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Gain the skills and knowledge to create, manage and work in a sustainable, socially responsible business that benefits everyone.

Consciousness-based business courses at MIU provide the education you need to help transform society through sustainable and socially responsible business. Taking business courses can be beneficial to the career of any student in any major.

Choose from either the full BA in Business or the five-course Business Minor.
There is also our new Bachelor’s with Specialization in Business Administration. This option is great for students who want to transfer in credits and graduate on a fast track.

video on Creative Entrepreneurship Program student testimonials 3 minutes

video on Creative Entrepreneurship Program student testimonials 3 minutes

Major themes of study include:

  • Creative Entrepreneurship
  • Sustainable and Social Responsible Business
  • Digital Marketing
  • Finance and Accounting
  • Business Communication Skills
  • Leadership and Teamwork
  • Enlightened Mediation and Negotiation
  • Organizational Development and Changes

Guidance from world-class mentors

Starting a business is a complex process that can be greatly helped by mentors. In addition to studying with our experienced business faculty, through the Concept to Market Institute you can connect with successful mentors who specialize in your chosen area of interest. This is a unique experience to have in a university setting.


Daily creative boardroom sessions

During the BA-CTMI courses in entrepreneurship, every day you will experience “creative boardroom” sessions where you participate in other students’ new products or business development meetings and they all participate in yours. A very special and stimulating experience to have before you graduate.


Hands-on learning in a one-course-per-month system


We’ve reinvented the way entrepreneurship and business is taught. Instead of listening to hours of lectures, you will participate in creative and interactive workshops that sequentially build your knowledge base from your direct experience.

These direct experiences are structured in an overall course system that is nothing like a traditional university course schedule. Instead of taking 4-5 courses at once and dealing with various assignments and tests, you’ll focus entirely on only one subject each month.


Supercharge your creativity and reduce stress

The “secret sauce” of the program is the Transcendental Meditation ®  technique, which people like Ray Dalio, founder of the largest hedge fund in the world, and Tim Ferriss, author of The Four Hour Work Week, use to keep their mind sharp and their emotions balanced.

This evidence-based meditation technique has been proven to lower stress, enhance mental clarity, and support overall health. After meditating regularly, our students say that they feel more creative, peaceful, and better able to tackle their studies without the stress typical of a college education.


Get started by contacting Pedro

Pedro Ugalde, admissions counselorPedro Ugalde is this program’s admissions counselor for US students. Pedro will provide you with all the details of becoming a student, including connecting you with program faculty when you have questions.

Contact Pedro >

International applicants may connect with us through our international inquiry form.


Successful world-class mentors

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Kevin Harrington, the original shark from Shark Tank

KevinHarrington2

Kevin Harrington has been a successful entrepreneur for over 40 years. He’s an original “Shark” on the Emmy-winning TV show, Shark Tank. He is also the Inventor of As Seen On TV , Co-Founder of the Electronic Retailers Association (ERA) and Co-Founding board member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO). Kevin has launched over 20 businesses that have grown to over $100 million in sales each. He’s been involved in more than a dozen public companies, and has launched over 500 products generating more than $5 billion in sales worldwide with iconic brands and celebrities. Kevin has extensive experience in business all over the world, opening distribution outlets in over 100 countries worldwide. His success led Mark Burnett to hand-pick Kevin to become an Original Shark on Shark Tank where he filmed over 175 segments.

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Dennis Roland

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Mr. Roland served 20 years of his career as a senior manager with a large financial services company. During his tenure, he maintained bottom line accountability for the performance of investments under his control while providing investment, underwriting, and financial management services to international clients.

Mr. Roland also served as the Chief Operating Officer to multiple publicly traded investment companies, the Managing Director of a NY-based consulting company and business strategist to multiple start-ups.

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Monica Hadley

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Monica Hadley became an accidental entrepreneur at the age of 22 when her father’s death thrust her into the role of running Sunsprout Systems, Inc., a manufacturer and supplier for independent alfalfa and bean sprout growers.

Since then, she has been involved in the launch of multiple businesses in a wide variety of industries. Her current portfolio includes Aeron Lifestyle Technology, which designs and manufactures consumer products; SEO Design Solutions, which offers a Word Press framework; and Country Fresh, a nationwide cut fruit and sliced apple purveyor based in Houston, TX.

