Chatham University

What you'll study

The curriculum emphasises applied skills for launching, operating and growing small enterprises. Core topics typically include business planning and venture creation, small-business financial management, marketing for entrepreneurs, operations and supply-chain fundamentals, legal and ethical issues in small business, and leadership and organisational behaviour for lean teams. Students also study innovation and product development, digital marketing and customer acquisition, and metrics for small-business performance.

Learning is often project-based and culminates in a practicum or capstone project in which students prepare a comprehensive business plan, prototype a product or service, or work with an existing small business to tackle a strategic challenge. Coursework combines classroom discussion, case studies, simulations and experiential activities such as pitch workshops, client engagements and connections to the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Electives and special topics give students scope to explore areas such as social entrepreneurship, franchising, e-commerce operations, and family business dynamics. The programme is structured to accommodate full-time and part-time study, and faculty mentoring and career support are integrated into the student experience.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Admissions assessment typically considers the applicant’s academic record, professional experience and motivation for graduate study. Typical application materials include a CV or résumé, personal statement outlining entrepreneurial goals and interests, and academic transcripts. Some applicants may be asked to provide references or participate in an interview.

Relevant work experience in business, start‑ups, non‑profits or family enterprises is beneficial and can strengthen an application, especially for candidates without a business undergraduate degree. International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements as specified by the university. Specific course prerequisites are minimal, but coursework or experience in basic accounting and statistics will help students succeed.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a range of careers that centre on small organisations and new ventures. Common outcomes include starting or scaling a small business, taking leadership roles in family enterprises, and working as operations managers, business development managers or product managers in SMEs. Alumni also work as consultants advising early-stage companies, franchise operators, or managers in social enterprises and community organisations.

The programme is particularly useful for professionals seeking to move from specialist roles into general management of small firms, for founders wanting to professionalise their operations and finance, and for intrapreneurs leading innovation projects within larger organisations. The practical portfolio or capstone project produced during study often serves as a launching pad for investment discussions or pilot initiatives.

Why study at Chatham University

Chatham offers a small, cohort-oriented learning environment that emphasises applied learning and personalised faculty mentorship. The university’s location provides access to a regional business ecosystem with active startup support organisations, incubators and industry partnerships, enabling students to test ideas and build local networks.

Students benefit from career and entrepreneurial support services, including mentoring, pitch events and connections to alumni who operate or advise small businesses. The programme’s interdisciplinary approach draws on business, sustainability and community engagement perspectives, preparing graduates to build resilient, mission-aligned ventures as well as commercially focused small companies.