Earn an Entrepreneurship Degree Online
- $320/credit (120 credits)
- Learn to create and manage your own small business
- Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- Transfer up to 90 credits
- No application fee or SAT/ACT scores required
- Faculty with industry knowledge and experience in entrepreneurship
Online Entrepreneurship Degree Concentration Overview
Learn how to apply accounting, finance, human resources, management and marketing knowledge to your budding startup by earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship at Southern New Hampshire University.
While big business is shrinking, small businesses are expanding. In fact, small businesses now make up almost half of the private workforce, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).1 In SNHU's entrepreneurship program, you'll gain the expertise you need to make your future business venture successful in our focused small business management courses.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, small businesses are typically the entry point for entrepreneurs as they develop ideas and build a customer base before deciding whether to expand.2 The entrepreneurship concentration was developed in cooperation with business professionals to provide you with the skills you need to start and operate your business. By adding this specialized concentration to your degree, you'll be positioning yourself to analyze entrepreneurial opportunities for small to medium businesses. You'll also be well-versed in management principles and market research to determine legal, financial and operational impacts.
If you're ready to learn the ins and outs of building a new company, this degree program, and career path, could be the right fit for you.
Career Outlook
Did you know the word entrepreneur originates from the French word “entreprendre,” which means “to undertake”?3
Sure enough, a small business – defined by the SBA as an independent business with fewer than 500 employees4 – is a massive undertaking. It takes a strong skill set to grow your own small to medium-sized business. Fortunately, an online BS in Business with a concentration in Entrepreneurship is a perfect place to start building.
There are many compelling facets to becoming an entrepreneur, from coming up with the idea for your business and developing a business plan, to marketing your products and selling them to consumers. Earning a degree in entrepreneurship is a good way to prepare you for the many hats you'll be wearing as an entrepreneur, whether you're looking to start a small local business or grow your venture. There are also many desirable upsides to this career path, such as independence, autonomy and flexibility.
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy, as of 2016, there were 30.7 million small businesses in the U.S, and 433,000 of them were startups. Additionally, based on data collected from the SBA, small businesses accounted for 65% of net new jobs between 2000 and 2018.1
Another upside to consider when thinking about the journey toward becoming an entrepreneur is the endless number of paths you can take. You can start a business for almost anything you're passionate about, as long as you're willing to put in the time, work and effort to make it a successful venture. Small businesses are the lifeblood of the American economy and a significant generator of employment here in the United States.
Start Your Journey Toward an Online Entrepreneurship Degree Concentration
Why SNHU For Your Entrepreneurship Degree Concentration
Flexible
With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7.
Affordable
Take advantage of some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation, plus financial aid for those who qualify. We also make it easy to transfer to SNHU by accepting up to 90 credits for a bachelor's degree and 45 credits for an associate degree from your previous institution.
Respected
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 100,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- “Most Innovative” regional university honors from U.S. News & World Report each year since 2015
- A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
- Recognition as a 2017 Digital Learning Innovator by the Online Learning Consortium
Network
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 200,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
96.5% of students would recommend SNHU.5 Discover why SNHU may be right for you.
Admission Requirements
Part of our mission to expand access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials.
Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 6 (8-week) undergraduate terms.
How to Apply
Simply work with an admission counselor, who can help you explore financial options, answer all your questions and walk you through the application process. Start by:
- Completing a free undergraduate application
- Providing previous institutions attended – so we can retrieve transcripts for you at no cost
- Test scores are not required as part of your application.
Courses & Curriculum
SNHU offers many benefits to the budding entrepreneur. Some of these benefits include in-depth coursework, expert instruction from experienced faculty, transfer-friendly programs with up to 90 undergraduate credits for bachelor's degrees, networking opportunities, small business courses online and student support in the form of academic and career advisors who will help guide you on your journey to your degree.
The online entrepreneurship degree coursework stresses the development of critical-thinking, problem-solving and leadership practices, skills that will serve you both in your career and in your everyday life. In this program, you'll learn everything from the application of broad business principles to small business practices, so you can be ready to turn your passion into a profit. And, just like you can fit your coursework around your busy life, once you’ve started your own business, you’ll be operating on your own terms. A degree in entrepreneurship from SNHU will help you build the skills you need to manage both your time and your small to medium-sized business.
In this curriculum, you'll apply principles and knowledge from various functional areas of business such as accounting, finance, human resources, marketing and more. You'll also gain tools that go beyond technical knowledge, such as writing, communication, analysis and problem solving. These skills will serve you well as both an entrepreneur and an employee at any business dealing with customers, hiring and managing employees, reviewing data and optimizing practices to grow your business.
"The curriculum addresses key entrepreneurial functions including creation of a business plan and the analysis of small and medium business entrepreneurial opportunities based on financial, market, legal and operational factors," Dr. Bain says.
