Individuals who desire to start their own businesses may not have the luxury of taking a few years off to earn an entrepreneurship degree. Completing an online entrepreneurship degree program is often the best option available to busy professionals who desire to start their own companies and become entrepreneurs while continuing to work full-time. Such programs allow students to learn at their own pace and from instructors around the world without having to move or travel.

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For those who have some experience in starting a business and wish to become more proficient and learn more about the latest business practices, earning a certificate can most certainly prove beneficial. Online certificate programs are sometimes considered to be “mini-MBA (Master of Business Administration)” programs, but it’s not unusual for a program to have a specific function or business focus. For instance, students might learn more about bookkeeping, marketing/advertising and accounting while earning a certificate. Business focuses might include retail, catering and lodging.

Understanding Who Entrepreneurs Are and What They Do

Before enrolling in a program with an entrepreneurship concentration, it can be beneficial to understand what an entrepreneur truly is and does. Simply put, entrepreneurs utilize their skills and business savvy to start, grow and operate a business. In some cases, the entrepreneur may start the business from the ground up, or he or she might help an established business grow and flourish.

Anyone who is thinking about becoming an entrepreneur should be self-motivated, willing to work alone and operate according to his or her unique business philosophy. Looking to current and past successful entrepreneurs, such as Bill Gates and Ray Koch, can be a great way to become inspired and learn more about what it takes to be a truly great entrepreneur, innovator and business leader.

Degree Options for Entrepreneurs

It makes no difference how experienced or inexperienced an individual is in the business sector, there are entrepreneurship programs for every level. Someone in need of learning the fundamentals in business will more than likely be more comfortable enrolling in an associate’s degree program. Entrepreneurship courses at this level usually start off with mathematics, writing and other liberal arts before advancing to business-related subjects. Online programs offer students the opportunity to engage in online discussions and virtual group projects.

Businesspeople seeking more advanced and in-depth knowledge often opt for either a bachelor’s or master’s degree, which are most often ideally suited for more nuanced and advanced businesses. Thankfully, some of the top business schools have started offering distance learning four-year and postgraduate programs with an entrepreneurship concentration.

Entrepreneurship Education Examples

Taking a closer look at online certificate programs for future entrepreneurs, a program can be designed to provide students with the knowledge and tools necessary to start or manage a business. Certificate programs could need anywhere between 25 and 27 credit hours to complete, and courses could teach students about managing employees, general management, accounting, e-commerce and sales.

A two-year associate’s degree program may delve deeper than a certificate program in terms of what it takes to successfully start a business. As long as a student is considered to be a full-time one, he or she will most likely be able to earn an associate’s degree in four semesters. Classes may focus on business law, managing information technology and business planning. Depending on the program, students might learn more about taking careful and well-planned business risks.

MBA programs are often more concentrated on sustaining and building a business. Students could be instructed on identifying, sizing and utilizing areas of the market and drafting a successful business plan with the intention of securing funding.

No matter the level of education an entrepreneurship student would like to learn, there are programs offered all over the world. It’s a good idea to contact schools of interest for the latest information regarding tuition, fees, scholarships, program options and the price of books and to get in touch with business instructors.