If you have the drive to try new things and start innovative companies, then a masters in entrepreneurship could help you accomplish your goals.
In this degree program, you can develop your business leadership skills as you learn how to take strategic risks and see projects through to completion.
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You could have a bright future ahead of you as an entrepreneur who brings new ideas to market. An online entrepreneurship masters degree can provide the strong foundation that could help you thrive in this line of work.
Masters in Entrepreneurship Programs Online
Maybe you’ve always wanted to start your own business or introduce a new product to the world. If so, you might be interested in becoming an entrepreneur.
It’s an exciting career choice, but there’s a lot to think about as you launch a startup. To be as prepared as possible, you may want to enroll in an entrepreneurship degree program. For those who already hold a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree in entrepreneurship could be the strategic next step. This graduate-level program will focus exclusively on training you to be a creative, discerning, and successful entrepreneur.
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You’ll learn to analyze the market, take calculated risks, secure business funding, and understand the lifecycle of a startup. Every business lesson will be oriented around its relevance for entrepreneurs.
Skills you’ll learn in this program might include:
- Acquiring funding
- Developing a business plan
- Following tax and contract laws
- Handing a business over to someone else
- Launching a startup
- Managing growth
- Marketing to consumers
- Pitching ideas
Entrepreneurship school gives you a chance to learn about these topics from business experts. The faculty members may give you opportunities to try out your ideas and give you tips for refining your plans. Their experienced guidance can help you graduate ready to launch your product or start your business.
If you decide to take your degree in another direction, you’ll have options in addition to being a startup owner. You could apply for managerial roles in innovative companies. Perhaps you’d like to improve a company’s production practices or be in charge of creative marketing initiatives.
You could also offer consulting services to help businesses streamline their operations, improve their management structures, or optimize their financial decisions.
Entrepreneurship Careers & Salaries
If you want to be a successful entrepreneur, then this master’s degree can help you get there. You’ll learn how to be strategic about developing new products or services, planning businesses around them, and growing emerging companies.
As you begin your businesses, you might wear many hats, including owner-operator, general manager, or chief executive officer. Perhaps you’d rather work with more established products or services rather than always pursuing something new and different. Fortunately, this degree program could also be useful in running small businesses or franchises.
A master degree in entrepreneurship could also lead you toward a career in an established company. Your graduate education will foster your abilities in creative thinking and problem-solving. Those skills are valued by many employers, especially those with an entrepreneurial spirit. Perhaps you’ll pursue a position as a sales, production, or operations manager.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for management jobs is $107,360.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Chief Executives | $189,520 |
| Marketing Managers | $140,040 |
| Sales Managers | $130,600 |
| Industrial Production Managers | $107,560 |
| General and Operations Managers | $98,100 |
| Project Management Specialists | $95,370 |
| Management Analysts | $95,290 |
| Financial and Investment Analysts | $95,080 |
| Operations Research Analysts | $85,720 |
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | $68,230 |
It might seem at first that this degree is only for people who want to launch startups, but as you can see, it has a wide variety of applications.
Entrepreneurs learn a lot about marketing, branding, and connecting with consumers. For that reason, some graduates look into marketing management positions, whether in startups or long-running companies. Students in this program study how to bring ideas to fruition. That’s also what’s involved in the field of project management, so working as a project management specialist could be a fit as well.
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To succeed as an entrepreneur, it’s necessary to assess the conditions around you and respond accordingly. Gaining a foundation for that in college could help you thrive as an analyst of some sort. Market research, operations, or management analyst jobs might suit your skills. Your lessons on financing entrepreneurial ventures could also be useful for financial analyst positions.
Master of Entrepreneurship Curriculum & Courses
When you decide to get an entrepreneurship master’s degree, every class you take will focus on skills and ideas that can be useful in your career as an entrepreneur. Here are some course examples:
- Branding Principles: This course will teach you to create a strong brand identity and incorporate it into all of your marketing and communications.
- Business and Property Law: To help you conduct your business the right way, you’ll want to study your legal rights and responsibilities related to contracts, intellectual property, employment, and more.
