If your dream is to start your own business, then it’s worth looking into the best MBA for entrepreneurship programs for graduate school.
Being an entrepreneur is more accessible than ever, with lower capital costs and more access to resources such as funding. It can be a fulfilling and impactful career path, and there’s nearly unlimited potential to raise your earnings.
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Studying for an MBA in Entrepreneurship can help you develop the practical skills needed to get your business ideas off the ground and make your vision a reality.
Best MBA for Entrepreneurship Programs Online
An MBA in Entrepreneurship program is a type of Master of Business Administration (MBA) program that specializes in launching and growing businesses from scratch. After all, having a successful business isn’t only about coming up with good ideas.
An entrepreneurship program can give you the opportunity to learn how to refine your ideas and implement your plans in a changing marketplace.
Earning an MBA in Entrepreneurship can help you develop a solid foundation in business fundamentals, such as accounting, marketing, and leadership. Beyond this, you’ll likely tackle topics that are crucial for entrepreneurs, such as:
- Assessing market opportunities
- Creating and testing product prototypes
- Creating a strong organizational culture
- Building a team
- Scaling your company
- Following a strong exit strategy
This type of program can be very interactive because most classes tend to involve case studies, group work, and hands-on projects. Professors in these programs usually have real-world experience, and they can give guidance about major trends and issues in entrepreneurship.
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Before graduation, you’ll likely have to complete an internship in an entrepreneurial setting or launch your own business project.
An entrepreneurship MBA program can also help you develop better leadership and management skills. These skills are in-demand and could help you qualify for positions in a variety of fields.
Maybe you want to go straight into building a business, such as an e-commerce store, a tech startup, or a consulting agency. Alternatively, you may want to take on a management role in a company and help drive innovation.
There’s also the exciting path of becoming a venture capitalist, where you could regularly work with startups.
All of these are possible avenues to pursue with an MBA in Entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneurship Careers & Salaries
Earning an MBA from one of the best colleges for entrepreneurship can open many doors. An MBA on its own is already well-regarded by most, but specializing in entrepreneurship may be especially lucrative because it can show that you aspire to be a leader and innovator.
Graduates can be found in nearly every business field. Still, technology is a popular choice because it’s a fast-moving industry with low startup costs. On the other hand, some graduates pursue more traditional leadership jobs in established businesses where they can have strategic or executive positions.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the median yearly salaries of top careers that can benefit from advanced entrepreneurial skills.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Chief Executives | $179,520 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $159,010 |
| Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers | $133,380 |
| Financial Managers | $131.710 |
| Sales Managers | $127,490 |
| Public Relations and Fundraising Managers | $119,860 |
| Administrative Services and Facilities Managers |
$99,290 |
| General and Operations Managers | $97,970 |
| Management Analysts | $93,000 |
| Operations Research Analysts | $86,360 |
Most of these roles are in management, and an MBA could help you qualify as a competitive candidate. Aside from these, some graduates might work as product managers, business consultants, and investment bankers.
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Graduates of an MBA in Entrepreneurship program may follow unconventional career paths since they tend to be interested in starting their own ventures. Many students actually start businesses with their peers while still in school, while others use their final projects as launch pads and turn them into true companies.
Entrepreneurship MBA Curriculum & Courses
An MBA for entrepreneurs program typically features courses like the following:
- Entrepreneurship: This course delves into decision-making strategies through all stages of entrepreneurship, from searching for business opportunities to becoming a long-standing company.
- Business Laws for Entrepreneurs: This class explores how the legal system works for businesses, with an emphasis on contracts and business structures such as mergers and partnerships.
- Venture Capital: This course explores how venture capital firms select and manage their investments and how entrepreneurs can get funding.
- Entrepreneurial Finance: You’ll learn about financing options for new ventures, covering topics such as capital management, exit strategies, valuation, and IPO launching.
- Intellectual Property Management: Intellectual property is a major concern for businesses with knowledge-based products, so this class explores the various types of intellectual property and how to leverage these for competitive business advantages.
- Sales and Marketing for Entrepreneurs: This course covers how to analyze consumer behavior, engage with customers throughout the buyer’s journey, and track your success.
- Building Technology Companies: Technology is a popular focus in entrepreneurship today, and creating a technology company has its unique challenges, including keeping up with the latest tools and having to constantly improve products. This class focuses on the niche skills needed to run such companies.
- Information Systems: Many MBA in Entrepreneurship programs have classes dedicated to information systems or programming to give students a more technical background in how software works.
- Business Innovation: This course offers opportunities to practice systematically assessing business opportunities and moving these forward through detailed plans, branding, and funding.
- Leading Organizations: Teams and company culture are a crucial part of any business venture, and this course looks into how to build strong teams united by a common vision.
MBA in Entrepreneurship programs usually require the completion of a capstone project in which you’ll apply what you’ve learned and launch your own venture.
