OVERVIEW
Since its inception, the STEM and CREATE Path to the MBA Program has challenged its students through innovation projects. Students are innovating across a variety of topics, including The Internet of Things, Innovation for Aging, and NASA's technology commercialization challenge, T2U. Why innovation? Business and society are constantly facing complications and difficulties. Research has proven the best solutions are innovative ones, solutions that push boundaries and attack problems from unique angles. All projects assigned by the STEM & CREATE Path are designed to make students think creatively to solve problems. During their first three years in the program, students participate in several innovation topics. This site showcases exemplary projects in five topic areas: NASA T2U Internet of Things Open Innovation Rural Alabama, Big Problems, Big Ideas .
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Each innovation project is completed by a group of three to five students, and the final product is a presentation. The students are required to provide a visual aid, usually a PowerPoint, along with a business model canvas and peer review for their group. The presentation is five minutes long, with the group members each speaking an even amount. The number of group presentations during each semester is dependent on the course itself.
During the first two years on the STEM & CREATE Path to the MBA, students complete two innovation projects and one case study per semester. During their junior year, students work on two semester-long innovation projects and two case studies. The increasing project length is to help prepare students for their final undergraduate year, during which they undertake a greater and more hands-on challenge. |
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Their fourth year, students have a year-long Senior Project, during which they work directly with a company representative to complete a task for a client business. Similar to previous projects, students work in teams of three to five. The project is mostly an independent, collaborative effort by the group, while a STEM & CREATE Path professor acts as an advisor throughout the year. Students have the opportunity to work with companies such as Boeing, Southern Research Institute, Home Depot, and Alabama Power. This site also showcases exemplary Senior Projects.
Above, you will see a semester-by-semester breakdown of the curriculum. Click here to download an accessible PDF version of the STEM and CREATE Path to the MBA innovation project schedule.
Some students find a passion for an innovation project they participate in, and decide to bring their product to life and to market. Several startup ventures have resulted from the STEM & CREATE program. Check out some of our student entrepreneurs on the Startups page.
Above, you will see a semester-by-semester breakdown of the curriculum. Click here to download an accessible PDF version of the STEM and CREATE Path to the MBA innovation project schedule.
Some students find a passion for an innovation project they participate in, and decide to bring their product to life and to market. Several startup ventures have resulted from the STEM & CREATE program. Check out some of our student entrepreneurs on the Startups page.
