Bachelor of Arts in Entrepreneurial Studies with AI Concentration
Launch Your Venture in the City That Built Empires — With AI as Your Competitive Edge
Chicago isn’t just a backdrop — it’s a launchpad. Home to thousands of startups, one of the nation’s most active venture capital communities, and a business district that pulses with opportunity, Chicago gives you access that no online program can replicate.
Generations College’s on-campus BA in Entrepreneurial Studies with AI Concentration places you at the intersection of two of the most powerful forces shaping the future of business: entrepreneurial thinking and artificial intelligence. You’ll learn face-to-face with classmates who challenge you, instructors who mentor you, and a city that surrounds you with the real-world energy of commerce and innovation.
This isn’t just a degree. It’s a launchpad.
Pitch your ideas in front of live audiences. Network with Chicago founders, investors, and mentors. Build AI-powered ventures with hands-on tools. Graduate ready to lead — or launch.
At a Glance
Detail | Information |
Degree Awarded | Bachelor of Arts in Entrepreneurial Studies with AI Concentration |
Delivery Format | On Campus — In-Person Instruction |
Campus Location | 29 E. Madison St., Chicago, IL 60602 (The Loop) |
Total Credit Hours | 121 credit hours |
Program Structure | 61 Associate’s-Level + 60 Upper-Division Credits |
AI-Specific Courses | 5 dedicated AI courses in the upper division |
Estimated Duration | 4 years (full-time) |
2+2 Transfer Pathway | Yes — transfer your associate’s degree and complete upper-division in 2 years |
Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 25:1 |
Career Placement Rate | 95% |
Start Terms | Fall, Spring, and Summer |
Financial Aid Available | Yes — federal, state, and institutional aid |
The Entrepreneurship Degree Chicago Founders Have Been Waiting For
Entrepreneurs don’t just need good ideas. They need financial acumen, leadership skills, marketing strategy, legal awareness, and increasingly — the ability to leverage AI across every function of a business. This program delivers all of it in a single, integrated on-campus curriculum.
What makes Generations College’s on-campus AI entrepreneurship program different:
- Chicago’s startup ecosystem is your extended classroom. Guest speakers, mentors, and field experiences bring Chicago’s entrepreneurial energy directly into your education.
- AI is woven into the upper-division curriculum — not bolted on as an elective. You’ll learn prompt engineering, AI tools for business advantage, and advanced AI techniques with direct application to venture building.
- Live pitch competitions give you the kind of real-world presenting practice that transforms nervous presenters into confident founders.
- Small class sizes (25:1 ratio) mean your professors know your name, your goals, and your ideas — and they’ll push you to make them better.
- Affordability with stability. Tuition hasn’t increased in 15+ years, and robust financial aid means an excellent education doesn’t have to break your future before it starts.
WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR
This program was designed for students who are:
- Future founders who want to build their own ventures and need the skills, network, and credentials to do it with confidence
- Corporate innovators ready to move into intrapreneurship, innovation management, or new venture development within established organizations
- Tech-curious entrepreneurs who see AI as a competitive advantage and want formal training in how to apply it to business
- Associate’s degree holders looking to complete a full bachelor’s degree through a seamless 2+2 transfer pathway
- Working adults who want in-person education but also want flexibility — Generations College’s scheduling options support working students
- First-generation college students who want a supportive campus environment with real mentorship and career placement resources
- Social entrepreneurs who want to build ventures that solve real problems and create community impact
If you’re driven, curious, and ready to build something that matters — this program is yours.
Upon successful completion of the BA in Business Administration with AI Concentration, graduates will be able to:
- Apply strategic tools and techniques to enhance employability across for-profit and nonprofit organizations, demonstrating readiness for leadership roles in diverse industry sectors.
- Analyze economic trends and their impact on business decision-making in the United States and globally, enabling informed responses to market changes and competitive pressures.
- Leverage artificial intelligence tools and strategies to identify competitive opportunities, automate business processes, and drive measurable organizational performance improvements.
- Recognize ethical issues and apply ethical principles in AI-augmented business decision-making, operating with integrity and responsibility in technology-driven environments.
- Master AI prompt engineering and advanced AI techniques to produce high-quality outputs, optimize AI tool performance, and apply cutting-edge AI methods to real-world business challenges.
