The Entrepreneurship study program covers key aspects of the entrepreneurial process and business creation. Core emphases include, among others, the commercialization of opportunities, the design and implementation of business models, and the development of innovation strategies.
Students gain an overview of entrepreneurial methods (Design Thinking, Scrum, Rapid Prototyping), strategic tools (strategy process, corporate resources and capabilities, competitive advantages), and funding sources (e.g., grant programs, business angels, crowdfunding, etc.). Additionally, successfully defining and developing visions, missions, and value systems for companies are central topics. Further content covers collaboration in entrepreneurial teams, generating competitive advantages, sustainable management, and ethically responsible economic conduct and social responsibility.
Overview
Duration: 2 semesters
Start: Every semester
Responsible Department: FB 03 | Law and Economics; Prof. Dr. Jana Oehmichen
Responsible Student Office: Central Coordination Office for Certificate Programs (zertifikate@uni-mainz.de)
Target Group
- State examination students from the 5th semester onward
- The program is open to Master’s students across all disciplines; students enrolled in MAST3R programs pursuing Profile 3 may have the certificate credited toward their degree
- Please note: In addition to sufficient German language skills, English language proficiency at CEFR level B2, sufficient to complete coursework and examinations in English is required; no formal proof is required.
Learning Objectives / Competencies
The Entrepreneurship study program aims to provide in-depth knowledge of concepts and methods in the fields of corporate management and financing for young enterprises.
Main objectives are:
- Understanding the core concepts of corporate management and related frameworks, discuss them in teams, and apply them to practical case studies
- Learning about the suitability of different funding sources for entrepreneurial ventures and understanding their strengths and weaknesses
- Experiencing and analyzing tools and techniques for developing successful and innovative business models
- Collaboratively developing and applying evaluations of strategic and complex decision-making processes for young enterprises to real-world contexts in science, business, and public administration
- Critically reflecting on the ethical consequences of economic behavior and becoming aware of its social responsibility
Certificate Structure
Kickoff Event (Winter Semester 25/26): October 29, 2025, 10–12 a.m. (online)
The program provides foundational knowledge and practical experience in entrepreneurship. It consists of two parts, each concluding with a module examination.
Course Requirement: —
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Lecture: Management and Organization (Tuesday, 12–2 p.m.)
Info: Course webpage
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Lecture: Marketing (Wednesday, 2–4 p.m.)
Info: Course webpage
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Lecture: Corporate Finance (Tuesday, 8:30–10 a.m.)
Info: Course webpage
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Lecture: Corporate Management (Friday, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.)
Info: Course webpage
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Lecture: Entrepreneurship (Monday, 2–4 p.m.)
Info: Course webpage
Course Requirement: —
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Lecture: Management and Organization (Tuesday, 12–2 p.m.)
Info: Course webpage
-
Lecture: Marketing (Wednesday, 2–4 p.m.)
Info: Course webpage
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Lecture: Corporate Finance (Tuesday, 8:30–10 a.m.)
Info: Course webpage
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Lecture: Corporate Management (Friday, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.)
Info: Course webpage
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Lecture: Entrepreneurship (Monday, 2–4 p.m.)
Info: Course webpage
OR
(c) Internship in the field of entrepreneurship (e.g., mentoring the LAUNCH Incubator Program, minimum 10 days)
When: Summer Semester 26
Info: tba
Course Requirement: —
ODER
e) Credits for Entrepreneurship Action: Recognition of entrepreneurial activities such as participation in the Launch Incubator Program with your own startup initiative
The portfolio examination consists of two video reflections submitted after completing courses a) and b) or c), and after completing course d) or e).
The examination may be completed as a group project.
Application and Admission
The certificate may be started in either the winter or summer semester.
Applications are accepted during the following periods:
| Winter Semester |
May 16 – September 1
|
| Summer Semester |
November 17 – March 1
|
Applications may also be submitted during the regular application period for a degree program at JGU. Admission requires enrollment at JGU by the start of the respective semester.
As part of the application, please submit the following documents:
- A compelling motivation letter (200–300 words) outlining your own business idea;
- Current transcript of records or a list of successfully completed modules from your prior studies, including grades.
- After clicking the link above, log in with your account, then click “Application/Registration” and then “My Applications.”
- If your personal information under “My Details” is not pre-filled, please complete it now, select “Degree Program” under Section 2, and click “Save.” If your information is already filled out, no further action is required.
- Click “Search Study Offerings”
- In the study offerings search, select “Certificate / Diploma” under Degree Type
- Select the desired certificate
- Complete the form
- Please upload your motivation letter and current transcript of records (.pdf or .doc/.docx)
- Submit your application
- You will receive an automatic confirmation email upon successful submission. Note: If you do not receive a confirmation email or your application status remains “open,” your application has not yet been finalized.
Please note: The number of places in the certificate program is limited. If applications exceed available spots, admission will be decided by the program coordinator based on submitted materials. There is no entitlement to participation. Applicants will receive admission or rejection notifications via email.
Student Office and Contact Person
Program Documents
General Examination Regulations for Certificate Programs