Eastern Michigan University

What you'll study

This undergraduate programme combines core business fundamentals with specialised courses in entrepreneurship and small business management. You study accounting, finance, marketing, management and business law alongside entrepreneurship-focused topics such as new venture creation, growth strategies, small business operations, opportunity recognition, and family business issues. Practical, applied learning is emphasised through case studies, business planning projects, and experiential courses that may include a practicum or capstone project. Typical modules and subjects include:

• Introduction to Entrepreneurship — opportunity recognition, business models and lean start-up methods.
• Small Business Management — day-to-day operations, staffing, and customer relationship management in small firms.
• Financial Accounting and Managerial Accounting — reading financial statements, budgeting and cost analysis for small enterprises.
• Business Finance for Entrepreneurs — financing options, cashflow management and valuation for young firms.
• Marketing for Small Businesses — target marketing, digital marketing basics, branding and low-budget promotion strategies.
• Operations and Supply Chain — process design, inventory and quality management relevant to small-scale operations.
• Business Law and Ethics — legal structures, contracts, regulatory compliance and ethical issues facing entrepreneurs.
• New Venture Planning / Capstone — development of a full business plan or launch project, often presented to faculty and community stakeholders.
• Electives and Experiential Options — social entrepreneurship, family business management, e-commerce, internships, and community-based consulting projects.

Alongside coursework, students are encouraged to use campus entrepreneurship resources, participate in student clubs and pursue internships in the regional small business and start-up community to build a portfolio of practical experience.

Programme structure

The degree follows a combination of general education requirements, business core courses offered by the College of Business, and concentration electives in entrepreneurship and small business operations. The programme typically culminates in a capstone or practicum where students apply accumulated knowledge to a real business challenge or new venture plan.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to meet Eastern Michigan University’s undergraduate admission standards, which include completion of secondary school qualifications or an equivalent qualification for international students. Typical applicants present a college-preparatory high school curriculum with courses in mathematics and English; successful applicants often have involvement in extracurricular activities, part‑time work, or early business experience. Transfer students should provide college transcripts demonstrating satisfactory academic standing.

International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements as set by the university. Additional programme-specific admissions information—such as prerequisites, portfolio requirements for experiential placement, or advisement interviews—may be available from the College of Business.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of roles in small businesses, start-ups and corporate innovation teams. Common career paths include:

• Small business owner or founder — launching and operating independent enterprises across sectors.
• Business development or growth manager — identifying opportunities and partnerships to expand young companies.
• Operations or office manager — overseeing daily processes, supply chain and staffing in small firms.
• Marketing coordinator for SMEs — developing and executing cost‑effective marketing strategies.
• Franchise manager or franchisee — managing franchise operations or evaluating franchise opportunities.
• Consultant or advisor for small businesses — providing practical guidance on finance, marketing and operations.
• Roles in non-profit and social enterprises — applying entrepreneurial skills to mission-driven organisations.

The programme’s emphasis on applied projects, internships and local business engagement helps students build networks and practical experience valued by employers and investors.

Why study at Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan University offers this programme within a business school that emphasises experiential learning and regional engagement. Students benefit from access to faculty with practical business experience, opportunities for internships in the Detroit–Metro area, and campus resources that support new ventures and community partnerships. The location close to a major metropolitan economy provides exposure to a diverse range of small businesses, start-up support organisations and potential clients or employers. Smaller class sizes compared with larger metropolitan universities allow for personalised advising and collaboration with faculty on applied projects, helping students develop the practical skills needed to launch or manage a successful small enterprise.