In today’s startup-saturated world, bringing a business plan from idea to reality can be quite the adventure. Knowing this, Full Sail University launched Innovation & Entrepreneurship, a 12-month online master of science degree program designed for students with big ideas.

“This degree involves taking a vision and turning a concept into a reality. If you have a business idea, you’ll learn the process of actually bringing that to fruition,” says Ryan Kitelyn, Full Sail’s Innovation & Entrepreneurship program director. “The goal is to have a business launch in 12 months, or to really vet a business idea and see if it’s worth pursuing.”

Innovation & Entrepreneurship grads have gone on to launch their own products and start their own companies – Jaune Odombrown is the co-founder of Rock the Base, a live entertainment touring company that produces shows on military installations, and the founder of Smartpreneur, an entrepreneurship development agency.

Here are some of the traits and skills you need to bring to the table – or in this case, the online classroom – to succeed in the Innovation & Entrepreneurship program:

You’ve got a great idea – or at least, you want to have one. “Some students already have funding for an idea or project and use the program as an incubator, while many come in thinking that they want to be an entrepreneur, but they don’t have anything solid yet,” Kitelyn says. It’s okay if you don’t have everything figured out, but you’ve definitely got to have an entrepreneurial spirit, an appreciation for start-up culture, and an interest in business.

Be Ready To: Get serious about your business idea, says Kitelyn. Students can expect to spend 20-30 hours per week on their coursework. During the program, you’ll cover marketing, finance, legal issues, and more. In the final month, you’ll present your business idea to a panel of “investors” in a real-world style environment. The goal? You’ll leave the program ready to launch your idea – or you’ll be ready to develop another great one.

Some other skills great Innovation & Entrepreneurship students have: a natural knack for business, self-motivation, and comfort working with others. Students should also have a good handle on time management, which is one of the most important skills to master while at Full Sail. The university’s accelerated track means you’re getting a master’s degree in one year instead of the typical two. It’s a huge benefit – you get a head start in the industry – but it definitely requires commitment and organization.

You’re ready to be an entrepreneur. “Ideally, you’re working in a field related to your business idea, and you want to go out on your own,” Kitelyn says. “There’s a reason why you’re looking into this degree – it will force you to really get serious about your plan.”

More questions? Check out the Check out the Innovation & Entrepreneurship degree page or call an Admissions Representative at 800.226.7625.