- Design and implement data-driven business strategies using AI analytics, business intelligence platforms, and digital transformation frameworks that create sustainable competitive advantage.
Graduates of the BA in Entrepreneurial Studies with AI Concentration are prepared for careers including:
Career Path | What You’ll Do |
AI Startup Founder | Launch and lead AI-powered ventures from ideation to scale, leveraging advanced tools and investor networks |
Digital Venture Strategist | Design and execute growth strategies for digital businesses using data, AI, and market intelligence |
Innovation Director | Lead innovation and new product development within organizations, driving transformation with AI tools |
AI Product Manager | Manage AI-driven product development, aligning technical teams with market needs and business strategy |
Social Impact Entrepreneur | Build mission-driven ventures that address social challenges using creative business models and AI |
E-Commerce AI Specialist | Design and optimize AI-powered e-commerce operations, from digital marketing to customer experience |
Generations College’s 95% career placement rate reflects our commitment to connecting graduates with real opportunities — through our CAPPE program, alumni network, and Chicago’s thriving business ecosystem.
CHICAGO: YOUR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
Chicago is the third-largest city in the United States and one of the nation’s most dynamic entrepreneurial hubs. Studying here means:
- Access to real investors. Chicago’s venture capital community is active and accessible — and Generations students are positioned to connect through networking events, speaker series, and field experiences.
- A startup community that welcomes students. Organizations like 1871, MATTER, Chicago Ventures, and Illinois Tech’s entrepreneurship network create abundant touchpoints for ambitious founders.
- Industry diversity. Chicago’s economy spans finance, healthcare, logistics, food tech, real estate, manufacturing, and more — giving entrepreneurs exposure to sectors that don’t concentrate in coastal cities.
- Cultural richness. From the Art Institute to the Chicago Blues Festival to Chinatown to the Riverwalk, Chicago gives you the lived-experience perspective that makes great entrepreneurs more creative, empathetic, and aware.
- A downtown address. At 29 E. Madison St., you’re steps from the Chicago Loop — surrounded by the exact companies and leaders you want to work with, partner with, or eventually compete against.
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
Generations College welcomes applications from motivated, qualified students who are ready to invest in their futures. To apply for the on-campus BA in Business Administration, please prepare the following:
Requirement | Details |
Application | Completed application |
GPA | Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 |
Official Transcripts | From all previously attended high schools, colleges, universities, and institutions |
Personal Statement Essay | Describing your academic goals, professional aspirations, and reasons for choosing Generations College |
Letters of Recommendation | Up to 2 may be requested: 1 professional reference, 1 academic or community reference |
Interview | May be requested by the admissions committee |
Government-Issued ID | Required for identity verification and enrollment |
Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis. Early application is encouraged.
TRANSFER CREDIT AND THE 2+2 PATHWAY
Already completed an associate's degree? Start the AI Concentration now.
The 2+2 pathway allows students who have completed associate’s-level coursework to transfer directly into the upper-division program and complete the AI Concentration on campus in approximately two years.
How the 2+2 Pathway Works:
- Complete your associate’s degree at Generations College or an accredited institution (61 credit hours recognized)
- Transfer into the upper-division AI Concentration program on campus
- Complete 60 upper-division credit hours over 5 semesters (approximately 2 years full-time)
- Graduate with your BA in Business Administration with AI Concentration
Transfer Credit Policy:
- Credits from regionally accredited institutions are reviewed for transfer eligibility
- A minimum grade of “C” or better is generally required for transfer credit acceptance
- Maximum transfer credit limits apply — contact the Registrar for a detailed evaluation
- Our admissions team will work with you to map your prior credits and create a personalized plan
FINANCIAL AID
Generations College believes that an AI-ready education should be accessible to every qualified student.
An excellent education should be an investment in your future — not a debt sentence that follows you for decades. Generations College has not raised tuition in 15+ years, and a robust suite of financial aid options keeps our programs accessible to motivated students from every background.
