X
Education
Why you can trust ZDNET : ZDNET independently tests and researches products to bring you our best recommendations and advice. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Our process

'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?

ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.

When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form.

Close

Best online entrepreneurship degrees 2022: Top picks

An entrepreneurship degree teaches graduates how to launch new business ventures or expand existing businesses.
Written by Genevieve Carlton, Contributor

An entrepreneurship degree provides focused training for current and future business owners. Entrepreneurs bring innovative new products to the market, launch cutting-edge businesses, and help established organizations expand.

An online learning format makes it easier than ever for learners to complete a bachelor's degree in entrepreneurship. During an entrepreneurship program, majors study product development, venture capital financing, and start-up management. Distance learners often complete the same courses as on-campus students and receive an identical diploma. Students might also save money by choosing an online learning format.

This page ranks the best online entrepreneurship programs. Prospective majors can use our rankings to find the right fit for their interests and career goals.

Top 3 online schools for entrepreneurship

College

Program stats

How much?

Lynn University

Boca Raton, FL

  • BS in Entrepreneurship
  • Acceptance rate: 74%
  • Graduation rate: 56%
  • 17:1 student-faculty ratio

Avg. annual net price: $36,044

Application fee: Free

Lamar University

Beaumont, TX

  • BBA in Entrepreneurship
  • Acceptance rate: 84%
  • Graduation rate: 38%
  • Transfer up to 90 credits

Avg. annual net price: $12,311

Application fee: $25

Northwood University

Midland, MI

  • Bachelor's in Entrepreneurship
  • Acceptance rate: 84%
  • Graduation rate: 38%
  • Students take advanced entrepreneurial ventures courses

Avg. annual net price: $12,311

Application fee: $30 (waived for online applications)

The best online bachelor's in entrepreneurship degrees

To rank the best online entrepreneurship programs, we rely on reputable data sources and ZDNet's ranking methodology. By considering factors such as graduation rate, net price, and accreditation, this list provides useful information for prospective entrepreneurship majors trying to decide on a program.

1. Lynn University

Boca Raton, Florida

About the program: The online entrepreneurship program at Lynn combines foundational training in business with focused coursework in entrepreneurship. Learners study with expert faculty with entrepreneurship experience. 

  • Acceptance rate: 74%
  • Graduation rate: 56%
  • Net price: $36,044
  • SAT range: 980-1170
  • Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
  • Enrollment periods per year: Three
  • Course delivery method: Asynchronous

2. Lamar University

Beaumont, Texas

About the program: The bachelor's in entrepreneurship program at LU strengthens analytical and communication skills through business administration coursework. Majors also take advanced courses in entrepreneurial ventures.

  • Acceptance rate: 84%
  • Graduation rate: 38%
  • Net price: $12,311
  • SAT range: 960-1140
  • Minimum GPA: 2.0
  • Enrollment periods per year: Five
  • Course delivery method: Asynchronous

3. Northwood University

Midland, Michigan

About the program: NU's 126-credit online entrepreneurship degree incorporates hands-on learning through round tables, mentorships, and workshops.

  • Acceptance rate: 79%
  • Graduation rate: 67%
  • Net price: $21,618
  • SAT range: 960-1190
  • Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
  • Enrollment periods per year: Three
  • Course delivery method: Asynchronous

4. Columbia College

Columbia, Missouri

About the program: The bachelor's in entrepreneurship at CC strengthens an entrepreneurial mindset through business classes taught in eight-week sessions.

  • Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
  • Graduation rate: 32%
  • Net price: $26,730
  • SAT range: Not publicly available
  • Minimum GPA: 2.0
  • Enrollment periods per year: Six
  • Course delivery method: Asynchronous

5. Franklin University

Columbus, Ohio

About the program: Franklin's 124-credit online bachelor's degree in entrepreneurship trains students to establish successful ventures. The program uses 6-12 week courses.

  • Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
  • Graduation rate: 34%
  • Net price: $12,895
  • SAT range: Not publicly available
  • Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
  • Enrollment periods per year: Multiple
  • Course delivery method: Asynchronous

What to expect in an online bachelor's in entrepreneurship degree program

Entrepreneurship programs bring together innovation and leadership. Majors gain foundational business knowledge while strengthening their strategic thinking, analytical, and management skills. Through a mix of theoretical and practical coursework, majors learn how to manage operations at new business ventures. Project-based assignments train students to create business plans, compete for financing, and grow a new business venture.

While majors gain career-focused skills, the degree also strengthens soft skills. Entrepreneurs rely on their communication, self-motivation, and creative thinking. Majors can often focus the course of study with electives or an internship.

Entrepreneurship courses

Entrepreneurship courses blend management, finance, leadership, and innovation. During an entrepreneurship degree, majors strengthen their decision-making and communication skills. This section introduces common entrepreneurship classes.

Business Management

Entrepreneurs need strong management skills. The class emphasizes the planning and organizational process. Learners strengthen managerial and leadership abilities through projects and assignments.

Entrepreneurial Financing

Venture capital plays an important role in entrepreneurship. This course covers entrepreneurial financing and prepares students to secure financing for a business venture or evaluate financing proposals.

Business Development

Students strengthen their practical skills in business development courses. The class trains learners to manage a business, create a marketing plan, secure financing, and grow a business.

Innovation for Entrepreneurs

Learners explore the process of researching and developing new products. They learn how to analyze innovative ideas, create a business plan to launch a product, and apply creativity to entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneurship degree levels

Colleges and universities offer entrepreneurship programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Each degree prepares professionals for specific career paths. For example, many entry-level business roles require a bachelor's degree, while a master's degree meets the requirements for most supervisory positions. This section introduces the different entrepreneurship degrees.

Associate in entrepreneurship

Length: Two years 

Cost: $5,000-$20,000

Post-grad careers: Administrative assistant, financial clerk, small business owner

An associate degree in entrepreneurship introduces learners to multiple areas of business, including marketing, finance, and accounting. After completing the required business courses, majors take classes in entrepreneurship. The coursework covers topics like entrepreneurship trends, the entrepreneurial process, and how to launch new ventures. 

Many business careers require a bachelor's degree. However, with an associate degree professionals can establish a small business or work in support roles. Graduates can also transfer into a bachelor's program to continue their studies.

Bachelor's in entrepreneurship

Length: Four years

Cost: $30,000-$90,000

Post-grad careers: Small business owner, consultant, business analyst

A bachelor's degree in entrepreneurship blends foundational training in business with focused coursework in entrepreneurship. Majors learn how to establish a new venture, craft a business plan, and secure financing. The degree also builds strengths in core business areas like accounting, management, and finance. 

Undergraduate entrepreneurship majors can pursue internships to gain hands-on experience. Most programs incorporate projects and experiential learning opportunities. Graduates can go on to establish businesses or grow current businesses.

Master's in entrepreneurship

Length: One to two years

Cost: $15,000-$30,000

Post-grad careers: CEO, general manager, consultant

A master's degree in entrepreneurship provides advanced training in management, business development, and financing. While taking graduate-level courses, learners gain experience through projects, internships, and workshops. Learners strengthen their analytical, communication, and decision-making skills. The degree also emphasizes creativity and innovation.

Master's students can choose between specialized entrepreneurship programs and an MBA with a concentration in entrepreneurship. Both options prepare graduates for careers in venture capital, business development, consulting, and management.

Doctorate in entrepreneurship

Length: Three to five years

Cost: $30,000-$60,000

Post-grad careers: CEO, management consultant, professor

A doctorate in entrepreneurship is the terminal degree in the field. At the doctoral level, learners pursue advanced courses in business, finance, innovation, and leadership. Most doctoral programs include a project-based dissertation. The degree strengthens research skills while also emphasizing real-world business scenarios.

Doctoral programs typically grant a doctor of business administration degree for students studying entrepreneurship. Graduates may qualify for academic positions and careers in research and leadership.

In conclusion

An entrepreneurship degree builds the knowledge and skills needed to establish a successful business. Majors also learn how to expand new ventures, develop innovative ideas, and finance ventures. Prospective entrepreneurship majors can contact programs to learn more about their course options, financial aid packages, and learning formats.

Editorial standards