Innovation Studies

Undergraduate Minor College of Professional Studies

About:

Got big ideas? The Innovation Studies minor at PLU helps you turn them into action in a team-driven context. You’ll learn how to sell your ideas, manage projects, prioritize workflows, and use real-world tech tools. Examine the historical and ethical contexts of everyday entrepreneurial activities, and then roll up your sleeves and get to work!

From creating a new business venture to designing, writing social media marketing materials, and planning a corporate event, innovation studies students develop the career skills that employers are looking for.

Skills you'll gain from this program:

Creative Problem-Solving — Learn how to spot challenges and turn them into opportunities. You’ll use design thinking to craft bold, practical solutions.
Teamwork & Collaboration — Work closely with others to develop big ideas. You’ll build leadership skills, learn how to communicate across disciplines, and manage group projects from start to finish.
Entrepreneurial Mindset — Think like an innovator. Whether you’re starting a business or pitching a new idea, you’ll take risks, test your ideas, and keep pushing forward.
Real-World Experience — Every student completes a hands-on seminar where you design and present an original product, process, or campaign.
Career-Ready Skills — From public speaking and pitching ideas to using key technologies and organizing workflows, you’ll graduate with skills that set you apart.

Graduates from the last 5 years: Their jobs

Founder, Sunset Adore (Clothing Company)
Client Services Associate, Batik Financial
Venture Capital Analyst, Extern
Data Specialist, Southwest Youth and Family Services
Tax Associate, PwC
Program Coordinator Intern, MultiCare Health System
Research Manager, GfK - An NIQ Company
Scientist, Herrera Environmental Consultants
Software Engineer, Tableau
Communications Manager, Skagit Valley Family YMCA
Project Specialist, Alaska Airlines
Graphic Production Designer, Self-Employed
Recruiting Coordinator, Amazon

It’s FREE to apply to PLU

When you're ready, we're here. Apply now and fulfill your potential!

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“Innovation Studies at PLU is a hands-on experience. Instead of just reading or listening to lectures, we focus on doing — applying ideas, creating solutions, and working on real-world projects. It’s active and collaborative and pushes you to think creatively and critically.”

— Alanna A. ’25

“I loved the Innovation Studies Seminar with Professor Michael Halvorson. We got to choose a problem that was important to us, receive real-world feedback from professionals and community members, then create a solution to the problem.”

— Marlee L. ’25

“What I really appreciate about teaching PLU students is their openness and thoughtfulness. I’m especially inspired by how willing they are to explore new ideas, challenge assumptions, and engage in meaningful conversations. Their curiosity and care create a space where learning feels real, relevant, and genuinely collaborative.”

— Professor Junichi Tsuneoka, Director of Innovation Studies

“Innovation Studies students are built different. These changemakers are ready to take on the world!”

— Professor Shelly Cano Kurtz

100

100% of Innovation Studies students get hands-on experience to explore the creative, tech and business side of innovation, and figure out what makes an idea work in the world.

Trailblazer

Innovation Studies was one of the first entrepreneurial programs of its kind, and our teaching resource, This Little World: A How-To Guide for Social Innovators (Routledge), is now used around the world.

Employable Skills

Courses focus on the mindsets and skills that organizations most want from college graduates.

Get Involved

Innovation Studies hosts “PLUreka,” a fun competition where any PLU student can team up to solve real-world problems. You’ll work on challenges in areas like health, the environment, safety, and more.