Engineering Entrepreneurship Southern Methodist University

Overview

The Engineering Entrepreneurship programme at Southern Methodist University provides a rigorous academic pathway for students holding a technical undergraduate degree. This Master of Science is delivered through a unique collaboration between the Lyle School of Engineering and the Cox School of Business to foster innovation.

This interdisciplinary curriculum is designed to transform engineers into business-minded leaders who can evaluate the role of emerging technologies within society. Graduates gain the practical knowledge required to navigate the complexities of bringing sophisticated technological products to the global marketplace.

The programme addresses a vital regional and national demand for highly trained managers capable of spearheading new ventures.

Why Engineering Entrepreneurship at Southern Methodist University?

A defining feature of this programme is the two-semester Technology Commercialization Studio, which is entirely unique to this institution. This studio focuses on the management of high-technology products and encourages the incubation of novel ideas originating from the university’s own research laboratories.

Students benefit from direct engagement with C-level mentors from successful medium-sized engineering firms and venture capital organisations. These industry experts provide invaluable guidance on the practicalities of fundraising, ethics, and the legal aspects of establishing a sustainable business in the modern era.

The teaching framework includes guest lectures from specialists in intellectual property and sales, ensuring a well-rounded professional education. This distinctive approach allows students to enhance their engineering expertise while simultaneously developing the strategic mindset necessary for successful entrepreneurial aspirations.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 1350 per credit
• National fee: USD 1350 per credit
• Local fee: USD 1350 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum consists of core requirements and elective options from both the engineering and business schools. Modules may include:

• Starting a Business
• Evaluating Entrepreneurial Opportunity
• Technology Commercialization Studio I
• Technology Commercialization Studio II
• Entrepreneurial Strategy

Students select additional modules from the following options:

• Global Explorations in Entrepreneurship
• Essential Law for the Entrepreneur
• Enhancing Operational Performance for Entrepreneurial Companies
• International Entrepreneurship
• Entrepreneurial Transactions: Fundings, M&A, and IPOs
• Managing the Family-Owned and Closely Held Business
• Social Media for Entrepreneurs
• Venture Financing
• Entrepreneurial Exit Strategies: LPO, Sale, IPO, Recapitalization, and Liquidation
• Corporate Entrepreneurship: Intrapreneuring
• Sustainable Urban Development and Design
• Enterprise Fundamentals
• Program and Project Management
• Marketing Engineering
• Technical Entrepreneurship
• Engineering Economics and Decision Analysis
• Engineering Management

Careers with Engineering Entrepreneurship

Graduates are prepared for high-level roles as engineering managers and founders of technology-driven startups. The programme focuses on developing the skills needed to lead new ventures and manage products with high technology content across various industrial sectors.