Pursuing an online Entrepreneurship MBA program can help you create an ideal career. Do you dream of launching a new product that could change the world? Would you like to turn your passions into a non-profit organization? Want to use your culinary arts to start a profitable business? Your love for cooking can help you whip up a delectable dish. Having a solid business foundation will help you establish a successful company. The reason many businesses fail is due to a lack of business knowledge. An online MBA in Entrepreneurship will help you tackle hiring, budgeting, and marketing.
The Best Entrepreneurship MBA Online Programs
All these MBA programs in this list are online. Whether you want to open a local mom-and-pop coffee shop around the corner or pursue an international venture, you can! The flexibility of earning a distance learning degree cuts out a daily commute. It gives you significantly more time to focus on what matters most: your start-up! Some entrepreneurship programs offer on-campus residencies. They allow you to bounce your business ideas off of other future entrepreneurs. You can then head back to wherever you call home to put those ideas to practice. All the business school programs listed in this Top Online Entrepreneurship MBA Program ranking are fully accredited by the AACSB. You can decide to pursue entrepreneurial careers several ways. These include small businesses, on-the-rise start-ups, or large corporations. You will be in demand by recruiters!
Methodology
The best Online Entrepreneurship MBA Programs share features. We started with information from three of the most respected Online MBA, MBA, and university ranking systems. The ranking scores were averaged. This gives students a comprehensive overview of each Online MBA’s reputation and prestige. We narrowed down the list by finding the degrees focused on entrepreneurship and innovation. Each entrepreneurship program’s scores were placed on a 100-point scale to reveal their Online MBA Coach Score. May this list of top Online Entrepreneurship MBA Programs help you on your exciting journey.
1 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Kenan-Flagler Business School
Budding entrepreneurs can pursue an online Entrepreneurship MBA Program from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler Business School. This world-class MBA in Entrepreneurship program is ranked #1 in Best Online MBAs by U.S. News and World Report for 2022, and Kenan-Flagler is also currently ranked amongst the Top Business Schools.
The entrepreneurship concentration helps students turn their future business ideas into reality through courses such as Corporate Strategy, Managing Innovation, and New Ventures Discovery. Graduate students will strengthen their leadership skills through two in-person summit experiences. These summits are distinctly different; one is held on-campus and the other in an international city. The unique STAR program, Student Teams Achieving Results, offers students the opportunity to acquire business consulting experience from successful corporations such as Coca-Cola, KIND, and NASCAR. Graduates report an average salary increase of 24% at graduation, and the average salary five months post-graduation is approximately $160,000.
OMBA Coach Score: 99.31
2 | Indiana University
Kelley School of Business
Ambitious students can earn an online Master of Business Administration with a major in Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. This convenient entrepreneurship program is ranked amongst the Best MBA Programs Online in the 2022 ranking by U.S. News and World Report.
The 54-credit hour curriculum is highly customizable, with 27-credit hours of core courses and 27-credit hours of electives. Two residency experiences are included in the business school program, at the beginning and the end, to help graduate students develop professional connections with their peers and work on case studies for real clients. Some exciting courses include AI in Business, Business in the Digital Future, and Peace at Work. Classes are offered in multiple formats, including 100% online, distance hybrid, and distance live video. Graduates are prepared to start their entrepreneurial venture or take on a leading role with another start-up. Recent MBA graduates report a salary increase of 29%.
OMBA Coach Score: 93.98
3 | University of Arizona
Eller College of Management
Students can unleash their entrepreneurial spirit by earning an Online MBA in Entrepreneurship from the elite Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona. This highly competitive business school program is ranked 7th Best Online MBA Program in the nation by U.S. News and World Report for 2022. An accelerated option allows students to graduate from this 45-credit hour program in as few as 14 months, or students may take up to four years.
Entrepreneurship courses are available for every venture imaginable, including Corporate Focused, Customer Focused, Healthcare Entrepreneurship, and Tech Ventures. The student-centric course structure will include online journals, group simulations and presentations, and video assignments. MBA students interested in gaining international business experience can participate in an optional global experience in Brazil, Chile, or Singapore. Six annual start dates are offered so that students can begin at a convenient time for their schedule.
