Have you considered a degree in entrepreneurship? The tech revolution has made entrepreneurship the American gold standard of success. Make your own way in the world, with no one else telling you what you can and can’t do. The idea of getting an entrepreneurship degree seems counterintuitive to the idea of being an entrepreneur in the first place.
The truth is, an entrepreneurship degree is worth getting due to its curriculum of foundational business classes. Having an idea for starting a business is where all entrepreneurs start, but that’s only the start. In order to be successful, an entrepreneur needs to have more than idea; they also have to know about taxes, incorporation requirements, financing, business planning, employee management, and more. A strong sense of risk-taking and hustling might come natural to entrepreneurs, but the nitty-gritty of running a business takes training.
Methodology: Ranking the Best Degrees for Entrepreneurship
To rank the best entrepreneurship bachelor’s degrees, Great Business Schools editors sought out traditional, on-campus programs from accredited, trusted institutions. Programs are ranked by factors including cost, reputation, and salary potential. Data comes from IPEDS and Niche.
1. University of Pennsylvania
The Wharton School’s Management Department at the University of Pennsylvania offers a BS in Management – Entrepreneurship & Innovation that is among the best degrees for entrepreneurship programs n the nation. Students enrolled in Penn’s best entrepreneurship degrees take classes in venture capital & finance innovation, internet law & privacy, and health care entrepreneurship, to name a few. This best degree for entrepreneurship program from Wharton is supported by the Goergen Entrepreneurship Management program – which is located within the school’s venture lab.
Established in 1751 and considered among the oldest of all higher learning institutions in the country, the University of Pennsylvania is home to 22,050 students studying online and on the school’s Philadelphia campus.
Highlight Benjamin Franklin established Penn, which is now recognized as a Colonial College and an Ivy League school.
Degree Management: Entrepreneurship and Innovation, BS
2. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
The University of Michigan offers a Bachelor of Business Administration degree (BBA) program that offers students at the sophomore level to declare an Entrepreneurship minor. UM Ann Arbor’s best degree for entrepreneurship program requires degree candidates to complete 15 credit hours from the entrepreneurship curriculum. The coursework for these best degrees for entrepreneurship programs is organized into core classes (Business Basics & Entrepreneurial Creativity), electives, and a six-credit practicum. Students enrolled in UM’s best entrepreneurship degrees explore the many ways entrepreneurs can be the difference, using a multidisciplinary approach.
The University of Michigan (UMich) is a multi-campus higher learning institution that was established in 1817. AS the state’s flagship school, the University of Michigan is also considered a ‘public Ivy,’ offering quality education from a public institution.
Highlight The space-grant and sea-grant school serves approximately 45,850 students.
Degree BBA with Entrepreneurship Minor
3. University of California, Berkeley
The University of California, Berkeley offers an interdisciplinary BS in Management, Entrepreneurship & Technology (MET) that is considered among the state’s best degrees for entrepreneurship programs. This best degree for entrepreneurship program combines curriculum from the nationally ranked Haas School of Business and the University of California’s Engineering College. There are seven academic tracks offered by the University of California’s best entrepreneurship degrees, which offers all students a cohort that follows the entire program as a tight-knit community.
Founded in 1868 as the first land-grant institution of higher education in the Golden State, the University of California, Berkeley is now a comprehensive university that serves approximately 43,050 students. The school is often ranked among the top public colleges in the United States.
Highlight The University of California students are historically known for their student activism.
Degree Management, Entrepreneurship & Technology, BS
4. University of Texas at Austin
The Cockrell Engineering School at the University of Texas at Austin offers a Bridging Disciplines Program (BDP) in Innovation, Creativity & Entrepreneurship that explores the relationship between innovation, technology, and creativity in the face of entrepreneurship opportunities. he University of Texas’s best degree for entrepreneurship program requires students to complete 19 credits of coursework from the entrepreneurial curriculum options. Students enrolled in these best entrepreneurship degrees are encouraged to get involved with research/internships in innovation and creativity. Degree candidates in UT’s best degrees for entrepreneurship programs are required to submit an integration essay regarding their BDP experience.
As the flagship school of the Lone Star State, the University of Texas at Austin is a space-grant university that is home to approximately 50,750 students. The University of Texas is recognized as a public Ivy League institution of higher education.