How to Choose an Online MBA for Entrepreneurship Program
Here’s a list of various factors to consider before you enroll in an online MBA for Entrepreneurship:
- Program format. Online programs typically have a more flexible schedule than traditional, on-site programs. Does your program have 100% online classes, or does it follow a more hybrid format?
- Opportunities. It’s convenient to enroll in a program with plenty of opportunities and resources. For example, many programs have partner companies for internships or even hubs and incubators to help you build a business.
- Coursework. MBA in Entrepreneurship programs can vary widely in terms of coursework and requirements. Some programs have specializations in major industries like healthcare or technology.
- School Reputation and accreditation. What are graduate outcomes like for the school? You can check online for honest reviews. Also, only considering accredited MBA business schools can help you be confident in the quality of the education you’ll be getting.
- Cost. You can typically see program costs on a school’s website. Some schools might have additional options for financial aid through scholarships and assistantships.
Ideally, the program that’s right for you will align with your learning preferences and professional goals.
Masters in Entrepreneurship Admissions Requirements
To get into an entrepreneur MBA program, you’ll likely have to submit the following:
- Personal statement. This is usually based on specific questions about your professional background and career goals.
- Recommendation letters. Most programs ask for 2 to 3 recommendation letters that describe your character and work performance.
- Transcripts. You’ll submit transcripts of your grades from college and any post-graduate classes you’ve taken.
- Resume. MBA programs often require several years of work experience, and your resume may be assessed for leadership potential.
Some programs look at GMAT or GRE scores too, though a growing number of schools no longer require them.
Accreditation
The best MBA in Entrepreneurship programs typically come from accredited schools. A school becomes regionally accredited if it meets certain educational standards, as checked by official accrediting organizations. Accreditation depends on a school’s coursework, faculty, graduate outcomes, and other factors.
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Accredited entrepreneurial business schools are more trusted by employers, and you can be more confident about receiving a high-quality education. For a list of regional accrediting agencies, you can look at the Council for Higher Education Accreditation’s directory.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
There are a variety of financial aid options for graduate students who qualify. You can check school websites to see if they offer scholarships, which don’t need to be repaid. Assistantships, where you can work on-campus or get tuition subtractions, might be possible as well.
Some public and private organizations also offer scholarship opportunities.
To determine your eligibility for government aid—such as loans, grants, and work-study programs—you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
What Can You Do with an MBA in Entrepreneurship?
An MBA in Entrepreneurship can help you get started in a broad range of careers. Graduates are found in virtually every field, from the restaurant industry to biotechnology and banking.
The most standard path is for graduates to embrace their inner entrepreneur and build their own businesses, stepping into chief executive roles as their businesses grow. Professionals with advanced entrepreneurial training often work in high-level positions in consulting, finance, and management.
Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, management roles tend to have some of the highest median salaries compared to other job groups.
Is an MBA in Entrepreneurship Worth It?
Yes, an MBA in Entrepreneurship is worth it for many students. This type of graduate degree program can help you develop relevant skills that are valuable in almost any company, including strategic planning, innovation, and implementation.
It can train you in the practical aspects of running your own business, such as how to find funding and create business plans. Your professors will likely have real-world experience and give you valuable insights.
You can also build a strong network among your peers, and some schools have valuable networking resources, like startup incubators and company partnerships.
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, management occupations are projected to see 9% job growth over the next ten years.
Universities Offering Online MBA for 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.
Babson College offers a flexible, part-time MBA program. Classes are available online, in the evenings, and in hybrid formats. The program also includes weekend intensives and electives abroad. It is intended for working professionals who already have five to ten years of work experience.
Babson College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Ball State University offers a Master of Business Administration. Students can choose from a general education program or a variety of concentrations, including Artificial Intelligence, Business Analytics, Construction Management, and Finance.
Other options are Healthcare Administration, Health Economics Policy and Administration, Information Technology Leadership, and Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Classes are available both on campus and online.
Ball State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Bellevue University offers an MBA with over twenty different possible concentrations, including Entrepreneurship. Classes are available both on campus and online, and students are given the opportunity to build a portfolio.
The application process is designed to be simple and does not require the submission of GRE or GMAT scores.
Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Cedarville University offers an MBA in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The program is designed to allow students to study business through a biblical lens. It can typically be completed in 1 to 2 years.
Courses include Accounting for Business Executives, Biblical and Theological Foundations for Graduate Study, and Information Technology for Competitive Advantage.
Cedarville University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Endicott College offers a Master of Business Administration program for working professionals that can be taken on campus or online. There are eight start dates per year, and courses are just 6 weeks long. Over 18 concentrations are available, making the program highly customizable.
The Entrepreneurship concentration provides the opportunity to study small business management, marketing, and related topics.
Endicott College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Johns Hopkins University offers a flexible MBA program with a variety of concentrations, including one in Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Technology.
