A student who has successfully completed this minor should be able to demonstrate:

• An understanding of the fields of impact entrepreneurship and social innovation as approaches to social change across diverse geographies (both within the United States and globally), social challenges, and contexts.
• Knowledge of the methods and conceptual frameworks used to design, test, and evaluate entrepreneurial opportunities that seek to address diverse social challenges.
• Knowledge of various approaches to leading, resourcing, and managing social impact organizations.
• A greater capacity to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and communicate their ideas.
• An understanding of the issues around power and privilege inherent to striving towards social impact with a commitment to social justice.

The Impact Entrepreneurship minor requires successful completion of 9 credits. The core required course for this minor is Introduction to Social Entrepreneurship. This course includes theory and practice and combines lectures, peer support and learning, case work, and visiting practitioners.

In addition to the core course, students must select two electives from the chart below. The courses do not need to be taken in any particular sequence, although it is recommended that students take the core course first if possible.

Note: Course availability may vary from semester to semester. Some courses may be in development and offered at a later time. Students seeking to pursue alternative 5000- and 6000-level coursework to fulfill the minor should consult with their advisors. It is not permissible for students to double-count courses that are required for their degree program towards a graduate minor.

While there are numerous other faculty members who teach courses that count toward the graduate minor in Impact Entrepreneurship, key faculty include the following individuals:

Dennis Derryck, Professor of Professional Practice in Management, Milano School of Policy, Management, and Environment

Michele Kahane, Professor of Professional Practice in Management, Milano School of Policy, Management, and Environment

Sujatha Jesudason, Professor of Professional Practice in Management, Milano School of Policy, Management, and Environment

Cynthia Lawson, Associate Professor of Integrated Design, Parsons School of Design

Latha Poonamallee, Associate Professor of Management and Social Innovation, Milano School of Policy, Management, and Environment

Jen van der Meer, Assistant Professor of Strategic Design and Management, Parsons School of Design

The Impact Entrepreneurship graduate minor is available to graduate degree students across The New School. Students who have completed some or all courses that are eligible for the minor should make an appointment with their advisor to review their transcript and demonstrate successful completion of the Impact Entrepreneurship minor. It is not permissible for students to double-count courses that are required for their degree program towards a graduate minor.

Master’s students are encouraged to declare their interest in the graduate minor by the end of their first year. Doctoral students are encouraged to declare their interest in the minor by the end of their second year. Students must declare minors before their final semester. Upon completion of the minor’s requirements, the completed minor will appear on the student’s academic transcript at graduation. To declare the Impact Entrepreneurship graduate minor, students can apply in MyNewSchool.

For questions regarding this minor, please contact Michele Kahane, Professor of Practice in Social Innovation and Management, at kahanem@newschool.edu or Elizabeth Werbe, Director of the Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative, at werbee@newschool.edu.