Solving real-world problems
Do you believe in endless possibilities? Are you intrigued by the thought of solving real-world problems through skills in entrepreneurship, business, and the STEM disciplines? No matter your major or your career aspirations, 51’s minor in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship gives you the skills to apply social innovation and entrepreneurship processes to your area of expertise. Through hands-on classroom learning and activities in 51’s Makerspace, as well as through exciting internship opportunities, this program teaches you how to be an innovator in your field, whether that be health care, art, social activism, small business, research, or practically anything else.
Why 51 for your Minor in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship
At 51, the Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship minor is not just about starting businesses. It’s about giving you the tools and knowledge to become innovators and change makers in any field. That’s one reason why it is such a useful minor; it’s the perfect complement to virtually any major.
- Promotes interdisciplinary study
- Features hands-on work in class and in the P.D. Merrill Makerspace
- Supports internships with many local partner companies/organizations
- Enhances career prospects regardless of major
The Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship minor has enabled me to think critically about world problems and have the confidence and knowledge to problem solve effectively. This minor has enabled me to have the toolset to start my own business and confidently move forward as I continue to grow and scale.”
— Abbie Anderson ’23, Sustainability and Business major/Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Economics double minor
What will you study? Minor in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship curriculum overview
Experiential Learning
Innovating solutions to real-world problems requires real-life work. Whether in the classroom, in our fully equipped Makerspace, or as an intern with a local partner organization, you will be immersed in hands-on activities that can teach you more than any textbook can.
In-Class and Makerspace Activities
- Consulting with local social innovation organizations to make real change
- Developing real business ideas ready to be pitched in regional innovation competitions
- Designing sustainable business solutions for campus and community problems
- Building innovative field data collection tools using new technologies
Makerspace Features
- Fabrication Lab: hub for planning, design, and production
- Laser cutter
- CNC ShopBot
- Vinyl cutter
- Sewing machine
- Electronics station
- 3D printer
- Design Lab: technology hub for digital simulation and product idea demo
- Alienware computers for digital prototyping and development of apps and virtual games
Internship Sites
- Maine Office of Innovation and Economic Development
- Innovate for Maine Fellowship Program
- Chambers of commerce
- Social innovation organizations
- Arts and business incubators
- Local startup companies
Co-Curricular Activities
- Participating in regional business launch competitions
- Attending innovation conferences and workshops
- Networking with Portland’s entrepreneurship community
Examples of Available Courses
In addition to two required courses, Innovation Through Technology and Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship, your other coursework in the minor may include:
- Entrepreneurship and Small Business
- Hacking the Food Web
- Graph Theory
- Social Media: Theory and Practice
- Environmental Economics
Curriculum
The Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship minor requires a total of eighteen (18) credits, divided into a minimum of nine (9) credits of required courses and nine (9) credits of electives.
| Program Required Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| BUMG 120 – Innovation Through Technology | 3 |
| BUMG 313 – Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| BUMG 410 – Creating Social Enterprises or BUMG 495B – Internship in Business Administration* | 3–4 |
| Total Credits | 9–10 |
| Select three (3) of the following courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| BUEC 380 – Economic Development of the U.S. | 3 |
| BUEC 390 – Environmental Economics or BUEC 395 – Ecological Economics | 3 |
| BUMG 307 – Operations Management | 3 |
| BUMG 309 – Hacking the Maine Food System | 3 |
| BUMG 314 – Grant Writing or WRT 317 – Proposal and Grant Writing | 3 |
| BUMK 312 – Entrepreneurship/Small Business | 3 |
| CMM 240 – Social Media: Theory & Practice | 3 |
| DSC 205/BUFI 205 – Introduction to Data Analysis & Modeling | 3 |
| Total Credits | 9 |
| Minimum Total Required Credits | 18–19 |
|---|
Please note: While some courses can fulfill both core and program requirements, the credits earned