Be a Force for Good
The majority of college students say making a positive difference through their job is an important life goal. Gain in-demand 21st century human and business skills required to create change by pairing any non-business major with the Business Minor in Social Innovation. This program provides the tools necessary to establish a meaningful career at a social enterprise, sustainable business, nonprofit, or government agency.
The 28-credit Business Minor in Social Innovation teaches students how to design and apply creative concepts to environmental and social issues of their choice. Students are instructed by experienced and practicing social entrepreneurs, interact with leading experts, and work with peer mentors to develop impactful solutions. Gain experience required to create a clear pathway to employment at social enterprises, B Corps, sustainable businesses, and nonprofits or a venture of your choice.
PSU is one of only 50 institutions around the world recognized by Ashoka U as a Changemaker Campus for excellence in teaching social innovation.
- Double Dip. All 300-level courses also count toward the Design Thinking/Innovation/Entrepreneurship University Studies Cluster, and all 400-level courses also count toward the Certificate in Social Innovation in Social Entrepreneurship, allowing students to optimize class time and credit hours while advancing to their career of choice.
- Take the Lead. With a focus on leadership and purpose, the Business Minor in Social Innovation combines business and management essentials in a well-rounded program that informs students of effective leadership practices. Upon completion of this minor, students will expand their business skillset, enhance their teamwork capabilities, improve their communication, and learn startup methodologies.
- Make a Difference. The Business Minor in Social Innovation encourages students to use their business expertise to influence change. The three upper-division management courses motivate students to develop new strategies and solutions that produce social and environmental benefits. The program guides students through a transformational and personally meaningful learning experience to become a successful social entrepreneur or intrapreneur.
Business Minor in Social Innovation Highlights
- Available to all non-business majors
- Focused on leadership, sustainability, and making a difference
- Can be completed in one year
- The three 300-level courses also count towards the Design Thinking/Innovation/Entrepreneurship University Studies Cluster
- The 400-level courses also count towards the Certificate in Social Innovation in Social Entrepreneurship, allowing students to optimize class time and credit hours while advancing to their career of choice
The Business Minor in Social Innovation is designed to teach sought-after skills to students who strive to be changemakers. The seven courses inform students of business planning, finance, marketing, management, leadership, and critical thinking so that they can start an impactful career in any field. Program learning objectives include:
- Understand and develop effective leadership practices
- Create a solution with the Business Model Canvas
- Learn about funding for social ventures
- Use approachable financial modeling tools
- Practice storytelling techniques to market ideas effectively
- Understand the language of business
- Develop ideas directed towards social and environmental benefits
Curriculum
The core courses teach some of the most sought-after skills by employers across sectors. Download the Business Minor in Social Innovation sequence sheet (PDF) for additional details about our pre-requisites, requirements, credits and suggested sequences.
- Tailored to your interests
- Double-dip your business minor credits
- Access to School of Business student organizations
- Get customized career resources from the School of Business Career Center
- Get access to Grammarly Premium and loaner laptops
Accreditation
Portland State University is fully accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).