OMBA Coach Score: 80.55
4 | University of Massachusetts Amherst
Isenberg School of Management
The University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Isenberg School of Management welcomes students with innovative ideas to join the top-ranked online Entrepreneurship MBA Program. This academically rigorous MBA is ranked 12th nationally by U.S. News and World Report for 2022.
Many entrepreneurship courses are offered, including Business Turnaround Strategies, Ecommerce Logistics, LEAN Management, and New Venture Finance. The average degree completion time ranges from two to four years. Students can enhance their MBA experience by joining a graduate-level student organization. Options include the Graduate Business Association, Graduate Women in Business, and Net Impact. Support services, such as academic advising and personalized career coaching, help students succeed throughout their graduate studies and beyond. The Office of Career Success hosts virtual alumni panels and workshops on job search strategies, interview skills, and salary negotiation. Graduates have the entrepreneurial skills to launch a successful enterprise or assume a wide range of business careers for an organization.
OMBA Coach Score: 78.29
5 | Syracuse University
Martin J. Whitman School of Management
Syracuse University helps students acquire entrepreneurial skills to launch a thriving business through the Online MBA in Entrepreneurship. The AACSB-accredited Whitman School of Management delivers this top-ranked program. In 2021, this highly distinguished business school program was ranked 8th Best Online MBA by Fortune Education, 28th by The Princeton Review, and 35th by U.S. News and World Report. Additionally, the Department of Entrepreneurship and Emerging Enterprises was awarded the Excellence in Entrepreneurship Education Award by the United States for Small Business and Entrepreneurship in 2018.
All entrepreneurship students will take the Global Entrepreneurial Management course, and students will choose two electives from Corporate Entrepreneurship, Managing New Product Development, and Venture Capital. Students are encouraged to compete in the Panasci Business Plan Competition for seed funding and prizes. Three in-person residencies are required throughout this entrepreneurship program with topics such as social entrepreneurship and accounting for small businesses. Many MBA graduates have assumed roles as company founders, corporate innovators, and funders.
OMBA Coach Score: 77.58
6 | Babson College
F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business
Students enrolled in the online entrepreneurship MBA through the F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business at Babson College will expand their business expertise in business plans to small business loans. The entrepreneurship specialty has been consistently ranked #1 by U.S. News and World Report for 29 years! Additionally, it was ranked #1 by the Princeton Review and Entrepreneurship Magazine in 2022.
Online students have full access to the Arthur M. Blank Center for Entrepreneurship. This state-of-the-art center hosts an annual Global Entrepreneurial Leadership Week consisting of speed networking, guest lectures, and the Rocket Pitch competition. Entrepreneurship students will kick start their degree with one of the following foundation courses: Entrepreneurial Finance, Managing a Growing Business, or New Venture Creation. Electives include Buying a Small Business, Creating Epic Organizations, and Leading Sustainable Innovation. Students graduate with hands-on experience through the Center for Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership, the Bertarelli Institute for Family Entrepreneurship, and the Institute for Social Innovation.
OMBA Coach Score: 75.25
7 | University of Texas at Dallas
Naveen Jindal School of Management
The Naveen Jindal School of Management at UT Dallas offers exceptional preparation for aspiring business owners through the Professional Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Students can select a track in either new ventures or innovation in corporations.
Classes students may choose, include Entrepreneurship in the Social Sector, International Business Plan, and Introduction to Real Estate. Experiential learning opportunities are also available for credit. Start-up Launch allows students to work with a small team of students under the guidance of faculty and successful entrepreneurs to launch a business. The Venture Capital Seed Fund is an innovative class where students assist start-ups in acquiring funding. Students also gain work experience by completing the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Internship with a business organization. This 53 credit-hour business school program can be started during any semester. Students can graduate in as few as 21 months or take up to six years.
OMBA Coach Score: 73.72
8 | Duke University
Fuqua School of Business
Duke University’s highly reputable Fuqua School of Business features a Weekend Executive MBA program with the option to select a concentration in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. The well-rounded business education consists of 10 core courses, four leadership and personal development courses, and four electives.
