Those who complete an online master’s in entrepreneurship will further their existing knowledge of sales, marketing, and financial analysis. Most online graduate programs for this degree require between 30 to 36 credit hours. With an accelerated program, students can earn their degree in as little as one year.
In terms of cost, the National Center for Education Statistics reports that the average graduate school tuition is $12,596 at public institutions and $28,017 at private institutions. Once you’ve earned your master’s in entrepreneurship degree, you’ll have access to a variety of high-paying job opportunities.
We interviewed Michelle Pickett, director of Northern Illinois University’s Academic Advising Center, for guidance on finding the right online master’s in entrepreneurship degree program, navigating the application process, and exploring potential career paths.
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The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.
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How we rank schools
Our list features the best online Entrepreneurship degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Best 15 Accredited Online Master’s in Entrepreneurship Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
UF Warrington School of Business
Intelligent Score: 99.00In-state: $4,477
Out-of-state: $25,694
In-state: $10,770
Out-of-state: $10,770
SAT: 1290-1460
ACT: 29-33
In-State: $530
Out-of-State: $1,210
Online
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
32
UTD Naveen Jindal School of Management
Intelligent Score: 97.97In-state: $11,448
Out-of-state: $40,032
In-state: $12,028
Out-of-state: $12,028
SAT: 1210-1470
ACT: 26-33
Resident: $704
Non-Resident: $1,314
Online
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
36
PennState World Campus
Intelligent Score: 97.59In-state: $15,025
Out-of-state: $24,413
In-state: $22,464
Out-of-state: $22,464
SAT: 1070-1300
ACT: 24-29
$1,017
Online
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
33
University of Maryland
Intelligent Score: 97.50In-state: $8,824
Out-of-state: $34,936
In-state: $13,158
Out-of-state: $13,158
SAT: 1270-1480
ACT: 30-34
Resident: $828
Non-Resident: $1,805
Online
Middle States Commission on Higher Educatio
30
Lehigh University
Intelligent Score: 97.23In-state: $54,790
Out-of-state: $54,790
In-state: $27,000
Out-of-state: $27,000
SAT: 1260-1433
ACT: 29-33
$1,545
Online
Middle States Commission on Higher Educatio
30
University of Arizona
Intelligent Score: 96.52In-state: $10,990
Out-of-state: $33,273
In-state: $11,938
Out-of-state: $11,938
SAT: 1090-1350
ACT: 21-29
$925
Online
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
30
Syracuse University
Intelligent Score: 96.27In-state: $53,432
Out-of-state: $53,432
In-state: $40,392
Out-of-state: $40,392
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$1,872
Online
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
30
Temple University
Intelligent Score: 95.70In-state: $16,080
Out-of-state: $28,992
In-state: $16,956
Out-of-state: $16,956
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$1,165
Online, On- Campus
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
30
Drexel University
Intelligent Score: 94.34In-state: $53,868
Out-of-state: $53,868
In-state: $36,234
Out-of-state: $36,234
SAT: 1180-1380
ACT: 25-31
$1,167
Online
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
45
Western Carolina University
Intelligent Score: 92.92In-state: $1,000
Out-of-state: $5,000
In-state: $4,435
Out-of-state: $4,435
SAT: 1020-1220
ACT: 20-25
In-State: $303
Out-of-State: $949
Online
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
30
Pepperdine School of Education and Psychology
Intelligent Score: 91.17In-state: $57,750
Out-of-state: $57,750
In-state: $36,200
Out-of-state: $36,200
SAT: 1200-1410
ACT: 26-31
$1,510
Online, On- Campus, Hybrid
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
34
Dickinson State University
Intelligent Score: 89.44In-state: $6,474
Out-of-state: $8,294
In-state: $6,060
Out-of-state: $6,060
SAT: 920-1082
ACT: 17-22
$336
Online, On- Campus
Higher Learning Commission
30
Everglades University
Intelligent Score: 88.23In-state: $17,520
Out-of-state: $17,520
In-state: $19,200
Out-of-state: $19,200
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$925
Online, On- Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
36
DePaul University
Intelligent Score: 85.50In-state: $40,551
Out-of-state: $40,551
In-state: $19,370
Out-of-state: $19,370
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$1,146
Online
Higher Learning Commission
48
Houston Christian University
Intelligent Score: 85.07In-state: $32,350
Out-of-state: $32,350
In-state: $10,350
Out-of-state: $10,350
SAT: 1000-1180
ACT: 20-25
$620
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
33
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Entrepreneurship Program
Choose your area of study
This degree is typically available as a Master of Science (MS), Master of Professional Studies (MPS), or Master of Business Administration (MBA) — those who plan to enter the corporate world should choose an MBA program. Also, some programs will allow you to select a concentration and focus your studies on a particular specialty, such as venture capital or social entrepreneurship. Carefully think about what your career goals are, then look for programs that best match those specific goals. “Researching the growth opportunities for a career is important,” Pickett says. “It helps individuals understand the full scope and opportunities for an area they are interested in pursuing.”
Research schools and programs
You should only consider institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
Ideally, your master’s in entrepreneurship program will also be accredited by a respected industry group like the Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). These programmatic accrediting organizations have particularly high standards for business education.
Another way to ensure that the education will be rigorous is to research the professors teaching the classes. Those with an extensive background in business and entrepreneurship will have much to convey and can help students expand their professional network and ultimately land more job opportunities.
Pickett suggests students take advantage of the following to learn more about their programs:
- Check out the school’s admissions website
- Take a virtual tour
- Browse the school’s course catalog
- Visit the webpage of the academic department you are interested in
- Research the school’s support services for students
- Explore their housing and dining options
- Learn about their financial aid options
Prepare for tests and applications
Each school and program has their own set of application requirements. Most online master’s in entrepreneurship programs no longer require applicants to submit GMAT scores. However, when researching schools, it’s important to discover which schools (if any) do require such scores. It can take up to three months to study for the GMAT and up to 20 days to receive results, so applicants may need to consider that when reviewing application deadlines.
