Best Online Master's in Entrepreneurship for 2019

An MBA in entrepreneurship prepares students to analyze and launch new business ventures. Students gain practical knowledge and skills highly applicable to real world ventures. Graduates are able to assess risk and determine what investments make most sense.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects the number of jobs in business and entrepreneurship to grow 9% by 2026, a projection that outpaces the anticipated 7% average growth for all occupations. Becoming an entrepreneur in the 21st century is especially exciting given globalization and the challenges of meeting customer demand worldwide.

What are the Best Online Master's in Entrepreneurship Programs?

1

Syracuse University Syracuse, NY

ADMISSIONS RATE 48%
GRADUATION RATE 81%
ONLINE ENROLLMENT 4%
RETENTION RATE 91%
DEFAULT RATE 4%

Syracuse University offers an online master’s in entrepreneurship that empowers new and experienced business professionals to bring their ideas to life. The ten course curriculum, which most students complete in less than 15 months, consists of classes in new product development, venture capital, and a capstone seminar on global entrepreneurship management. In addition to conventional application materials like official college transcripts and a CV, candidates must also submit a business proposal, which they then build upon as they progress through their coursework. Students may enter the program in fall or spring. International applicants are welcomed. Distance learners enjoy Syracuse’s vast resources, including job coaching and interview preparation through Career Services and networking opportunities through the Alumni Club.

2

University of Maryland-College Park College Park, MD

ADMISSIONS RATE 45%
GRADUATION RATE 86%
ONLINE ENROLLMENT 1%
RETENTION RATE 95%
DEFAULT RATE 4%

The University of Maryland is known worldwide for the quality of its business education. UMD is one of the few schools with an online master’s in entrepreneurship that focuses on technology and related innovations. The 30 credit curriculum guides students through the venture process, from creative thinking, design, and business modeling, to product launch, commercialization, and financial management. All degree courses are offered remotely through a learning platform that integrates video lectures and real time conferences between students, instructors, and business partners. The affordable tuition rate is fixed for all distance learners regardless of residency status. Financial assistance, such as scholarships, payment plans, and tuition remission for eligible candidates, is readily available. Students can pursue the degree at their own pace, though many choose to accelerate the process, completing the program in about 15 months.

3

Indiana University-Bloomington Bloomington, IN

ADMISSIONS RATE 78%
GRADUATION RATE 77%
ONLINE ENROLLMENT 4%
RETENTION RATE 89%
DEFAULT RATE 5%

Indiana University provides an online master in innovation and entrepreneurship that can be completed in 15 months, though students have up to five years to earn their degree. Topics include financial management, venture concept development, and managing account information. Students must also take their ideas outside of the classroom, applying learned skills in professional events like the Silicon Valley Venture Challenge. These events give students the opportunity to pitch their product or service, network, and get helpful feedback. Distance learners access their classes through the Canvas platform, with 24/7 technical support available. IU welcomes applicants from all over the world. Additionally, students can opt to pursue a dual degree track, pairing this degree with a master of business administration.

4

Oklahoma State University-Main Campus Stillwater, OK

ADMISSIONS RATE 75%
GRADUATION RATE 61%
ONLINE ENROLLMENT 5%
RETENTION RATE 81%
DEFAULT RATE 7%

Through the Watson Graduate School of Management, Oklahoma State University offers a master’s degree in entrepreneurship online program that emphasizes immersion into the entrepreneurial process. The 33 credit curriculum consists of fundamental classes in business finance, venture management, and growing small and family ventures. Students may also choose to round out their degree with study abroad trips or internships; online students are eligible for the Riata Entrepreneurship Experience that allows students to train under the management team of Oklahoma’s fastest-growing company. Application requirements include a bachelor’s degree, GMAT score, and 2.75 cumulative undergraduate GPA. Candidates must also submit a venture proposal which they build upon throughout their time in the program. Outside the classroom, online students can take advantage of OSU’s professional development opportunities, such as involvement in organizations like the Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship.

5

Suffolk University Boston, MA

ADMISSIONS RATE 82%
GRADUATION RATE 57%
ONLINE ENROLLMENT 1%
RETENTION RATE 74%
DEFAULT RATE 6%

Located in the heart of Boston, Suffolk University’s Sawyer Business School provides a number of graduate academic programs, including an entrepreneurship MBA online degree that fosters interactive learning through group projects and synchronous class discussions. The degree ranges from 34 to 49 credits and consists of courses in value based financial management, global innovation, and new product development. The Suffolk program encourages students to participate in travel seminars, work-study trips all around the world that allow for networking and first-hand exposure to international business issues. Students can further access professional development opportunities through Suffolk’s career planning workshops and internship programs. Past students have interned at major companies like Volkswagen, Coca Cola, and Fidelity Investments. In addition to conventional application materials, program candidates must also go through an interview process.

6

University of Houston-Victoria Victoria, TX

ADMISSIONS RATE 53%
GRADUATION RATE 0%
ONLINE ENROLLMENT 44%
RETENTION RATE 61%
DEFAULT RATE 7%

The University of Houston - Victoria regularly receives praise for its graduate business programs and has worked to bring these academic opportunities to nontraditional students. Facilitated by Blackboard, students can pursue a master of science in economic development and entrepreneurship. This dual-focused degree enables graduates to start, launch, and sustain their businesses. The 30 credit degree plan includes courses in growing a successful venture and local economic development. Students must also complete a capstone project, which allows them to connect with business partners and members of the community. The UHV program boasts one of the lowest tuitions among online master's in entrepreneurship programs. Financial assistance is available to online students. All students are eligible for admission, including international residents who can demonstrate adequate English proficiency.