- Business Planning for Entrepreneurs: This degree program may include a class that explains the early stages of business growth and helps you develop a business plan around one of your original ideas.
- Creativity in Problem-Solving: You can practice the ability to evaluate a problem and brainstorm out-of-the-box solutions that go beyond obvious or tried-and-true approaches.
- Entrepreneurial Finance: Your business ventures will require money, so this course will address finding funding sources, estimating revenue, setting prices, and planning a budget.
- Fundamentals of Marketing: Effective marketing can help startups succeed, so this class will help equip you with skills for analyzing your market and reaching consumers through print and digital channels.
- Leadership Fundamentals for Entrepreneurs: Entrepreneurial businesses go through multiple stages of growth and development, and this course will teach you to lead through each one.
- Making Business Decisions: You might learn to evaluate the market and make well-founded decisions for growth and profitability.
- Pitching to Others: This class might equip you with practical communication skills for casting a vision, recruiting investors, and developing a strong team.
- Sales Strategies: You can learn the principles of professional selling and practice techniques for connecting consumers to your products or services.
Unlike in an MBA program, you probably won’t take any general business classes. Rather, each class will address entrepreneurship in some way.
How to Choose an Online Master in Entrepreneurship Program
You may already have a top school in mind for your entrepreneurship studies. On the other hand, you might be feeling overwhelmed by the vast number of choices available to you. If you need help selecting a school, you might ask yourself the following questions:
- Am I interested in a particular field or industry? Some classes offer electives related to healthcare, technology, or corporate entrepreneurship.
- Can I travel to the campus? There are 100% online programs available for those who aren’t interested in travel, but some colleges may ask you to come to campus occasionally.
- Do I want live online classes? Live class sessions may promote interaction with your professors and classmates, but they offer less flexibility than class materials you can access 24/7.
- How much can I spend? Each school sets its own per-credit price, and some require more credits than others. Your financial aid package can vary from school to school, too.
- What kind of learning experiences do I want to have? Some colleges have business accelerators, educational trips, or internship opportunities for their students.
You can gain a valuable education from any accredited school that you choose, so it helps to make your decision based on which school seems like the best fit for you. It’s strategic to prioritize your learning style and your professional interests.
Entrepreneur Masters Degree Admissions Requirements
It’s beneficial to put together a robust application packet that highlights the strengths that you’d bring to a program.
Your business school admissions materials might include:
- GRE or GMAT scores (may not be a requirement for all schools)
- Essays or videos that introduce the admissions committee to who you are
- Recommendation letters or contact information for your references
- Resume that lists relevant professional experience
- Transcripts from your undergraduate program (may need 3.0 GPA)
After reviewing your application, some schools might request to do an interview with you before making a final decision.
Entrepreneurial Schools Accreditation
Regional accreditation is an important characteristic for a grad school to have. It shows that after a lengthy evaluation process, a college has received the approval of an official regional accrediting agency.
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Accreditation can give you confidence in the quality of your education. It may also grant you the ability to transfer your credits to a different school. After graduation, an accredited degree can contribute to your marketability. In addition, it might qualify you for doctoral programs or industry certifications.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Often, going back to school is a better experience when you’re not stressed about how you’re going to pay for it. Instead of trying to shoulder the tuition entirely on your own, you can look into financial assistance.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can help you get started. As a graduate student, you may be able to secure state or federal loans. Eligibility is based on financial need. Student loans will allow you to borrow tuition money now and repay it after graduation. In select cases, you might also qualify for grants that you won’t need to pay back.
Various organizations may contribute to your schooling costs through scholarships or fellowships. You can look into the scholarships offered by your school and also apply for additional programs. It’s also worth checking whether your employer offers tuition benefits.
Entrepreneurship Professional Organizations
You can connect with others who share your entrepreneurial spirit by signing up for an industry group. Professional associations for entrepreneurs offer networking opportunities and more. Here are some professional organizations for entrepreneurs:
- Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO)
- National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)
- Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO)
Some groups have local chapter meetings as well as national or international events. There may also be online opportunities for connecting, such as webinars and discussion boards. Plus, membership may grant you access to newsletters, discounts, and other professional perks.
