UC Berkeley's new undergraduate program to prep students for innovation

The University of California, Berkeley, has launched a new undergraduate program designed to integrate the study of engineering and business, so as to prepare students for the world of innovation.

The Management, Entrepreneurship & Technology Program (MET), to be taught at UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business and College of Engineering, was launched Monday with the opening of the school's application website for fall 2017 enrollment.

"Our industry partners tell us they face a significant gap in their search for talent -- those with technical backgrounds need the expertise to bring a great idea to market, while those with business backgrounds must have a stronger grasp of the technologies that drive innovation," said S. Shankar Sastry, dean of Berkeley Engineering. "We want to close this gap."

As it is designed to help students understand technology innovation, prepare future leaders who will create real-world impact - be it at new start-ups, at social impact ventures or within established companies, the program is looking for inquisitive, self-motivated students from diverse backgrounds "with a passion for finding and solving big problems," said a new release from the school.

Students, about 30 at first, will enroll in one program but earn two Bachelor of Science degrees, one in engineering and one in business administration. The integrated curriculum consists of liberal arts, engineering and business courses and can be completed in four years. And opportunities to pursue internships, career coaching and other enrichment, as well as for hands-on learning in innovation and entrepreneurship, will be provided.

Students in the program can choose between two tracks: business + electrical engineering & computer sciences (EECS), or business + industrial engineering & operations research (IEOR). Endit