Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Through three dynamic courses, UCSC’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship pathway offers college students practical skills and knowledge essential for thriving in today’s job market while also receiving the support and expertise needed to kickstart their entrepreneurial ventures. Get ready to stand out to employers and make your mark in the world of entrepreneurship.
Students have the flexibility to enroll in individual courses offered within the pathway, but students who complete the entire series will receive a recognition of their completion. These courses are open to UC Santa Cruz students, students from other UC campuses, and visiting summer-only students.
Students have the flexibility to enroll in individual courses offered within the pathway, even if they don’t plan to complete the entire series. Course are open to UC Santa Cruz and visiting summer-only students.
Intent to Complete Pathway Form – Submit by the end of week 3 of your second course.
Completion Form – Submit by the end of week 3 of your third course.
Note: The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Pathway has been established by UCSC’s Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurial Development (CIED) and Crown College. On finishing the third required course, students will receive a certificate of completion from the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurial Development.
Innovation & Entrepreneurship Courses
These synchronous online courses can be taken in any order.
Course 1
Start-up Entrepreneurship Academy
(Synchronous online)
Introduction to the basics of setting up a start-up company using the Lean Launchpad/NSF I-Corps model of instruction. Students learn the principles of data collection, marketing processes, and resources needed for new companies. The class is articulated around the design of a business plan in groups of 4-5 students coached by a successful entrepreneur and culminates in a presentation.
Course 2
Fundamentals of Starting and Scaling an Organization
(Synchronous online)
Touches on the main operational facets of starting and scaling an organization. Students from all disciplines are welcome and encouraged to approach this class within the framework of their own career and business goals. For those who wish to start and scale companies or those who desire to work in fast-paced and high-growth industries, this course hopes to illustrate the fundamental systems and practices that underpin the creation of new organizations, products, and services.
Course 3
GetVirtual Business Assistance
(Synchronous online)
This program provides a supervised learning experience for students who deliver real solutions to local businesses while gaining valuable practical skills and an opportunity to integrate their academic coursework with community involvement. Teams are formed, businesses are assigned, and students are trained to do interviews, write proposals, project manage, design websites, and run marketing campaigns.
Summer dates and deadlines
Stay on top of key academic dates.
Course FAQs
Got questions? Be sure to check out our handy FAQs with answers about Summer session courses.
Add, drop, or withdraw
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Specialized Programs & Pathways
Independent and field studies
Earn credit for research, creative projects, or hands-on fieldwork with faculty guidance. Explore enrollment steps, costs, and opportunities.
Humanizing Technology Certificate Program
A Humanities Division program designed for early-career Engineering students—open to all during Summer Session.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Pathway
Take three engaging courses to build essential job skills and get the support needed to launch your own entrepreneurial venture.
Three-Year Pathways
Graduate faster with a structured plan! Make the most of Summer Session to earn your degree in just three years in some of UC Santa Cruz’s most popular majors.