What Can You Do with a Master’s Degree in Entrepreneurship?
After completing an entrepreneurial master program, you might be well equipped to start a business. You might be interested in a tech startup, a small business, or an independently owned franchise.
Perhaps you’d rather find work with a company that’s been in business for a while. Many value innovation and new ideas. Your entrepreneurial spirit might serve you well as a project manager, a marketing director, or a sales supervisor in an organization like that. Another idea is to offer consulting services, perhaps as a management analyst.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Masters in Entrepreneurship Online?
Online master’s degrees in entrepreneurship often require between 30 and 36 credit hours. You can usually fulfill that in about 1 year of year-round, full-time enrollment. A capstone project can usually be completed within that time, but a thesis may take longer.
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Unlike the 16 week semesters on traditional college campuses, online terms may be only 8 or 10 weeks long. That can contribute to the quick pace of online degree programs. You might have the option to enroll part-time if that’s a better fit for your schedule. Doing so will add several months to your masters degree in entrepreneurship online program, of course.
What’s the Difference Between an MBA vs. Masters Degree in Entrepreneurship?
Aspiring entrepreneurs have options for what graduate degree to earn. One option is a Master of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship, and another is a master’s in entrepreneurship.
| MBA in Entrepreneurship | Masters in Entrepreneurship |
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Whether you choose an entrepreneurship MS degree or an MBA, you’ll receive valuable training for your future career.
What’s the Difference Between a Business vs. Entrepreneurship Masters Degree?
Your business school might offer a general business degree and an entrepreneurship degree.
| Masters in Entrepreneurship | Masters in Business |
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If you clearly know that entrepreneurship is the life for you, then you might want to consider the entrepreneurship master’s degree.
Is a Master’s in Entrepreneurship Degree Worth It?
Yes, a master’s in entrepreneurship degree is worth it for many students. Starting a business, especially when you’re bringing brand-new ideas to the market, can be a risky move.
The guidance of business experts in an entrepreneurial grad program may help smooth the path for you. Plus, you may graduate well-suited for a variety of management roles, whether in your own company or one run by someone else.
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an 8% increase in management positions over the next ten years, so you may have plenty of opportunities in front of you.
Universities Offering Online Masters 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.
American Public University offers a Master of Arts in Entrepreneurship. Available concentrations include General Studies, Small Business, or Business Analytics. Classes meet online and typically span 8 to 16 weeks. Up to 15 of the 36 required credits may be transferred into the program.
APUS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
DePaul University offers a Master of Science in Entrepreneurship. This program may be an excellent fit for those interested in pursuing leadership roles. The curriculum consists of 48 credits. Classes can be attended online. Potential courses include Financial Accounting, Negotiation Skills, and Marketing Management.
DePaul University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.
Drexel University offers a Master of Science in Creative Education and Entrepreneurship. Potential classes include Creativity in the Workplace, Entrepreneurial Practice and Mindset, Social Entrepreneurship, or Neuroscience, Creativity, and Innovation. This program utilizes a fully online learning mode and requires 45 credits.
Drexel University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Houston Christian University offers a Master of Science in Management and Entrepreneurship. Applications are reviewed in spring and summer terms. All classes meet conveniently online. On average, the 33 required credits can be completed in 1 year when attending full-time.
Houston Christian University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Johns Hopkins University offers an online Master of Biotechnology Enterprise and Entrepreneurship. Those who are passionate about supporting the important work of biotechnology businesses may find this program idea. Depending on the chosen course load, the program typically spans 20 to 36 months. Incoming applications are reviewed 3 times each year.
Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Lindenwood University offers a Master of Science in Fashion Business and Entrepreneurship. This curriculum blends concepts from the fashion industry, economics, management, and marketing. On average, the 30 required credits can be completed in 1 year of accelerated study. Classes meet online, in person, or using a hybrid model.
Lindenwood is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Miami University offers a Master of Entrepreneurship and Emerging Technology. Potential courses include Digital Branding, Interactive Web Programming, Technology Entrepreneurship Ecosystems, Usability, and Digital Media Design. The curriculum consists of 30 credits and meets entirely online. On average, the course requirements can be completed in 10 months.
