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Social Entrepreneurship (Undergraduate Certificate)

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Build Business for the Common Good

Social entrepreneurship uses entrepreneurial methods to address social, community or environmental challenges through solutions designed to be both impactful and sustainable.

The Undergraduate Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship prepares you to use business to create positive change. Through purpose-driven coursework, experiential learning and human-centered approaches that thoughtfully integrate AI, you'll develop innovative, sustainable solutions.

Learn to build with communities, not simply for them, while considering impact, sustainability, ethics and economic viability.

Program Overview

Certificate Information and Courses

Through the Undergraduate Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship, you will develop innovative solutions through hands-on coursework and community-engaged consulting projects.

The certificate culminates in MGT 431: Venture for Change Accelerator, where students develop, test and advance a solution designed to create measurable social and economic value.

Whether you want to launch a social venture, support a mission-driven organization or lead with purpose in any industry, this certificate prepares you to make an impact.

Required Courses

  • MGT 101: Entrepreneurial, Innovative and Creative Mindsets*
  • MGT 318 or MGT 320: Feasibility and Finance in Entrepreneurship
  • MGT 431: Venture for Change Accelerator

*For undergraduate business students, MGT 101 is already included in the business core, meaning the certificate may require only two additional courses, depending on a student's academic program and degree requirements.

Starting in Fall 2026, students can visit the Catalog to view additional details about the Undergraduate Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship, including requirements, prerequisites and course descriptions.

Create Impact Beyond the Classroom

Certificate students may also choose to explore related opportunities outside of the classroom available through the L. William Crotty Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, including:

  • Flyer Enterprises — Gain leadership experience in one of the nation's largest student-run businesses.
  • Flyer Consulting — Partner with businesses and nonprofit organizations to solve real client challenges.
  • Flyer Angels — Explore venture capital and evaluate startup investment opportunities.
  • Flyer Pitch — Develop and pitch innovative business and social venture ideas.
  • Entrepreneur workshops, networking events and mentorship opportunities that connect students with entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders.

Together, these experiences help students strengthen leadership, communication and problem-solving skills, expand their professional networks and graduate prepared to create meaningful impact in their communities and careers.

How to Enroll

This certificate is only open to degree-seeking undergraduate students enrolled at the University of Dayton.

UD students can collaborate with their holistic academic advisor to determine how the certificate may fit within their degree plan. Students are encouraged to begin discussing their academic and professional goals early, even during New Student Orientation.

Designed for students pursuing majors across the University, the certificate helps participants apply entrepreneurial and socially innovative thinking within their own disciplines, careers and communities.