Business & Management Graduate Programs

Master of Arts in Social Entrepreneurship

The Master of Arts in Social Entrepreneurship teaches students to use innovative business management skills to solve social problems and create sustainable, effective organizations. Students learn together in a cohort model, mentored by high quality, caring professors. Graduates from this program will be qualified to lead a nonprofit organization, advise business leaders on best practices for social impact programs or start their own social venture. The 32 semester credit program can be completed in 20 months at a tuition cost of less than $20,000.

Northwest University has distinct advantages from other schools. Our small size insures that you are an integral part of a learning community, not just a number. In each course, you will engage in experiential learning with your peers. You will be challenged to consider global perspectives. You will develop and refine a variety of relevant management and communication skills. You will learn to think critically about the complexities of leadership. You will become more competent in your ability to decide and take action. Finally, because we are a Christian institution, your learning opportunities will be centered in the context of a distinctive, ethically responsible worldview.

Social Entrepreneurship Overview

A “social entrepreneur” is an innovator who recognizes a social problem and uses entrepreneurial business principles to organize, create, and manage a venture to create social change. Examples of social entrepreneurship include local, national and global programs that promote literacy, economic development, housing, medical services, and counseling, as well as ministries that address spiritual needs. In this Masters level program, students learn to use business management skills to solve social problems and create sustainable and effective organizations.

Career opportunities for graduates include:

Starting a new profit or non-profit social venture
Leading or managing an established non-profit or ministry organization
Serving as the executive pastor of a large church
Advising business leaders on best practices for social impact programs

Program components

9 courses (27 credits)
3 of the 27 credits can be taken as electives in other graduate programs at Northwest (MBA, Graduate Psychology, Ministry)
Additional 5 credits for a Social Enterprise Project, completed during the program
Cohort model
2 courses will be offered concurrent with the MBA program
Each course is taken one at a time
Only one night per week for class session (a few Saturday half-days)
Entire program can be completed in 20 months

Requirements

A Bachelor of Arts or Science (or equivalent degree) from a regionally accredited college or university
A minimum of a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale on all previous college work
A completed Application packet
International students whose native language is not English must submit a minimum score of 580 on the TOEFL Exam as part of the application process
The GMAT is not required

Curriculum

First Year

Fall

Orientation
Leadership Development (3)
Organizational Management (3)
Social Enterprise Project (1)

Spring

Social Enterprise (3)
Project Management (3)
Social Enterprise Project (1)

Summer

Special Topic (3) or Elective (3)
Social Enterprise Project (1)

Second Year

Fall

Entrepreneurial Finance (3)
Marketing for Social Ventures (3)
Social Enterprise Project (1)

Spring

Public Policy Advocacy, Law and Ethics (3)
Management of Non-Profits (3)
Social Enterprise Project (1)

Calendar

Fall Semester	2010
Registration Deadline	8/1
Orientation	9/2
Classes Begin	9/9

Programs