7

Peru State College Peru, NE

ADMISSIONS RATE N/A%
GRADUATION RATE 37%
ONLINE ENROLLMENT 42%
RETENTION RATE 54%
DEFAULT RATE 12%

Located in southeastern Nebraska, Peru State College offers highly accessible distance learning programs, including the master of science in organizational management with emphasis on entrepreneurship and economic development. Totalling 36 credits, the curriculum includes classes in economic development, conflict mediation, and study design and data collection. Students complete the degree plan by either engaging in a 16- week internship or pursuing a thesis/action research project. Because PSC’s master’s in entrepreneurship focuses on independent research and real world experience, students must adhere to a orderly course sequence; missing one semester of classes delays graduation by up to 18 months. All distance learners pay the same affordable fixed tuition price. Students can lower the overall degree cost by transferring credits from prior learning or life experiences.

8

Everglades University Boca Raton, FL

ADMISSIONS RATE 96%
GRADUATION RATE 33%
ONLINE ENROLLMENT 51%
RETENTION RATE 40%
DEFAULT RATE 14%

Everglades University’s master’s degree in entrepreneurship online program welcomes students from diverse backgrounds, focusing on the attributes and behaviors that makes an effective and innovative business leader. The 36 credit degree plan consists of classes in advanced organizational behavior, managerial finance, and business strategies for competitive advantage. Students round out the curriculum with a capstone project in which they create an original business proposal or strategic plan. Most students earn their degrees in 12 months, though this varies based on the amount of transfer credits they bring into the program. Admission requirements include an accredited college degree with 2.0 minimum GPA, adequate GMAT or GRE score, and completion of all prerequisite courses. Everglades welcomes international applicants, though they are subject to additional vetting.

How to Choose an Online Master's in Entrepreneurship Program

Choosing the best MBA for entrepreneurship requires careful due diligence. You must consider the variables among programs to decide which fulfills your educational and professional goals. In addition to determining how long it will take to complete your MBA in entrepreneurship, you must also think about how much it will cost to ensure your studies are within your budget. Moreover, you must learn which programs are fully online and which programs require both online and on-campus classes. You should also review the curricula at different schools, especially if you are interested in specialized studies within your online master’s in entrepreneurship program. The best MBA for entrepreneurship will meet all of your needs while also teaching you the necessary skills to attain a career in business.

Careers for Graduates of Master's in Entrepreneurship Programs

The knowledge you acquire in your master’s in entrepreneurship opens several career options. The best MBA for entrepreneurship programs will teach you business principles, financial analysis, and risk mitigation; these skills create an outstanding foundation for your occupational pursuits. Launching your own consultancy, investing in a franchise, building an existing business, and starting your own company to meet consumers’ needs are all within reach once you complete your MBA in entrepreneurship.

Business Consultant

A business consultant helps companies operate more effectively and efficiently. These professionals enable companies to improve performance by helping them develop and implement thoughtful approaches that not only generate revenues, but also meet customer requests.

Median Salary: $72,200

Research and Development Manager

These professionals oversee a team that examines concept development, technological advancements, and new product creation. In addition, the team may explore ways to improve existing products to better meet consumer demands. The profession requires strong project management competencies, research abilities, leadership skills, and communication abilities.

Median Salary: $94,333

Nonprofit Fundraiser

A nonprofit fundraiser may work for either a nonprofit organization or a consulting firm that helps nonprofits increase their contributions. This expert raises awareness about the nonprofit in need of donor support. This role may also require planning charitable events and training volunteers.

Median Salary: $50,675

Business Reporter

Combining an ability to communicate clearly with an understanding of business and finance, a business reporter works for newspapers, magazines, websites, and other media outlets. These professionals must be able to conduct in-depth research, analyze data, and write about findings in a way easy for various audiences to understand.

Median Salary: $40,750

Salesperson

A salesperson sells products and/or services to consumers. In addition to overseeing client transactions, these professionals maintain customer preference records and stay up-to-date on products for sale through ongoing training. The goals of this career are increased profits and higher customer satisfaction.

Median Salary: $44,115

Source: Payscale

Job Outlook and Salary for Graduates of Entrepreneurship Master's Degrees

According to the BLS, business and finance occupations will grow 9% by 2026, surpassing the projected average 7% growth for all occupations. Just over 750,000 new jobs will become available to those who hold an MBA for entrepreneurship. The professional outlook for those who graduate with a master’s in entrepreneurship is highly positive and financially satisfying. What you earn will depend largely on your chosen career and your geographic location.

Employment, 2014 Projected Employment, 2024
8,337,778 9,088,1778

Source: Payscale

Salary Growth by Experience for Graduates of Entrepreneurship Master's Programs

Your salary after graduating with a master’s in entrepreneurship is also tied to your years of experience. The more experience you acquire, the greater your salary. Even so, earnings for entry level entrepreneurship degree holders are lucrative. While your income depends on the specific occupation you enter, it will no doubt be competitive. Some careers like salesperson also include commissions, so what you earn is connected to your on-the-job experience and professional drive.


To determine the best online master's in entrepreneurship programs, we looked at the most important factors prospective students, mainly common predictors of future success and a school's commitment to online programs. This boils down to admissions rate, student loan default rate, retention rate, graduation rate, and the percent of students enrolled in online classes. All data points are taken from information provided by colleges and universities to the National Center for Education Statistics.

Each factor is weighted evenly in order to give an objective view and determine the best online master's in entrepreneurship programs. To calculate our rankings, we looked at a school's ranking when organized by a single factor, and then averaged each category's ranking to find an overall score: Admissions Rate (20%) + Default Rate (20%) + Retention Rate (20%) + Graduation Rate (20%) + Percent of Students Enrolled in Online Classes (20%) = Final score.