The College of Business has launched the innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) major to prepare students for a rapidly changing world of work. As artificial intelligence, automation and digital transformation redefine entire industries, traditional entry-level positions are disappearing. At the same time, organizations of all sizes — from startups to Fortune 500 companies — urgently need people who can recognize new opportunities, create value amid uncertainty and lead innovation. 

The I&E major fills this critical gap and empowers students to: 

• Understand how technology and disruption create new markets rather than eliminate them. 

• Apply entrepreneurial thinking to build ventures, launch new products or drive change inside established firms. 

• Future-proof their careers by cultivating adaptability, opportunity recognition and creative problem-solving — skills with enduring value across economic cycles. 

The College of Business recognizes that the economy no longer rewards job-takers — it rewards job-makers: individuals who understand how to create value, opportunity and growth. To prepare you for a future defined by innovation, we designed a major that equips you with the mindset, skills and experience to drive change and shape what comes next.  

Who is this program for?

The innovation and entrepreneurship major is designed for students who want to shape the future rather than follow it. It’s a great fit for: 

• Aspiring founders and venture builders who want to launch startups or social ventures. 

• Corporate innovators who want to lead change and develop new business models within existing organizations. 

• Creative problem-solvers drawn to design thinking, sustainability or technology-driven innovation. 

• Interdisciplinary thinkers who see themselves working across business, science and technology. 

• Curious learners who value autonomy, experimentation and impact over predictability. 

Whether students imagine running their own company, leading innovation projects inside global corporations or driving solutions to societal challenges, the I&E major gives them the tools and confidence to make it happen. 

What you'll learn:

The I&E curriculum blends entrepreneurial mindset development, strategic management and experiential learning. Graduates leave with a portfolio of meta-skills that remain valuable no matter how technology evolves. 

Core skills students gain: 

• Opportunity recognition and market gap analysis in dynamic environments. 

• Adaptability and learning agility — ethical and sustainable decision-making under uncertainty, with the ability to pivot as industries evolve. 

• Problem-finding and systems thinking — identifying what to solve before solving it, along with creative ideation and design thinking for innovation. 

• Cross-functional leadership and collaboration across business, technology and creative disciplines. 

• Communication and persuasion — telling compelling stories grounded in financial literacy to attract resources and talent for new projects and initiatives. 

Through innovation challenges and venture projects, students practice turning ideas into tangible outcomes. 

Career outcomes

•  Startup and venture creation: Founder, co-founder, startup team member or venture accelerator associate. 

• Corporate innovation and strategy: Innovation manager, new business development analyst, intrapreneur, product manager or corporate venture analyst. 

• Consulting and technology: Innovation consultant, design strategist, AI opportunity analyst orbusiness transformation specialist. 

• Social impact and sustainability: Social entrepreneur, impact venture developer, nonprofit innovator or sustainability program manager. 
• Venture ecosystem and finance: Venture capital analyst, incubator program coordinator or entrepreneur in residence. 

FAQs

Do I need to have a business idea to choose this major?

No, you don’t. You’ll learn how to generate and refine business ideas — and have plenty of opportunities to develop your own venture if you choose to.

What internships or hands-on learning opportunities are available?

All our courses include hands-on components, so you’ll work on real-world projects — either your own or as a consultant for another venture or company. Students also gain valuable networking opportunities that connect them with key players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Oregon and beyond.

Is this major right for me?

If you answer “yes” to one or more of the questions below, the I&E major can help you turn them into action. 

• I want to be my own boss someday. 

• I am (or want to be) a big-picture thinker. 

• I am (or aspire to be) a doer. 

• I like to solve problems. 

• I like to get creative when solving problems. 

• I am interested in new products. 

• I am fascinated by new technology. 

• I like the idea of working on a cross-functional team. 

• I want to build a company to create wealth. 

• I want to build a company to create generational wealth. 

• I’m concerned about the future in our changing world. 

• I want to be ready for the future in our changing world.