Designing An Engineering Entrepreneurship Curriculum For Olin College

Abstract

This paper presents the initial design of the engineering entrepreneurship curriculum for the Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering. The methods for design, components of the curriculum and how the curriculum is interwoven with mainstream engineering disciplines at Olin College are described. The major elements of the curriculum that is being planned include: (1) a set of modules for learning the basics of entrepreneurship, (2) interaction with several on-campus and distributed hatcheries, (3) a set of in-depth learning interactions (projects, modules, courses) that provide depth of knowledge in engineering entrepreneurship and (4) capstone experiences in entrepreneurship during the sophomore year and the final year of the undergraduate curriculum. New courses/modules specifically targeted on technology entrepreneurship are being designed between Babson College and Olin College. Babson College's number one ranking in entrepreneurship is being fully leveraged by joint appointments of faculty, cross registrations between Olin and Babson and the initiation of many projects between the two schools designed to create the premier engineering/technology entrepreneurship curriculum in the world.

Mapping Entrepreneurial Minded Learning with the Longitudinal Model of Motivation and Identity in First-Year Engineering

“…For example, Brown University's Division of Engineering instituted a two-course sequence to merge entrepreneurship in an engineering design project, where students worked in teams to create a business plan and prototype for a product they created [12]. Additionally, the Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering sought to redesign their engineering curriculum to instill an "entrepreneurial thinking" culture in their program [13]. Our study assesses students' motivation and identity development in these types of entrepreneurship curricula.…”