An online PhD in Entrepreneurship may be a good option for you if you wish to develop a comprehensive understanding of what makes businesses and businesspeople successful.
A PhD program can help you develop the functional knowledge required to develop, establish, and expand your ventures.
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With coursework that typically focuses on financial best practices, ethical business principles, and innovative management, online PhDs in Entrepreneurship also educate dynamic leaders.
Online PhD in Entrepreneurship Programs
Doctoral programs in entrepreneurship usually cover all aspects of a functioning business. This will likely include fundamental business skills and instruction in the philosophical facets of entrepreneurship, such as:
- Strategic planning
- Business operations
- Financing and accounting
- Networking in the industry
- Marketing to the consumer
- Organizational management
- Technological and systemic advancement
- Ethical business practices
Your courses at entrepreneurship colleges will likely cover these and many other topics essential to entrepreneurship.
In addition to standard class attendance and coursework, mastery of these concepts will likely include examinations, student-led research, and the completion and defense of a dissertation.
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Completing a doctorate in entrepreneurship can better equip you for a variety of career paths. Doctoral entrepreneurship graduates tend to work in the following industries:
- Marketing and sales
- Administration and management
- Business ownership
- Finance
- Research and development
- Human resources
- Corporate recruiting
- Data management and analytics
- Postsecondary education
Many doctoral graduates utilize their education in entrepreneurship to establish new businesses or revitalize existing businesses. Other professionals join the administration of a company or organization, serve as consultants for other businesses, or work as financial, management, or business analysts.
Entrepreneurship Careers & Salaries
Entrepreneurs are valuable leaders in many fields, including finance, marketing, sales, research, development, and education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are some advanced careers related to business and entrepreneurship, along with their median salaries.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Chief Executives | $189,520 |
| Marketing Managers | $140,040 |
| Financial Managers | $139,790 |
| Purchasing Managers | $131,350 |
| Human Resources Managers | $130,000 |
| General and Operations Managers | $98,100 |
| Personal Financial Advisors | $95,390 |
| Management Analysts | $95,290 |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $88,790 |
| Operations Research Analysts | $85,720 |
As with online PhD in Real Estate program graduates, there are also a variety of career opportunities—especially managerial and analytic roles—for graduates of online PhD in Entrepreneurship programs.
Many entrepreneurs are also self-employed as small business owners, franchisees, or consultants. An individual’s salary can vary widely based on factors like their type of work, location, and experience level.
Entrepreneurship PhD Curriculum & Courses
Most entrepreneurship doctorate programs offer classes on practical skills as well as more theoretical, judgment-based aspects of entrepreneurship.
Here is a list of courses that are commonly offered in entrepreneurship programs and what they typically entail:
- Global Marketing: In a course like this, you can explore a variety of strategies for marketing cross-culturally, learning to assess both marketing opportunities and performance on an international scale.
- Entrepreneurial Financing: This class can help you develop an understanding of financing models and strategies used for varying entrepreneurial ventures.
- Qualitative Research Methods: Statistical methods will be used to analyze data for decision-making and planning in business administration, focusing on qualitative data.
- Quantitative Research Methods: Statistical methods will be used to analyze data for decision-making and planning in business administration, focusing on quantitative data.
- Organizational Change Management: You’ll be introduced to key factors driving and influencing institutional changes and learn how to best serve stakeholders and support an ongoing dynamic culture in an organization.
- Contemporary Issues in Business: This course’s content reflects relevant issues in the business field, such as supply chain issues, impending demographic shifts, or technological advancements.
- Ethics in Business: This course will likely include an overview of the ethical responsibility of the entrepreneur and best practices for creating an ethical organization.
- Transformational Leadership: This course will likely ask you to consider a survey of leadership theory to help you develop dynamic leadership strategies.
- International Business Law: This course may include a review of the laws governing international business relations, including import and export regulations.
- Human Resources Management: This class focuses on elements of HR management, such as employee relationships, custodianship of sensitive data, and talent development.
Coursework ranges widely based on the university, but a doctorate in entrepreneurship typically covers the full spectrum of issues a businessperson may face.
Admissions Requirements
Admissions requirements for doctoral entrepreneurship programs can differ depending on the school, but here are some common criteria:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Letters of recommendation
- Master’s degree (only required by some programs)
- GRE or GMAT scores (only required by some programs)
Once you identify programs that you are interested in applying to, it is necessary to review their own admission requirements and deadlines.
Accreditation
Regional accrediting bodies establish and enforce rigorous benchmarks based on educational research and professional standards for universities.
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Regionally accredited schools have either met or exceeded the quality guidelines in place for higher education in the region and discipline. Because of this, a degree earned from an accredited institution will typically be better recognized in your greater community and field.
