Grand Valley State University

What you'll study

This programme combines core business fundamentals with specialised entrepreneurship and small-business coursework. Early semesters build a foundation in accounting, finance, marketing and management; later terms focus on venture creation, operations and growth strategies.

• Core business modules: Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Principles of Marketing, Principles of Management, Business Finance, Business Law and Economics.
• Entrepreneurship and small-business modules: New Venture Creation, Small Business Management, Business Plan Development, Financing the Entrepreneurial Venture, Innovation and Creativity, Franchising and Family Business Management.
• Operations and growth: Operations Management, Supply Chain Fundamentals, Project Management for Small Firms, Strategic Management for Entrepreneurs.
• Digital and customer-facing skills: Digital Marketing and E‑commerce, Sales Strategy, Customer Experience and Brand Development.
• Experiential learning: Internships or practicum placements with small firms, consultancy projects for local businesses, student-run venture incubators and a capstone project that typically results in a formal business plan or live pilot.
• Electives and concentrations: Students may select electives in social entrepreneurship, sustainability, international entrepreneurship or technology commercialisation to tailor the degree to career goals.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent. Admissions decisions typically consider academic performance (GPA), recommended preparatory subjects such as mathematics and English, and the overall strength of the application.

• Competitive academic record in high-school coursework; completion of college-preparatory subjects is preferred.
• Standardised test scores (SAT/ACT) may be optional depending on the university's current admissions policy — check the university for the latest guidance.
• Practical experience such as work in a family business, self-employment, volunteering in a business role, or extracurricular leadership is advantageous.
• Personal statement or essay describing entrepreneurial interests and career goals; some applicants benefit from submitting a resume or portfolio of relevant projects.
• International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements and provide recognised academic credential evaluations where applicable.

Career prospects

Graduates typically pursue a range of roles in small and mid-sized businesses, start-ups and corporate innovation units. The programme emphasises transferable, practice-oriented skills that support entrepreneurship and operational leadership.

• Start-up founder or co‑founder — launch and grow new ventures across sectors.
• Small business owner or operator — manage day-to-day operations, finance and customer relationships.
• Operations or business development manager — optimise processes, scale operations and lead growth initiatives.
• Consultant for small enterprises or community economic development organisations.
• Roles in sales, marketing, e-commerce and product management within entrepreneurial teams.
• Pathways to graduate study such as an MBA or specialised master’s degrees in entrepreneurship, innovation or supply chain management.

Why study at Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley State University’s business programmes are housed within a college that emphasises experiential learning and strong community engagement. Students benefit from hands-on projects, internship connections with the Grand Rapids and West Michigan business community, and access to campus entrepreneurship activities.

• Practical focus: coursework is linked to real ventures through internships, client projects and capstone experiences.
• Regional ecosystem: proximity to a diverse small-business community and a growing entrepreneurial scene provides networking and placement opportunities.
• Support services: students can access career services, mentoring from faculty with industry experience and student clubs that run pitch competitions and incubator activities.
• Flexible study options: elective choices and experiential credits let students tailor the degree to interests such as social entrepreneurship, technology commercialisation or family business management.