Turn Innovative Technologies into Market Success
The NC State Technology Entrepreneurship & Commercialization (TEC) Certificate equips professionals with a proven approach to evaluating, developing and bringing new technologies to market. The program covers the entire commercialization process—from product ideation to constructing business proposals—and is designed to help both entrepreneurs and professionals launch innovations within their organizations.
This certificate program is best for: entrepreneurs looking to bring their technology innovations to market and working professionals working within established firms who are tasked with launching new technology-driven products, as well as individuals looking to develop skills in technology evaluation, new product development and business planning.
12 Credit Hours
Typical completion time is 18 mos. Must complete within 4 years.
Open Enrollment
Open to non-degree seeking students as well as Jenkins MBA, Master of Management and NC State graduate students.
In-person Delivery
Most TEC Certificate classes are held on NC State University’s main campus.
What Makes this Program Unique?
- Proven Commercialization Success: NC State ranks in the top ten for patent generation, and the TEC Certificate equips students to turn these innovations into successful products, services and businesses, ensuring patents move from the shelf to the market.
- Commercialization and Entrepreneurship Paths: Students can choose between two paths: focusing on bringing intellectual property to market or pursuing traditional entrepreneurship by developing products that meet customer needs.
- Intrapreneurship and Innovation Focus: Graduates of this certificate program can use their skills in technology evaluation and product development to drive innovation within established companies, making them highly valuable in leadership roles.
TEC Student Spotlight
Curriculum
To earn the NC State Technology Entrepreneurship & Commercialization (TEC) Certificate, students need to complete 12 credit hours as outlined in the Plan Requirements below. Most classes are held on NC State University’s main campus.
Plan Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours | Counts towards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | 6 | ||
MBA/MSE 576 | Technology Entrepreneurship and Commercialization I | ||
MBA/MSE 577 | Technology Entrepreneurship and Commercialization II | ||
| Elective Courses | 6 | ||
| Select two of the following: | |||
MBA 555 | Product Design and Development | ||
MBA 572 | Venture Opportunity Analytics | ||
MBA 578 | Venture Launch | ||
MBA 579 | Entrepreneurship Clinic Practicum | ||
| Total Hours | 12 | ||
Student Resources
Students earning graduate certificates have access to many of the same resources as students in our degree programs, including:
- Wolfpack One Card: The Wolfpack One Card (student ID) provides access to student resources, including the university library. For more information, visit Wolfpack One Card Services.
- Campus Resources: Certificate-only students have access to resources such as the Writing Center, wellness programs and entrepreneurship support.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree: A four-year degree from a regionally accredited institution (or equivalent)
- GPA Requirement: A minimum GPA of 3.0 in relevant undergraduate or graduate courses (exceptions available for graduate-level work)
- Work Experience: Two years of full-time, post-baccalaureate professional experience
- English Proficiency (International Applicants): TOEFL or IELTS required unless eligible for a waiver
- Grade Requirement: A grade of B- or better (3.0 GPA) must be maintained for certificate courses
- Program Rules: No transfer credits or course substitutions. All coursework must be completed within four years.
- Open Enrollment: Open to non-degree-seeking professionals and current NC State graduate students.