Loyola University Chicago

What you'll study

This programme blends core business fundamentals with practical, entrepreneur-focused coursework and experiential projects. Students study accounting, finance, marketing and operations alongside specialised subjects that address the lifecycle of small ventures, from opportunity recognition through growth and exit strategies.

• Core business foundations: financial accounting, managerial accounting, corporate finance, organisational behaviour and business law to build a solid management base.
• Entrepreneurship and small business modules: new venture creation, small business management, entrepreneurial finance, growth strategies and family business management.
• Marketing and analytics: digital and small-business marketing, market research, customer discovery and data-driven decision making for resource-constrained firms.
• Operations and strategy: operations management for small enterprises, supply chain fundamentals, strategic planning and competitive analysis tailored to SMEs.
• Social and sustainable entrepreneurship: courses on mission-driven ventures, social enterprise models and ethical decision making rooted in Loyola's Jesuit tradition.
• Experiential learning: practicum or capstone project working with local startups, internships in Chicago businesses, pitch competitions and mentorship from alumni and industry partners.
• Electives and special topics: franchising, e-commerce, negotiation, technology commercialisation and opportunities to take cross-disciplinary electives.

Entry requirements

Admission is competitive and looks for evidence of academic ability, initiative and fit with the programme. Requirements typically include:

• High school diploma or equivalent with a strong academic record in secondary education.
• Submission of official transcripts and the university's application form; standardised test scores may be optional depending on university policy.
• Personal statement or essay outlining interest in entrepreneurship and relevant experiences, such as extracurricular projects, work or volunteer roles.
• Letters of recommendation from teachers, counsellors or employers that speak to academic potential and leadership.
• For transfer applicants, college transcripts and evidence of completed college-level coursework; relevant work or business experience is beneficial.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or qualifications where required and provide credential evaluations if needed.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with practical skills to start and grow businesses or to take entrepreneurial roles within existing organisations. Career paths commonly pursued by alumni include:

• Founder or co‑founder of startups and small businesses across sectors such as retail, technology, hospitality and professional services.
• Business development or growth manager for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
• Operations manager or general manager in family-owned businesses and franchises.
• Roles in venture support ecosystems: incubators, accelerators, entrepreneurship centres and small-business advisory services.
• Financial and strategic consultant for small enterprises, or roles in community development and nonprofit organisations focused on economic development.
• Careers in corporate innovation or intrapreneurship, applying startup thinking inside larger firms.

Why study at Loyola University Chicago

Loyola's Quinlan School of Business combines an applied business curriculum with the advantages of a major American city. Students benefit from strong links to Chicago's diverse startup and small-business community, opportunities for internships and client projects, and mentorship from faculty who bring both academic and practical experience.

The university emphasises ethical leadership and social responsibility, giving entrepreneurship students a framework for creating ventures that consider community impact and long-term sustainability. Small-class experiences, experiential learning through practicum and pitches, and a supportive alumni network help graduates move from ideas to viable enterprises or leadership roles in existing organisations.