In addition to test scores, recommendation letters, personal statements, and transcripts may be required as well. Before submitting an application, always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.
Select your program
Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Are you only interested in 100% online programs, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a few in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer?
“Consider the learning environment, class structure and teaching style, and cost,” Pickett recommends. “The online experience is more individual and personalized in the comfort of your own home.” Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), as this will help the students qualify for federal loans to help pay for various educational costs. Additionally, having a FAFSA on file with a school can help the student qualify for grants or scholarships available through the school and the state. Keep in mind that it’s worth contacting the financial aid offices of different schools and inquiring directly about what aid may be available. Those who already work in the field should see if their employer offers tuition assistance benefits as well.
What Can You Expect from an Online Master’s in Entrepreneurship Program?
The online master’s in entrepreneurship is designed to take a student’s existing knowledge of business, finance, and marketing to the next level. Coursework emphasizes how to better communicate with others and foster reliable decision-making skills, and students will also master specialized technology to help them serve in roles such as consultant, analyst, or CEO. Students with managerial ambitions may focus on electives that build leadership skills, whereas those who want to serve as analysts may focus on electives fostering more technical knowledge.
Most of these online master’s in entrepreneurship programs are designed to be completed in two years by full-time students. There are also accelerated programs available that allow students to complete their coursework in as little as a year. In most cases, online programs will be flexible enough to work around the schedule of students who can only attend part-time.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in entrepreneurship degree program
- Principles of Entrepreneurship. This class serves as a foundation of the entrepreneurial tenets students must identify to take advantage of exciting new business opportunities. Students typically need to master skills such as conducting feasibility studies on innovative ideas and developing entrepreneurial solutions to a wide range of economic and social issues.
- Business for Entrepreneurs. This course focuses on advancing a student’s existing skills and understanding of fundamental business concepts with a focus on entrepreneurship. Students will learn more about how macroeconomics affects the availability of business opportunities and combine accounting, marketing, and management skills to develop innovative business solutions.
- Tech Ventures. This course helps students master the critical concepts in technology necessary to launch their business ventures. Such instruction often includes hands-on practice with business software and in-depth lectures about technology’s current effect on business development.
- New Venture Finance. This course teaches students more about venture finance and venture capitalism, including how these forces have shaped and continue to shape the economy. On the most practical level, the course focuses on helping students assess whether the latest innovations are worth investing in and how to get started if they are.
What Can You Do With an Online Master’s in Entrepreneurship Degree?
Career outlook
In today’s dynamic business landscape, the field of entrepreneurship is rapidly evolving, and pursuing an online master’s degree in entrepreneurship can open doors to a multitude of exciting and diverse career opportunities. This program equips individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the entrepreneurial journey, from ideation to successful venture management.
Indeed, the career outlook for individuals with a master’s degree in entrepreneurship is promising, driven by the growing importance of entrepreneurship in the global economy. The broad category of entrepreneurship involves industries ranging from health care to finance and everyone from small business owners to the CEOs of Fortune 500 companies. Some of the specific career paths available for those with a master’s in entrepreneurship include:
- Top executive — Coordinate the work of an organization by establishing goals, overseeing activities, and appointing department heads and managers.
- Median annual salary: $100,090
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 3%
- New job openings projected: 311,600 annually
- Project management specialist — Oversee all aspects of a project, including budgeting, staffing, and progress monitoring.
- Median annual salary: $95,370
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
- New job openings projected: 68,100 annually
- Management analyst — Advise organizations on how to increase revenue, reduce expenses, and improve efficiency.
- Median annual salary: $95,290
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 10%
- New job openings projected: 92,900 annually
Online Master’s in Entrepreneurship Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master’s in entrepreneurship degree program?
Applying to an online master’s in entrepreneurship program is as simple as pulling up the application on the university website and filling it out. The application will also specify if it has any additional requirements, including submitting undergraduate transcripts, GMAT test scores, letters of recommendation, or any application essays or cover letters.
If students are unsure about specific application requirements or have other questions about the program, contacting an admissions advisor is best. This person provides students with a quick and direct source to get answers to their most important questions.
How much does an online master’s in entrepreneurship degree cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average tuition for graduate school is $20,513 per year. However, the exact cost of the program will depend on many factors, including whether it is at a public school (which will be cheaper) or a private school (which will be more expensive). Additionally, in-state tuition is more affordable than out-of-state tuition at public schools. Finally, the amount of credits the program requires and how long the student takes to complete coursework can impact the overall cost.
How long does it take to earn an online master’s in entrepreneurship degree?
Most online master’s in entrepreneurship programs are designed to be completed in two years by students who attend full-time.
Fortunately, most programs also offer flexible scheduling that can accommodate part-time students, though attending part-time means it will take longer than two years to complete the traditional curriculum. Students who wish to complete their coursework as quickly as possible should consider applying to an accelerated program, as these are typically designed to be completed in only one year. Ultimately, students should carefully consider their current schedule and whether they have enough time to be full-time or part-time.
Is an online master's in entrepreneurship worth it?
An online master’s degree in entrepreneurship can be a highly worthwhile investment in your career. This degree can equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the competitive world of entrepreneurship and open up numerous career possibilities. Whether you aim to launch your venture, consult with startups, or innovate within established companies, this degree program provides a strong foundation for success.
Earning your degree online allows you to balance your studies with other personal or professional commitments, making it an accessible option for those with busy schedules. Online students may also have excellent opportunities to network with other like-minded students, professors, and industry professionals across the country.