Florida State University

What you'll study

This master’s blends core business disciplines with applied entrepreneurship. You study modules that build skills across venture creation, small-business management and operational execution. Typical subjects include:

• New Venture Creation and Business Planning – opportunity assessment, customer discovery and development of investor- and lender-ready business plans.
• Entrepreneurial Finance – funding sources for startups and small businesses, financial modelling, cash-flow management and valuation approaches relevant to early-stage firms.
• Marketing for Entrepreneurs – lean marketing, digital customer acquisition, positioning and growth-hacking tactics for constrained budgets.
• Operations and Supply Chain for Small Firms – process design, inventory and vendor management, quality and cost control in smaller-scale operations.
• Legal and Ethical Issues for Small Businesses – entity selection, contracts, intellectual property basics and regulatory compliance.
• Strategic Management and Growth – scaling strategies, strategic partnerships, exit planning and succession in family or closely held firms.
• Applied Practicum or Capstone Project – team-based projects that typically involve creating a full business plan, working with an existing small business to solve a challenge, or developing a prototype and go-to-market strategy.

The programme usually combines lectures, case discussions, workshops and experiential elements such as incubator placements, pitch practises and mentorship from local entrepreneurs. Electives allow focus on areas like social entrepreneurship, franchising, or technology commercialisation.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Typical requirements and supporting documents include:

• A completed undergraduate degree transcript showing satisfactory academic performance.
• A current CV or résumé demonstrating relevant work experience or entrepreneurial activity; professional experience can strengthen an application.
• A personal statement outlining career goals, entrepreneurial interests and reasons for pursuing the programme.
• Letters of recommendation, usually one or two, from academic or professional referees.
• Standardised test scores may be requested by some programmes, though waivers are often available for applicants with substantial professional experience or prior graduate study.

International applicants should be prepared to meet English-language proficiency requirements. Specific minimums, test requirements and any prerequisite coursework are provided by the university and can vary between intakes.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a variety of roles in the entrepreneurial and small-business ecosystem. Common career paths include:

• Founder or co‑founder of a startup or small business.
• Operations or general manager in family-owned or privately held firms.
• Business development or product manager in early-stage companies.
• Small‑business consultant or advisor, including roles with local chambers of commerce and economic development organisations.
• Venture creation specialist, accelerator or incubator manager, and roles in entrepreneurship support organisations.
• Finance roles focused on small-business lending, microfinance or early-stage investing.

The programme emphasises practical skills and networks that help graduates launch ventures, move into leadership roles within small organisations, or join support organisations that work with entrepreneurs.

Why study at Florida State University

Florida State University offers this master’s within a research-active business school in a state capital with strong links to regional industry and public-sector initiatives. Students benefit from practical learning opportunities, access to local entrepreneurial networks and internship possibilities within a vibrant start‑up and small-business community.

FSU provides career services, mentorship from experienced faculty and connections to alumni working across Florida’s business landscape. The university’s location also makes it straightforward to engage with state-level small-business support organisations, incubators and investor networks that enhance applied learning and post‑graduate employment prospects.