This dynamic entrepreneurship program for seasoned professionals launches with a week-long immersion and is followed by monthly on-campus residencies for 22 months. During the final semester, students will attend two one-week sessions. Students will stay at the JB Duke Hotel at the Duke University campus during these residencies. This state-of-the-art facility features classrooms, boardrooms, collaborative workspaces, and a business center. These residencies feature case studies and experiential learning components, such as alumni panels, prominent speaker events, and workshops. In between residencies, students will attend weekly online classes and virtual meetings with their team members. Students will complete an independent project before graduation demonstrating their entrepreneurship knowledge.
OMBA Coach Score: 66.95
9 | University of California, Los Angeles
Anderson School of Management
The Anderson School of Management at UCLA is home to the Fully Employed Master of Business Administration. This flexible MBA program is designed to fit the needs of professionals and offers numerous customization options. Students can focus their studies with a specialization in entrepreneurship. Part-time students can complete the business school program in 27 months, or students can work at their own pace for up to five years.
Over 20 international study options and more than 50 business student organizations are available to enhance students’ educational experience. The Harold and Pauline Price Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation hosts over 50 events annually for MBA students through the Entrepreneur Association. Events include think tanks, venture capital roundtables, networking dinners, visits to start-ups, a start-up career fair, and the Knapp Venture Competition. Promising start-ups are invited to participate in the six-month Venture Accelerator. MBA alumni have launched successful businesses, including Sugarfina, Cornerstone OnDemand, and Sirius XM.
OMBA Coach Score: 65.45
10 | University of Virginia
Darden School of Business
The Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia offers a flexible Executive Master of Business Administration and Global EMBA. Students in the EMBA program participate in one week-long global experience, and students in the Global EMBA participate in four global experiences. International experience destinations have included Argentina, China, Cuba, Israel, and Vietnam. During this 21-month program, the first year consists primarily of core courses, and the second year students pursue their interests through 12 electives.
Students can earn a focus in entrepreneurship by completing three courses. Students will complete 20-weekend residencies and two leadership residences throughout the business school program. The leadership residency that kicks off the entrepreneurship program is “Leading with an Enterprise Perspective,” and the leadership residency that culminates the program is called “Creating the Future.” Additionally, academic courses typically meet for live sessions on Zoom every week. Students can expand their opportunities by participating in the EMBA Entrepreneurship Club.
OMBA Coach Score: 65.20
11 | Carnegie Mellon University
Tepper School of Business
Starting a new business is a huge endeavor, but the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon has helped over 260 students accomplish this feat since 2008 through the online Entrepreneurship MBA. This STEM-designated MBA focuses on analytics. Some of the courses within this MBA in Entrepreneurship program include Entrepreneurial Alternatives, Funding Early Stage Ventures, and Lean Entrepreneurship.
The faculty who teach these academic courses have launched successful ventures or worked in venture capital. Students also collaborate with computer science, design, engineering, product design, and robotics to bring their ideas to life. The Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship assists students in their start-up job search and offers studio workspace and student organizations. Duolingo and Modcloth are just a few successful businesses that CMU alumni started. Students can enhance their experience through immersive Access Weekends, featuring professional development sessions. Each MBA student is also assigned a leadership coach to maximize the skills needed to lead a thriving business.
OMBA Coach Score: 63.39
12 | Rice University
Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business
Rice University’s Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business offers a highly reputable online Master of Business Administration that values entrepreneurial thinkers. The MBA in Entrepreneurship is ranked 4th Best Online MBA and #1 Graduate Entrepreneurship Program by The Princeton Review for 2022 and was ranked amongst the Top 10 Online MBAs by Fortune Education in 2021. Jones Graduate School is also ranked in the top 30 amongst the Best Business Schools by U.S. News and World Report in the newest 2023 ranking.
The business education consists of 54-credit hours and can be completed in 24 months. Suggested courses for entrepreneurship students include Brand Strategy, Power and Influence in Organizations, and Strategic Innovation and Competitive Advantage. The Entrepreneurship Lab is a unique course in which students work under the supervision of a faculty member to launch a start-up or acquire a company. Most coursework can be completed online with occasional Rice residency events featuring simulations, seminars, and group projects. Classes meet Monday through Thursday for live virtual sessions via Zoom. Students are admitted into the business school program quarterly.
OMBA Coach Score: 61.05
13 | Pepperdine University
Graziadio Business School
Students who desire to be their own boss and own their own companies can pursue an online Entrepreneurship MBA from Pepperdine University’s Graziadio Business School. This 52-unit business school program is ranked amongst the Best MBA Programs Online by The Princeton Review and U.S. News and World Report for 2022.
