Best Online Master’s in Entrepreneurship Programs of 2023
In our rapidly changing world, there are constantly opportunities for innovative thinking and new solutions to address questions and problems. An online master’s in entrepreneurship will help you become the kind of creative leader the world needs now.
Why This Matters
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MANAGEMENT JOBS EXPECTED TO INCREASE BY 7%
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the U.S. economy will add 706,900 new management positions by 2028, a faster-than-average growth rate for all occupations during that time frame.
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150,600 NEW TOP EXECUTIVES NEEDED BY 2028
Problem-solving, leadership, and decision-making are some of the most in-demand skills for executives, which you will develop in an online master’s in entrepreneurship program.
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BE YOUR OWN BOSS AS A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER
There are nearly 30 million small business owners in the U.S., and small businesses employ 57.9 million people in the country. If you want to be part of this group, this master’s can help you.
Our Research
We reviewed a number of different degree programs in entrepreneurship, including Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science (MS), and Master of Professional Studies (MPS) programs.
The primary criteria that programs had to meet was that their curriculum is delivered completely or mainly online. Programs that deliver their courses both online and on-campus may give students the option to complete their degree through a combination of distance learning and in-person classes.
To ensure the quality of the programs, we only included regionally accredited institutions. Most programs also have additional programmatic accreditation through bodies like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
We evaluated each program based on its outcomes, cost, reputation, flexibility, and faculty. Then we calculated an Intelligent Score for each program on a scale of 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
- 73 hours to write this article
- 149 universities and colleges we assessed
- 392 education programs we compared
The Top 21 Online Master’s in Entrepreneurship Programs
What You Should Know About This Degree
A master’s degree in entrepreneurship opens doors to a range of opportunities within existing companies and for individuals who want to start their own business. Entrepreneurship programs focus on leadership skills like managing human and financial capital, problem-solving skills, and risk management.
If you are planning on pursuing a master’s in entrepreneurship as a way to become a business owner, it’s important to consider the risks that are inherent to starting your own business. While a degree program will teach you skills and principles to help you navigate risks, you should consider if you have the right qualities for business ownership. These include a strong work ethic, the ability to manage people and make tough decisions, and a tolerance for uncertainty.
Your current educational background may inform the type of degree you seek. For example, MBA programs are designed for students who have an undergraduate degree in business or extensive professional experience. Meanwhile, MS or MPS degrees are better suited for students of all educational backgrounds, as they typically include more foundational courses in their curriculum.
Because hands-on experience is valuable to entrepreneurs, many programs have in-person components like internships or residencies, even if all coursework can be completed online. Find out what, if any, in-person requirements a program has before enrolling to confirm that you can accommodate them.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching Online Master’s in Entrepreneurship programs:
- Do I have to take standardized tests for admission? Depending on the program, you may need to submit GMAT or GRE scores as part of their admissions applications. Taking these tests is an investment of time and money, so it’s important to factor this into your application preparations. You may also choose to seek out programs that don’t have these requirements or waive them if you meet certain eligibility criteria.
- Does this program offer business development feedback? Many entrepreneurship programs offer students the opportunity to develop business plans and get expert feedback through labs, incubators, or workshops. This type of experiential learning can be valuable, especially if you are planning on starting a business. Find out what kind of opportunities a program offers during your research phase.
Now is also the time to gather your application materials, speak to an admissions representative if you have any questions, and consider how you will fund your graduate education. If you are currently employed, find out if your employer offers tuition assistance benefits. Other options include student loans, scholarships, and assistantships.