Highlight The school’s campus in the state’s capital is home to a presidential library and seven museums.
Degree Innovation, Creativity & Entrepreneurship BDP
5. Babson College
Babson College’s Entrepreneurship Division offers one of New England’s best degrees for entrepreneurship programs with its bachelor’s degree in business with an academic major in entrepreneurship. Babson’s best degree for entrepreneurship program requires students to complete sixteen semester credits. The mandated classes for these best entrepreneurship degrees from Babson College include four core credits plus twelve credits from various elective classes that align with a student’s interests and career objectives. Available electives include the entrepreneurial innovator, crowd-funding, entrepreneurship new ventures in global fashion, and entrepreneurial finance, to name a few.
Established in 1919 as an all male business school, Babson College now operates as a coeducation institution of higher learning with approximately 3,050 students attending classes online and on the school’s 300+ suburban acre campus.
Highlight Babson College was founded to provide business instruction in less time than traditional business programs being offered at that time.
Degree Entrepreneurship
6. University of Missouri
The University of Missouri offers one of Missouri’s best entrepreneurship degrees, with its bachelor’s degree program in business with a minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management. Mizzou’s best degree for entrepreneurship program requires the completion of 15 semester credits, of which six must be completed from the management-designated coursework. Elective options for these best degrees for entrepreneurship programs include design thinking for new business innovation, the entrepreneurial mindset, or new business planning and management, plus an internship, to name a few.
The University of Missouri (UM) was established under the Morrill Act in 1839 and is the state’s largest institution of higher learning, with approximately 32,050 students. The University of Missouri is home to the world’s most powerful nuclear reactor on a university campus.
Highlight The School of Journalism at MU holds the distinction of being the first of its kind in the United States.
Degree Minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management
7. Kansas State University
Kansas State University offers one of Kansas’s best degrees for entrepreneurship, a Bachelor of Science degree (BS) program in Entrepreneurship. K-State’s best entrepreneurship degrees hold accreditation that has been issued by AACSB, one of only 10% of business schools in the country. Degree candidates enrolled in Kansas State University’s best degree for entrepreneurship program complete classes in entrepreneurial financial consulting for entrepreneurs, innovation for organizations, and technology & innovation, to name a few.
Founded as a land-grant higher learning institution in 1863, Kansas State University now maintains multiple campuses across the state in Manhattan, Olathe, and Salina. The student enrollment for those attending classes on-campus or online exceeds 20,650 students.
Highlight Kansas State University is recognized as the state’s oldest institution of higher learning, having been established during the American Civil War.
Degree Entrepreneurship, BS
8. University of Southern California
The entrepreneurship program at the University of Southern California’s Marshall Business School offers some of the state’s best entrepreneurship degrees with its undergraduate business degrees that offer a variety of business and interdisciplinary minors. Among the Minors available in Southern Cal’s best degrees for entrepreneurship programs are Media Entrepreneurship, Digital Entrepreneurship, Social Entrepreneurship, and Game Entrepreneurship. The core coursework required by the University of Southern California’s best degree for entrepreneurship programs includes a digital playbook for entrepreneurs, scaling startups, social innovation, and entertainment entrepreneurship, to name a few.
The University of Southern California (So Cal) is a private school that was established in 1880 and operates as the largest employer in the greater Los Angeles metro area. As a sea-grant and space-grant school,, the University of Southern California serves approximately 47,850 students.
Highlight The University of Southern California is recognized as the birthplace of the Internet’s Domain Name System.
Degree Minors in Media Entrepreneurship, Digital Entrepreneurship, Game Entrepreneurship
9. Temple University
Temple University offers a BBA in Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management that is among Pennsylvania’s best degree for entrepreneurship programs. Students enrolled in Temple University’s best entrepreneurship degrees are required to complete 124 credit hours to graduate. Classes for these best degrees for entrepreneurship programs include business plans as strategic tools, financial management, global business policies, power, influence & negotiation, entrepreneurial and innovative thinking, and entrepreneurial marketing, plus a relevant entrepreneurial internship, to name a few.
Established in 1884, Temple University now operates as a state-funded institution of higher learning with a student enrollment that exceeds 38,850 students. Temple University maintains multiple campuses in the state and internationally in Italy and Japan.