Students will attend the weekend Personal and Leadership Development Workshop during the first semester. The business education emphasizes leadership, strategy, and technology to produce 21st-century business leaders. Students have opportunities to complete business challenges for major corporations such as Adobe, Coca-Cola, and other prominent companies in California. The Education to Business Program allows students to work in small teams to develop a business idea and pitch it to executives at major corporations. Interactive live classes are held weekly, featuring breakout rooms and engaging student polls. Students also receive one-on-one executive coaching, a LinkedIn Premium Career membership, and access to virtual networking events.
OMBA Coach Score: 60.90
14 | Lehigh University
College of Business
Prepare to launch your start-up with Lehigh University’s Flex Master of Business Administration with the Ventureseries Corporate Entrepreneurship concentration. U.S. News and World Report and Fortune ranked this business school program amongst the Top 25 Online MBA Programs for 2022. The curriculum consists of 36-credit hours, and MBA students take an average of 3.5 years to complete on a part-time schedule.
The entrepreneurship program starts with a fun and informative orientation session designed to give students an overview of the program requirements and concentration options. The Ventureseries concentration features courses such as Anatomy of Entrepreneurship, Financing Start-ups, and Start-ups and Pivots. The New Venture Internship gives students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with launching their own start-up or working closely with a company in its initial phase. The Lehigh Silicon Valley course gives students a behind-the-scenes look at local start-ups with multiple company visits. Students have the flexibility to decide daily whether to attend classes on campus or participate in the online ClassroomLive Experience.
OMBA Coach Score: 59.89
15 | American University
Kogod School of Business
American University’s Kogod School of Business delivers an Online entrepreneurship MBA. The Princeton Review ranks this business school program among the top 40 Online MBA Programs nationwide, and U.S. News and World Report ranks it among the top 70 nationally. Additionally, it is ranked 16th in North America and 32nd worldwide by QS World University Rankings.
Completion tracks offered include 12, 15, 18, or 24 months. The curriculum is 48-credit hours and consists of two in-person immersion experiences. During these immersions, students have the opportunity to work with real businesses in the D.C. area through the Kogod in Practice initiative. Entrepreneurship students have access to the AU Center for Innovation, where they can gain experience working on projects for real start-ups and apply for an entrepreneur incubator workspace. Students awarded an incubator workspace will also receive mentoring and guidance for their business development from experienced entrepreneurs.
OMBA Coach Score: 58.19
16 | University of Minnesota
Carlson School of Management
Entrepreneurial students will find a supportive environment through the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management. Carlson offers a convenient and flexible online Master of Business Administration with an entrepreneurship specialization. This business school program is ranked 10th by U.S. News and World Report in 2022 for Part-Time MBA Programs.
Classes are asynchronous, and students can complete assignments at any time as long as they meet deadlines. An optional annual residency is held in May, and students can participate in the Global Enrichment Program during the spring semester. Students received personalized one-on-one career support through the Graduate Business Career Center. Within four months of graduation, 84% of graduates were promoted, and nearly one-third received a salary increase. The average annual starting salary for Carlson MBA graduates is approximately $115,000. Cohorts are admitted into the business school program in the fall and spring, and students graduate in an average of 2.5 years.
OMBA Coach Score: 55.44
17 | Arizona State University
W.P. Carey School of Business
Earning an online MBA from Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business carries a lot of weight in the business world. This well-established online MBA in Entrepreneurship has produced business leaders and successful entrepreneurs for nearly 20 years. It is fully accredited by the AACSB and is ranked the 7th Best Online MBA Program in the nation by U.S. News and World Report for 2022.
Students can customize their MBA with a concentration in entrepreneurship. Electives best suited for entrepreneurship students include Investment Strategies, New Product and Service Development, and Management of Technology and Innovation. Courses are offered in condensed five-week sessions. The W.P. Carey Foundation recently received a $15 million gift, funding additional career services for online students. Students can access on-demand videos and webinars led by top corporations, such as Dell and Morgan Stanley. Program entry points are offered in January, May, and August.
