Master of Science in Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship
Curriculum
Bleeding edge Curriculum for start up entrepreneurs and tech execs
The University of San Diego’s online Master of Science in Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship (MITE) program is thoughtfully crafted to be a one-of-a-kind experience for degree candidates who are motivated to scale innovative ideas and fuel the growth of technology enterprises. The core focus is on the seemingly limitless possibilities of technology “connectivity.”
The MITE curriculum enables graduates in connectivity enterprises to immediately apply your learning to solve both day-to-day and strategic challenges with an entrepreneurial and innovation-minded approach. Our curriculum is geared to provide cross-functional leadership training.
The master’s degree you will earn in this innovative, online program is led by University of San Diego’s Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering with expert industry instructors from both the School of Engineering and the Knauss School of Business.
Designed to be completed in 20 months over five semesters, the program requires students to complete 33 academic units:
- 15 units on the technical aspects of technology innovation in the connectivity vertical
- 15 units with focused coaching on business, entrepreneurship and leadership
- 3 units devoted to an ongoing Capstone experience in which students are placed on project teams for in-depth work on developing a specific idea or product
Of critical importance, the Capstone project work rolls out over multiple semesters, with each segment connected to one of the phases of starting and running a business or business unit. For example:
- Developing the idea and working to assess and understand the market
- Designing the product/service and undergoing processes for market validation
- Building a business model
Course descriptions and curriculum structure
Students take two courses each semester, focusing intensively on one seven-week course at a time. The curriculum structure is also compartmentalized to provide students some level of flexibility in moving through the program. Each Capstone team member will have somewhat of an individualized set of courses that most effectively fill “gaps” in their knowledge base.
Students will begin with initial courses exploring the fast-changing world of technology “connectivity.”
- Introduction to Communication and Networking (key topics: communication and networking; mobility and user experience)
- Introduction to Launching a Technology Business (key topics: corporate structure and capital formation; financial principles of technology ventures; strategy and innovation)
Critical technologies that impact connectivity will be essential in connecting innovation to market opportunity.
- Principles of Computing (key topics: cloud computing; mobile computing)
- Principles of Connectivity (key topics: Internet of Things; introduction to cybersecurity)
Students will explore how the principles of innovation and entrepreneurship apply to their business ideas.
- Entrepreneurship and Intrapreneurship (key topics: lean entrepreneurship principles; innovation in large organizations)
- Technology Management and Leadership (key topics: managing growth; building organizations; principles of leadership)
Instructors will also engage students in how to develop business models, including examples:
- Big Data (key topics: mobile economy; smart cities)
- Industry 4.0 (key topics: digital factories; robotics and automation)
In the final semester, students will complete their training with the delivery of a business plan for their venture.
- Sustainability (key topics: renewable energy and the electricity network; waste management)
- Technology Business Exits (key topics: acquisitions and divestitures; mergers; exits)
Online Course List
Semester 1: 7 Weeks Per Course
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
|
This course is designed to give students a foundational understanding of how electronic communication systems and networks are built, their … |
3 |
|
Leadership in the 21st century implies informed decision making and impeccable execution. This course will enable participants with knowledg… |
3 |
Semester 2: 7 Weeks Per Course
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
|
The objective of this course is to give students a foundational technical and business understanding of cloud and mobile computing. Students… |
3 |
|
This course is an introduction to the emergence and proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) and its impact on cybersecurity. IoT has evolv… |
3 |
Semester 3: 7 weeks Per Course
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
|
This course covers the process of identifying and quantifying market opportunities, then conceptualizing, planning, and either starting a ne… |
3 |
|
This course is intended for students to understand challenges in managing technology organizations, choosing from different models a leaders… |
3 |
|
Entrepreneurship Projects in Connectivity are proposed by individuals, small groups or faculty members and must be approved by the MITE Facu… |
1 |
Semester 4: 7 Weeks Per Course
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
|
This course is based on fundamental concepts of understanding business intelligence systems and data science techniques in a managerial appr… |
3 |
|
Industry 4.0 refers to the notion of a “digital factory,” where technology-based innovations transform almost every stage and aspect of … |
3 |
|
Entrepreneurship Projects in Connectivity are proposed by individuals, small groups or faculty members and must be approved by the MITE Facu… |
1 |
Semester 5: 7 Weeks Per Course
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
|
This course is designed to have students understand the economic and fundamental technical issues related to sustainable energy systems. The… |
3 |
|
This course has two primary objectives: (1) to provide an understanding of the formation and financing of startups and other small businesse… |
3 |
|
Entrepreneurship Projects in Connectivity are proposed by individuals, small groups or faculty members and must be approved by the MITE Facu… |
1 |
academic calendar
Learner Outcomes
A key program goal is that graduates will be immediately ready to take on leadership positions in the connectivity industry. The range of learner outcomes for graduates of the USD MITE program includes the ability to:
- Successfully launch entrepreneurial ventures related to connectivity
- Develop structures that promote innovation and intrapreneurship in mature companies engaged in connectivity business
- Develop organizational vision, mission and goals consistent with those of technology-based corporations and be able to articulate them from strategic and financial perspectives
- Develop a personal style of leadership and management based upon an understanding of the model of influence most aligned with their natural abilities
- Build high-performing teams, manage people’s productivity and handle personnel issues with an understanding of the impact “social system concepts” have within organizations
The Master of Science in Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship program has been developed in collaboration with a world-class faculty that includes startup entrepreneurs, technology CEOs, patent holders, investment experts and award-winning Ph.D. academics. Each professor is engaged in helping you transform your career and achieve your most important goals.