Should I Earn an Entrepreneurship Degree?

Can an entrepreneurship degree help your business career?

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An entrepreneurship degree is an academic degree awarded to students who have completed a college, university, or business school program related to entrepreneurship or small business management.

Types of Entrepreneurship Degrees

There are four basic types of entrepreneurship degrees that can be earned from a college, university, or business school:

  • Associate's Degree: An associate's degree, also known as a two-year degree, is the next level of education after earning a high school diploma or GED.
  • Bachelor's Degree: A bachelor's degree is another option for students who've already earned a high school diploma or GED. Most bachelor's programs take four years to complete, but there are exceptions. Accelerated three-year programs are also available.
  • Master's Degree: A master's degree is a graduate-level degree for students who have already earned a bachelor's degree. Students can choose to earn an MBA or a specialized master's degree.
  • Doctorate Degree: A doctorate degree is the highest degree that can be earned in any field. The length of doctorate programs vary, but students should expect to spend several years earning their diploma.

An associate's degree in entrepreneurship can be earned in about two years. A bachelor's degree program usually lasts four years, and a master's program can typically be completed within two years after earning a bachelor's degree. Students who have earned a master's degree in entrepreneurship can expect to earn a doctoral degree in four to six years.

The amount of time that it takes to complete any of these degree programs is dependent on the school offering the program and the student's level of study. For example, students who study part-time will take more time to earn a degree than students who study full-time.

Do Entrepreneurs Truly Need a Degree?

The bottom line is that a degree is not a must for entrepreneurs. Many people have launched successful businesses without a formal education. However, degree programs in entrepreneurship can help students learn more about accounting, ethics, economics, finance, marketing, management, and other subjects that come into play in the day-to-day running of a successful business.

Other Entrepreneur Degree Career Choices

Many people who earn an entrepreneurship degree do go on to start their own business. However, there are other career options that can be pursued for which an entrepreneurship degree can come in handy. Possible job choices include, but are not limited to:

  • Business Manager: Business managers typically plan, direct, and oversee operations and employees.
  • Corporate Recruiter: Corporate recruiters help corporate firms locate, research, interview, and hire employees.
  • Human Resources Manager: Human resources managers supervise aspects of employee relations and may evaluate and formulate policies relating to company personnel.
  • Management Analyst: Management analysts analyze and evaluate operating procedures and make recommendations based on their findings.
  • Marketing Research Analyst: Marketing research analysts collect and analyze information to determine the demand for a potential product or service.

Further Reading

  • Business Majors: Majoring in Entrepreneurship
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Schweitzer, Karen. "Should I Earn an Entrepreneurship Degree?" ThoughtCo, Apr. 5, 2023, thoughtco.com/earn-an-entrepreneurship-degree-466415. Schweitzer, Karen. (2023, April 5). Should I Earn an Entrepreneurship Degree? Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/earn-an-entrepreneurship-degree-466415 Schweitzer, Karen. "Should I Earn an Entrepreneurship Degree?" ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/earn-an-entrepreneurship-degree-466415 (accessed March 19, 2024).