OMBA Coach Score: 54.65
18 | Penn State
Smeal College of Business
Penn State’s Smeal College of Business is a leader in the entrepreneurial arena. The Online MBA offers a concentration in corporate innovation and entrepreneurship. Students pursuing this concentration will also be awarded a specialized certificate to make their resumes stand out. U.S. News ranks the online MBA amongst the top performing programs in the nation for 2022.
The 48-credit hour curriculum provides students flexible asynchronous courses to be completed at their convenience and optional synchronous courses. Students can enroll in one to three courses per semester or even sit out for a semester to accommodate their schedule. The business school program launches with a three-day virtual or on-campus residency experience, consisting of an introduction to the concentration options, course overviews, and a team performance class. Additional in-person opportunities include a leadership and global immersion, executive update workshops, and networking events. Previous global immersion destinations have included China, Croatia, the Czech Republic, and South Africa.
OMBA Coach Score: 51.27
19 | Oklahoma State University
Spears School of Business
Entrepreneurship students can increase their knowledge through various virtual experiences by earning an online Master of Business Administration from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business. U.S. News and World Report recognizes the OSU degree as a top-ranked online MBA.
Students can earn this dynamic 33-credit-hour degree in as few as 12 months. Get ready for some exciting class discussions in Dilemmas and Debates in Entrepreneurship, Launching a Business: The First 100 Days, and The Entrepreneur: Hero or Villain, or take your entrepreneurial journey overseas through an entrepreneurship study abroad program. A selective group of graduate entrepreneurship students is selected as Creativity Innovation and Entrepreneurship Scholars. These scholars receive a scholarship and participate in developing a commercialization plan for a student or University Developed Technology. Entrepreneur students can also gain hands-on experience and apply for up to $50,000 in grants through the National Science Foundation’s Innovation Corp. These experiences set OSU MBA graduates apart from their competitors.
OMBA Coach Score: 45.48
20 | St. John’s University
Peter J. Tobin College of Business
The prestigious Peter J. Tobin College of Business at St. John’s University offers a world-class virtual MBA in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. This 36-credit-hour business school program can be completed in three years, working at a steady part-time pace. Beyond traditional class lectures, students have opportunities to work with local start-ups and utilize the incubation lab to launch their own businesses.
The curriculum consists of eight core courses, one capstone, and three entrepreneurship courses. Entrepreneurship students will learn the fundamentals of establishing and operating a business through the Seminar in Entrepreneurship course, followed by two entrepreneurship electives. Students will enjoy allowing their creative juices to flow through electives such as Creating an E-Commerce Business, Creativity and Innovation, and strengthen their leadership skills through Leading Modern Organizations. Through the Global Loan Opportunities for Budding Entrepreneurs program, MBA students provide training to entrepreneurs in developing countries on microfinance and social entrepreneurship.
OMBA Coach Score: 45.41
21 | University of Massachusetts Lowell
Robert J. Manning School of Business
In just one calendar year, students can earn a top-ranked online Entrepreneurship MBA from The Robert J. Manning School of Business at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. This business school program has been listed among the Best Online MBA Programs by leading publications, including The Princeton Review, U.S. News and World Report, and Fortune.
Entrepreneurship students will acquire in-demand skills covering emerging technologies, global entrepreneurship, and innovation. New courses being rolled out for the fall 2022 semester include New Venture Creation and New Product Development. Case studies, competitions, and real-world simulations are embedded into the coursework. The Lowell Innovation Hub offers workspaces for local students and an impressive line-up of virtual events. Past webinars have included Crafting Business Models and Strategies, Intellectual Property Considerations for Entrepreneurs, and Maximizing the Benefits of Online Networking. The Digital Equity Challenge allows students to pitch their entrepreneurial ideas on expanding technology access for prizes such as seeding funding for their projects.
OMBA Coach Score: 45.00
22 | University of South Carolina
Darla Moore School of Business
The University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business pushes students to explore their entrepreneurial interests through the Professional Master of Business Administration. U.S. News and World Report ranked this innovative business school program among the Best Part-Time MBA Programs in the country.