Financial Aid Options Available:
- Federal Financial Aid — FAFSA-eligible; federal grants, loans, and work-study programs available
- State Grants — Illinois students may qualify for MAP (Monetary Award Program) grants and other state-funded assistance
- Institutional Scholarships — Merit-based and need-based scholarships available through Generations College
- Employer Tuition Assistance — Many employers sponsor employees earning degrees in AI and technology fields
- Veterans Benefits — GI Bill® and other veteran education benefits accepted
- Payment Plans — Flexible semester-based payment plans available
Steps to Access Financial Aid:
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — school code available on our financial aid page
- Review your financial aid award letter from Generations College
- Meet with a Financial Aid counselor to explore all available options
- Confirm your enrollment and aid package
CAMPUS LIFE AND STUDENT SUPPORT
CAPPE — Center for Academic, Personal, and Professional Excellence
All campus students have access to CAPPE, Generations College’s signature support program:
- Academic Advising — personalized guidance to keep you on track toward graduation
- Tutoring Services — subject-specific tutoring available for all courses including AI coursework
- Career Services — resume development, interview coaching, internship connections with AI-forward Chicago companies
- Personal Wellness Support — counseling and wellness resources
- Professional Development — workshops, networking events, and career preparation aligned with the AI business market
- AI Industry Connections — curated events and connections to Chicago’s growing AI and technology sector
More Than a Degree — A Full Experience
When you come to campus at 29 E. Madison St., you’re not just attending class. You’re:
- Building relationships with classmates who will become your co-founders, collaborators, advisors, and referral network for decades
- Engaging face-to-face with instructors who know your goals and hold you to a higher standard
- Participating in in-person pitch competitions where you present live, field real questions, and develop the confidence and polish that investors and partners expect
- Accessing Chicago’s professional network through speaker events, mentorship programs, and field experiences that only an urban campus can provide
- Benefiting from CAPPE (Generations College’s student success program), which provides hands-on academic advising, career coaching, and professional development support
- Growing as a whole person — through the culture, arts, food, neighborhoods, and energy of one of America’s great cities
Small class sizes mean you’re never lost in a crowd. Your professors are accessible. Your ideas get real feedback. Your growth is personal.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What is the total credit requirement for this program?
A: The BA in Entrepreneurial Studies with AI Concentration requires 121 total credits: 61 at the associate’s level (Semesters 1–5) and 60 in the upper-division AI-enhanced coursework (Semesters 6–10).
Q: Do I have to start from the beginning, or can I transfer in credits?
A: You can transfer in! Generations College accepts transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions. Many students with prior college coursework or associate’s degrees transfer directly into the upper-division curriculum, completing the bachelor’s in as little as two additional years.
Q: What makes this different from a regular entrepreneurship degree?
A: The AI Concentration integrates four dedicated AI courses into the upper-division curriculum — including Introduction to AI, Harnessing AI for Entrepreneurial Success, AI for Competitive Business Advantage, AI Prompt Engineering, and Advanced AI Techniques. These aren’t electives; they’re core to the program and designed to make every entrepreneurship skill you learn more powerful.
Q: What are the benefits of attending on campus rather than online?
A: On-campus students benefit from face-to-face instruction, small class sizes, direct access to faculty mentorship, in-person pitch competitions, campus networking events, and the full advantage of Generations College’s downtown Chicago location — placing you in the heart of one of America’s most active entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Q: What is the student-to-faculty ratio?
A: Generations College maintains a 25:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring that every student receives personal attention, meaningful feedback on their ideas, and direct access to instructors who care about their success.
Q: What career outcomes can I expect?
A: Graduates are prepared for roles such as AI Startup Founder, Digital Venture Strategist, Innovation Director, AI Product Manager, Social Impact Entrepreneur, and E-Commerce AI Specialist. Generations College’s 95% career placement rate reflects our commitment to helping graduates find meaningful professional opportunities.
Q: Is financial aid available for this program?
A: Yes. Generations College participates in federal financial aid programs (FAFSA), offers institutional scholarships, flexible payment plans, and accepts VA education benefits. Tuition has not increased in 15+ years, keeping costs predictable and manageable.
Q: What is the CAPPE program?
A: CAPPE is Generations College’s student success initiative, providing personalized academic advising, career coaching, professional development workshops, and wrap-around support services. It’s designed to ensure every student has what they need to succeed — academically, professionally, and personally.
Your venture starts here. Chicago is waiting.
The BA in Entrepreneurial Studies with AI Concentration on campus at Generations College gives you everything you need to launch: entrepreneurial expertise, AI skills, live pitch experience, and a network built in the heart of Chicago’s business district.