Highlight Temple University is recognized as operating the largest and the oldest of any foreign institution of higher education in Japan.
Degree Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management, BBA
10. University of Vermont
The Agriculture and Life Sciences College at the University of Vermont offers a BS in Community Entrepreneurship that is considered among the best degrees for entrepreneurship programs in Vermont. The University of Vermont s best degree for entrepreneurship programs is recognized as an experiential, hands-on undergraduate degree program. Classes for UVM’s best entrepreneurship degrees include principles of community development, smart resilient communities, consumer law in action, applied research methods, consumer law and policy, and applied consumption economics, to name a few.
Founded in the early 1790s, the University of Vermont is a land-grant and research institution of higher education that serves approximately 10,550 students. Additionally, the University of Vermont is a sea-grant and space-grant school operating the largest university hospital system in the state.
Highlight the University of Vermont is considered a ‘public ivy’ school and among the oldest of all schools in the nation.
Degree Community Entrepreneurship B.S.
11. New York University
New York University’s Stern Business School offers a BS in Business Entrepreneurship that is considered recognized among the nation’s best degrees for entrepreneurship programs. Students enrolled in New York University’s best degree for entrepreneurship programs are required to complete 212semester units from coursework from the entrepreneurship curriculum. Classes for these best entrepreneurship degrees include patterns of entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship, brand strategy, launching the lean startup, and real estate development and entrepreneurship, to name a few.
New York University was established as a private higher learning institution in the early 1830s. The school is now a space grant research university with the largest enrollment of any private school with more than 51,400 students. New York University’s iconic campus in Greenwich Village (downtown Manhattan) covers more than 200 acres.
Highlight NYU’s influence is one of the key reasons Greenwich Village has historically been known as a cultural center.
Degree Entrepreneurship, BS
12. University of Minnesota – Crookston
The Carlson Management School at the University of Minnesota – Crookston offers a BS in Business Entrepreneurial Management that requires the completion of 120 semester credits. UM Crookston’s best degree for entrepreneurship programs are campus-based and require degree candidates to complete 22 semester credits from the major’s curriculum. Classes for these best degrees for entrepreneurship programs include applied technology entrepreneurship, new business feasibility and planning, and entrepreneurial management, among others. Additionally, UM Crookston’s best entrepreneurship degrees are available as a minor option.
The University of Minnesota (MN Crookston) was established in 1821 and is a member school of the state’s university system. The school’s rural campus in Crookston (which is part of Grand Rapids greater metro area) covers more than 100 acres and serves approximately 1,750 students.
Highlight Students enrolled at the University of Minnesota in Crookston hail from nearly all states.
Degree Entrepreneurial Management, BS
13. Syracuse University
Syracuse University’s Whitman Management School offers a BS in Entrepreneurship and Emerging Enterprises (EEE) that considered among New York’s s best entrepreneurship degrees. Students enrolled in Syracuse University’s best degree for entrepreneurship have four potential academic tracks – a family business, new venture, corporate entrepreneurship, or social entrepreneurship. Previous internships available for degree candidates enrolled in SU’s best degrees for entrepreneurship programs include Macy’s (as a product development intern), Nike ( within the global strategy division ), and W2O Group (which included a social commerce internship), among others.
Founded in Lima, New York, Syracuse University (‘Cuse) is a private school that maintains a relationship with the United Methodist Church but offers secular educational options. The school’s campus sits atop one of the city’s highest hills and is home to approximately 22,650 students.
Highlight Syracuse University’s athletes, known as the Orange, have won numerous rowing and ice hockey championships.
Degree Entrepreneurship and Emerging Enterprises, BS
14. University of Miami
The University of Miami offers a BBA in Entrepreneurship (People and Society) that prepares students to understand the value creation process. Students enrolled in Miami’s best degree for entrepreneurship must complete 120 semester credits to meet the undergraduate program. Coursework for Miami’s best entrepreneurship degrees include digital marketing, fundamentals of finance, strategic management, and growing the new venture, to name a few. Degree candidates in this SU’s best degrees for entrepreneurship programs have the option of studying abroad if interested.