Enrolling in an accredited school can also be a precondition for some forms of financial aid.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Much like with an online master’s in entrepreneurship, the tuition and fees for a PhD in Entrepreneurship online program will be dependent on the specific school. Luckily, there are many resources available to help qualifying students fund their education.
You can apply for federal and state aid based on your individual needs, and there are many grants and scholarships that you may qualify for as well. Some employers even offer financial support or incentives for their employees to pursue further education.
For more information on the variety of financial aid opportunities available for graduate students, you can visit the US Department of Education’s website.
What Can You Do with a PhD in Entrepreneurship?
A doctorate in entrepreneurship can open many career opportunities throughout the business world. Entrepreneurs tend to thrive in careers that demand innovative, analytical, and dedicated minds.
Some graduates plan to launch new ventures or advance an existing one, while others utilize their business acumen to help support leaders or step into a leadership role themselves.
Common careers for advanced entrepreneurial professionals include chief executives, marketing managers, postsecondary teachers, researchers, writers, and consultants.
How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Entrepreneurship Online?
The length of any graduate program is highly dependent on the curriculum’s required credit hours, research and dissertation requirements, and whether you are attending full-time or part-time.
Because of this, it’s helpful to review the specifics of the program of your choice to determine the amount of time required for completion.
Overall, a PhD generally takes between 3 to 5 years to complete with full-time enrollment. If a dissertation is not required, a program may be finished in as little as 3 years.
Is a Ph.D. In Entrepreneurship Worth It?
Yes, a Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship is worth it for many students. As technology and information become even more central to our growing economy, there will likely be even more demand for dynamic leaders, innovative thinkers, and creative problem-solvers. These skills are at the heart of entrepreneurial studies.
A doctorate in entrepreneurship can help you harness your vocational talents, hone your vision, and better understand the business world. Equipped with this knowledge, you may be more likely to excel across the spectrum of professional roles.
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, business and financial occupations are projected to see 7% job growth over the next ten years, while management positions are expected to see 8% job growth.
Universities Offering Online Doctorate 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.
Liberty University offers a PhD in Entrepreneurship with an emphasis in Organization and Management. The program requires 60 credit hours to graduate. All classes can be taken online and are 8 weeks long.
To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a master’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Oklahoma State University offers a PhD in Business for Executives. The program requires the completion of 60 credit hours. Classes are offered online, but a 3 day monthly residency is required to graduate.
Applicants must submit copies of their official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a current resume.
Oklahoma State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Regent University offers a PhD in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in Entrepreneurial Leadership. Classes can be taken online, but there is a required residency. A total of 60 credit hours is needed to graduate.
Applicants must have a master’s degree in a related program and need to submit college transcripts, a resume, and an essay.
Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
St. Thomas University offers a Doctor of Business Administration in Management. To graduate, students must complete 90 credit hours. A total of 30 qualifying credit hours may be transferred into the program.
Applicants may apply online through the school’s website with copies of their college transcripts.
St. Thomas University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Sullivan University offers a PhD in Management. The program offers concentrations in Strategic Management, Conflict Management, Human Resource Leadership, and Information Technology Management. A final dissertation is required to graduate.
Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and need to submit an online application along with official transcripts and a personal statement.
Sullivan University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Temple University offers a Doctor of Business Administration. The completion of 54 credit hours and a final dissertation is required to graduate.
Applicants must submit an online application along with official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. An admissions interview may be conducted through a video conference call.
Temple University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The University of Arizona offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Development and Leadership. The program can typically be completed in 4 years, with the final year dedicated to a dissertation. Classes are 6 to 9 weeks long and are offered online.
To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
The University of Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of North Carolina—Greensboro offers a PhD in Business Administration. The completion of 60 online credit hours are required to graduate.
To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a master’s degree in a related subject, official transcripts, and GMAT or GRE test scores.
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of the Cumberlands offers an online program for a PhD in Business with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. The completion of 66 credit hours, including a final dissertation, is required to graduate.
Those interested in the program must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and need to submit copies of their official transcripts.
The University of the Cumberlands is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Walden University offers an online Doctor of Business in Entrepreneurship program. The completion of 37 credit hours, two academic residencies, and a doctoral writing assignment are required to graduate.
Those interested in the program must submit an online application through the school’s website along with copies of their official transcripts.
Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your PhD in Entrepreneurship Online
Entrepreneurship graduate programs can help strengthen your knowledge of essential operational and interpersonal aspects of business. A doctorate in entrepreneurship can also help you develop your leadership style and advance your qualifications.
A growing number of accredited universities now offer several online degree options in addition to a PhD. These include, for example, an associates degree in entrepreneurship online, a bachelors in entrepreneurship online, as well as MBA in Entrepreneurship online programs.
The scheduling flexibility of online business degree programs can help you balance your studies with other work or life commitments.
If you’re ready to enhance your expertise and qualifications in this lucrative field, why not start exploring accredited online PhD entrepreneurship programs today?
