This is the first version of the 2025–26 General Catalog. Please check back regularly for changes. The final edition and the historical PDF will be published during the fall semester.
The professional Certificate in Innovation requires 12 s.h. of credit. Students must earn a cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.75 in certificate coursework.
The certificate is open to individuals with a desire to build their innovation knowledge and skills. It is also open to current Iowa MBA Program students. Students in the Iowa MBA Program may complete the certificate as they work toward their degree; the certificate is designed to fit into the MBA curriculum allowing students to earn the MBA and the certificate without additional coursework.
This certificate provides students with skills that help them generate innovative solutions to problems, advance innovation within organizations, and develop new ventures. Innovation requires both an entrepreneurial mindset and an understanding of collaborative processes. Students learn to understand problems, identify new market opportunities, and develop solutions. They learn how organizations can become more agile and encourage innovation throughout the organization. Students also learn how to start and grow a new venture around an innovative idea. The certificate program of study leverages the strengths of the Department of Management and Entrepreneurship and the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurship Center (Iowa JPEC).
Certificate courses are offered online and select courses may occasionally be offered in Des Moines at the John and Mary Pappajohn Education Center (JMPEC).
Not all courses listed are regularly offered. Students should consult MyUI for course availability and/or discuss course offerings with their advisor.
The Certificate in Innovation requires the following coursework.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| All of these: | ||
| ENTR:9100 | Entrepreneurship and Innovation | 3 |
| ENTR:9200 | Entrepreneurial Finance | 3 |
| ENTR:9450 | Strategic Management of Technology and Innovation | 3 |
| One of these: | ||
| ENTR:9300 | Design Thinking | 3 |
| ENTR:9500 | Managing the Growth Business | 3 |
| or MBA:8320 | Strategic Business Growth | |
| MGMT:9220 | Maximizing Team Performance | 3 |
If ENTR:9100 Entrepreneurship and Innovation is waived, it must be replaced with an approved course from the preceding list.
ENTR:9500 Managing the Growth Business (prior to summer 2023) and MBA:8320 Strategic Business Growth (available fall 2023 and beyond) are the same course. Only one of these courses will count toward certificate requirements.
Certificate/Graduate Degrees
Students can pursue a professional Certificate in Innovation concurrently with their graduate degree. A separate application to each degree program is required. Applicants must be admitted to both programs before they may be admitted to the combined degree program.
With graduate program approval, students may count up to 9 s.h. from the professional certificate toward their graduate degree.
With approval from the professional certificate program, students may count up to 3 s.h. from any graduate degree program toward their certificate.
Students should contact their degree program and the certificate program to work out combined program details.
Admission decisions are based upon completed application materials, including academic performance along with quality and quantity of work experience. For specific guidelines, see Certificate-Only Admissions on the Tippie College of Business website.
Applicants whose first language is not English must score at least 100 (internet-based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or must have a successful admission interview. In place of the TOEFL, the certificate program accepts satisfactory International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores or a Duolingo score of 120 or higher. For more information, see English Requirements for MBA Admission on the University of Iowa Admissions website.
Applications are accepted throughout the year; admission is for summer, fall, or spring entry.