ALL PROGRAMS | Andrew Young School of Policy Studies Programs
two students studying in Woodward Park

What does it cost?

Check out our cost calculator or visit student financial services for information on estimated costs.

How long will it take?

A minimum of 120 credit hours must be completed. A full-time student may complete this program in four years.

Where will I take classes?

Application Deadlines View Admissions Requirements

Students may enter the program in fall, spring or summer.

VIEW ADMISSIONS DEADLINES

Social Entrepreneurship, B.I.S.

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 404-413-0126

The B.I.S. in Social Entrepreneurship prepares students to become agents and leaders of social change who will transform communities through innovative startups and existing social enterprises. The program was created not only to tackle the most complex problems, but to help students become better employees, entrepreneurs, and leaders. Students in the program are involved in co-curricular activities and internships that will give them experience working in and interacting with social enterprises, gaining practical knowledge of the field and exposure to the diverse employment opportunities within the discipline. Students will leave this program with the business formation knowledge needed to start a social enterprise at any point in their career.

VIEW CATALOG INFORMATION

Program Details

If you’re a senior in high school or if you graduated from high school within the last two years, you’ll apply to begin your bachelor’s degree program using Georgia State’s Common Application. Find out more about applying.

International students: International applicants are those students who are in the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa (B-1, H-1, J-1, etc.); students who are living outside the U.S. and who will require an F-1 visa to study in the United States; students who are in the process of applying for Permanent Residency status, but have not yet received the Permanent Residency card; or students who have been educated outside of the U.S. Learn more about the application process.

Transfer students: If you’re already in college but need a change, transferring to Georgia State can provide you with the opportunities you need to succeed — in school and after graduation. View the details.

This is a joint program between the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies and the Robinson College of Business.

The curriculum includes:

  • 42 hours of undergraduate core curriculum courses (Areas A – E)
  • 18 hours of courses appropriate to the major (Area F)
  • 33 hours of major common core curriculum (Area G)
  • 18 hours of declared concentration courses from one of the concentrations below (Area H)
    • Economics Development and Cities
    • Education
    • Global Issues or
    • Health and Human Behavior
  • 9 hours of electives (Area I)
  • Total of 120 credit hours

View a detailed list of curriculum requirements.

Here at AYSPS, we are developing social entrepreneurs. These people are decision-makers, leaders, problem-solvers, critical thinkers and an inspiration to others. We encourage students to recognize and practice their role as “change makers,” to develop their own solutions to social challenges while looking to become successful business leaders and creating positive social change.

Description

Careers

Graduates of the B.I.S. SOE program can obtain careers such as:

1 – Established Social Enterprises: Working for an established social enterprise, nonprofit or government entity as a program coordinator is a low-risk way for an early graduate to learn best practices and gain practical experience in solving social problems. Entry-level program coordinator positions offer moderate pay and often great benefits. Some positions may offer significant international travel and autonomy, while other positions may be more structured with a typical business day and limited travel opportunities.

2 – Social Enterprise Startup: Early-stage Employee working for an early-stage (startup) social enterprise is an exciting opportunity for a B.I.S. graduate to gain practical experience in social entrepreneurship and take on significant responsibility. If the organization quickly grows, an early employee can find oneself in a leadership role within a couple of years. Positions are likely less structured, requiring the employee to perform many tasks and work many hours. Many early-stage social enterprises will offer stock options to early-stage employees but low pay. Depending on the position, travel may or may not be possible.

3 – Social Entrepreneur: A B.I.S. in entrepreneurship, combined with a few years of experience at an early-stage social enterprise can be a strong foundation for an individual to become a social entrepreneur by starting his/her own social enterprise. Becoming an entrepreneur requires a significant time commitment and often offers low pay initially. The enterprise may fail. But the upside is virtually unlimited, where entrepreneurs can create the future they would like to see.

4 – Intrapreneur: A Corporate Social Innovation Coordinator working for the philanthropic arm of a corporation is a position that provides graduates with experience working at the intersection of businesses and social good. After a few years, an individual who works in social innovation can create significant impact by helping decide how millions of philanthropic dollars are best spent to improve the world. Jobs within the corporate social innovation sector may offer the highest pay and a consistent workday with limited travel opportunities.

Contacts

Department of Public Management & Policy
55 Park Place NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
Phone: 404-413-0126
Fax: 404-413-0104

Program Director
Tammy Greer
[email protected]

Andrew Young School Logo55 Park Place NE
Atlanta, GA 30303

The information shared provides an overview of Georgia State’s offerings. For details on admissions requirements, tuition, courses and more, refer to the university catalogs.