The PMBA’s customizable curriculum allows students to earn a specialization in Innovation/Entrepreneurship or a graduate certificate in Strategic Innovation. The required courses for the Strategic Innovation certificate include Strategic Management of Technology and Innovation, Strategic Planning, Competitive Strategy Analysis, and one elective of the student’s choosing. Some electives feature a weekend residency component. PMBA students have the opportunity to study abroad for 10-14 days. Previous study abroad programs have included Exploring Hidden Champions: France and Switzerland and Exploring Global Business in Russia. The Faber Entrepreneurship Center connects students with successful entrepreneurs and provides training in small business management. This center partners with the Small Business Development Center, South Carolina Research Authority, and the USC Technology Incubator.
OMBA Coach Score: 44.06
23 | Ohio University
College of Business
Transform your business idea into a sustainable start-up with the award-winning Online MBA in Business Venturing and Entrepreneurship from Ohio University’s College of Business. This MBA in Entrepreneurship is recognized among the best online programs by U.S. News and World Report for 2022. Additionally, Fortune ranks it 3rd for Best MBA Value.
The 35-credit hour curriculum can be completed in as few as two years. Students will take three courses to expand their entrepreneurial knowledge: Managing Innovation and Corporate Entrepreneurship, New Venture Creation, Ideation, Concept Development, and Business Models. All students are required to attend one on-campus weekend Leadership Development Conference. This conference is held multiple times annually, so students can choose a weekend convenient for their schedule. Students can attend this conference multiple times and receive a different experience each time because of the new guest speakers at each LDC. In-demand careers students can pursue upon graduating include business operation consultant, chief innovation officer, and venture fund consultant.
OMBA Coach Score: 40.75
24 | Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Robert A. Foisie Business School
Earn your Master of Business Administration with an Entrepreneurship specialization 100% online through Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s Robert A. Foisie Business School. Students can enhance their entrepreneurial pursuits with a second specialty in Marketing Analytics, Operations Excellence, Organizing and Managing Innovation, or Product Management.
The 36-credit hour curriculum is project-based with a heavy focus on technology and business analytics, so students graduate with a wealth of hands-on experience. Optional live components are also available. A capstone project allows students to produce a work sample that can be presented during future interviews. Entrepreneurship courses include Technology Commercialization, Selling and Sales, and Business Law, Ethics, and Social Responsibility. Specialized skills like budgeting, product development, and customer service are embedded into coursework. The Career Development Center provides virtual services to online students, such as mock interviews, recruiting events, and resume critiques. Students will graduate in two years by enrolling in three classes per semester.
OMBA Coach Score: 39.25
25 | Northeastern University
D’Amore-McKim School of Business
Northeastern University’s D’Amore-McKim School of Business features an online Innovation Entrepreneurship MBA designed to shape tomorrow’s business leaders. Financial Times ranks this business school program 8th amongst Online MBAs nationally.
This 50-credit-hour MBA in Entrepreneurship program can be completed in an average of two years. Courses students take include Enterprise Growth and Innovation, Global Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and Managing Operations in Early Stage Ventures. Courses include numerous interactive components such as business cases, discussions, and teamwork projects. Through the IDEA Venture Accelerator, students will be paired with a mentor to work through their business plan and pitch their idea to an advisory panel for the opportunity to gain seed money.
Students can broaden their business perspectives through domestic and international residencies. An optional one-week residency can be completed for three-credit hours by students who have completed a minimum of nine credit hours. Northeastern Innovation Entrepreneurship graduates have successfully assumed a wide array of careers, including product development manager, sales manager, and vice president of business development.
OMBA Coach Score: 37.89
The Best Online Entrepreneurship MBA Programs
Entrepreneurs face many hurdles while launching a new business. Earning an online Entrepreneurship MBA can help student entrepreneurs learn strategies to tackle business challenges. These issues include securing funding, developing a sales strategy, and global competition. By enrolling in a top-ranked Entrepreneurship MBA program, students gain a supportive network. These networks include dedicated professors, classmates, and mentors.
Entrepreneurship online MBA programs feature a solid business foundation. They include specialized business courses. They prepare future entrepreneurs to handle all aspects of operating a business.
Students can pursue a variety of career paths. They can embark upon a start-up or work with small businesses on product launch, marketing, and sales. Graduates are in high-demand. They are very innovative and can use their knowledge to help established corporations and new ventures grow. Many businesses struggled during the pandemic. Large-scale lay-offs motivated many individuals to create their own business. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2021, over 5.4 million new business applications were filed, up from 4.3 million in 2020.
What is an Online Entrepreneurship MBA?