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Jim Belilove

jimbelilove

Jim Belilove is the President, Owner and Founder of Creative Edge, a highly specialized stone flooring design manufacturer. Jim also is a specialist in the development and operations of Senior Living Communities.

SunnyBrook Assisted Living
Creative Edge Master Shop
cec-waterjet.com

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Ken Ross

kenross

Recent President CEO and Founder of Genetic ID and Global ID, specializing in identifying and labeling genetically modified foods globally. Also launched the internationally acclaimed GMO Project. 

Courses may include:

Effective communicators are skilled at both informing and inspiring other people. This course provides instruction and practice in making oral and written presentations based on the principle that ideal communication is a frictionless flow that nourishes both sender and receiver. Topics include word processing and presentation software; library and Internet research skills; oral presentations; writing letters, reports, proposals, and manuals; and the principles of ideal communication. Prerequisite WTG 192 (4 credits)
The goal of the course is for each participant to identify a business or product idea that they would like to develop into a viable product or company and then develop, write and present a summary of the idea into a Concept Statement. Businesses thrive on creativity. In this course, you will learn how creative thoughts and ideas can be developed into life supporting, sustainable products or services which fulfill needs and contribute to the expansion of happiness in society. This course is a workshop for idea-stage entrepreneurs, coached by the professor, so bring your best ideas to class. (4 credits)
In this critical and creative thinking seminar, students develop their skill in the use of logical argument, the interpretation of evidence, and the analysis of underlying assumptions to understand the current issues in economics. The course reviews the assumptions of classical microeconomics and macroeconomics in light of modern principles of sustainability. Themes in the course may include the social responsibility of business, local versus global markets, the distribution of wealth and income and the role of government in the economy. In addition, each student will learn the skills necessary to develop a basic pro forma for a business idea of their own creation. (4 credits)
The sequential transaction processing system of the accounting cycle provides information for both internal and external decision-makers. This course provides a firm basis for any stakeholder to implement “due diligence” in their management, investing, or financing decisions. Topics include: the conceptual framework of accounting; the internal control structure; general use financial statements for external decision makers; and the most useful managerial accounting reports for internal decision makers. (4 credits)
Law is a tool of progress. It creates the legal form of the business and enables business people to communicate clearly. It facilitates their commercial relationships and averts problems before they arise. Familiarity with business law and the natural laws upon which it is based promotes success for the individual and society. Topics include contracts, torts, agency, bankruptcy, secured transactions and property (real, personal, and intellectual property.) Students learn to select the most appropriate form of organization for their business and draft simple contracts. (4 credits)
Statistics offers powerful quantitative tools based on the underlying orderliness of nature to support improved decision-making in business and environmental management. Statistics is the art and science of finding meaningful patterns and relationships in data (data analysis), generating useful data (data production), and drawing valid conclusions from data (statistical inference). In this course, students will learn how to use key graphical and numerical tools of data analysis, how to effectively present their findings, and evaluate the validity of their conclusions. Environmental applications and case studies will be emphasized. Topics include graphical and numerical tools for summarizing and describing data, modeling data with probability distributions, sampling and surveys, designing experiments, hypothesis testing for means and proportions, correlation analysis, and modeling relationships using regression analysis. Prerequisite MATH 152 or equivalent (4 credits)
Financial management provides an intelligent direction to the flow of funds for maximizing firm value. This course introduces techniques and concepts necessary to effectively manage the financial resources of any organization in order to achieve strategic goals. Topics include the time value of money, stock and bond valuation, risk and return, capital investment decisions, analysis of financial statements, financial forecasting, working capital management, the investment banking process, and the sources of funding for a business. Students will develop capital requirements, plan the raising of capital, and develop a cash flow design for their business plan project. Prerequisite MGT 316 (4 credits)
An understanding of the principles of human behavior at the individual, interpersonal, group, and organizational levels of analysis is critical to successful planning, organizing, and implementation by any manager. This course explores the dynamics of individual and group achievement from the perspectives of both skills and theory. Topics include general management theory, leadership, delegation and coordination, planning and problem solving, organizational structure, and organizational change. (4 credits)
The course has a practical focus on career discovery and implementation. In the framework of Consciousness-Based principles for success, students consider their own skills, abilities, and objectives, and learn to design a career that utilizes their talents and creativity for maximum effectiveness, achievement, and evolution. They design an action plan to implement their career goals, and then work with the best Internet resources to research occupational interests, business and service organization profiles, and industry trends. Students learn networking strategies, including interviews, and using the telephone and Internet for extending their professional networks. They also develop scripts for introducing themselves and describing their achievements and capabilities with confidence in various formats, writing about themselves in the cover letter, resume, and portfolio, and speaking about themselves and what they can offer to potential colleagues, funding agencies and employers. (2 credits)
