Social Entrepreneurship Specialization

This specialization provides the next generation of changemakers with the skills and perspectives needed to thrive in any sector of the economy.

Ours is the only social entrepreneurship program in the country cross-listed between a school of social work and a school of business, and it prepares students to compete in a global workforce that increasingly demands an understanding of both business and social service principles.

Combining the rigor of a top-ranked MSW program with the real-world knowledge of practicing social entrepreneurs, this curriculum prepares students to be leaders and innovators in the dynamic nonprofit, corporate or public sector roles that they’re likely to find themselves in throughout their careers, both domestically and abroad.

Whether students are interested in launching a nonprofit or social enterprise, or seek to innovate within existing organizations, this specialization qualifies them for employment in a variety of leadership and management roles.

CONCENTRATION REQUIREMENTS:

  • Leadership and Management: Human Service Organizations: Theory, Concept, Issues (3 credits)
  • Evaluation (Optional): Human Services: Design & Evaluation for Impact (3 credits)

SPECIALIZATION REQUIREMENTS: 9 CREDITS

  • Social Entrepreneurship (3 credits)
  • Financial Management (3 credits)
  • Business Planning for New Enterprises (The Hatchery)^ (3 credits) or Social Innovation (3 credits)

^Taught through the Olin Business School

PRACTICUM

The specialization requires 120 hours of relevant tasks and activities during the concentration practicum. Sample Social Entrepreneurship practicum sites include:

  • Have
  • LaunchCode
  • Jewish Federation
  • Skandalaris Center
  • Camp Group gGmbH Germany
  • Wepower Saint Louis

COMMUNITY WEALTH BUILDING

Social Entrepreneurship students have the opportunity to work with community groups to develop a Community Wealth Building strategy for St. Louis focusing on new models of worker ownership and democracy in the workplace. www.communitywealth.wustl.edu

Heather Cameron

Specialization Chair

Heather Cameron is the inaugural Michael B. Kaufman Professor of Practice in Social Entrepreneurship at the Brown School. She is the founder of several award-winning social enterprises in the field of education and sports for community development. As an Ashoka Fellow, she has worked all over the world.

PAUL SORENSON

Featured Graduate

“The Brown School taught me to engage social problems critically—and to work to solve them in innovative, effective and sustainable ways. There are many deep disparities in St. Louis, but I now feel equipped to do my part in creating a stronger, healthier region.”

—PAUL SORENSON, MSW ’12, CEO & FOUNDER, GOODMAP