Miami University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Pennsylvania State University offers a Master of Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship. This 33 credit curriculum covers concepts like emerging trends, business modeling, innovation strategies, financing, organizational management, and cross-cultural business. The coursework can be completed asynchronously online. On average, the program can be completed in 2 years with full-time study.
Pennsylvania State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Purchase College offers a Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership. The Social Enterprise, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship concentration is designed to teach the skills to develop, launch, and sustain successful businesses. Classes meet asynchronously online or in the evenings on campus. The program requires 48 credits.
Purchase College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Syracuse University offers a Master of Science in Entrepreneurship. Potential courses include Corporate Entrepreneurship, Strategic Management, Financial Accounting, and Managing New Product Development. Classes are primarily online, though some on-campus residencies may be required. The 30 required credits can be completed in as little as 15 months.
Syracuse University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Temple University offers a Master of Science in Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship. This program is designed to develop an understanding of the market space, a mastery of business models, and a critical eye for new ventures. Classes can be attended online, in-person, or via a hybrid model. On average, the program can be completed in 1 to 2 years.
Temple University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The University of Arizona offers a Master of Science in Entrepreneurship. Common courses include Principles of Entrepreneurship, Tech Ventures, Industry Analysis and New Venture Development, Customer Focused Entrepreneurship, and New Venture Finance. The curriculum consists of 30 credits, which can be completed entirely online.
The University of Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Colorado – Denver offers a Master of Science in Entrepreneurship. This 30 creidt program covers concepts like project management, branding, data analysis, business ethics, and concept development. The degree program can be customized with part or full-time attendance models and online or in-person class formats. Start dates are in the fall and spring.
CU Denver is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Denver offers a Master of Science in Social Enterprise, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship. Graduates may pursue careers such as chief innovator, senior data analyst, social enterprise consultant, or social venture advisor. Classes meet online and are 10 weeks long. The 48 required credits can typically be completed in 18 months.
The University of Denver is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Florida offers a Master of Science in Entrepreneurship. This program may be an ideal option for those interested in developing their critical thinking, creative, and management skills. The curriculum consists of 32 credits. This program’s 1 year accelerated format and convenient online learning model is designed to accommodate the schedules of working professionals.
The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Houston offers a Master of Science in Entrepreneurship. This program boasts flexible class schedules, networking opportunities, career counseling, and several financial aid options. The degree program can be tailored to specific goals with over 35 elective courses in diverse topics. All classes meet fully online.
The University of Houston is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Maryland – College Park offers a Master of Professional Studies in Technology Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation. Courses cover concepts like business modeling, management strategies, concept innovation, business law, and market development. This program requires 30 credits and meets entirely online.
The University of Maryland – College Park is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The University of San Diego offers an online Master of Science in Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship. This program may be a fit for professionals pursuing careers in start-up companies, product marketing, or technology. On average, the 33 required credits can be completed in 20 months when attending classes full-time.
The University of San Diego is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission.
The University of South Florida offers a Master of Science in Entrepreneurship in Applied Technologies. The school offers the option to combine the degree with programs in subjects like business, biomedical engineering, biotechnology, or global sustainability. The program requires 30 credits and meets primarily on campus with some classes available online.
The University of South Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Western Carolina University offers a Master of Innovation, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship. Concentrations are available in Entrepreneurship or Innovation Leadership. The program utilizes an online learning model. The 30 required credits can be completed in as little as 18 months.
Western Carolina University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Getting Your Entrepreneurship Masters Online
Now might be the time to enroll in a graduate-level entrepreneurship program. You can graduate with an assortment of skills for turning ideas into successful ventures.
In engaging classes, you can practice entrepreneurial strategies so that you’re ready to apply them in real life soon after graduation. In fact, you might even launch a business while you’re still in school. This program provides a strategic setting for getting started!
If you want the support and training that grad school can provide for budding entrepreneurs, then start checking out Master in Entrepreneurship online programs. Pick a respected and accredited university, and you’ll gain an invaluable education.
