The Princeton Review included Michigan State University on its list of top 25 undergraduate entrepreneurship programs in the nation, cementing its position as an entrepreneurial hub and a leading institution for innovation.
MSU’s entrepreneurship and innovation, or E&I, minor launched in 2016 and is considered one of the fastest-growing minors in the university’s history. The E&I minor, which welcomes undergraduates from all of MSU’s disciplines, has nearly 600 students currently enrolled.
“We launched our undergraduate E&I minor with the goal of creating a culture of entrepreneurship at MSU. Being recognized by the Princeton Review confirms that we are well on our way,” said Neil Kane, director of undergraduate entrepreneurship. “This recognition highlights the breadth of what we offer to students at MSU – from an undergraduate minor in entrepreneurship and innovation to a student incubator to a summer accelerator to a venture capital fund, we’re supported by participation from all undergraduate colleges.”
Beyond the E&I minor and 50 entrepreneurship-related undergraduate courses, MSU’s student offerings include participation in national startup competitions like SXSW (South by Southwest), mentoring opportunities with successful alumni entrepreneurs, student organizations and clubs, and facilities for students to innovate and experience the entrepreneurial mindset firsthand.
“We had nearly 4,500 students participate in our academic entrepreneurship courses last year, including 681 students who were earning the minor in entrepreneurship and innovation representing 129 unique majors across all colleges. This breadth is what sets MSU apart,” Kane said.
In addition to appearing on The Princeton Review’s 13th annual ranking, Entrepreneur magazine featured the top-ranked programs in an exclusive feature.
“The colleges on our list have truly superb entrepreneurship programs,” said Robert Franek, The Princeton Review's editor-in-chief. “Their faculties are genuinely engaged in entrepreneurism. Their courses are rich with in-class and out-of-class experiential components, and the financial and networking support their students receive via donors and alumni is extraordinary.”
To compile the 2019 ranking, The Princeton Review surveyed more than 300 schools offering entrepreneurial studies across data points related to scholarships and grants, successful alumni entrepreneurs and faculty support.