Established in 1925 as a private higher learning institution, the University of Miami operates as a comprehensive research school in south Florida. This space-grant school is home to more than 17,550 students vying for the more 250 degrees offered.
Highlight The founder of the city of Coral Gables donated 150+ acres and several million dollars to establish the University of Miami.
Degree Entrepreneurship, BBA
15. Santa Clara University
Santa Clara University’s Leavey Business School/Management Department offers an undergraduate business degree with a major with Entrepreneurship Minor that is ranked among the west coast’s best entrepreneurship degrees. Students enrolled in Santa Clara University’s best degree for entrepreneurship take classes in building a new business, economic development, the economics of innovation and intellectual property, smart product design, and an entrepreneurship internship, among others. Business students may enroll in Santa Clara University’s best degrees for entrepreneurship programs after they have completed 60 undergraduate credits.
Santa Clara University was established in the mid-1850s as Santa Clara College but now operates as a full-fledged university with a student enrollment that exceeds 9,000 students. The school is affiliated with the Roman Catholic (Jesuit) Church.
Highlight Santa Clara University athletes include major league, NFL, and NBA players and Olympic gold medalists.
Degree Business Major with Entrepreneurship Minor
16. University of North Carolina at Wilmington
The Cameron Business School & Management Department at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington offers a BS in Business Administration – Entrepreneurship & Business Development (EBD) concentration that is considered among the best entrepreneurship degrees in North Carolina. UNC’s best degree for entrepreneurship offers a fast-track option for incoming freshmen. Degree candidates enrolled in these best degrees for entrepreneurship programs are required to complete 15 semester credits of coursework from the entrepreneurship curriculum.
Established in the mid 1940s as a public institution of higher learning, the University of North Carolina in Wilmington (Wilmington) is a member school of the state’s university system. The school’s suburban campus in Wilmington is home to approximately 1,250 students.
Highlight UNCW maintains three campuses in Jacksonville, Myrtle Grove, and the main campus in Wilmington.
Degree Business Administration: Entrepreneurship & Business Development, BS
17. Saint Louis University
Saint Louis University offers a BS in Entrepreneurship that is ranking among the Midwest’s best degree for entrepreneurship programs. SLU’s these best degrees for entrepreneurship programs hold accreditation from the AACSB. Degree candidates enrolled in SLU’s best entrepreneurship degrees require the completion of 120 semester credits in classes that include integrated marketing communications, personal selling, human resources, leadership in turbulent times, to name a few.
Established in 1818 as a research higher learning institution, Saint Louis University is the oldest school that is in the location that was west of the Mississippi River. Saint Louis University’s campuses (Missouri and Spain) and distance-learning platforms are home to approximately 12,550 students hailing from fifty states and more than 75 foreign countries.
Highlight Saint Louis University holds the distinction of being the second oldest of all Jesuit institutions of higher learning.
Degree Entrepreneurship, BS
18. University of Saint Thomas (MN)
The Opus Business College/Schulze Entrepreneurship School at the University of Saint Thomas offers a BS in Business Administration (BSBA) with an academic focus in Entrepreneurship that is ranked among Minnesota’s best entrepreneurship degrees. The University of Saint Thomas’s best degrees for entrepreneurship programs have also been ranked among the top 50 programs by the Princeton Review. Classes for these best degree for entrepreneurship programs include fundamentals of innovation, financial resource management, entrepreneurship management, and strategy and supply chain management, to name a few.
The University of Saint Thomas (Saint Thomas) was founded in the mid 1880s, originally as a Catholic seminary exclusively for men. In addition, the University of Saint Thomas is a space-grant school with a student enrollment of approximately 9,750 students.
Highlight The University of Saint Thomas is recognized as the state’s largest nonprofit institution of higher education.
Degree Entrepreneurship, BA
19. Baylor University
Hankamer Business School at Baylor University offers a bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation that ranks among the Lone Star State’s best entrepreneurship degrees. Baylor’s best degree for entrepreneurship program holds accreditation from the AACSB. Students enrolled in Baylor University’s best degrees for entrepreneurship programs complete classes like entrepreneurial process, accelerated ventures, new venture finance, special studies in entrepreneurship, negotiating conflict resolution, and managing the family business, plus a relevant entrepreneurship internship, to name a few.
