Brown University Starts New Programs in Business, Entrepreneurship

Brown University is coming up with new offerings for students pursuing business, entrepreneurship and organizational studies, the school said in a release.

Starting next year, the university plans to offer concentration tracks in business economics and organizational studies, as well as a new undergraduate certificate in entrepreneurship, expanding opportunities for students who are interested in creating start-ups, businesses, and nonprofit organizations.

The new concentration tracks will operate through the economics and sociology departments, while the certificate program will be directed by the Nelson Center in tandem with faculty in Brown’s School of Engineering.

“Brown has long sought to remain nimble in a rapidly changing landscape, responding to the increasing interest of students and faculty in entrepreneurship and business-related fields by leveraging and strengthening academic resources,” Rashid Zia, dean of the college, said.

“Creating these new pathways ensures that Brown continues to meet growing student and faculty demand in these exciting areas with flexibility, innovation and rigor.”

The organizational studies track will provide students with a solid grounding in sociological theory and methods, while the business economics track will offer students the knowledge to thrive in finance, technology and consulting.

The new programs were developed as a result of recent investments made to launch the Nelson Center for Entrepreneurship and the expansion of the School of Engineering. They were also approved by the College Curriculum Council, an elected body of faculty, staff and students that oversees undergraduate curricular offerings.