UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · UNITED STATES
Entrepreneurship Certificate
Certificate · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Certificate
Level
- Connect with local venture networksNetwork Access
- Gain hands-on experiencePractical Skills
- Cross-campus collaborationInterdisciplinary Learning
- Focus on real-world innovationImpactful Projects
The Entrepreneurship Certificate at the University of Washington's Buerk Center for Entrepreneurship is designed for graduate and PhD students interested in launching startups, working with emerging technologies, or engaging in fields like technology commercialization, angel investing, and environmental innovation. This program fosters cross-campus collaboration and provides hands-on experience, connecting students with local venture networks to drive innovation.
Curriculum
The certificate program includes various elective courses that delve into different aspects of entrepreneurship. Students can choose courses based on their specific interests, from angel investing to software venture creation. Course schedules, instructors, and registration details are available on the MBA Program Elective Course Information page (UW NetID required).
- Year-long
- Angel InvestingENTRE 579
- Creative Destruction LabENTRE 579
- Software EntrepreneurshipENTRE 532
- Business Plan PracticumENTRE 440/540
- Technology CommercializationENTRE 541
- Venture Capital Investment PracticumENTRE 542
Careers
The Entrepreneurship Certificate prepares students to launch their own startups or to work effectively within early-stage companies and technology commercialization roles. Graduates gain skills applicable to venture capital, angel investing, and innovation management.
- Startup Founder
- Technology Commercialization Specialist
- Angel Investor
- Venture Capitalist
- Early-Stage Company Employee
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for international students in the Entrepreneurship Certificate program?
- The Professional Master's Program has a per-credit cost of $754 for the 2025-2026 academic year, requiring 42 credits. These rates apply to all students, including international students. Research track master's students may receive a full tuition waiver through assistantships or fellowships.
- How can I apply to the Entrepreneurship Certificate courses?
- Interested graduate and PhD students can apply for specific entrepreneurship courses through the Buerk Center. Application procedures and deadlines vary by course, and typically involve submitting a resume/CV and a cover letter online.
- When are the application periods for the Entrepreneurship Certificate courses?
- The application period for Angel Investing opens in April 2026 for the 2026-2027 class. For the Creative Destruction Lab, applications open in May 2026, and for Software Entrepreneurship, applications open in October 2025 for the Winter 2026 class.
- What are the entry requirements for courses like Angel Investing?
- Eligibility for Angel Investing (ENTRE 579) requires a background in core coursework in marketing, strategy, and finance, and is open to advanced MBA, JD, and PhD students. The cohort size is limited to 12-16 students, making it competitive.
- What career opportunities does the Entrepreneurship Certificate prepare students for?
- The certificate prepares students to launch startups or work in roles such as Startup Founder, Technology Commercialization Specialist, Angel Investor, Venture Capitalist, or an Early-Stage Company Employee.
- Are there any funding opportunities for students in this program?
- Research track master's students may be fully funded through assistantships or fellowships, including a full tuition waiver. Other funding opportunities like the PacTrans Fellowship Program and Valle Fellowship Program exist, but require separate applications.
Entry requirements
Advanced MBA, JD, and PhD studentsEligibility for Angel Investing (ENTRE 579) requires a background in core coursework in marketing, strategy, and finance. Rising 2nd year Foster MBA students, Technology Entrepreneurship Certificate (TEC) students are also eligible.
MBA, PhD, and other graduate students as well as advanced undergraduatesEligibility for Creative Destruction Lab (ENTRE 579).
Graduate studentsPermission of the instructors required for Software Entrepreneurship (ENTRE 532) to ensure participant balance.
Cohort size for Angel Investing is limited to 12-16 students, making entry competitive. Students need to be self-motivated, comfortable presenting ideas, and mobile.
Fees
Tuition (international)The Professional Master's Program has a per-credit cost of $754 for the 2025-2026 academic year, requiring 42 credits. Tuition rates are the same for Washington state residents, non-residents, and international students. Research track master's students may be fully funded through assistantships or fellowships, which include a full tuition waiver.
Tuition (home)The Professional Master's Program has a per-credit cost of $754 for the 2025-2026 academic year, requiring 42 credits. Tuition rates are the same for Washington state residents, non-residents, and international students. Research track master's students may be fully funded through assistantships or fellowships, which include a full tuition waiver.
Living—
For research track students, tuition waivers are typically provided through assistantships. Information on specific tuition and fees can be found on the UW's tuition & fees dashboards.
How to apply
1. Review Course EligibilityCheck the specific requirements for each entrepreneurship course, such as Angel Investing (ENTRE 579) or Software Entrepreneurship (ENTRE 532), to ensure you meet the academic and background prerequisites.
2. Prepare Application DocumentsFor courses like Angel Investing, you will need to submit a single PDF containing your recent resume or CV and a cover letter explaining how the class aligns with your career interests.
3. Submit Application OnlineApplications are typically submitted through an online portal during a specified application window. For example, the Angel Investing application opens in April for the following academic year.
4. Await Admission DecisionAdmission to competitive courses is based on application review. Note that cohort sizes are often limited.
Scholarships
Assistantships (Research and Teaching)Full tuition waiver, monthly stipend, medical and dental insurance
PacTrans Fellowship Program—
Valle Fellowship Program—
National Science Foundation Fellowships—
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students in the Entrepreneurship Certificate program?
+
The Professional Master's Program has a per-credit cost of $754 for the 2025-2026 academic year, requiring 42 credits. These rates apply to all students, including international students. Research track master's students may receive a full tuition waiver through assistantships or fellowships.
How can I apply to the Entrepreneurship Certificate courses?
+
Interested graduate and PhD students can apply for specific entrepreneurship courses through the Buerk Center. Application procedures and deadlines vary by course, and typically involve submitting a resume/CV and a cover letter online.
When are the application periods for the Entrepreneurship Certificate courses?
+
The application period for Angel Investing opens in April 2026 for the 2026-2027 class. For the Creative Destruction Lab, applications open in May 2026, and for Software Entrepreneurship, applications open in October 2025 for the Winter 2026 class.
What are the entry requirements for courses like Angel Investing?
+
Eligibility for Angel Investing (ENTRE 579) requires a background in core coursework in marketing, strategy, and finance, and is open to advanced MBA, JD, and PhD students. The cohort size is limited to 12-16 students, making it competitive.
What career opportunities does the Entrepreneurship Certificate prepare students for?
+
The certificate prepares students to launch startups or work in roles such as Startup Founder, Technology Commercialization Specialist, Angel Investor, Venture Capitalist, or an Early-Stage Company Employee.
Are there any funding opportunities for students in this program?
+
Research track master's students may be fully funded through assistantships or fellowships, including a full tuition waiver. Other funding opportunities like the PacTrans Fellowship Program and Valle Fellowship Program exist, but require separate applications.