If you've always dreamed of owning your own business, pursuing a business degree in entrepreneurship can help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to be successful. But, as you’ll find, this type of degree is not only for aspiring business owners. Read on to learn about how to choose a program and get admitted, as well as the education you'll receive along the way.
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How to choose a bachelor's program in entrepreneurship
Choosing a program, in part, has to first do with choosing a school. While carefully evaluating each school’s business program, consider the following criteria:
- Location. For some students, attending a local business school program can help them save money and obtain a degree quickly. However, prospective students must also consider what career opportunities and network connections they will have after graduation. If your goal is to start a local business, attending a local school may be the best way to build your ideal business connections.
- Full-time or part-time. Before committing to a full-time college program, consider all your options. If you plan to work while attending school, a part-time program may seem like the obvious choice, but some schools offer accelerated programs that can get a business degree under your belt quickly, making it worth the more strenuous time investment.
- Online or on-site learning. Some students who will be working or managing a family while attending school find that online programs fit in with their schedule best. On the other hand, some students feel that they learn better from taking classes in person and desire human interaction.
- Preparation for graduation. As part of its curriculum, some programs require students to complete a local or national internship, thesis or graduation project. Consider which option is a better fit for your post-graduate goals.
- Transcripts. Before starting the application process, collect official transcripts from your previously attended high school and/or college.
- Application. Students should start the application process early to give them plenty of time to prepare all the required documents and meet individual deadlines.
- Letters of recommendation. Many business schools require up to three letters of recommendation from teachers, supervisors or any other individual who has experience working with prospective students.
- ACT or SAT test scores. Each program has different requirements regarding acceptable test scores. Before submitting your application, make sure you know what this acceptable score range is to ensure you qualify.
- Application fee. The average college application fee is around $50, but they can range from $25 to $100 depending on the specific program.
Bachelor's degree in entrepreneurship: admissions and requirements
Like any other academic pursuit, students must understand the admissions process and meet minimum requirements to the schools they apply to. As you pursue a degree in entrepreneurship, make sure you meet these minimum requirements and prepare the following information:
Prerequisites
Every business has a minimum GPA requirement, though they can vary widely depending on the school. Generally, a 2.5 or 3.0 GPA is required, though a high SAT/ACT score can help offset a lower GPA.
[Read: A Guide for High School Entrepreneurs]
Admission materials
- Transcripts. Before starting the application process, collect official transcripts from your previously attended high school and/or college.
- Application. Students should start the application process early to give them plenty of time to prepare all the required documents and meet individual deadlines.
- Letters of recommendation. Many business schools require up to three letters of recommendation from teachers, supervisors or any other individual who has experience working with prospective students.
- ACT or SAT test scores. Each program has different requirements regarding acceptable test scores. Before submitting your application, make sure you know what this acceptable score range is to ensure you qualify.
- Application fee. The average college application fee is around $50, but they can range from $25 to $100 depending on the specific program.
While a degree in entrepreneurship is an excellent step to take for individuals who want to launch their own business, it’s not just for potential business owners.
Courses to expect from a bachelor's program in entrepreneurship
Prior to selecting a program, be sure to educate yourself on the types of courses available. Some programs offer different tracks you can take depending on where your interests fall. At a minimum, be prepared to study the following topics:
- Economics
- Business analytics
- Project and operations management
- E-commerce
- Human resource management
- Business and corporate finance
- Marketing
- Managerial statistics
- Business strategy and leadership
- General education courses
What can you do with a bachelor's degree in entrepreneurship?
While a degree in entrepreneurship is an excellent step to take for individuals who want to launch their own business, it’s not just for potential business owners. This degree can help individuals climb the corporate ladder and reach their career goals, such as becoming a business consultant, operations manager, sales manager or top executive. Finally, an undergraduate degree in entrepreneurship is an excellent setup for those who want to pursue an MBA.
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