Master of Entrepreneurship
Iowa State University has a long tradition of supporting entrepreneurs, and the Ivy College of Business is here to help you succeed as an entrepreneur. As a top-ranked program in entrepreneurship, this is the place to start something!
At Ivy, you will be immersed in an entrepreneurial ecosystem while you gain the knowledge, skills, and practical experience to prepare you to start and manage new business ventures independently — or within an established organization. You’ll develop and practice the primary entrepreneurial skills needed to identify and evaluate market opportunities and think creatively to formulate and implement successful strategies for moving a business idea forward.
Our master of entrepreneurship (MEP) degree builds off the strength of our nationally-ranked undergraduate programs. Iowa State University is ranked #12 in the nation for undergraduate entrepreneurship programs (2024 Princeton Review).
Do you possess an entrepreneurial spirit but don’t have a concept of your own to pursue?
In this program, you can join a startup team, launch existing university technology, or spin off a new venture.
With collaboration from the Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship, students in the master’s program will have access to experiential learning programs, startup support, mentors, professional services, and access to founders and teams in new and existing entrepreneurial businesses.
Our one-year master of entrepreneurship program offers you an exciting blend of core curriculum and critical hands-on learning components that, combined, teach the most important entrepreneurial skill sets. This sets you up for success!
MEP program features
- Innovative.
- Flexible.
- Hands-on.
- Responsive to, and drives, trends in entrepreneurship.
- Unique opportunities to contribute in the classroom and through applied learning opportunities.
- Access to experts, resources, and networks that advance you professionally and leverage your interest and engagement in entrepreneurship.
- Direct experience in a startup company.
The options for experiential learning are endless, and they offer real-world experience that is beneficial to my future.
Jackson LeRoy, master of entrepreneurship, Ivy College of Business
MEP program details
Admission and fees
Admission and fees
Apply to the MEP program
Masters of Entrepreneurships students can begin the program in the fall or spring term.
F-1 visas are available for international students to enroll in this program. We encourage all interested international students to apply.
Application requirements
- Resume.
- College transcripts.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Statement of purpose.
- GMAT/GRE score is not required.
- TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English score for non-native English speakers.
- Once the application is complete, it will be reviewed promptly.
Please note: Graduate students whose native language is not English and who do not have a degree from Iowa State University, must take the English Placement Test at the beginning for their first semester of enrollment. The test is administered by the Department of English. It must be taken in addition to the Test of English as a Foreign Language), which is taken as a part of the admissions process. A student who does not pass this examination is required to take specific courses in the English 99/101 series. This coursework must be completed no later than the semester BEFORE you graduate.
Application deadline
Admission materials submitted by:
Fall semester: June 15
Spring semester: November 15
GMAT/GRE
Not required
Format
In-person with some online course offerings;
Length
30 credits, 3 semesters
Location
Ames, Iowa
Program tuition and fees*
Iowa residents: $782/credit hour + fees
Non-residents: $1,746/credit hour + fees
International students: $1,848/credit hour + fees
*Tuition and fee rates are subject to change
Cost of attendance
Graduate certificates
Graduate certificates
The Ivy College of Business currently has six graduate certificate programs. Each certificate requires 12-15 credits — some of which may apply to your MEP degree. See your advisor for more information, or email busgrad@iastate.edu.
Double degree options
Double degree options
The MBA-MEP double degree program combines the comprehensive management education of the top-ranked Ivy MBA with an in-depth study of entrepreneurship through the MEP degree.
Contact an advisor for more information at busgrad@iastate.edu.
Your ideas can change the world
From starting your own business to marketing your own product to leading a group of innovative thinkers, Start Something is how you can, well, start anything you want.
Experience real-world learning opportunities
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Explore entrepreneurship at Ivy
Our program is designed with a focus on you! At Ivy, you will experience hands-on learning. Here are some real-world options for you to explore:
CYstarters is an 11-week summer accelerator for Iowa State University students or recent graduates. Here, you focus on your startup or business idea. In CYstarters, you will meet mentors, content educators, and professional service providers. You will share co-working space with team members, and access many resources to help get your venture launched.
ISU Startup Factory is a concentrated technology startup incubator focused on moving technology to commercialization to startup. Move your technology forward or join another startup to provide business or technical acumen as part of the founding team.
The Entrepreneur Internship program provides opportunities for students of all levels to experience an internship in a startup at the ISU Research Park. Gain hands-on experience with a new or existing entrepreneurial business and make an impact.
CyBIZ Lab brings together students from different disciplines at both the undergraduate and graduate level. You work in teams, gaining real-world experience to help solve business challenges for start-ups and other businesses. Projects include market research, market validation, business planning, and other business needs.
In addition to high-quality academic programs, we have the facilities you need and expect.
The Gerdin Business Building has a new, 45,000-square-foot expansion to meet all of your needs. The $28 million, four-story addition was designed with you in mind. It includes 40 percent more space, seven team rooms, a central common area available as a study space, a state-of-the-art sales suite, 35 faculty office spaces, and five additional classrooms.
The John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center, located in the premiere ISU Research Park Core Facility, is the home of CYstarters, Startup Factory, and other entrepreneurial programs. Our staff is here to support you and connect you with resources.
The Student Innovation Center on central campus hosts many programs, including the Innovation Flagship Series, which offers weekly moderated conversations with innovation leaders and several innovation programs.
Use the Entrepreneurship Hub in the Student Innovation Center to meet with team members, attend workshops, access makerspaces, or work on your startup.
Take the next step
At Ivy’s top-ranked program in entrepreneurship, this is the place to start something!
Customized career advice
Whether you’re angling for a promotion or you want to polish your resume, the Graduate Career Services team offers each student personalized, custom advice and services for your climb up the corporate ladder.
Connect with us
Graduate Student Services
Ivy College of Business
1420 Gerdin Business Building
2167 Union Drive
Ames, Iowa 50011
busgrad@iastate.edu
515-294-8118