Whether you want to work in the corporate world or start your own business, earning your associates degree in entrepreneurship online can help you develop versatile skills.
This degree covers essential business skills. Earning it can help you develop leadership techniques and marketing strategies and gain a foundational knowledge of finance.
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While an academic qualification is not strictly necessary to be an entrepreneur, the specialized training from a small business degree is likely to be useful to anyone hoping to launch a startup.
Associates Degrees in Entrepreneurship Online
An online entrepreneurship associate degree program typically explores the key concepts in entrepreneurship and business management.
The subjects you will likely study include:
- Business law
- Accounting
- Financial management
- Marketing
- Inventory management
You’ll likely learn about optimizing an organization’s performance as well. Additionally, a degree in small business entrepreneurship will commonly cover human resources management and public speaking, making it a well-rounded degree.
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This degree can also be useful for finding work in established industries. Several careers require the skills learned in this course. Many graduates with entrepreneur degrees go on to work as sales managers, business consultants, and human resources assistants, to list just a few. The career possibilities are broad.
Entrepreneurship Careers & Salaries
An associate’s degree in entrepreneurship could potentially open up a range of career paths. In addition to being a small business owner, some commonly related careers include business consultant and market research analyst. Some employers may prefer candidates with experience over further education and training.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these are some careers related to entrepreneurship and an associate-level education in the field.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Sales Managers | $127,490 |
| Administrative Services and Facilities Managers | $99,290 |
| Real Estate Brokers | $62,010 |
| Advertising Sales Agents | $52,340 |
| Real Estate Sales Agents | $48,340 |
| Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping | $45,630 |
| Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks | $45,560 |
| Financial Clerks | $44,760 |
| Material Recording Clerks | $37,870 |
| General Office Clerks | $37,030 |
It’s also common for people with an associate’s in entrepreneurship to hold managerial roles of various kinds, from office manager to retail and sales manager. Depending on the position, some employers might ask for further qualifications prior to employment.
Entrepreneurship Associate’s Curriculum & Courses
Most entrepreneurship degree programs will have varying coursework, but here are a few common courses you’re likely to come across:
- Accounting: This course provides an overview of the theories and methodologies used in accounting.
- Business Law: This class covers key law concepts related to starting and running a business, like tax codes, ethical business practices, and labor laws.
- Microeconomics: This is the study of the financial decisions made by individuals and businesses, as opposed to macroeconomics, which focuses on the economy as a whole.
- Public Speaking: In this course, you’ll have opportunities to practice expressing yourself in front of groups of people.
- Business Management: This class explores strategies to increase an organization’s productivity.
- Spreadsheet Software: This course discusses some of the most powerful tools used for data analysis.
- Marketing: This class explores how companies decide what products and services to sell and discusses how to determine and reach target demographics.
- Finance: This is a more general course that covers banking, economics, and financial markets. It typically teaches how to analyze a company’s financial history and put together a financial plan.
- Inventory Control: This course focuses on how businesses know what stock to order and how much of it to get. It explores concepts like supplier management and production scheduling.
- Information Systems: This class provides studies on computer technology and how businesses can use it to achieve their goals.
Most of these courses are applicable to a range of contexts. Business skills are especially versatile and can be used in a variety of industries.
How to Choose an Online Associate in Entrepreneurship Degree Program
There are several factors to consider when choosing where and how to earn your associate’s in entrepreneurship. Common factors include:
- Cost of online vs. in-person studies
- Cost of in-state vs. out-of-state programs
- Cost of public vs. private schools
- School’s location
- School’s accreditation status
- Program format and length
- Student support services
You may want to investigate these considerations and determine your preferences and priorities when choosing the best schools for entrepreneurship.
Admissions Requirements
The admissions criteria for small business degree programs are usually not too stringent. Many only require a high school diploma or GED. These are some of the common requirements for applying:
- High school diploma or GED
- SAT or ACT scores (if required)
- Personal essay
- Letters of recommendation
This is just a guideline, though. If you’re considering a specific school, it’s beneficial to check whether it has any other admissions criteria.
Accreditation
Regional accreditation is a process that ensures a college or degree program meets a certain standard of quality.
Attending a regionally accredited school can influence many factors. For instance, accreditation is often a prerequisite for transferring credits to another institution. It can also be a precondition for financial aid as well as for membership in certain professional associations.
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Employers often prefer graduates of accredited schools as well. To find out more about accreditation, you can check out the US Department of Education’s website.
Entrepreneurship Licensure and Certifications
Whether you’re helping an established business achieve its goals or launching a startup of your own, certifications and licenses can be an asset.
Professional certifications can bolster your resumé and help give you an edge over other applicants. Certifications usually vary from industry to industry, so it’s beneficial to ensure that the one you pursue is relevant to your line of work.