Baylor University is a research institution of higher education that was founded by the Baptist General Convention in the mid 1840s. Baylor’s 1,000-acre urban campus is home to approximately 19,150 students. Several business programs offered by Baylor are nationally ranked.
Highlight The first president of the Baylor University, was the great grandfather of US President Lyndon Johnson.
Degree Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation
20. South Dakota State University
South Dakota State University (SDSU) offers two of South Dakota’s best degrees for entrepreneurship with its Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Entrepreneurial Studies that require degree candidates to complete 120 semester credits. Each of these best entrepreneurship degrees require the same core major classes; it is the general education requirements that will differ among the two. Students enrolled in either of South Dakota State University’s best degree for entrepreneurship programs will take classes in financing innovative ideas, new venture creation, innovation and creativity, and entrepreneurship development, to name a few.
Established in the early 1880s as a land-grant school under the Morrill Land Act, South Dakota State University has grown to the largest in the state. Additionally, South Dakota State University’s campus in Brookings is home to approximately 11,250 students.
Highlight South Dakota State University was established prior to South Dakota becoming a state in 1889.
Degree Entrepreneurial Studies, B.A./B.S.
21. Wichita State University
Wichita State University offers a BBA in Entrepreneurship that is among the state’s best entrepreneurship degrees. WSU’s best degree for entrepreneurship program also offers a specialty in real estate for interested students. Classes for Wichita State University’s best degrees for entrepreneurship include topics in entrepreneurship, growing and managing an entrepreneurial firm, new venture feasibility study, the fundamentals of human resource management, principles of real estate and retail management, plus an independent project or study, among others.
Wichita State University was established in the mid 1890s. As a public higher learning institution, Wichita State University maintains multiple campuses in Maize, Derby, and two sites in Wichita.
Highlight More than 16,000 students attend classes online, and on-campus studying for the more than 100 academic degrees offered.
Degree Entrepreneurship, BBA
22. Bemidji State University
Bemidji State University offers a BS in Business Administration Entrepreneurship concentration that is among Minnesota’s best entrepreneurship degrees. Degree candidates enrolled in Bemidji State University’s best degree for entrepreneurship program are required to finish 124 semester units to graduate. Classes for Bemidji State University’s best degrees for entrepreneurship include eighteen credits of advanced entrepreneurship classes in strategy, new business ventures, and new venture capital.
Established in 1919 as a state teacher’s school, Bemidji State University is now a member school of the state college & university system. This space grant’s campus in Bemidji is home to approximately 6,250 students vying for degree options from the university.
Highlight Bemidji State University offers many online degree programs taught by the same quality faculty.
Degree Business Administration: Entrepreneurship, BS
23. Cleary University
Cleary University offers a BBA in Entrepreneurship that requires enrolled students to complete 120 semester units to graduate. Cleary University’s best entrepreneurship degrees allow for the transfer of up to 90 credits. Classes for Cleary’s best degree for entrepreneurship program include marketing the new business, new business finance, entrepreneurship discovery, and technology for the entrepreneur, to name a few. Students enrolled in Cleary University’s best degrees for entrepreneurship receive instruction –including practical experience and theoretical knowledge – by experts and leaders in their industry.
Established as a business and penmanship school in the early 1890s, Cleary University now maintains several campuses that are home to approximately 700 students. Cleary University is home to the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE).
Highlight Famous alumni of Cleary University include a United States Congressman and college basketball coach, among others.
Degree Entrepreneurship, BBA
24. Black Hills State University
Black Hills State University offers a BS in Business Administration Entrepreneurship Studies track that is recognized among South Dakota’s University’s best degrees for entrepreneurship. Degree candidates enrolled in Black Hills State University’s best degree for entrepreneurship program must complete 120 semester units to graduate. Classes for Black Hills State University’s University’s best entrepreneurship degrees include small business management, product, and operations management, quantitative decision analysis, marketing research, business policy, organization and management, and business ethics, to name a few.
Black Hills State University was established in the mid 1880s and now operates multiple campuses and academic sites in South Dakota. Additionally, campuses are located in Pierre and Rapid City, plus online learning.
Highlight Black Hills State University is home to approximately 4,050 students.