This course presents the core aspects of marketing online, including usability-oriented site architectures, pay-per-click campaigns, search engine optimization, social media, and content strategies. Students develop a working website to demonstrate mastery of these concepts. (2–4 credits) Prerequisite: one course in business (in person or online)
In this capstone course of the BA degree in Creative Entrepreneurship, students integrate and apply the knowledge gained throughout their major to create a business plan. Topics include identifying problems and business opportunities, market analysis, execution plan and financial projection. Students evaluate sample business plans, review and give feedback on classmates’ business plans, and revise and present their own business plan to faculty and mentors. (4 credits) Prerequisites: MGT 316, MGT 350, MGT 378. (4 credits)
Marketing is the process of creating exchanges that satisfy individual and organizational objectives. Topics include consumer behavior, market research, market segmentation,
competitive positioning and strategy, advertising, pricing, distribution and channel management, selling techniques and sales force management, and new product development. Students conduct an industry analysis and write the marketing section for their business plan. Prerequisites WTG 192 (4 credits)
People are an organization’s most important asset. Success comes from organizing and managing people to produce the products and services that customers value. This survey course exposes students to the full array of human resource functions human resource planning, recruitment and selection, training, performance management, compensation, unions, and upholding employer/employee rights and responsibilities. The students become familiar with the role of human resource department staff in designing human resource systems, as well as the critical role line managers and supervisors play in using these systems effectively to attract, retain, and motivate employees. Students also design a comprehensive human resource section for their business plan. (4 credits)
Students will learn how to write and then actually create an advertising campaign for their own product or business. They will develop advertising for magazine, newspaper, radio and all social media. They will be guided and directed by some of the world’s most successful copywriters. They will record their own radio commercials in a world-class radio studio. Their ad campaign will be part of their Shark Tank-like presentation at the end of the semester. Their personally created advertising components along with their original concept statements are a powerful addition to the students’ resume. (4 credits)
This course provides a holistic overview of business for new management majors or students from other majors. Principles of marketing, finance, operations, accounting, and human resources are taught in the perspective of an integrated business strategy and are illustrated by lively examples from videos, case studies, guest speakers, and field trips. (4 credits)
This course is a survey of negotiation, mediation, and arbitration methods of resolving disputes without litigation. Students gain practical negotiation skills through workshops and case studies. Topics include: understanding other parties, building a productive framework for negotiation, defining objectives and strategy, framing proposals, and finding “win/win” solutions. (4 credits)
This project-based class challenges students to employ every ounce of their creativity and
apply their knowledge to finding solutions to the world’s most challenging problems, whether local or global, in the area of environmental sustainability, education, communications, or business. Each week we will connect with and learn from social entrepreneurs from around the world working in education, mobile technology, community development and so forth, and draw inspiration from their relentless vision and determination. Through the study of innovations in the social sector, we will develop an understanding of core principles and tactics of social change as well as the necessary leadership qualities of social entrepreneurs. Students will work individually or in groups to conceive of a social intervention of their own design. Students will present their plans, models and media to a committee to evaluate the potential of their work to create social change. (4 credits)
This course provides in-depth study of management information systems. (4 credits)
Ever increasing globalization makes it imperative that students understand the different cultures in their world. This course provides frameworks useful in classifying cultures and understanding cultural norms and traditions. Analyzing case studies and participating in workshops and presentations enable students to establish patterns of behavior that facilitate cross-cultural communication. (4 credits)
We explore the modern science of systems leadership both theoretically and experientially. Leadership will be considered behavior by any member of an interconnected social hierarchy, whose behavior helps the group meet its adaptive challenges. Concepts and skills learned will begin to prepare students to envision leadership in organizations ranging from family to small and large professional organizations, to nations. Modern theories will be examined in the light of the Vedic science of leadership. Learning methods will include seminal readings, Socratic discussion, and self-designed leadership experiment projects. A capstone oral presentation will integrate these (4 credits)
This course offers practical experience through work in business administration, public administration, or educational administration. Students maintain journals that record their growth in understanding and experience, as well as their impact on the organization. (variable credits)

To graduate, students must also satisfy the general requirements for a bachelor’s degree


Current class schedule for the BA in Business Administration

What students say

“My previous business studies seriously lacked practical work and experience, and it bothered me. When I enrolled in the creative entrepreneurship program, I finally got the practical training and experience I wanted — it helped me to conceptualize and start my business.”

