University of Vermont

What you'll study

This programme blends core business disciplines with applied entrepreneurship and small‑business management. You study accounting, finance, marketing, operations and organisational behaviour alongside specialised entrepreneurship topics and a range of experiential learning activities.

• Core business foundations: financial accounting, managerial accounting, principles of finance, marketing management, operations management and business law.
• Entrepreneurship and small‑business modules: new venture creation, small business management, entrepreneurial finance, opportunity recognition and business model design.
• Practical and applied learning: business planning and feasibility, practicum projects with local small firms, internships, and a capstone or practicum where students pitch and implement ventures.
• Electives and interdisciplinary options: social entrepreneurship, sustainable business, digital marketing, product development, and courses from related disciplines such as environmental studies or engineering to support sector‑specific enterprises.
• Skills and professional development: negotiation, leadership, project management, pitching, and use of data for decision making.

Teaching methods typically include classroom lectures, case studies, workshops, guest speakers from the Burlington startup community, team projects and client‑facing consulting assignments.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised secondary school qualification and demonstrate academic readiness for undergraduate study in business. Typical offers reflect academic achievement and evidence of motivation for entrepreneurship.

• Academic qualifications: A completed high‑school diploma or equivalent; applicants from systems using A‑levels, IB or national curricula should present credentials meeting standard undergraduate admission criteria.
• Subject background: evidence of numeracy — mathematics or statistics at secondary level is recommended. Courses or activities showing business interest (such as school business clubs, projects or work experience) strengthen an application.
• Supporting materials: a personal statement outlining entrepreneurial interests and goals, and a CV or résumé. References or school reports are normally required.
• International applicants: proof of English language proficiency where English is not the primary language of prior education.

Admissions decisions consider academic record alongside extracurricular experience and potential for success in an applied, team‑oriented programme. Standardised test submission policies may vary; check the university's admissions guidance for current practice.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of careers in small and medium enterprises, start‑ups and entrepreneurial roles in larger organisations. The emphasis on practical skills and local engagement supports immediate employability.

• Founding or co‑founding start‑ups and scaling small businesses.
• Small business management and operations roles, including general manager or operations manager positions.
• Business development, sales and marketing roles focused on growth for independent firms.
• Consulting for small business clients, including strategy, finance and operations advisory.
• Roles in incubators, accelerators, venture support organisations and economic development agencies.
• Pursuing further study in business, management, or specialised areas such as innovation or social enterprise.

Why study at University of Vermont

The University of Vermont’s business programmes are delivered through its business school and benefit from strong ties to Vermont’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Students gain access to local incubators, mentorship from alumni and practitioners, and opportunities to work with community businesses in Burlington and across the state.

• Experiential focus: the curriculum emphasises hands‑on projects, internships and capstone experiences that let students apply learning to real ventures.
• Local ecosystem: proximity to a vibrant small‑business community, startup support organisations and regional networks provides practical opportunities and local mentors.
• Interdisciplinary options: students can combine entrepreneurship study with subjects such as environmental studies, engineering or communications to develop sector‑specific expertise.
• Career support: dedicated career services, alumni networks and connections with regional businesses help graduates transition into entrepreneurial roles or positions within small enterprises.

Overall, the programme is suited to pragmatic, creative students who want the skills and experience to launch or lead small businesses and to work within the entrepreneurial landscape of Vermont and beyond.