The purpose of this certificate is to provide students, small business owners and managers of organizations with knowledge about starting up new businesses and the creation and discovery of opportunities. Students will study the field of entrepreneurship, small business management, issues related to family businesses and the financing needs of entrepreneurs. For program requirements, course descriptions and other info check out the Entrepreneurship Certificate catalog page.

Learning Outcomes

  • Be able to demonstrate an integrated understanding of business functional areas such as accounting, finance, marketing and management.
  • Be able to appreciate the unique role of entrepreneurship in the business world and also develop entrepreneurial thinking as a distinct approach towards identifying and acting on entrepreneurial opportunities.
  • Be able to understand the distinctive characteristics of managing a small business, growth of a small business, family business succession and nurturing entrepreneurship beyond the first generation.
  • Be able to analyze the financing needs and choice of financing for new ventures beginning from the startup stage to IPO stage.

Quick Facts

Tuition
On-campus: $3,204/yr*
Duration
1 year
Credit Hours
9

Calendario

Don't miss an important date or deadline

Designed for working professionals, UIS programs feature multiple start dates per year, so you can begin at the time that best fits your schedule and complete your degree quickly. View the Academic Calendar

Now Enrolling

Apply by Date:
Agosto 10, 2026

Start Date:
Agosto 24, 2026

Apply Today!

Tuition & Aid

UIS is the most affordable option to earning your University of Illinois degree. Earn a world-class education for less than you’d expect.

Tuition Estimates

On-campus $3,204/yr*

Based on 9 credit hours over 1 year.

*These numbers represent an estimate of the in-state tuition cost for this program and do not include fees. To get an estimate of the full cost of attendance check out the cost of attendance page and/or use the tuition calculator.

Admissions

Applying to UIS is simple

We've streamlined our admission process to save you time and effort. Just follow the steps below.

 

Review admission requirements

No specific admission requirements are listed at this time. Please contact the Office of Admission for more information.

International students, will you need an F-1 student visa to study on campus at UIS? Please review the International Applicants site for additional information.

Complete your application

An email address is required to create an account. To submit a paper application, visit the Resources & Forms page. Find more information about what type of student you are on the Student Types page. Applying for an online program is the same procedure as applying for an on-campus program.

Send your official transcripts

Email your official or certified academic records/transcripts to incomingtranscripts@uis.edu or through any of the major transcript platforms. Photocopies will not be accepted.

Submit required statements/writing sample

If you are a first-year student, a statement of 250-650 words is required for admission. We want to hear about your professional aspirations, intellectual interests, and personal experiences relevant to your choice of a specific academic program. You can upload the required documents on your application status page.

Pay your application fee

You can submit your non-refundable application fee online, after completing the online application. Alternately, it can also be mailed to the university, payable to University of Illinois Springfield.

Domestic students: Undergraduate - $50, Graduate - $60;

International students: Undergraduate - $60, Graduate - $75.

star no. 1
Voted No. 1 public regional university in Illinois
2020 - 2024

Courses & Catalog Information

Career Outlook & Potential Earnings

Graduates of this program may find opportunities in the following careers. Data sourced from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Athletes and Sports Competitors

Bright Outlook

Compete in athletic events.

Median Annual Wage $66,710
Wage Range $26,500 – $742,310
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
Typical Education: Less than high school diploma, Bachelor’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent

Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul small engines used to power lawn mowers, chain saws, recreational sporting equipment, and related equipment.

Median Annual Wage $47,880
Wage Range $34,670 – $67,260
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Repairing
  • Troubleshooting
Typical Education: High school diploma or equivalent, Some college, no degree, Less than high school diploma

Business Continuity Planners

Bright Outlook

Develop, maintain, or implement business continuity and disaster recovery strategies and solutions, including risk assessments, business impact analyses, strategy selection, and documentation of busin

Median Annual Wage $83,050
Wage Range $47,880 – $150,010
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Post-baccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan,

Median Annual Wage $213,990
Wage Range $75,700 – $507,730
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
Typical Education: Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree

Advertising Sales Agents

Sell or solicit advertising space, time, or media in publications, signage, TV, radio, or Internet establishments or public spaces.

Median Annual Wage $64,820
Wage Range $35,240 – $146,010
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Speaking
  • Persuasion
  • Service Orientation
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent, Some college, no degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

Median Annual Wage $171,270
Wage Range $120,810 – $262,760
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Judgment and Decision Making
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Associate’s degree
Tassel worth the hassle grad cap

Have Questions? We Can Help!

Loading...
Say #YestoUIS
Hidden
No
2026-08-24
UIS AI Chat