Key Takeaways
- Arizona State University launches the McKenna Life Sciences, Business and Entrepreneurship Program in Fall 2026 to meet increasing demand for health care innovation leaders.
- The program, funded by Mark and Sheri McKenna, combines life sciences and business education, allowing students to earn dual degrees and a certificate in four years.
- Students will engage in hands-on experiences, mentorship, and industry events throughout the program, preparing them for impactful careers in health care.
Innovative Educational Pathway
Arizona State University (ASU) is launching the McKenna Life Sciences, Business and Entrepreneurship (MLSBE) Program in Fall 2026, aiming to cultivate future leaders in health care innovation. This interdisciplinary program, established through a generous gift from ASU alumni Mark and Sheri McKenna, emphasizes the synergy between life sciences and business.
Both Mark and Sheri McKenna are graduates of the W. P. Carey School of Business, and their commitment to advancing health care solutions underpins this initiative. The MLSBE Program will allow students to earn two bachelor’s degrees—one in finance and another in a natural science discipline—within four years, alongside a certificate in entrepreneurship and innovation. Participants can choose from various fields, including biological sciences, data science, biochemistry, and neuroscience.
The culmination of the program is a senior capstone project that integrates scientific expertise and business strategy to tackle real-world challenges. Mark McKenna, recognized for his leadership in biotechnology, emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary learning in fostering innovative solutions to improve lives globally.
The curriculum will introduce specialized courses on business innovation within the life sciences, covering essential topics like regulatory systems, intellectual property, and venture capital. Students will benefit from mentorship, internships, and industry connections, participating in corporate engagement trips to prominent life science hubs.
The program includes customized coursework tailored to individual student paths, supported by faculty from both the W. P. Carey School and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Early immersion programs are designed to build community and confidence, ensuring students receive dedicated academic and career guidance.
Integration of cutting-edge technology is a hallmark of the program, featuring virtual reality experiences through Dreamscape Learn’s platforms, enhancing the learning of scientific principles in a dynamic environment.
This initiative is a manifestation of ASU’s commitment to creating diverse educational pathways and promoting innovation in fields critical to societal needs. As part of the Changing Futures campaign, ASU aims to utilize philanthropic investment to address various challenges, including education access, health advancement, and community strengthening.
With the McKenna Family’s impactful contribution, the MLSBE Program positions ASU as a leader in the intersection of life sciences and business, equipping the next generation of innovators to drive meaningful change in health care and beyond.
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