University of Dayton

What you'll study

This master’s programme combines core business fundamentals with practical, entrepreneur-focused modules. Typical topics include venture creation and business planning, small business finance and accounting, marketing for entrepreneurs, operations and supply chain management for small firms, legal and ethical issues in entrepreneurship, innovation and product development, and strategic growth for family and owner-managed businesses.

• Venture creation and business plan development
• Financial management for small enterprises and fundraising
• Marketing strategy and digital marketing tailored to startups
• Operations management, process improvement and scaling
• Business law, contracts and regulatory compliance for small firms
• Innovation management, product development and customer discovery
• Capstone project or practicum involving a real client, new venture or consulting engagement

Teaching emphasises applied learning: case studies, simulations, consulting projects, and opportunities to work with local entrepreneurs and incubators. Many students complete a capstone that results in an investor-ready business plan or a hands-on operational improvement for a small business.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in any discipline. Relevant professional experience, ownership or management of a small business, or significant entrepreneurial activity can strengthen an application. Typical application materials include a CV or résumé, academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining career goals and entrepreneurial interests, and one or more letters of recommendation.

Standardised test requirements (such as the GMAT or GRE) may be waived for candidates with demonstrated professional experience or a strong undergraduate record; international applicants typically need to provide proof of English language proficiency where applicable. Specific prerequisite coursework (for example in accounting or statistics) may be recommended for candidates without a business background.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of roles within startups, small and family-run businesses, or entrepreneurial units of larger corporations. Common career paths include:

• Founder or co‑founder of new ventures
• Small business manager or operator
• Business development or growth manager for SMEs
• Family business adviser or succession planner
• Consultant specialising in startup strategy, operations or finance
• Roles in incubators, accelerators, and economic development organisations

The programme’s practical components and local business connections also support those seeking to test an idea, secure early-stage investment, or move into entrepreneurial roles within established organisations.

Why study at University of Dayton

The University of Dayton offers a student-centred environment with a strong emphasis on experiential learning and community engagement. The business school’s close links with regional small business ecosystems provide students with hands-on consulting projects, internships and networking opportunities with entrepreneurs and investors in the Dayton-Cincinnati corridor.

Students benefit from small cohort sizes, personalised mentoring from faculty with practical and academic experience in entrepreneurship, and access to university resources such as student-run enterprises and venture support services. The university’s values-driven approach emphasises ethical leadership and social responsibility, which is particularly relevant for those running or advising small and family businesses.