A Unique Opportunity for Aspiring Innovators
The Honors College at Marshall University is proud to offer the Honors Incubator Pathway, an alternative curricular track for students accepted into the Brad D. Smith Student Incubator. This pathway integrates experiential learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and entrepreneurship into the Honors College curriculum, providing a dynamic environment for students to develop and launch innovative solutions to real-world challenges.
Who Is Eligible?
The Honors Incubator Pathway is open to Honors College students in good standing from all majors who demonstrate a strong commitment to innovation, creativity, and problem-solving. Students apply for the Incubator during their first semester in the Honors College by enrolling in FYS100H, taught by Dr. Ben Eng from the Lewis College of Business. Selection is based on students’ performance in the course, the strength of their ideas, and their readiness to collaborate.
How Does It Work?
Students admitted to the Honors Incubator Pathway will:
Complete General Honors Requirements (12 credits):
- These remain unchanged from our standard Honors Curriculum requirements and include departmental honors-designated courses, additional upper-division Honors courses, and experiential learning opportunities.
Engage in the Honors Incubator Sequence (12 credits):
- FYS100H: First-Year Seminar, with Dr. Eng’s section serving as the gateway to the Incubator.
- ENT200H: Discovering and validating problems worth solving.
- ENT300H: Developing solutions and strategies for implementation.
- Summer Accelerator: A fully immersive program for validated ideas, supported by the iCenter’s resources, mentorship, and stipends.
What Makes This Pathway Unique?
- Integrative Focus: Students from diverse majors collaborate, bringing unique perspectives to problem-solving.
- Experiential Learning: Coursework emphasizes hands-on, project-based approaches to entrepreneurship and innovation.
- Mentorship and Support: Students gain access to experienced mentors and iCenter resources to guide their journey.
- Flexibility: This track replaces traditional Core Honors requirements (e.g., HON 200, HON 480) with a focused curriculum tailored to entrepreneurial goals.
Why Choose the Honors Incubator Pathway?
The Honors Incubator Pathway is ideal for students who:
- Seek to turn their ideas into impactful innovations.
- Thrive in collaborative, project-driven environments.
- Want to complement their academic learning with practical experience and mentorship.
How to Apply
Begin your journey by enrolling in Dr. Eng’s section of FYS100H during your first year at Marshall. Express your interest during the course, and if selected, you’ll join a select cohort of students in the Incubator, embarking on a transformative Honors College experience. Please reach out to the Honors College (contact information at right) if you are interested in pursuing this pathway. Admission is handled by Dr. Eng and the iCenter.
What can I expect for Following the Pathway?
Participating in the Honors Incubator Pathway through Marshall University’s iCenter equips students with a diverse skill set and practical experiences that open doors to various career opportunities. Potential career outcomes include:
- Entrepreneurship and Start-Up Founders: Students gain the knowledge and support to launch their own ventures, transforming innovative ideas into successful businesses. The iCenter provides mentorship and resources to foster entrepreneurial success.
- Product Design and Development Specialists: With a focus on design thinking and user experience, students are prepared for roles in product development, creating solutions that meet market needs. The iCenter’s emphasis on innovation equips students with the skills necessary for these positions.
- Business Development and Strategy Analysts: The pathway develops strategic thinking and business acumen, enabling graduates to contribute to organizational growth and market expansion. The iCenter’s programs are designed to inspire and empower individuals with the knowledge needed to drive economic development.
- Innovation Consultants: Students learn to apply creative problem-solving techniques, preparing them to advise companies on fostering innovation and improving processes. The iCenter’s mission includes spreading best practices in innovation through education and training.
- Social Entrepreneurs and Nonprofit Leaders: Emphasizing social impact, the program prepares students to lead initiatives that address societal challenges through sustainable business models. The iCenter’s collaboration with social entrepreneurs provides students with insights into creating meaningful change.
By engaging in the Honors Incubator Pathway, students are well-prepared to enter various fields that value innovation, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit, contributing positively to economic and community development.
