Best Online Master’s in Entrepreneurship Programs
Look through our ranking of the best online master’s in entrepreneurship programs. Discover potential career pathways for graduates.Why Trust BestColleges
3,700+ Nonprofit, accredited colleges analyzed
6,000+ Users connected with programs every month
300+ College and university partners
40+ Expert reviewers
Learn more about our
At BestColleges.com, we believe in providing accurate and actionable information for students. Our writers, editors, and reporters are constantly asking themselves the question, ”What information is vital to students right now?” Answering this question is what drives us. Our mission is to inform students through straightforward, factual content informed by the latest data and trends.
The freelance Integrity Network at BestColleges is comprised of seasoned professionals who bring their expertise to almost every subject relevant to college students, including admissions, college majors, financial aid, and student mental health. Network members review and author content, pulling from their first-hand industry experience and ensuring content is as accurate and up-to-date as possible.
If you're interested in joining our Integrity Network, contact us at media@bestcolleges.com. Integrity Network members typically have a graduate or terminal degree and several years of relevant professional experience.
Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.
A master’s in entrepreneurship can help aspiring business professionals turn ideas into profitable ventures. In these programs, students often gain the skills they need to start their own business or seek a position within an existing organization. The versatile training provides educational and professional flexibility.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average graduate degree cost about $20,510 annually during the 2021-2022 academic year. The strong career outlook for entrepreneurship graduates can help reduce the financial impact of this training. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the addition of 1.1 million management occupations each year between 2022 and 2032. The median annual wage for professionals in this sector was nearly $116,880 in May 2023.
Many of the top online schools provide entrepreneurship programs that either confer standalone degrees or online business degrees with entrepreneurship specializations. Prospective students can also choose between online and on-campus programs and various other study options. Use this guide to help with the decision-making process, understand what to expect from these programs, and discover where the degree can lead.
Popular Online Master’s in Entrepreneurship Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Master’s Degrees in Entrepreneurship
Concordia University-Wisconsin
Mequon, WI4 yearCampus + Online
$11,628
$11,628
69%
53%
$31,660
$31,660
80%
5,204
Private
Yes
$11,628
$11,628
Mequon, WI4 yearCampus + Online
$11,628
$11,628
69%
53%
$31,660
$31,660
80%
5,204
Private
Yes
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ4 yearCampus + Online
$12,348
$32,290
87%
56%
$10,990
$33,739
86%
51,134
Public
Yes
$12,348
$32,290
Tucson, AZ4 yearCampus + Online
$12,348
$32,290
87%
56%
$10,990
$33,739
86%
51,134
Public
Yes
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$36,234
$36,234
83%
50%
$54,766
$54,766
90%
23,216
Private
Yes
$36,234
$36,234
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$36,234
$36,234
83%
50%
$54,766
$54,766
90%
23,216
Private
Yes
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY4 yearCampus + Online
$41,616
$41,616
52%
25%
$55,920
$55,920
91%
22,698
Private
Yes
$41,616
$41,616
Syracuse, NY4 yearCampus + Online
$41,616
$41,616
52%
25%
$55,920
$55,920
91%
22,698
Private
Yes
What Can I Expect From an Online Master’s in Entrepreneurship Program?
Many of the best entrepreneurs possess strong communication and decision-making skills. They often know how and when to take calculated risks to improve their organizations. In a master’s in entrepreneurship program, students can hone these abilities while they develop specialized and advanced business expertise.
Most students between 1-2 years to complete the required 30-45 credits to earn a degree at this level. However, some online master’s in entrepreneurship programs offer shorter pathways. The training comprises business specifics, new business development, and leadership training. Some programs feature mandatory practicums, and others provide access to business workshops, incubators, and accelerators.
Prospective students preparing for graduate school should identify what type of degree they want, as entrepreneurship programs may award an MA or an MS. An MA typically provides interdisciplinary training with a leadership focus, whereas an MS focuses more on the technical aspects of the field. An MBA may offer an entrepreneurship emphasis as well, but these programs tend to target more experienced professionals.
Within a master’s in entrepreneurship programs, degree-seekers might find specializations or additional focuses, such as innovation, technology, and social change. Concentrations may provide a more defined direction for the training and help learners chart a more direct career pathway.
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs.
What Courses Will I Take in an Online Master’s in Entrepreneurship Program?
Entrepreneurial Strategy
This course examines the common startup choices entrepreneurs face and how professionals can make these decisions effectively. Students explore how to develop goals, strategies, and functional frameworks to meet those ends.
Entrepreneurial Innovation
In this course, students learn about corporate and organizational innovation and how to develop the proper approaches to design and implement new ideas. The training may also look at ways of creating a culture of innovation and encouraging creative thinking in a business environment.
Planning and Forecasting
Students in this course learn about the planning and forecasting processes for different business sectors. They learn how to use data and market research to develop informed perspectives and then use that information to project and forecast future events.
Leadership
Leadership courses teach students how to manage teams, departments, and organizations. The training covers personality management, motivation, performance reviews, and training and development. Some courses examine how leadership can impact organizational culture.
Operations Management
In operations management courses, students discover how to oversee and evaluate operational processes and performances. This may include studies in finance, risk management, strategizing, and product and service management.
What Are Admission Requirements for an Online Master’s in Entrepreneurship Program?
While graduate admission requirements vary between programs and schools, most online master’s in entrepreneurship have similar application standards. Some of these graduate programs may prefer candidates who possess bachelor’s degrees in business, but most accept learners from various disciplines.
In addition to the application components listed below, prospective students may be asked to participate in an interview. Online programs may also have technical requirements that learners need to meet upon acceptance.
