Essential Information
With a master's degree in entrepreneurship, business professionals can establish their own business, provide operational advice or manage existing businesses. Many entrepreneurship programs stress the importance of leadership and management through business communication and relations. Both Master of Science and Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs in entrepreneurship are offered.
Programs take a year or two to complete, and some schools offer weekend and evening classes. Some degree programs offer mentorship or internship opportunities that assist students in developing their own business projects.
Master's Degree in Entrepreneurship
Graduate entrepreneurship programs use business case studies to develop entrepreneurial proficiency in students. Most courses are research-intensive and teach students technical aspects of business operation, including legal and financial aspects of business. Because entrepreneurs must be knowledgeable of all areas of business, most programs provide broad business administration courses early in the program. Common courses include:
- Financial management
- Strategic business operations
- Employee relations
- Entrepreneurial strategy
- Accounting and business law
- Social and global entrepreneurship
Popular Career Options
Though many entrepreneurs establish new businesses, others begin by taking supervisory or management positions with existing businesses. By obtaining a position before establishing a business, professionals can gain valuable operational experience that can't be had in school. Popular career options for someone with a master's degree in entrepreneurship include:
- Business owner
- Small business consultant
- Financial manager
- Executive business officer
- Venture capitalist
- Corporate business advisor
Continuing Education Information
Doctoral programs in entrepreneurship are available for students seeking careers in academia and research. Candidates study and practice advanced research design and statistical methods while delving into an entrepreneurship topic of interest. The Ph.D. curriculum may address perspectives on entrepreneurship from various disciplines, including sociology, psychology and economics. Courses in pedagogy prepare doctoral candidates to teach entrepreneurship at a college or university level.
Aspiring entrepreneurs can enroll in a master's degree in entrepreneurship program where they will immerse themselves in high-level courses, case-studies and research in all areas of business to help them become successful business owners, managers or consultants. Professional mentorships or internships are also available to help develop skills and confidence.
