Penn State is accepting applications for the graduate certificate in corporate innovation and entrepreneurship, which is being offered online through Penn State World Campus by the Smeal College of Business. The certificate consists of 12 credits. The first course will be offered in January, the start of the university’s spring 2018 semester.

The certificate is aimed at employees who have a background in a field such as science or engineering and need a business perspective, or those working in business roles who wish to delve deeper into how to foster corporate innovation. The certificate will give them the strategic and operational perspectives required to lead innovation, said Shawn Clark, clinical professor with Penn State Smeal and the director of its Farrell Center for Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

“Companies increasingly need managers and executives who have innovation skills to develop new products and services in a team or organizational context,” Clark said. “Companies understand they must innovate to survive and flourish.”

In the first course, students will learn the fundamentals of innovation and entrepreneurship. Students will go on to complete courses on the topics of creating new business ventures; innovation and emerging trends; and strategies to implement the policies and procedures needed to lead innovation.

Visit the Penn State World Campus website for information about the new certificate.