curry School of Education, the Technology Entrepreneurship courses offered by the Schools of Engineering and Applied Sciences, as well as the Entrepreneurship Track within the McIntire School of Commerce.

Pan-University Programs

Entrepreneurship Minor

The Entrepreneurship Minor at UVA is open by application to all undergraduates at the University, regardless of School. The purpose of the minor is to prepare students to play crucial roles in the new venture community—whether as founders, funders, policy makers, technologists, or executives—thereby impacting positively the world in which we live and creating value of all kinds. The program provides an education in and experience with the tools, techniques, and transformations involved in new venture development (e.g., ideation and innovation, team building, product-market fit, financial and social return, and legal dynamics).

Programs, by School

Architecture

The Architectural Design Thinking Concentration provides students with opportunities to creatively address design at multiple scales with an emphasis on collaboration, design research, visual communication, and prototyping. Design Thinking/Practices Studios range from collaborative studios with other disciplines such as education and health care and furniture design to community engagement and exhibition design.

Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy

The Social Entrepreneurship initiative empowers students to challenge the status quo and to create, innovate and lead positive change in the world. Students take electives across many different schools at UVA, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and design thinking to create the most innovative solutions to real world problems. The program gives students unique access to one-on-one advising in academics, internship funding, careers with impact and startup ideas for social good. 

Education

Interested in an exciting career working with or on behalf of youth? The Youth and Social Innovation major is designed for undergraduate students who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of youth.

Engineering and Applied Sciences

This Technology Entrepreneurship focus within SEAS is for students who are interested in understanding the ways in which entrepreneurs move ideas from the laboratory benchtop to commercial marketplace. Students are required to take four courses covering areas such as finance, intellectual property, entrepreneurship and government, and startup operations

McIntire School of Commerce

The Entrepreneurship Track track aims to prepare students to play crucial roles in the new venture community—whether as founders, investors, policy makers, technologists, general executives, or otherwise. Through case discussions, workshops, guest speakers, and team projects, the track's coursework provides an education in and experience with the tools, techniques, and transformations involved in the creations of value through new ventures