Master of Science in Product Innovation
Gain the skills and experiences to turn great ideas into great products.
The Master of Science in Product Innovation not only gives you knowledge needed, but
the hands-on experience through practicums to put those skills into action.
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The one-year Master of Science in Product Innovation will prepare students to usher new products from ideation through the commercialization phases in existing companies or in new ventures. The curriculum will cover the needs-based product design, prototype development and testing, business model development and validation, and project and product management.
Students will choose a practicum to develop a new product, or product-focused business with the support of faculty experts and mentors from various industries, such as outdoor recreation, biodesign, Web 3.0, digital products, and others. They also have the opportunity to participate in a product incubator program and test new product concepts and prototypes.
Frequent Questions
Can I complete the degree while working full time?
How large are the classes?
Courses and Schedule
What coursework is required for this degree?
Just the Facts
How Much? How Long?
Who can enroll?
How Do I Enroll?
Admission to Walton College masters programs is selective. Enrollment in each program is limited.
Just the Facts: Master of Science in Product Innovation
Program Length
One year
This 12-month, 30-hour program includes full summer, fall, and spring terms.
Start Date
Summer
New cohorts begin in the summer.
Admissions Info
Do I Qualify to Enroll?
Complete your undergraduate degree and meet additional requirements. View Requirements
Entrance Test
GMAT or GRE
Students may be eligible for a GMAT/GRE test waiver with a 3.2 undergraduate GPA or 3 years of professional work experience. Please review our master's admissions policies.
Application Deadline
February 15
Total Program Cost
$20,190
Additional tuition costs applied for out-of-state and international students.
View cost details
Class Profile
Current Students
View a listing of current Master of Science in Product Innovation Students.
Podcast Interview
Sarah Goforth and Andy Murray discuss the role and importance of product managers in corporations and startups, in addition to the Product Innovation Master's Degree created by the Sam M. Walton College of Business.
Career Development
Close ties with our corporate partners facilitate recruiting and networking opportunities, internships, and careers.
Students can participate in corporate internships, career counseling, and take advantage of all the Walton College Career Services has to offer.
Courses and Program Schedule
To obtain the Master of Science in Product Innovation degree, students must complete the following 30 hours of coursework.
Program Schedule
| Core Courses 15 credit hours |
| Choose 9 hours from the Product Innovation Practicum or the New Venture Development Practicum 9 credit hours |
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| Electives 6 credit hours |
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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 12-month, 30-hour program that includes full summer, fall and spring terms.
The curriculum will cover needs-based product design, prototype development and testing, business model development and validation, and project and product management. In addition to coursework, students will complete a practicum series focused on new product incubation with faculty experts in industries such as outdoor recreation, biodesign, Web 3.0, digital products, and others.
- A practicum-based product incubation practicum in which students will participate in a product incubator program (BioDesign or Outdoor Recreation) to develop and test new prototypes, or
- A new venture development practicum in which students will develop a business model, plan, and pitch around an existing product idea, refining and testing the product in tandem with this work as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Frequently Asked Questions
The program is currently offered as a full-time program. As currently organized, the program cannot be completed in a fully remote format.
Class sizes can vary, but most classes will have no more than 15 students.
This is a one-year intensive program, while it is possible to hold an internship or part-time work outside of the program, it would be extremely challenging to maintain a full-time workload.
Students from a wide range of degrees and professional backgrounds are admissible to this program. There is no certain degree or level of experience required to apply.
The Northwest Arkansas Community
Join a supportive and engaging community located in the vibrant business network of Northwest Arkansas, with over 300 Fortune 500 companies with a presence in the region.
Business leaders and Walton alumni are closely connected to the college, not just during your studies, but throughout your career.
