University of Washington’s Foster School of Business: MS in Entrepreneurship

About the Program

Launch Your Venture in Seattle’s Innovation Ecosystem

Ranked the world’s most innovative public university by Reuters, the University of Washington offers an unmatched environment for aspiring entrepreneurs. Located in Seattle—a global hub for startups, tech giants, and venture capital—the Foster School of Business’s Master of Science in Entrepreneurship is designed to help you turn your business idea into a thriving venture.

This immersive, 12-month program is as rigorous as an MBA, but uniquely structured around the real-world startup journey. From ideation and customer discovery to launch and scale, the curriculum equips students with the confidence, competence, and community to build something extraordinary.

And now, with a #6 national ranking for graduate entrepreneurship programs by The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur Magazine, Foster’s MS in Entrepreneurship stands among the very best in the country.

Why Choose Foster’s MS in Entrepreneurship?

Seattle Advantage: Tap into one of the most dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystems in the world, with access to leading innovators, investors, and mentors.

Hands-On Learning: Participate in pitch clinics, mentor coworking sessions, and startup competitions—including the capstone UW Dempsey Startup Competition, where students pitch for funding and recognition.

Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Leverage resources across the University of Washington—from engineering and design to public health and computer science.

High ROI: Benefit from a high-impact program with lower tuition costs compared to similar degrees, offering exceptional value and outcomes.

Expert Faculty & Mentorship: Learn from renowned faculty and experienced entrepreneurs, including award winning professors like Ben Hallen.

Who Should Apply

This program is ideal for individuals ready to bring a business idea to life. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a professional with 5–15+ years of experience, Foster’s MS in Entrepreneurship is built for those passionate about innovation and venture creation.

Applications are submitted online. No GRE or GMAT is required.

Program Format and Schedule

Program Format & Experience

Each June, a cohort of approximately 30-40 students begins the program, forming a tight-knit community of founders, advisors, and future collaborators. Over four quarters, students earn 46 credits through a dynamic blend of classroom instruction, mentorship, and experiential learning.

Instead of a traditional thesis, students develop and refine a venture idea throughout the program. This idea evolves through real-world testing, customer feedback, and expert guidance—ensuring graduates leave with a viable business and the skills to grow it.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the program, students will be able to:

• Identify and evaluate entrepreneurial opportunities
• Lead and manage high-performing startup teams
• Build and scale new ventures
• Acquire and retain customers
• Develop financing strategies and manage venture profitability