Florida State University

What you'll study

This programme blends core business discipline courses with specialised subjects focused on small firms and new ventures. Alongside foundational study in accounting, finance, marketing, management and business law, you will take modules that cover:

• New venture creation – idea generation, opportunity assessment and business model development.
• Small business management – day-to-day operations, human resources for small firms and growth strategies.
• Entrepreneurial finance – funding sources, financial forecasting, valuation and cash‑flow management for startups and small businesses.
• Marketing for entrepreneurs – lean marketing, customer discovery, digital strategies and branding on limited budgets.
• Feasibility analysis and business planning – market research, competitive analysis and preparing investor-ready plans.
• Operations and supply chain basics – process design and resource management for small-scale operations.
• Legal and ethical issues – entity selection, contracts, intellectual property and regulatory considerations relevant to small enterprises.
• Capstone and practicum – applied projects, consulting assignments or a business launch supported by faculty supervision.

General education requirements complement the major, and students typically have opportunities to choose electives in areas such as social entrepreneurship, technology commercialisation, family business management and data analytics. The curriculum emphasises experiential learning through practicum courses, internships and project work with community businesses.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent and meet Florida State University's undergraduate admission requirements. Typical expectations include a solid academic record in college-preparatory subjects and coursework in mathematics and English. Admission to the College of Business or the entrepreneurship major may require meeting additional internal criteria related to GPA or completion of prerequisite business foundation courses.

Transfer applicants are assessed on college-level coursework and cumulative GPA; those with prior business or related credits may receive advanced standing. International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English and submit documents equivalent to the US secondary-school qualifications. Applicants should consult the university's admissions pages for the most current application components and documentation guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of career paths in small business and entrepreneurial environments. Common roles include:

• Founder or co‑founder of a start‑up or small enterprise
• Small business manager or operations manager
• Business development or growth manager in early‑stage companies
• Franchise owner or manager
• Consultant specialising in small business strategy and operations
• Roles in finance, marketing and product management within SMEs

Many graduates also pursue further study such as a master’s in business administration or specialised master’s degrees, or they join incubators and accelerator programmes to scale ventures. The programme’s practical orientation helps build a portfolio of real projects and professional contacts valuable in the job market.

Why study at Florida State University

Florida State University offers this degree within a comprehensive College of Business that combines academic rigour with experiential learning. Students benefit from access to faculty with applied entrepreneurship experience, business labs and project-based courses that connect classroom learning to community companies and startups. Located in the state capital, the university provides networking and internship opportunities across public, private and not-for-profit sectors, as well as a broad alumni community across Florida and beyond.

The programme emphasises practical skill development — from business planning and financial modelling to pitching and growth execution — helping graduates move directly into entrepreneurial roles or add value to existing organisations seeking to innovate and grow.