Applications are now open for 2027 cohorts of the Strategic Innovation and Entrepreneurship Graduate Certificate, with start dates in January, April, July and October. The next application deadline is October 12, 2026.

Turning an innovative idea into a thriving, sustainable business takes more than just business smarts—it requires a unique set of skills that many top professionals don’t yet have.

The Strategic Innovation and Entrepreneurship Graduate Certificate helps students develop the visionary, technical and strategic skills they need to build, promote and lead businesses in any industry.

This certificate is ideal for working professionals at all levels who want to learn how to start or grow a business.

Whether they seek to start their own business or expand an existing startup, students in the certificate program have the flexibility to work full-time while gaining valuable entrepreneurship experience.

Students who enroll in this online strategic innovation and entrepreneurship certificate program will learn how to apply core principles to their own business plans, including new venture discovery and corporate strategy for entrepreneurs and sales.

They will also learn how to identify potentially lucrative and financially viable enterprise opportunities; refine and develop their strategies to secure venture capital funding and other sources of capital; and expand their initial business vision over time.

If necessary, students may take time off between courses while completing their certificate program; however, all courses must be completed within 18 months.

All coursework is completed 100% online, with no in-person requirements.

Students are required to complete a total of 12 credits to earn a Graduate Certificate in Strategic Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

The Strategic Innovation and Entrepreneurship Graduate Certificate is offered through The Graduate School at UNC-Chapel Hill. Certificate applicants submit the same core materials as Online MBA applicants, including a current resume and transcripts, with a streamlined set of requirements:

One letter of recommendation
One essay, if required
No GMAT or GRE scores required. Applicants with five or more years of professional work experience will submit a GMAT waiver with their application.

Upcoming application deadlines:

Applications are submitted through the UNC Graduate School’s online application portal. To get started:

Questions about the application? An enrollment specialist can walk you through each step of the process.

Certificate students will learn from professors who also teach in UNC Kenan-Flagler’s other top-ranked MBA programs.¹ Learn more about our featured faculty members.

To learn more about graduate certificate programs, request information today.