Social Entrepreneurship

Catalog description

This course explores how entrepreneurial thinking and venture development can be applied to address complex social challenges. Students will examine how social entrepreneurs identify and respond to systemic issues such as inequality, access to resources, and community development by designing sustainable, impact-driven solutions. Drawing on both theoretical frameworks and real-world examples, the course introduces students to key concepts in social entrepreneurship, including systems thinking, social impact, ethical decision-making, and sustainable venture models. Through a semester-long team-based project, students will collaboratively develop a social venture or initiative that addresses a clearly defined social problem, moving from problem analysis to solution design and implementation planning. Emphasis is placed on understanding root causes, evaluating impact, balancing mission and sustainability, and effectively communicating solutions to stakeholders. Students will leave the course with the tools to critically analyze social challenges and apply entrepreneurial approaches to create meaningful and lasting change.