Courses in this concentration include Entrepreneurial Finance, Entrepreneurial Ventures, Business Innovation for Social Impact, Marketing Research, Effective Teaming, and more.
Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
National Louis University offers an MBA in Entrepreneurship that can be taken on campus or online. There is also a blended format designed to deliver ultimate flexibility for adult students.
The program aims to help students develop skills in dynamic environment management, problem-solving and analysis, strategic integration, and effective communication.
National Louis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Northeastern University’s online MBA program is designed to be completed in 2 years. Eight different concentrations are available, including one in Innovation Entrepreneurship.
Courses include Financial Statement Preparation and Analysis, Operations and Supply Chain Management, Managing People and Organizations, Managing the Global Enterprise, and more.
Northeastern University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Ohio University offers an online MBA program with a concentration in Business Venturing and Entrepreneurship. No GMAT is required for admission, and the program can potentially be completed in just 2 years.
Courses include New Venture Creation, Managing Innovation and Corporate Entrepreneurship, and Ideation, Concept Development, and Business Models.
Ohio University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Post University offers an MBA that can be earned online and on campus. Nine different concentrations are available, including Entrepreneurship. No GMAT is required to apply.
The curriculum emphasizes real-world, project-based learning. Courses include Foundations in Business, Organizational Dynamics and Effectiveness, Business Analytics for Managers, and Organizational Creativity, Discovery, and Innovation.
Post University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Regent University offers an MBA in Entrepreneurship that is taught from a Christian worldview. It requires the completion of 42 credit hours, and courses are available online and on campus.
Courses include Quality Management, Entrepreneurial Government Contracting Strategies, Strategic Management, and Investing, Financing, and Funding Relationships.
Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University offers an online program for a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. The program requires the completion of 36 credit hours, which can potentially be done in just 1 year.
Applicants are expected to have a minimum GPA of 2.5 but do not need to submit GMAT scores.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Southern New Hampshire University offers an online program for an MBA in Entrepreneurship. It can potentially be completed in about 1 year and is designed to teach students about small business operations.
Course options include Leading People and Organizations, Organization Strategy in a Global Environment, Optimizing Brands, and Leading Organizational Change.
Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Syracuse University offers an online MBA program with a specialization in Entrepreneurship. Students are required to take courses in corporate entrepreneurship, venture capital, and new product development. The full program requires the completion of 36 credits, which can usually be done within 2 years.
Students are also required to attend three in-person residencies that are structured like business conferences.
Syracuse University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Trevecca Nazarene University’s online MBA program features eight different specialty track options, including Entrepreneurship and Innovation. The program can be taken following a 22 month track or an accelerated 15 month track.
Trevecca Nazarene provides small class sizes and faculty with real-world experience. The curriculum explores the ways faith and business intersect.
Trevecca Nazarene University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Arkansas offers an Executive Master of Business Administration. This program can be completed primarily online, with on-campus activities required once a month. It usually takes 2 years to complete and includes an Innovation and Entrepreneurship track.
The curriculum focuses on applications-based learning through cases and projects.
The University of Arkansas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Louisiana—Lafayette offers an online MBA program with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. The program covers topics such as demand analysis, negotiation, financial management, marketing, and the legal aspects of starting a small business.
Coursework can be completed at any time and from anywhere with an internet connection.
The University of Louisiana—Lafayette is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Massachusetts—Amherst offers an MBA with a focus in Entrepreneurship. Courses include Business Turnaround Strategies, Ecommerce Logistics, Entrepreneurship, Fundamentals of Product Marketing, LEAN Management, New Venture Finance, and more.
The University of Massachusetts—Amherst is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill offers an online MBA program with a focus in Entrepreneurship. It is designed to help students learn how to secure funding for business ventures and plan strategies for expanding businesses.
Courses include Technology Strategy and Business Innovation, Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Developing Economies, and Managing Modern Markets and Customers.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of West Florida offers an online Master of Business Administration program with an emphasis in Entrepreneurship. It requires the completion of 36 credit hours, which can potentially be done in just 16 months.
Courses include Business Process Integration, Information Resources and Industry Analysis, Accounting for Decision Making, and Business Analytics.
The University of West Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Getting Your MBA in Entrepreneurship Online
An online program for an MBA in Entrepreneurship can offer more convenience and flexibility while you pursue a high-quality business education.
An online degree in business, such as an online master’s in entrepreneurship program, will give you the opportunity to tackle topics that can help you succeed in the business world, all with the flexibility that online programs can provide.
You may have the chance to interact with a cohort of peers and meet more people from diverse backgrounds. You can start exploring entrepreneurship MBA programs from accredited schools today to find the one that best aligns with your schedule and professional goals.
Choosing the right MBA in Entrepreneurship program can help you lift your career to the next level and learn the necessary skills to start a business.
