A degree in entrepreneurship can provide a
useful base of knowledge for people who have an idea for a business but
little or no idea how to implement it. It's also useful for people who
would like to join a start-up and grow with the company. Entrepreneur
programs are available online at the bachelor's and master's degree
levels.
Overview of an Online Bachelor's Degree in Entrepreneurship
An online bachelor's degree in entrepreneurship engages the process
of developing an initial concept into a functioning business. Students
learn to test new product or service ideas, gather financial and other
resources, obtain permits and manage business operations. Some programs
will provide students the opportunity to develop knowledge about
specific types of businesses. Schools may offer the degree as a transfer
program that requires applicants to have earned an associate's degree
in entrepreneurship or a related topic such as
business administration. Applicants to the full degree program need a high school diploma or GED.
Schools may offer online bachelor's degree program in
entrepreneurship either fully online or as a traditional classroom -
online hybrid. All course content is accessible though a school's
website on a 24-hour basis for the convenience of students. Finished
assignments and exams must be submitted by set deadlines. Students
interact with faculty and other students primarily by e-mail and
discussion boards. A bachelor's degree in a transfer program is
typically earned in two years and a degree in a full program is
typically earned in four years.
Participation in an online program requires a newer personal
computer, productivity software such as Microsoft Office and a broadband
Internet connection. Schools may use a content management system such
as Blackboard or their own proprietary system.
List of Common Entrepreneur Courses
Bachelor's degree programs are typically organized into general
education courses and major courses. Courses in the major may further be
divided into required courses and elective courses.
Business Organization Course
This course focuses on the organizational structure of small
businesses and their unique management needs. Coursework considers the
social and economic factors that define the
small business environment.
Small Business Finance Course
Student in this course examine the challenges small businesses
confront to obtain start-up financing and funding for daily operations.
The application of sound financial management principles to a new
enterprise are a primary focus.
Marketing Strategies Course
This course explores the marketing techniques and methods small
companies have developed to make the most of a limited budget. Other
topics covered include distribution, pricing and promotion.
Graduates of a bachelor's degree program in entrepreneurship are
qualified to seek positions supporting the growth of a new business or
to start their own businesses. Employment prospects are difficult to
forecast because the success or failure of new business ventures depends
in part on the willingness of entrepreneurs to work hard, in part on
broader economic conditions and in part on whether the new business'
product or service meets the needs of the public or of other businesses.
According to the women's social network Excelle at
Monster.com and the American Express OPEN Forum, as of 2010 prospects for small business appeared to be improving (
www.openforum.com).
Bachelor's degree holders who want to enhance their employment
prospects can pursue a master's degree in entrepreneurship or business
administration. Schools offer both types of programs online.
Overview of an Online Master's Degree in Entrepreneurship
An online master's degree program in entrepreneurship takes an
interdisciplinary approach to the demands of conceiving and establishing
a business. Coursework addresses accounting, finance, planning, risk
management, law, promotion and organizational management. In addition,
students develop their analytical skills and creative capacities.
Enrollment in a master's degree entrepreneur program requires a
bachelor's degree in any field. Some programs may also require grade
point averages and GMAT or GRE scores that are above a minimum
threshold.
Students may complete an online master's degree program in
entrepreneurship entirely online. Course materials - lectures, readings
and presentations - are accessed through a school's website, and
finished assignments and exams are submitted through the same portal.
Accelerated programs may be completed in as little as a year. However, a
master's degree is typically earned in two years. Students need a
personal computer and Internet access to take part in an online program.
List of Common Entrepreneurship Master's Degree Courses
Online master's degree courses in entrepreneurship may be organized
as classes or as a set of modules. In place of a thesis, students may be
required to start a business.
Business Creation Course
This course examines the assorted challenges entrepreneurs face when
establishing a new business. Course content considers the process of
evaluating business strategies, competitors, potential demand and
resource needs.
Finance and Funding Course
Students in this course learn to assess the financial needs of a new
business and devise plans to meet them. Debt and equity funding sources,
capital structure, financial analysis, investment strategies and
reporting systems are among the topics covered.
Strategy Course
This course traces the process of devising a business strategy prior
to launching a new business or taking over an existing business.
Coursework focuses on the development and implementation of a business
plan.
Graduates of an online master's degree program in entrepreneurship
are better prepared to start and grow a business or guide the growth of
new businesses established by others, either as managers or as
consultants. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over the
years 2008-2018 employment of administrative service managers will grow
by 12% and employment of consultants will grow by 83%. The prospects of
new businesses will depend on broader business conditions, the utility
the new business provides to consumers or other businesses and the
commitment of the business' founder or founders. As of May 2009, the
median salary of administrative service managers was $75,520 (
www.bls.gov).
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