Entrepreneurs design, launch and run a new business from the ground up. Students of the Entrepreneurship minor learn to develop, organize and manage a business venture, develop business instincts, identify goals and learn strategies for opening a successful business.

They will learn the skills they need to succeed in this rapidly changing world: thinking critically, solving problems in creative new ways, communicating clearly and persuasively, and developing sets of values to guide their decisions. Students also are introduced to the opportunities, risks and rewards found in the ownership of a small business.

Achieve More

Latest News

Confidence, skills gained at Ripon lead to entrepreneurial endeavors

A Ripon College education “unlocked his potential,” according to Fred Kiekhaefer ’69 of Castle Rock, Colorado. At Ripon, Kiekhaefer discovered his affinity for physics and […]

Photo of Harwood Memorial Union with clouds and sun

Ripon No. 1 in state for how much graduates earn, according to U.S. Department of Education

Ripon College has been named the No. 1 school in Wisconsin whose grads earn the most in mean wages 10 years after graduation. The study, […]

The Pitch

Ripon College students compete in regional business pitch competition

Two Ripon College teams comprising four students each competed Wednesday, April 11, at The Pitch, a regional competition among students from Lawrence University, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Green […]

Faculty

Tom Keuler

Keuler, Thomas

Instructor of Business Management, CPA

Sorenson, Steven

Adjunct Instructor of Political Science and Pre-Law Advisor

Advising

Ripon College faculty and professional staff are dedicated to helping you reach your goals, whatever they may be and however often they may change along the way. It’s part of our value statement to you.

As a student at Ripon, you will be assigned a faculty adviser based on your area(s) of interest. You will meet with your faculty adviser throughout your time as a student to discuss your current aspirations, plan your course schedule and plot a future trajectory. We also work collaboratively with Ripon College Career and Professional Development to help match your interests and skills to concrete goals and construct a plan for professional success offering personalized career counseling, off-campus learning opportunities and an online job board with potential to connect with local, national and international employers.

Advising at Ripon

Requirements

Requirements for a Minor in Entrepreneurship
Total Credits 20 credits
Core Courses ECO 211 and 212, BSA 413 Small Business Management
Elective Courses Eight elective credits from the following: CMM 115 Public Speaking Staff ; PHL 202 Business Ethics; PSC 110 Topics in Psychology; BSA 110 Introduction to Management, 208 Introduction to Marketing, 227 Business Law, 309 Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation or 315 Strategic Management. Up to four credits of internship (BSA 399 or 499) may be substituted for other elective credits by consent of the department chair.
Additional Criteria No elective course may count toward both: an entrepreneurship minor and a finance major; or minors in social enterprise and entrepreneurship.

Combining a major or minor in business management and a minor in either entrepreneurship or social enterprise is not permitted.

Career Tracks

As an entrepreneur, you will be the one who takes the initiative and risk to organize a business or enterprise. Job titles of recent graduates from the business program include financial associate, business analyst, executive team leader, marketing manager, investment banking financial analyst, lawyer, financial representative, team coordinator for Defense Department, associate financial representative, account manager, investment management, special agent criminal investigator, operations financial analyst, research coordinator, tax associate, business banker, real estate agent, recruiter and consulting analyst.

Unique Opportunities

  • Ripon College has a tradition of student-community partnerships, and there are opportunities for real-world learning as part of team-based and live consulting projects with local businesses.
  • Students who are interested in entrepreneurship have the opportunity to test their ideas and vie for funding before venture capitalists in the Fox Valley each spring at The Pitch competition.