Guide to Online Entrepreneurship Degrees
ON THIS PAGE
Common Courses Accreditation Funding CareersWorth It? FAQs
Program Requirements for an Online Bachelor's in Entrepreneurship
To graduate with a bachelor's degree in entrepreneurship, students typically need to earn a total of 120 credit hours. Major courses and electives are designed to help students hone their analytical and decision-making skills while learning about business operations and information systems. Most students need at least four years of full-time study — possibly more for part-time students — to complete the requirements for this degree.
It's possible to earn an entrepreneurship degree on campus or online, and the admissions requirements for both options are typically the same. Along with the application form, high school transcripts, and a possible fee, applicants may be asked to provide the following:
- Official scores on standardized tests
- Letters of recommendation
- An essay or personal statement
- A list of extracurricular activities
- Work experience
- A minimum GPA, such as 2.5 or higher
Common Courses for Entrepreneurship Degrees
The curriculum for an online degree in entrepreneurship is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in business principles. Coursework and projects help students build their skills in analytical and strategic thinking, collaboration, and communication. A few online programs require an internship or a capstone project that enables students to gain real-world experience. This online program often includes general education classes and the following entrepreneurship courses.
Specializations
Students whose career goals involve creating their own business ventures and running start-ups have several educational paths they can follow. One possibility is to earn a bachelor's degree in business management — or a related bachelor of science or arts degree — with an entrepreneurship concentration. Many schools also offer an online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with entrepreneurship-specific electives added to the business core.
Another possibility is to pursue an entrepreneurship bachelor's degree that students can customize to fit their needs by choosing relevant electives. For example, students can create their own specialization in entrepreneurial business strategy by taking online courses in strategic analysis and business growth strategies. Similarly students could create a specialization in online business operations by opting for courses in e-commerce and digital marketing.
While any educational path in this field can potentially provide learners with the business management knowledge and problem-solving skills they'll need to run a successful business, a more focused degree covers various types of entrepreneurship in more depth, such as small business and non-profit organization management.
Interested in learning about similar programs? Explore online bachelor's degrees in marketing, organizational leadership, or supply chain management.
Accreditation for Online Entrepreneurship Degrees
Many colleges and universities establish their standing in the higher education community by undergoing accreditation. In this process, an independent agency analyzes a school's academic programs, faculty members, facilities, and other services to confirm they meet high standards for rigor and excellence. Schools can also seek accreditation for individual degree programs.
Accreditation is an important factor for students to consider when deciding which school they want to attend for an online entrepreneurship degree. Enrollment in an accredited program is required to qualify individuals for federal financial aid. Students may also need to have studied at an accredited online college or university in order to transfer credits to another school or be accepted into a master's program, such as an MBA program. The U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation both provide databases of accredited schools.
Funding an Online Entrepreneurship Degree
Whether studying on campus or online, all students enrolled in accredited programs in entrepreneurship have equal access to financial aid. Prospective students can apply for many types of financial assistance by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. There are also some privately funded scholarships available that are listed below.
This $5,000 annual scholarship is available to any student who demonstrates an entrepreneurial spirit in their academic and community activities.
Business and entrepreneurship majors with a 3.5 or higher GPA are eligible for this $1,500 scholarship.
To encourage female leadership in business, one $2,000 award is given annually to a female college student majoring in business and entrepreneurship.
Applicants attending an accredited U.S. college must be small business owners and at least 25% Asian and/or Pacific Islander to qualify for these $1,000-$5,000 scholarships.
Do you want to reduce the cost of college with financial aid? Check out our Guide to Financial Aid for Online Students to learn more.
Careers with an Entrepreneurship Degree
An online degree in entrepreneurship may be a smart choice for students who are intent on working for themselves and starting their own businesses, but this degree option does not limit students to one career path. Because the courses found in an entrepreneurship program are similar to those in a general business management program, students work on developing the skills they may need to qualify for various occupations in business. Some graduates may decide to gain experience by working in other organizations before venturing out on their own. The following are some of the career opportunities available to entrepreneurship graduates.
Professional Associations in Entrepreneurship
Students and graduates can enhance their entrepreneurial skills and professional credentials by joining an industry association or organization. Members enjoy opportunities to stay up-to-date on industry issues and connect with peers through an organization's publications and events. Many organizations serve as advocates, representing the needs of entrepreneurs when state and federal government agencies are setting policies that affect small businesses. The following are a few examples of associations dedicated to entrepreneurs and small-business owners.
- The National Association for the Self-Employed supports solo entrepreneurs and micro-business owners employing up to nine people with educational resources, legal help, access to health insurance, and discounts on travel and other business needs. Students can join for a reduced annual fee.
- The National Federation of Independent Business is primarily an advocacy organization for small business owners. Membership benefits include legal assistance, business education opportunities, and discounts on business-related expenses.
- The National Association of Women Business Owners represents more than 11.6 million women-owned businesses as an international networking and policy advocacy organization. Its discounted Next-Gen membership is available for undergraduate and graduate students.
Is an Online Degree in Entrepreneurship Worth It?
All students must decide for themselves whether a particular degree is worth pursuing. Everyone has personal circumstances, such as financial needs and other obligations, that should be factored into their decision. The following are some points to consider when choosing whether to pursue an online bachelor's degree in entrepreneurship:
Potential Benefits
Entrepreneurship degrees give students specialized knowledge. By opting for a degree or concentration in entrepreneurship, as opposed to a general business degree, students gain a deeper understanding of what it means to start and run a business. Course materials focus on the financial, legal, and strategic aspects of small business operations.
An entrepreneurship degree helps equip students with skills that they can utilize across a broad range of business occupations. Graduates are not limited to starting their own businesses. Instead, their general understanding of business allows them to move into a variety of management roles.
Entrepreneurs have one of the highest job satisfaction rates in the nation. Data from an ongoing survey shows that entrepreneurs have a satisfaction rating of 4 out of 5, placing them in the top 10% of occupations in terms of career happiness.
Potential Drawbacks
Entrepreneurship entails a high degree of risk. Even before the COVID pandemic, the cumulative closure rate of startups was around 90% after 10 years in business. More than 20% of new businesses fail in their first year, and another 30% in the second year.
Entrepreneurs may have to work long hours. The concept of an entrepreneur enjoying complete freedom on a flexible schedule may be a myth. Several research studies have determined that many small business owners work 60-80 hours per week, especially in the early years of a business.
Online students may have to put more effort into building relationships with peers. Entrepreneurs rely on their networks of fellow professionals to grow and manage their businesses, and many start establishing these connections in college. In the online environment, some entrepreneurship students may find it challenging to reach out to others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Articles
2022 Best Online Business Degree Programs
Explore the best accredited colleges offering online business degrees ranked based on alumni salary.
By OnlineU Staff Writers | 5/11/2023