Graduate Certificate in Technology Commercialization and Entrepreneurship
http://www.tcgraduatecertificate.unc.edu/
The Graduate Certificate in Technology Commercialization and Entrepreneurship is a nine credit
hour certificate for graduate students interested in the translation of science and technology into
commercial products. The certificate will focus on how cutting-edge innovations are brought to
the marketplace, with an emphasis on the startup company as the main vehicle for developing
products which solve market needs and create value. The learning objectives of the certificate are:
1. Assess the commercial potential for a scientific breakthrough or disruptive technology by
a. Identifying the key enabling features of the innovation
b. Recognizing market customer needs and competitive landscape
c. Aligning enabling features with market needs to create a product opportunity
d. Evaluating technology- and regulatory- risk associated with the core technology
2. Understand how science and technology is protected and licensed to create value
3. Understand how companies develop around an innovation and how startup teams are built
4. Understand how new ventures are funded through both non-dilutive and dilutive sources
Eligibility
The graduate certificate is open to any graduate student at UNC-CH. Post-doctoral fellows can
audit courses associated with the certificate, with the permission of the instructor.
Requirements
The nine credit hour Certificate is awarded after the following requirements have been met:

Introduction to Technology Commercialization (PATH 890)
o 3 credit hours

Elective courses related to technology commercialization and
entrepreneurship
o 3 credit hours total
o Courses must be from the approved course list or with prior permission from the
Certificate program

Experiential learning experience in technology commercialization and entrepreneurship
o 3 credit hours
o Must have prior approval from Certificate program
The table below lists the courses and experiential learning opportunities that can be used to meet
the Certificate requirements.
Contacts
Don Rose
Carolina KickStart
donrose@unc.edu
919.843.5263
Jason Doherty
Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise
jason_doherty@kenan-flagler.unc.edu
919.962.2753
Ted Zoller
Center for Entrepreneurial Studies
zoller@unc.edu
919.962.3103
Applicant Information
Name: ___________________________________________________________
Address:
___________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip: ________________________________________________________________
Telephone: __________________________________________________________
E-mail: ___________________________________
PID:
______________________________
Current Degree Program (Graduate or Professional):___________________________________
Anticipated Degree Date:
_____________________
Campus Box:
______________________
Statement of Interest: Why you are interested in pursuing the Certificate and how
will this program serve your future career goals?
Study Plan: Please list your proposed course of study based upon the course
requirements listed herein and your personal educational interests. A list of approved
courses is provided below and can also be accessed at the Certificate program’s
website: http://www.tcgraduatecertificate.unc.edu/
Course Name
Introduction to
Technology
Commercialization
Course
Number
PATH 890
Department Hours/Credits
School of
Medicine
(Core
Course)
3 hours
Semester
& year
Fall, 20__
Experiential Learning Plan: The student can fulfill this requirement through
completion of Path 890 -Special Topics in Technology Commercialization: Developing
a Technology Startup from University-based Research (offered each spring semester)
or by completing an internship or other independent study experience. Note that
internships and independent study must be approved by the program director prior to
beginning the project and student must complete all necessary approvals in order to
receive the 3-hours of credit. Briefly describe your anticipated experiential learning
plan (this can be updated by contacting the program officer prior to beginning the
project).
Submitting the Application
Email the completed application to:
Jason Doherty, Ph.D.
Jason_doherty@kenan-flagler.unc.edu
Final Awarding of Certificate
Upon completion of the required 9 hour sequence, students must contact the program
director to confirm the request for award of certificate.
Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Technology Commercialization
and Entrepreneurship
Requirement
Options
Introductory Course
(3 credit hours)
Elective Courses
(3 credit hours total)
Introduction to Technology Commercialization (PATH 890; fall offering)
Experiential Learning
(3 Credit Hours)
Semester-long participation in one of the following (with prior permission
from the program):
 Independent Study
 KickStart Internship with a UNC spinout company
 OTD Internship
 Internship at RTP company
 Launch the Venture – 2 Mods (Kenan-Flagler Business School)
OR
Course: Special Topics in Technology Commercialization: Developing a
Technology Startup from University-based Research (PATH 890; Spring
offering)
Kenan-Flagler Business School Courses (1.5 credit hours each)
Managing Innovation Processes & Performance in Organizations (MBA 721)
Innovation and Product Development (MBA 754)
Venture Capital Valuation & Deal Structure (MBA 817)
Strategic Innovation (MBA 828)
Technology Strategy and Business Innovation (MBA 831)
Introduction to Entrepreneurship (MBA 835)
Business Plan Creation (MBA 846J, MBA 835 pre-req)
Designing & Protecting Your Technology Startup (MBA846K)
The Challenge of Health Care: A System Overview (MBA 893)
Healthcare: Pharmaceutical Economics (MBA 893A)
Healthcare Marketing (MBA 894)
Healthcare Entrepreneurship (MBA 895)
Healthcare Consulting Projects (MBA 896)
Science and Public Policy (PLCY 575)
Other Courses (3 credit hours each) *with permission
Intellectual Property (LAW 265)
Introduction to Entrepreneurship (PLCY 327)