Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)

What you'll study

The programme blends core business fundamentals with specialised entrepreneurship and small-business topics. You will study accounting, finance, marketing, management, and business law alongside entrepreneurship-focused modules such as small business management, venture planning, new venture finance, e-commerce and digital marketing, family business considerations, and legal issues for entrepreneurs.

Typical elements include:

• Introductory and intermediate courses in accounting, finance and economics to build financial literacy for business decision-making.
• Marketing principles and digital marketing strategies tailored to limited-resource firms.
• Courses on new venture creation: opportunity recognition, business model development, feasibility analysis and business plan preparation.
• Operational topics covering small business operations, supply chain basics and service operations.
• Legal and ethical issues affecting small businesses, including contracts, intellectual property and regulatory compliance.
• Experiential learning through practicum projects, internships with local firms, business plan competitions and applied consulting assignments.
• Capstone or senior project in which students develop and present a comprehensive venture plan or complete a consultancy engagement for a small business.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised high school diploma or equivalent and submit an official transcript. Admission typically considers academic preparation in college-preparatory subjects, overall secondary school performance and any submitted test scores where applicable. Mature and transfer applicants must provide college transcripts; transfer admission decisions may require a minimum cumulative collegiate GPA and completion of certain prerequisite courses.

International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or other approved qualifications. Prospective students are encouraged to consult MTSU admissions for programme-specific prerequisites, required documentation and any portfolio or interview expectations for experiential components.

Career prospects

Graduates are equipped to launch and operate their own ventures, take leadership roles in family businesses, or work in entrepreneurial functions within larger organisations. Common career paths include:

• Small business owner or founder
• Business development or product manager in start-ups and SMEs
• Operations or general manager for small firms
• Franchise ownership and management
• Consultant or advisor specialising in small-business strategy, marketing or finance
• Roles in community economic development organisations and non-profit enterprises

Many graduates also use the degree as a springboard to postgraduate study in business, entrepreneurship or related professional qualifications.

Why study at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)

MTSU offers a hands-on, applied approach to entrepreneurship education, emphasising experiential learning and local engagement. Its location near a dynamic regional economy provides access to a broad small-business community and internship opportunities with a range of enterprises. Students benefit from practical learning opportunities such as internships, practicum projects and business competitions that connect classroom learning to real-world challenges.

Additional advantages include access to university career services, faculty with practical business experience, and collaborative learning in a mid-sized public university environment that supports student entrepreneurship through mentorship and community partnerships.