Some of the most prominent business certifications include:
- Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)
- Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
Certifications can demonstrate your training and knowledge in a specialty area. Entrepreneurs also need licenses from their city or state to operate their businesses. Your licensure requirements will depend on the regulations set by your city or state.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
When it comes to financial aid, student loans are a common option. While banks and private loan companies offer various loans, they will have to be repaid with interest.
Another option is to apply for federal student loans or grants by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
You can also look into need-based and merit-based scholarships from your school and from private and public organizations. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement programs so their workers can further their education.
What Can I Do with an Associate’s Degree in Entrepreneurship?
An entrepreneur degree program typically has a broad curriculum that covers most of the basics of business management. As a result, there are a variety of career paths available to graduates.
You can put your knowledge to use in helping established businesses improve their performances. Graduates with this degree often work as human resources assistants, accounting clerks, or sales representatives. Graduates with small business degrees may also start their own businesses.
Another option is to use your associate’s degree as a stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s in entrepreneurship can help you qualify for more positions in the business world, such as market research analyst, management analyst, and financial analyst.
More and more universities offer either on-campus or online bachelor’s in entrepreneurship options today.
Is an Associate Degree in Entrepreneurship Worth It?
Yes, an associate degree in entrepreneurship is worth it for many students. It’s a solid foundation for anyone interested in breaking into the business world.
An associate program in entrepreneurship covers a balance of business skills. You can learn about the more technical aspects of business, like finance and inventory management, as well as the people-oriented aspects, such as human resources and public speaking.
You can also build on an associate’s degree to study further and specialize in a particular subject. By introducing you to the main areas of business management, an associate degree in entrepreneurship may help you find your niche.
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, business and financial occupations are expected to see 8% job growth over the next ten years.
Universities Offering Online Associates in Entrepreneurship Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
The Borough of Manhattan Community College offers an Associate of Science in Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
The program encourages students to uncover their passions and transform them into marketable businesses. Students can attend in online, in-person, or hybrid formats. They can expect active participation and networking opportunities with faculty, peers, and industry-insiders regardless of the learning format they choose.
BMCC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Catawba Valley Community College offers an online AAS in Entrepreneurship. It covers business funding, marketing, innovation, and creativity. The program is different from a general business program in that it emphasizes skills for running one’s own business rather than working for someone else’s business.
Catawba Valley Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Central Penn College offers an Associate in Entrepreneurship and Small Business. The degree can be earned online or in a hybrid format. Courses include Accounting I and II, Managerial Accounting, Spreadsheet Applications, Microeconomics, Principles of Management, Principles of Marketing, and more.
Students in the program also get to participate in an internship.
Central Penn College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Forsyth Technical Community College offers an Associate in Applied Science in Entrepreneurship. The degree can be earned on campus or online.
Coursework includes Principles of Financial Accounting, Law for Entrepreneurs, Principles of Managerial Accounting, Introduction to Logistics, Small Business Management, and more.
Forsyth Technical Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Hudson Valley Community College offers an AAS in Entrepreneurship. The program includes an internship and the opportunity to create an actionable business plan.
Courses include Personal Finance, Business Communications, Organization and Management, Principles of Microeconomics, Principles of Marketing, Entrepreneurial Process, and more.
Hudson Valley Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
North Hennepin Community College offers an Entrepreneurship AAS for students who aspire to start or own a small business. The program is available in both online and hybrid formats and covers essential business areas, such as finance, management, marketing, and human resources.
Students in the program are given opportunities to learn through real-world projects, including the creation of a business plan.
North Hennepin Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Northcentral Technical College offers an Associate in Small Business Entrepreneurship. The program is geared toward those who want to become small business owners. It is 100% online and covers how to develop a business plan and how to use marketing to meet business goals.
Northcentral Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Northwest Arkansas Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Business Management – Entrepreneurship.
The program is 95% online and requires an internship class. Coursework includes Feasibility and Funding, E-Commerce, Small Business Management, Pro Selling and Marketing, Legal Environment of Business, Spreadsheet Analysis, and more.
Northwest Arkansas Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Seminole State College of Florida offers an Associate in Science in Entrepreneurship and Business Management. The program covers how to identify business opportunities, write business plans, and secure investments. It is fully online.
Students in the program have the opportunity to participate in an entrepreneurship competition.
Seminole State College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tidewater Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science with a specialization in Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship. The program requires the completion of 67 credits and can typically be completed in 4 semesters. The degree can be earned online or on campus in Chesapeake.
Students in the program are expected to participate in an internship and study business law, finance, and marketing.
Tidewater Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Getting Your Associates Degree in Entrepreneurship Online
If you’re interested in business and dream of starting a company of your own, you may want to consider getting your associate’s in entrepreneurship. Credible business online degree programs are available from many accredited institutions.
With an associates in entrepreneurship online program, you can develop skills that are useful in almost any business context. You can also use this degree as a stepping stone toward a bachelor’s in the field.
Being an entrepreneur can be an exciting and rewarding career. If you’re thinking of entering the world of business, you can start by looking at online small business degree programs from accredited universities.