An online entrepreneurship MBA offers courses in a virtual setting. These students pursue their own business or working for small businesses. Students will take business fundamentals, such as
- accounting,
- finance,
- economics,
- project management, and
- supply chain management.
Specialized entrepreneurship courses may include
- digital marketing,
- technology innovation,
- social entrepreneurship, and
- venture capital.
Many business school programs offer independent study courses. They allow students to work on their own start-up or create a new product as a capstone course.
What should I look for in an Online Entrepreneurship MBA?
Accreditation/Rankings
Accreditation is one of the key factors in obtaining any MBA degree. It signals to employers that you have earned a high-quality business education. All the business school programs on this ranking hold prestigious AACSB accreditation. It is awarded to less than 5% of business schools nationwide.
Rankings published by U.S. News and World Report and The Princeton Review also provide credibility to programs. They can help you focus on finding a business school that will offer an excellent return-on-investment potential. The 2023 Best Entrepreneurship MBA Programs ranking by U.S. News and World Report features 48 top business schools that offer features. These include creative curricula, business plan competitions, and opportunities to launch a business. The Princeton Review recognizes the Top 50 Entrepreneurship: Grad programs based on course offerings, career outcomes, and experiential learning opportunities.
Experiential Learning Opportunities
Hands-on learning is an essential component in entrepreneurship. Case studies, simulations, and projects should be embedded into all coursework. The business school programs offer mentor opportunities. These are by entrepreneurs, business pitch competitions, and new venture incubators.
- Competitions give students exposure to corporations and donors. They are willing to invest time and financial resources to help students succeed. These competitions also improve presentation skills. They provide valuable feedback so students can improve their ideas.
- Incubators provide collaborative workspaces for students. They give professional advice from business experts. Students enjoy access to technology and business tools.
- Some programs offer optional international residencies. These provide a great opportunity for students to learn about global business markets.
Alumni
A factor to consider when choosing an entrepreneurship program is how many alumni have started businesses. Top business schools share their success stories on their website. You can ask the head of the entrepreneurship program about the businesses students have started. This gives you an idea of how much support you will receive with launching your business and access to alumni who can offer guidance.
Business schools collect data on students employed after graduation and their starting salary. This data helps predict what your future may potentially look like if you were to earn your MBA in Entrepreneurship from there.
What jobs can I get with an Entrepreneurship MBA?
Not every entrepreneurship student opens their own business. Many use their skills and knowledge to help other businesses succeed. There are many options available for students who earn an MBA in Entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneurship graduates tend to excel as sales managers. Their classes have prepared them to market products or services. They provide exceptional customer service, and sharpen their negotiation skills.
These managers are responsible for training and leading the sales team. They meet sales goals, create sales reports, and increase sales. Industries need sales managers. They include professional and technical services, insurance, manufacturing, wholesale, and retail. Online sales are increasing. Students with e-commerce knowledge and experience are in the highest demand.
Sales managers made a median income of $127,490 in 2021.
Management analysts ensure a company runs efficiently. Entrepreneurship students have an understanding of business operations, making them prime candidates. The projected job outlook growth is 14% between 2020 and 2030, which is faster than average. The highest demand is anticipated to be in consulting services, healthcare, and IT.
In 2021, the median annual salary for management analysts was $93,000.
Fundraising managers work with non-profit organizations and universities to increase donations. Entrepreneurship MBA students have experience with acquiring seed money for start-ups. Those skills will come in handy. Social media skills are also beneficial. More companies are increasing their online presence. These careers should increase 13% between 2020 and 2030. This is faster than the average for other occupations.
The median salary in 2021 for fundraising managers was $119,860.
Next Steps
Prospective entrepreneurship MBA students should research application materials. These are needed for the programs they want and approaching deadlines. A complete application packet includes a business school application and an application fee. There will also be an official undergraduate transcript and a resume. MBA applicants need to complete packets that include GMAT test scores or a waiver and letters of recommendation. Upon acceptance into a program, submit required documents to qualify for financial aid. Soon, you’ll be on your way to turning that genius business idea into a new venture.
Related Resources:
Guide to an Entrepreneurship online MBA
Top Entrepreneurship Podcasts
How can an online MBA help entrepreneurs?
Reasons to Get an Online MBA