In the Classroom

ACU Entrepreneurship was built on the belief that anyone can be an entrepreneur.

Our program is intentionally designed so that students from any major can engage in the ACU Entrepreneurship experience. Today, more than 35 non-business majors are active participants in our program.

We offer three degree pathways and emphasize learning directly from real entrepreneurs who bring firsthand experience into the classroom.

Explore our unique course offerings below.

Entrepreneurship Degree Options

Our program offers multiple degree options designed to fit students from any major across campus. Whether you want a foundational introduction or a deeper academic pathway, there’s an option to meet you where you are.

  • Our most accessible option, the Entrepreneurship Certificate provides a practical framework and essential tools to start a business at any point after graduation. With just nine credit hours, the certificate is easy to add to any degree at ACU.

    Students learn how to think like an entrepreneur, develop and validate a business idea, build a team that complements their unique skill set, and understand the fundamentals of raising capital.

  • The Entrepreneurship Minor offers a deeper dive into entrepreneurial thinking and venture creation while remaining flexible enough to pair with any major. With 18 credit hours, this pathway is ideal for students who want meaningful immersion without changing their primary field of study.

    Through hands-on coursework, students explore opportunity identification, customer discovery, business modeling, and early-stage execution, learning directly from experienced entrepreneurs and real-world projects.

  • Designed for students majoring in management, the Entrepreneurship Management Concentration integrates entrepreneurial leadership with core business coursework. Requiring 24 credit hours, this concentration allows management students to tailor their degree toward venture creation and innovation.

    Students focus on strategic decision-making, team leadership, venture growth, and resource management, gaining the skills needed to lead startups, scale ventures, or drive innovation within existing organizations.

Unique Class Offerings

Venture Management

Taught by our Dean and entrepreneur, Mike Willoughby

Venture Management focuses on the stages beyond startup, equipping students with the tools and frameworks needed to scale a business. Students explore growth strategy, operational systems, leadership, and decision-making as ventures mature.

Building a Brand

Taught by industry expert, Mac Mascorro

Building a Brand teaches students how to clearly define, position, and differentiate themselves and their businesses in competitive markets. Through real-world examples and hands-on work, students learn how to craft a compelling brand identity that connects with customers.

Strategic Philanthropy

Taught by industry expert, Michelle Parrish

Strategic Philanthropy goes beyond traditional business education to explore the role of generosity, impact, and stewardship. Students evaluate real nonprofit organizations in the Abilene community and actively participate in decisions about where and how to give back.

Restaurant Entrepreneurship

Taught by entrepreneur and industry expert, Jordan Swim

This course walks students through the realities of owning and operating a restaurant. Led by industry professionals, students learn the ins and outs of concept development, operations, staffing, and financial management in the restaurant industry.

Boutique Management

Taught by entrepreneur and industry expert, Karson Renner

Boutique Management challenges students to create a full business plan for a boutique-style concept. Students gain firsthand exposure to the Dallas Market, pitch their ideas, and one winning concept receives seed funding to launch their business.

Franchising

Taught by entrepreneur and industry expert, Shannon Wilburn

Franchising gives students an inside look at what it’s like to own and operate a franchise. Students learn directly from experienced leaders in the franchising space and explore growth, systems, brand standards, and franchise ownership models.

Beyond our core curriculum, ACU Entrepreneurship offers a range of specialized courses that allow students to explore entrepreneurship through the lens of their specific industry interests.

Explore a selection of these offerings below, all taught by active entrepreneurs and experts in their fields.