To obtain the Master of Science in Product Innovation degree, students must complete
the following 30 hours of coursework.
Core Courses
SEVI 54203: User Research in Applied Environments
User Research in Applied Environments covers basic methods of user research as it
relates to new product creation, including human-centered design and customer discovery.
Students will work in a team environment and will learn how to pair qualitative, team-based
interviewing techniques with quantitative market research to identify and explore
important needs and market opportunities.
SEVI 52103: Business Foundations for Entrepreneurs
Introduction to the fundamental business concepts an entrepreneur needs to know to
evaluate and launch a successful new venture. Topic areas include recruitment, selection,
motivation and management of employees, market analysis and the marketing mix, financial
strategies and accounting for funds, economic considerations, and the management of
operations.
SEVI 52303: Human-Centered Design
This course will serve as a highly hands-on experience through the human-centered
design process, organized around the following modules: design research, problem identification,
concept generation and creativity, prototyping, testing, communication and visualization.
Within this course, students have the structure and space to be collaborative, creative,
and agile, enabling them to rapidly design viable solutions for their organizational
partners. (Typically offered: Irregular)
SEVI 54303: Legal, Social and Economic Context for Product Innovation
In this class, we will cover a variety of issues important to product development,
including intellectual property and liability issues, industry and competitor analysis,
supply chains and sales channels, and social and environmental issues. The course
will combine readings guest lectures, and project work that applies concepts to the
students' specific projects.
SEVI 54403: Principles of Product Design and Prototyping
Principles of Product Design and Prototyping develops foundational skills in product
design, including hands-on experimentation with digital design and prototyping tools
(e.g. Autodesk, Solidworks, Adobe). This course will pair readings, lectures, and
hands-on mini-workshops to build confidence and capability in product design in the
context of the student' own ideas.
SEVI 54603: Product Management
In this class, we will explore the relationship between design, product development,
and product management in a business environment. Product strategy, lifecycle management,
go-to-market strategies, and user and functional testing will be covered, as will
techniques of project and product management using tools widely deployed in innovative
corporate and startup environments to track user needs, manage product iterations,
and execute design sprints.
Choose 6 hours of Practicum Requirements
SEVI 5450V: Product Innovation Practicum
In this practicum students will have an opportunity to develop new products that are
based on validated needs within their chosen industries, from the idea and discovery
phases through to products that are ready to be commercialized. Students will apply
concepts from their design and development classes to their product ideas, and will
form relationships with corporate and entrepreneurial partners that allow for those
products to be tested in real-world pilots.
SEVI 53203: New Venture Development and SEVI 5410V: New Venture Development II
SEVI 53203: New Venture Development - Focuses on the identification and analysis of
new venture opportunities and how entrepreneurs acquire the human and financial resources
needed to develop successful businesses. Topics include market analysis, development
of products and services, negotiation, developing and executing business plans, and
new venture financing. Students are required to complete summer assignments before
the course begins in the fall semester. Prerequisite: SEVI 52103 or an undergraduate
degree in business or permission of the instructor. SEVI 5410V: New Venture Development
II - A large-scale, real world, 10-week project involving hands-on work addressing
issues faced by managers in partnering firms.
Electives (6 hours)
Electives to be approved in consultation with Program Director.
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Product Innovation will prepare students to usher new products
from the idea through the commercialization phases within existing companies or in
new ventures. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities
to improve the probability of commercial success for innovative new products and services.
The degree will consist of a 1-year or a 2-year, 30-hour program that includes full
summer, fall and spring terms. Classes will meet online during the week and one Saturday
per month at the University of Arkansas campus in Fayetteville.
Product/Venture Practicums
Students will choose a project-based practicum related to some aspect of new product
development - developing a new product, building a product-focused business, or working
with an existing brand to advance their product portfolio - with the support of faculty
experts and mentors from various industries, such as outdoor recreation, biodesign,
digital products, and others. The small cohort size of each group enables students
to have a high level of engagement with faculty and project sponsors, ensuring a more
customized learning experience for a variety of professionals. Students also have
the opportunity to participate in a product incubator program and test new product
concepts and prototypes.
The student can choose from one of two practicum options:
- Product Development Practicum – The self-paced practicum experience will be in partnership
with a project sponsor in the industry of the student’s preference. With a faculty
advisor and project sponsor, the student will develop customized deliverables and
timeline to advance the product development goals of the sponsor organization.
- New Venture Development Practicum – This team-based practicum with other interdisciplinary
master’s level students will enable the student to develop their skills in creating
a new product-based business through business modeling, product development, and product
pitch events.