Additionally, in this concentration, business projects that mimic real-world challenges are integrated into your learning experience, including the preparation of a business plan.
Curriculum Requirements & Resources
- Business core: Revised for fall 2020, our undergraduate business programs contain 10 cutting-edge business courses. These core courses are designed to help prepare you for success wherever you go.
- General education courses: All online bachelor's degree students are required to take general education classes, if not obtained in prior coursework. Through these foundation, exploration and integration courses, students learn to think critically, creatively and collaboratively, giving you the edge employers are looking for.
- Technology resources: We provide cloud-based virtual environments in some courses to give you access to the technology you need for your degree – and your career. Learn more about our virtual environments.
- Earn math credits for what you already know: Save time and tuition with our Pathways to Math Success assessments. Depending on your scores, you could earn up to 12 math credits – the equivalent of 4 courses – toward your degree for less than $50 per assessment.
| View Full Curriculum in the Catalog |
|---|
| BS in Business Administration - Entrepreneurship |
| Courses May Include | ||
|---|---|---|
| BS in Business Administration Entrepreneurship Online | ||
| BUS 307 | Business Law II | The study begun in Business Law I continues as the topics of commercial paper, real and personal property, creditors' rights and bankruptcy, agency, business organizations, estate planning and government regulation of business are explored. |
| OL 215 | Principles of Management | This course is designed to examine the fundamentals and principles of management in order to develop an understanding of management in any formal organization. Special attention is paid to planning and decision-making. International management is also covered. Writing Intensive Course. |
| OL 317 | Small Business Management | The problems involved in starting and operating a successful small business, selecting the location, determining how to borrow money, budgeting and credit are discussed. |
| OL 320 | Entrepreneurship | This course focuses on the factors that contribute to the personal success of entrepreneurs and affect successful entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship is also studied. Case studies, contemporary readings and simulations are used. International considerations are included. |
| OL 321 | Business Plan Preparation | Students will prepare, either individually or in teams, a comprehensive business plan for a new venture. Junior standing or permission of instructor. |
| Total Credits: 120 | ||
Minimum Hardware Requirements
|
Component Type |
PC (Windows OS) |
Apple (Mac OS) |
|---|---|---|
|
Operating System |
Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
|
Memory (RAM) |
8GB or higher |
8GB or higher |
|
Hard Drive |
100GB or higher |
100GB or higher |
|
Antivirus Software |
Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
|
SNHU Purchase Programs |
||
|
Internet/ Bandwidth |
5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency |
5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency |
Notes:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Note: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.
- Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government.
- Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
Tuition & Fees
As a private, nonprofit university, we’re committed to making college more accessible by making it more affordable. That’s why we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation—and haven't raised our costs in a decade.
We also offer financial aid packages to those who qualify, plus a 30% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.
| Online Undergraduate Programs | Per Course | Per Credit Hour | Annual Cost for 30 credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree/Certificates | $960 | $320 | $9,600 |
| Degree/Certificates (U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty)* | $675 | $225 | $6,750 |
Tuition Rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually. *Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional Costs No Application Fee, $150 Graduation Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get a bachelor's in entrepreneurship?
Not only can you earn a bachelor’s in entrepreneurship, you can earn one online at your own pace, from a highly regarded and accredited business program.
In the business entrepreneurship degree program, you'll complete general education courses as well as major courses for a bachelor’s in business. You'll then complete an additional 15 credits in courses designed specifically to prepare you for a career creating and managing small to medium-sized businesses.
By focusing on entrepreneurship, you can combine the functional areas of business, such as finance and accounting, human resources and marketing, into a specialized business focus. You'll also learn about business law, how to create a business plan and how to identify and overcome common pitfalls that most new businesses face.
All of this together can help prepare you to graduate and develop a new business of your own.
Is a degree in entrepreneurship worth it?
Earning an entrepreneurship degree really depends on you and your career goals. There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to starting your own business, if that's what you're interested in. From writing your business plan and finding funding for your small to medium-sized business, to choosing a name for your company and making it legal, a degree in entrepreneurship will prepare you for the road ahead. If learning about small business management and business law interests you, and if you seek a career developing and managing one or more small to medium-sized businesses, an entrepreneurship degree could be the right choice for you.
One of the greatest benefits of earning a business entrepreneurship degree from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is the opportunity to learn from faculty who are working professionals in the field. Every instructor has real-world, hands-on experience in the field of business entrepreneurship. They come to SNHU not only to teach course material, but to help each student succeed in the field of business.
What is the best degree for an entrepreneur?
We highly recommend earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. This degree can provide the foundation you need to succeed with courses in economics, statistics and writing. You’ll also learn about human resources, finance and marketing for business.