—Almar Meijles, Class of 2017


“It has been a dream of mine to develop a company that delivers itself as an entrepreneurial solution. Since enrolling this program, I’ve developed a business concept that facilitates and accelerates the increase of renewable energy. Thank you to all who have been very supportive in this process—it means more than you know!”

—Andrea Zapata, Class of 2016


“Hands down the best course I have taken here at MIU. One of the main reasons is that it provided me an effective way to learn, which was through experience. Taking a course like this combined with TM® helped me learn so much in a short amount of time. I would highly recommend this course to anyone interested in business or marketing.”

—James Young, Class of 2017


“I’ve never found the kind of mentorship that I found in the Creative Entrepreneurship program at MIU. I am extremely proud of what I accomplished here. I wouldn’t have been able to do this on my own or in any other program.”

—Aditi Gentsch, Class of 2018


“They have experts from many different fields of business, from finance to manufacturing to product design and advertising and having access to people of this caliber is very valuable, you actually could graduate with a business!”

—Alden Rowe, Class of 2018


“I would want this to continue throughout every course that I take. It was freeing, I opened up and was able to be seen and to be heard!”

—Issac Reynoso, Class of 2018

Featured faculty

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David Weisman; Assistant Professor, Director of the BA in Business

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David Weisman is a passionate educator with a gift for conveying things simply and elegantly, and for involving students in the learning process. A skilled college educator, business person, creative marketer, writer and entrepreneur with experience and expertise in a diverse range of business and educational areas, David teaches subjects like principles of business success, marketing, entrepreneurship and leadership at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

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Cliff Rose; Director of the Concept to Market Institute

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With over 30 years in marketing and brand development experience, Clifford Rose's primary focus has been on product development, expansion and support of multiple products, national and international consumer brand awareness, manufacturing, distribution and maintenance, and creative advertising for multi-media mix of radio, television, web, catalogue, retail, live home shopping and print.

Cliff created the unique Creative Entrepreneurship program to share his passion and knowledge with young entrepreneurs. His primary goal is to help students create and sell real products, start real businesses, and bring in investors.

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Vicki Alexander Herriott; Professor, Chair of Management Department

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Currently Chair of the Department of Management, Vicki teaches Business Law, Taxation, Human Resource Management, Mediation and Negotiation, and Environmental Law. She is passionate about helping her students connect the subjects she teaches to deeper values of life to inspire innovative ways to utilize their new skills and knowledge.

She is also the coach of the MIU mediation team, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Fairfield Arts and Convention Center, the Institute for Bio-Integrity and the International Foundation for Consciousness Based Education.

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Scott Herriott; Provost, Dean of the College of Business Administration

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Professor Herriott is our university's provost, and a long-standing member of the Department of Management. He received his PhD from Stanford in management science and engineering, and is the author of scholarly papers in the areas of economics, organization theory, and business strategy. He is also a leading scholar in the realm of sustainable business and has published multiple books on the subject. His most recent books are Feasibility Analysis for Sustainable Technologies (2015) and Metrics for Sustainable Business (2016).

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Sabita Sawhney; Associate Professor

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Professor Sawhney teaches courses in operations management, supply chain management, marketing management, and marketing research. Her areas of research interest include green supply chains, buyer-supplier partnerships, self development and trust.

She has presented papers at several prestigious conferences including Purchasing and Operations Management Society (POMS), Decision Science Institute (DSI), and Midwest Business Administration Association (MBAA).

College of Business Administration Faculty

Cost & Aid, 2023-24

International On-Campus Undergraduate

Annual Cost and Typical Financial Aid
Tuition and fees$16,530
Housing (single room) and meals$7,400
Health insurance (estimate)$1,992
Personal expenses, books, unexpected needs (estimate)$3,500
Cost Per Year$29,422

Full-time students may apply for up to $6,000 scholarship based on qualifying documented family income. Our undergraduate scholarship application form will be made available to you upon application to the university.


Tuition, other fees, scholarships, and financial policies are subject to change prior to the entry date.

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