Application
On the application form prospective students outline their personal information and identify their program of interest. Since most college application systems only serve undergraduate programs, applicants to online master’s in entrepreneurship programs typically apply directly to each school.
Test Scores
Standardized tests, such as the GMAT and GRE, allow schools to compare applicants in a balanced way. While schools typically require test scores as part of the application process, the COVID-19 pandemic has led many to provide test waivers. Prospective students may still want to pursue GMAT and GRE prep courses to ensure they get the minimum scores necessary for admission to their preferred schools.
Letters of Recommendation
Most programs require 2-3 letters of recommendation from the applicant’s former teachers and employers. These letters provide insight into how the student has performed academically and professionally in the past and how that might apply to their future endeavors. Prospective students should start asking for letters of recommendation as early as possible to avoid delays.
Resume and Work Experience
Though most master’s in entrepreneurship programs do not require applicants to possess professional experience, prospective students often need to submit resumes and cover letters with their applications. These documents tell the schools about the candidate’s work history and direction. Our resume and cover letter guide provides tips on making a strong impression.
Essays
College application essays vary by program and degree level. Undergraduate essays often focus on personal history, while graduate essays typically outline academic and professional goals. Essays help schools identify which applicants best fit their programs. Prospective students can look to our guide for help when writing a grad school essay.
Official Transcripts
Nearly all prospective students need to submit official transcripts as part of their application. These records allow schools to determine if the applicant has the required prerequisites and if they qualify for any transfer credits. Our transfer guide provides more information on this process.
What Can I Do With an Online Master’s in Entrepreneurship Degree?
Career Outlook
An online master’s in entrepreneurship can lead to in-demand careers. Most of these positions require a bachelor’s degree at minimum, so earning a master’s degree can make your application more competitive. Graduates may also have access to higher-level roles.
These sectors offer strong financial rewards, as well. The BLS reports that management professionals earned a median annual wage of $116,880 in May 2023. Business and financial workers earned a median yearly salary of $79,050 during the same period. These fields exceed the median annual wage for all occupations, which is $48,060.
See what a master’s in entrepreneurship can do for your professional life. Learn more about entrepreneurship careers.
Career Paths
Top Executives
Top executives oversee the operations and activities of organizations, setting business goals and laying out the processes to meet them. Depending on the organization, they may also handle finances, manage department heads, and communicate with stakeholders. They often implement organizational policies and new initiatives.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $103,840
Management Analysts
Management analysts assist organizations in improving processes and profitability. They analyze all the information available to them, including finances, performance evaluations, and market data. They then provide the organization with suggestions and reports based on their findings and may also help with the implementation and execution.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $99,410
Training and Development Managers
Training and development managers create training programs to help individuals and organizations improve in various ways. These professionals may assess organizations in identifying areas for improvement and then create training programs to solve the issues. They may also develop training programs that address common issues within most organizations.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $125,040
Operations Research Analysts
Operations research analysts help organizations by using mathematics and different analytical methods to make more informed business decisions. They look at financial data and histories to create predictive models and forecasts for businesses. Their analyses can help organizations establish more effective budgets, supply chains, and processes.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $83,640
Market Research Analysts
Market research analysts help organizations identify the level of demand for products and services in a specific market. They look at the market conditions, competitor information, and buyer behaviors and histories. These analysts may create consumer surveys, help with pricing, and create presentations and reports on their findings, as well.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $74,680
Entrepreneurship Not For You? Check Out These Related Careers.
Continuing Education
While most students start their careers directly after earning a master’s in entrepreneurship, graduates may want to consider some of the available continuing education options. Graduates can pursue a doctorate in entrepreneurship or in a related field, such as business administration, marketing, or human resources.
These advanced degrees can lead to postsecondary teaching positions, along with many senior-level and research and development positions. Graduates can also pursue industry certifications that may help them develop a field specialization.
How Do I Choose an Online Master’s in Entrepreneurship Program?
Cost
Prospective students almost always consider the price of tuition, but they should also look at the true program cost by factoring in expenses for travel, materials, and loss of earnings as a result of studying. Degree-seekers should also compare in-state vs. out-of-state costs, online vs. on-campus study costs, and private vs. public school costs.
Program Format
A program’s format can make a big difference in a student’s educational experience. Prospective learners should weigh the pros and cons of part-time and full-time study, as well as online and on-campus learning. Online learners in particular might want to consider the differences between synchronous vs. asynchronous delivery to find their ideal program type.
Location
When choosing between online or on-campus programs, prospective students need to think about location. On-campus learners need to find a location they can happily live and study in. Online learners have more flexibility, but they should still ensure they can satisfy any on-campus requirements.
Accreditation
Prospective students should ensure all schools they’re considering possess regional accreditation, which can impact financial aid and employment outlook. While programmatic accreditation is not mandatory for a master’s in entrepreneurship, there is value in accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, International Accreditation Council for Business Education, and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Student Support
Prospective learners should also factor in which student services a school offers. These programs can dramatically improve the educational and postgraduate experience. Degree-seekers might check to see if a school offers mentorship programs, online student services, and internships and practicum support. Institutions may also offer career services and alumni networking programs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Master’s in Entrepreneurship Programs
Yes. A master’s in entrepreneurship can prove valuable for graduates seeking better positions, more professional opportunities, and higher salaries. According to the BLS, a master’s degree qualifies graduates for most management occupations. This sector pays far more than the average median annual wage across all occupations and features higher projected career growth rates than the average rates.
In addition to helping professionals succeed in running their own businesses, a master’s in entrepreneurship can assist graduates in improving other organizations. When deciding on graduate school, prospective students should assess whether a master’s degree will help them achieve their personal and professional goals.
Find the Tools You Need to Get Started on Your Degree
Explore More College Resources
Other Business and management Resources
business and management
programs
careers