Each class is taught by experts in the field. You'll also have the opportunity to customize your degree with additional courses specific to entrepreneurship. You can explore topics such as small business design and management, business law and accounting for small to medium-sized businesses.
An online entrepreneurship degree allows you to customize your learning experience. You'll have the chance to learn how to start and run a business from the ground up. Planning, starting, operating and even protecting a business so that it can flourish are all aspects that are covered in studying for a business entrepreneurship degree.
Once you've completed your undergraduate studies, or, if you already have your bachelor's degree, you can further advance your education with an online MBA, which offers an entrepreneurship concentration, or explore dozens of other career focused online master's degrees.
How long is an entrepreneurship degree?
Most entrepreneurship degrees are part of a bachelor’s degree in business or other related fields. Bachelor’s degrees are typically 120 credits and could take up to 4 years to complete. If you've already completed some college-level coursework, you likely have credits that can transfer into your program. This can reduce the time it takes to complete your degree even more.
At SNHU, you'll work closely with our team of professional admission counselors to ensure that you receive the appropriate transfer credits for prior coursework. Academic advisors can also help you design the pacing for your degree so that your education suits your lifestyle.
The online format means you can complete your work whenever works best for you. You can even submit assignments any time, day or night, within each module, and you'll receive meaningful feedback and guidance from your instructor quickly.
What kind of job can I get with an entrepreneurship degree?
The beauty of a business entrepreneurship degree is that it can take you in so many different directions. You can chart your own path and create your own business opportunities.
This degree can help you strengthen your oral and written communication skills and analytical skills. It can also help you strengthen your knowledge of business law and finance. Because an entrepreneurship degree is so comprehensive, you can graduate with knowledge of marketing and human resources as well.
Some key professional roles you may want to consider with an entrepreneurship degree are:
- Business owner or founder - A degree in entrepreneurship lays the groundwork for owning a business. This could be a business that you conceive of and build from the ground up. You may want a business partner or choose to buy and manage an existing franchise. No matter what type of business you own, with an entrepreneurship degree, you can be ready to help that business thrive.
- Business consultant - As an expert in the field of creating and managing small to medium-sized businesses, you may wish to advise others on strategy and planning for their own business ventures. You may develop expertise in writing business plans or marketing plans. Perhaps you want to focus on staff recruiting and management. Or, you may even offer comprehensive consulting services, pulling all these skills together to help others execute their own entrepreneurial vision.
- Sales representative - Sales can be a dynamic and lucrative career, with opportunities in companies big and small. A good salesperson is an expert communicator – someone who can enjoy a long career helping to provide goods and services that others need to achieve their goals.
- Operations manager - With a degree in entrepreneurship, starting as an operations manager would be a great foot in the door to the business world. An operations manager is responsible for making sure an organization runs properly. Operations managers tend to be big-picture thinkers and decision makers who are excellent at time management, creating budgets, making sure orders are fulfilled on time, and ensuring the business has the tools and resources it needs to succeed.
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO) - With experience and dedication, you could eventually earn this coveted title. Later down the line, if you were to move on to a mid to large-sized business, you could be responsible for developing a company's overarching mission and core values, as well as implementing short term and long-term strategic goals.
What is a degree in entrepreneurship?
To study entrepreneurship is to study the functional areas of business. This includes accounting, finance, human resources and marketing. Then, add in the principles of business ownership. This includes business law, small business management, how to write a business plan, how to conduct market research and all aspects of creating and managing small to medium-sized business ventures.
To earn our accredited and highly respected online entrepreneurship degree at SNHU, you'd take courses in the areas of general education that help create the necessary foundation for a successful career in business.
You'd then focus on earning major credits in courses that cover topics such as accounting, finance and marketing. And 15 credits of coursework can build on your business skills, emphasizing the key principles of entrepreneurship.
SNHU allows you to be able to complete your coursework at your pace and on your schedule, while learning from experts in the field of business.
University Accreditation
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.
Related Articles
References
Sources & Citations (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
1U.S. Small Business Administration, What's New in Small Business PDF, on the internet at:
- https://cdn.advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/23172859/Whats-New-With-Small-Business-2019.pdf (viewed June 12, 2020).
- https://cdn.advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/23172859/Whats-New-With-Small-Business-2019.pdf (viewed June 12, 2020).
2Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/bdm/entrepreneurship /entrepreneurship.htm
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
3Forbes, The 8 P's of Entrepreneurship, on the internet at https://www.forbes.com/sites/ninaangelovska /2018/10/10/the-8-ps-of-entrepreneurship/#30fef35414f5 (viewed June 12, 2020).
4U.S. Small Business Administration, Frequently Asked Questions PDF, on the internet at: https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files /FAQ_Sept_2012.pdf (viewed June 12, 2020).
5According to more than 9,200 SNHU online students in survey responses from the fall of 2019.