Food & Beverage Entrepreneurship - B.S.

The Food & Beverage Entrepreneurship bachelor’s degree program allows students the opportunity to study an integrated mix of food and/or beverage courses, entrepreneurial and business classes, and a variety of experiential opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom. This program prepares students for careers as innovators creating and managing food- and/or beverage-related small businesses and start-ups or to work as a proponent of intrapreneurship and innovators within existing organizations. Students begin their studies focused on the craft of food, exploring and developing their passion, and then expand their focus into business and entrepreneurship studies. Throughout the course of study, students learn what it takes to begin their own food and/or beverage venture that includes developing a business plan, resource management, finance, marketing, leadership and innovation. Opportunities exist for students to engage in internship or study abroad.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are expected to:

  • Evaluate human, financial and other resources in the entrepreneurial ecosystem that support or inhibit new ventures.
  • Communicate effectively to diverse audiences, regarding different purposes and situations, through a variety of professional methods.
  • Apply ethical principles in response to common entrepreneurial decisions and challenges.
  • Develop a business plan for an innovative product or service in a food or beverage-related market.
  • Analyze the sources of funding available for food and beverage-related ventures and use decision support tools to determine effective structures for early-stage investments.

Food & Beverage Entrepreneurship

A four-year program leading to the bachelor of science degree for graduates of two-year food related associate degree program.

First two years:61
in Baking & Pastry Arts
OR
in Culinary Arts
Third and fourth years:
Credits
Major Courses
ENTR2001Introduction to Entrepreneurship3
ENTR2030Pitching & Planning New Ventures3
ENTR3015Small Business Management3
ENTR3030Marketing for Entrepreneurs3
ENTR4010Change and Innovation Management3
ENTR4055Entrepreneurship Seminar3
FSM3035Supervision for Food Service Professionals3
FSM3040Food Service Financial Systems3
FSM3215Culinary Operations and Facility Management3
LAW2001The Legal Environment of Business I3
University Core Curriculum
Connecting3
One course with the Connecting attribute (ECNG), at the 4000 level
Experiencing6
Ethics: A Global Perspective
Additional course with the Experiencing attribute (EEXP) in a different discipline
Measuring3
Statistics I
Interacting6
Microeconomics
Additional course with the Interacting attribute (EINT) in a different discipline
A&S Elective3
Macroeconomics
Free Electives #
9 credits selected from 1000–4999 numbered offerings within the university9
Total Credits60.0
Four-Year Credit Total121.0

** General Education Requirements

All students are required to complete MATH1002 A Survey of College Mathematics (or higher, based on student's placement) or its equivalent. 

For students without an awarded Associate in Science degree from a regionally accredited institution, the following courses are required in order to meet minimum accreditation standards.

Transcripts for these students will be evaluated to determine transfer credit eligibility for the following courses:

ENG1020Rhetoric & Composition I3
ENG1021Rhetoric & Composition II3
ENG1030Communication Skills3
MATH1002A Survey of College Mathematics (or higher, based on student's placement)3
ScienceOne course from BIO, CHM, PHY or SCI3
A&S ElectiveTwo courses with an EASC attribute6
**

Students must complete 14 courses (at least 42 credits) of general studies within the B.S. degree.

#  In addition to classes, free elective credits may be applied to a number of options such as internship, study abroad, Directed Experiential Education courses and courses in a specialization or minor as relevant. For students who qualify for the J2 program, up to four graduate courses may apply. Students are strongly encouraged to contact a faculty advisor before scheduling free elective credits.

Note: Students must pass ENG0001 Writing Workshop or have equivalent placement scores to enroll in ILS 2000-level courses.

In collaboration with academic colleges Study Abroad offer several options, direct enroll with international universities, domestic and digital options meet with a Study Abroad Advisor to learn more about how your major, minor, free electives, experiential learning and transferable courses would benefit by a Study Abroad program. There are many options for students during a semester, spring and/or summer breaks. Faculty-led, exchange, and direct-enroll programs range in duration from one week to a full semester or full year. Financial aid may be applied, and some partners offer external scholarships. Visit the study abroad website for information, program descriptions and online applications. Where will you go? Wherever you decide, make the best of your educational journey!

Johnson & Wales University holistically reviews all elements of a student’s application to identify those students most likely to succeed at the university.

Prior to being considered for admission into an online JWU undergraduate program, the following must be submitted:

  1. A completed application for admission.
  2. Official high school or GED transcript. 
  3. If applicable, official or certified transcripts from all previous college/university institutions attended.

Applicants to the Food & Beverage Entrepreneurship online bachelor's degree program must have earned an associate degree in Culinary Arts or Baking & Pastry Arts from an accredited institution prior to applying for admission to the bachelor's degree program.

J2 Program

The JWU J2 program allows qualified students enrolled in a matriculating undergraduate program to take graduate level courses at JWU. Students interested in pursuing this option should meet with their academic advisor to discuss their interest, qualifications and plans. The undergraduate student may take up to four graduate courses (maximum 12 credits) and are limited to 6 credits a semester and 3 credits per session (Fall Session I and Fall Session II). 

The completion of graduate credits to fulfill undergraduate program requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the graduate program after completion of the baccalaureate degree. Matriculating undergraduate students who wish to formally enroll in a graduate program must fulfill all requirements for entrance into the intended graduate program and complete a graduate program application. 

Note: Not all graduate courses are included as part of this policy. Courses offered as part of the Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Education, Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and doctoral courses are excluded from this policy and are restricted to program majors only. Additional courses and/or programs as determined by individual colleges may also have restricted access.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to enroll in graduate level courses (excludes: Masters of Arts in Teaching, Masters of Education, Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, doctoral courses and other programs as outlined by the colleges).

Undergraduate students must meet the following criteria:

  • Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher
  • Completed and registered undergraduate credits at least 90 credits
  • Meet the individual course prerequisites

Appeal to Eligibility Criteria: College dean or designee will receive a copy of the Petition Form, Student's GPS and email requesting appeal if the student requests to appeal the GPA or earned/registered credit criteria. College dean/designee will review and determine approval.  

These courses carry graduate credit and will replace undergraduate degree requirements when applicable, traditionally free-electives (maximum of 12 credits). The course will be applied to the undergraduate degree in the order in which they are taken (if required) and will also be applied towards both the students undergraduate and graduate GPA.

Students should maintain enrollment in at least 12 credits of undergraduate coursework to maintain full-time status; graduate course enrollment is not calculated into undergraduate full-time status. For students already attending full-time as undergraduates (12 credits or more) and paying the full-time tuition, the graduate credits will be included in full-time tuition fee. Students attending part-time (11 credits or less) will pay the cost per-credit undergraduate tuition for the graduate course.

Course registration will be based on space availability and students enrolled in graduate level courses will be required to maintain good academic standing at the undergraduate and graduate level.