Stephen M. Ross School of Business’s one-year master of entrepreneurship degree

A number of Hong Kong-based business programmes are now offering modules which focus on launching start-ups and turning good ideas into viable enterprises, but in this respect the University of Michigan can claim to be at least one step ahead.

Their Stephen M. Ross School of Business has already introduced a one-year master of entrepreneurship degree, which is attracting widespread interest and fast increasing list of applicants.  

Taught in collaboration with the College of Engineering, the programme aims to give students the knowledge, tools and advice to convert their own concept into a standalone business and uses a practical, action-based approach, not just theory and talk about what others have done.

“The degree is oriented towards people with technical bent and a clear idea or interest they want to commercialise,” says Alison Davis-Blake, dean of the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. “They usually have a background in science and engineering, but relatively little work experience, and the plan is that people emerge with a qualification and a new business.”

Alison Davis-Blake, dean of the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business

A good example is the member of last year’s first intake who worked on a low-cost, high-effectiveness warmer for premature infants in less developed countries, where an incubator may not be available. As a form of blanket, it uses a particular technology to meet an obvious need and is already gaining significant “traction”.