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Prospective Students
Center for Food Innovation and Entrepreneurship MBA Concentration
The Center for Food Innovation and Entrepreneurship offers a number of programs that prepare students for careers in the food and agribusiness industry. Our premier program is the Food Entrepreneurship Concentration as part of the MBA degree in the Leavey School of Business.
Since 1973, the Center has awarded over 1000 of these specialized degrees. Our alumni work in all aspects of the food industry in California and worldwide. For a sampling of the firms employing our alumni, visit our links to alumni firms. To find out how to apply to the MBA program click on the Admissions tab.
In addition to the specialization in food and agribusiness management, the CFIE offers an executive training program in July and custom management education programs for a number of client organizations.
Courtney Robinson
For fun, Courtney studied abroad in Kenya, as well as travelled with CFIE's immersion team to Ghana and Burma. In her spare time she enjoys reading, baking, and traveling.
Read More »Required Courses:
MGMT 3540 – Food Industry Management
MGMT 3540 focuses on the key issues and management decisions necessary to effectively lead food and agribusiness firms in the competitive, global food system. Includes topics on the principal regulations and regulatory bodies governing the food industry, food safety, and crisis management, ethical issues in food production and distribution, and resource and environment issues. (4 units) Prerequisite: MGMT 505
MGMT 3541 - Strategy Development in Food & Beverage Industries
MGMT 3541 focuses on the analysis of the strategic options facing innovating, high-margin food, and agribusinesses worldwide. Emphasis is on the discussion of business strategy cases featuring fresh produce, wine industry, food processing, retail grocery, and restaurant companies. Teams work together to prepare case analyses for presentation to the class. Presentations are videotaped. Students receive feedback and are coached on how to enhance their performance. (4 units)
MGMT 3543 – Food Industry Innovation
MGMT 3543 focuses on the fundamental concepts of imagination, creativity, and innovation, as they apply to food products and the food industry. The course is designed as an action-learning process in which students will be guided to immerse themselves in food innovation sources, identify an opportunity area, come up with an idea of food innovation and develop and plan early-stage entrepreneurial activities. Topics include the food value chain, encompassing major food industry segments, factors influencing the food system, technological developments, and the methods and tools necessary to effectively manage the innovation process. Guest speakers will include C-level executives, startup founders, and influencers in the food innovation industry. (4 units) Prerequisite: MGMT 2505 or MGMT 3505
Financial Aid and Institute Scholarships
Students pursuing an MBA with a Food Entrepreneurship Concentration are eligible for scholarship funding from the Center for Food Innovation and Entrepreneurship Institute, from the Leavey School of Business and Administration, and from the University. The Institute awards over $150,000 per year in scholarships.
Complete the Center for Food Innovation and Entrepreneurship 2020-2021 application.
You can get information about financial aid from the Leavey School of Business by clicking here.
Admissions
Students wishing to pursue a Food Entrepreneurship Concentration must apply to the MBA program. Once enrolled in the MBA program, students may choose concentration in food entrepreneurship. To learn how to apply to the MBA program click here.
Enrichment Programs
Students are encouraged to enhance their coursework with the enrichment programs offered by the Center for Food Innovation and Entrepreneurship Institute (CFIE).
Through the Internship Program, students have the opportunity to apply their classroom education in a professional work environment.
The CFIE's Mentor Program connects students with professionals working in the students’ areas of interest.
The Field Trips and Immersion Trips offered through the Institute expose students to the rich diversity of the food industry through domestic and international field experiences.
In addition to enrichment programs, students are encouraged to participate in educational and social events offered throughout the year.