Degree Business Administration: Entrepreneurship Studies, BS
25. Pace University
The Lubin Business School located at Pace University offers a BBA in Management Entrepreneurship emphasis that is ranked among New York’s best degrees for entrepreneurship. Pace University’s best degree for entrepreneurship program is available in New York City or the county north – Westchester County. Classes for Pace University’s best entrepreneurship degrees include business plan development, venture initiation, international entrepreneurship, and new product development, to name a few.
Established as a private higher learning school in the early 1900s, Pace University now operates several campuses in and around the greater New York City area. Pace University serves approximately 13,150 students, both online and on the school’s various campuses.
Highlight Pace University is home to Inside the Actors Studio, a renowned television show produced through the school’s drama division.
Degree Management-Entrepreneurship, BBA
Why Should I Get a Bachelor’s in Entrepreneurship?
There are a lot of things you can do with an entrepreneurship degree, and starting your own business is just one of them. The entrepreneurship degree allows for a degree of operational independence than a business degree or MBA. In fact, the whole concept of being an entrepreneur is working independently of others and being in charge of one’s own business. This concept translates well to working with not-for-profits, teaching business students, work as an independent contractor for a large organization, and take on managerial roles that require someone who can think differently than the organization while keeping an eye on its overall goal for success.
What Degree is Most Useful for an Entrepreneur?
There are a number of degrees that aid in the education of an entrepreneur that include business, MBA, accounting, marketing, economics and more. Many reputable schools offer an entrepreneurship degree with curriculums that pull from the aforementioned degree programs. Earning a degree in entrepreneurship or any business-related degree is useful for becoming an entrepreneur, but there may be classes missing for a proper education needed for entrepreneurs.
Alternatively, you may decide that you want to earn a degree in a business-related field, but not necessarily gain the education of an entrepreneur, and work for an organization to learn on the job. Your business-related degree will help you find work in the professional fields and learn on the job about what it takes to run a business. What you learn on the job can help you become an entrepreneur and start your own business when you’re ready.
It’s beneficial to engage in study to be an entrepreneur even if it’s not your initial goal upon graduation. The education requirements for entrepreneurs tend to encourage independent thinking and the ability to evaluate the operation of the business on a daily, weekly, monthly and annual basis. Being an entrepreneur requires the mindset of not being a cog in a wheel and taking ownership of your decisions. This is part of entrepreneur requirements in education due to the fact that an entrepreneur has to always look at the bigger picture and their businesses place in that picture.
In summary, the best degree for entrepreneurship is an entrepreneurship degree. They’re widely available, teach you how to think like a business owner instead of an employee, help you understand how business finances work, the importance of corporate structures, taxes, and how to handle employees. Other types of business degrees will include some of this type of education, but the overarching curriculum teaches students how to work in an existing corporate environment. They don’t usually teach a student the finer aspects of thinking and acting independently due to the fact an established organization has a culture already in place and wants its employees to think in accordance with the culture.
Is Entrepreneurship Really a Career?
Yes, entrepreneurship is a career. The core premise of an entrepreneur is someone who starts their own business and makes it grow into something big. When asking “how do you become an entrepreneur”, you have to take into consideration that you are the CEO of a company, even if you start out with yourself as the sole employee. Many times, an entrepreneur learns as they go and sometimes make mistakes that are costly. Earning a bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship or any business degree will help you avoid the pitfalls that trap many entrepreneurs who didn’t go to school prior to starting their business.
Something to consider is the fact that going to school doesn’t prevent you from becoming an entrepreneur in the meantime. All that’s needed to start a business is identifying an opportunity to provide a service or product to those in need. An entrepreneurship degree helps the budding entrepreneur apply their education to the planning of their future business and what’s needed to get it off the ground.
The creation of the business doesn’t necessarily require the entrepreneur to put everything required of a business into action from the beginning. However, the training and education of an entrepreneurship degree program enables you to look at the immediate and distant future of the needs of your business. An entrepreneurship degree prepares you for the growth and changing structure of your business as it gains traction, grows, adds employees, and incorporation becomes a necessity. These aspects of operating a business also translate into other career fields such as business consulting, upper management, human resources, finances and sales.
Carrie Morris
Author
Warren Dahl
Editor-in-Chief