10 Best MBA in Entrepreneurship 2021

Did you know that, for start-up companies in the United States, there is a more than 50% failure rate? 

That’s dismal news, especially if you’re an entrepreneur looking to start a new business—or grow an existing one. 

However, there’s a demand for new businesses in every niche, both small and large, and without motivated, intelligent, and hardworking people like yourself, innovation and economic growth simply can’t occur.

You want to start a new business, but you’re overwhelmed with all the roadblocks that seem to be in place that prevent you from doing so. What’s the best way to get around this?

It’s simple—you’ve got to go into the challenge armed with the right knowledge, skills, and connections to be successful.

Earning an MBA in any concentration will provide you with the education necessary to overcome the hurdles in starting a business. However, if you really want to drive innovation and have a strong entrepreneurial spirit, only an MBA in entrepreneurship will give you the unique skills necessary to come out on top. 

But how do you find the perfect program for your needs? With hundreds—possibly even thousands—of options out there, the search can be downright overwhelming.

When you’re looking for graduate business education opportunities, business school prestige, hands-on experience, and networking opportunities will outweigh most other factors when you’re trying to find the right degree. 

Look for a degree that will provide you with plenty of opportunities to take your education out into the real world, whether that’s through internships, capstone projects, research, or even fellowship experiences. Find a program that is affordable, preferably one that offers things like scholarships and teaching assistantships.

Most importantly, find an MBA in entrepreneurship that matches your unique learning style and career goals. Take a close look at the classes offered by the program as well as the credentials of the faculty who will be teaching there. 

Do you crave a more intimate learning experience? Choose a program with a smaller student-to-faculty ratio. Are diverse learning opportunities important to you? You may want to opt for a degree to study abroad.

That’s a lot to consider in your decision-making process! Fortunately, we’re here to help break things down for you in our guide to the best MBA in entrepreneurship degrees. 

You’re busy and you likely have other commitments to attend to. Whether you’re working full-time at a start-up or major company, have children or other family members to take care of, or are just simply, plainly, downright busy, there’s no time to waste. So let’s get started!

What Are the Best MBA in Entrepreneurship Degrees?

We know that you have educational goals that you’re itching to pursue, but you may not know where to start. The editors of Master’s Programs Guide utilize a unique ranking methodology based on the following five aspects:

25% Overall Degree Affordability: Average cost of undergraduate and graduate tuition per school

25% Graduation Rate: Number of students who start at the university and actually finish there

20% Earnings Potential: Average mid-career salary of school alumni

20% Selectivity: The number of students who apply versus the number who actually get accepted

10% Online Graduate Offerings: The number of programs offered online in each department

At Master’s Programs Guide, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals.

#1. University of Houston

MBA in Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurship & Entrepreneurial Finance

If you’re looking for an MBA in entrepreneurship that will enable you to find research and internship opportunities with ease, look no further than the University of Houston. Houston is one of the largest and fastest-growing cities in the United States. The location of this school alone makes it easy for you to find opportunities to enhance your education.

With more than 40 centers, this university is dedicated to research and community initiatives. It’s ranked as one of the best national universities as well as one of the best value schools by U.S. News & World Report. 

The top provider of higher education in the city of Houston, the University of Houston has low tuition rates that are affordable even for out-of-state students. This best MBA in entrepreneurship comes in many forms, including an evening executive program, a weekend executive MBA program, an EMBA program, and more. It will be easy for you to find the degree that matches your unique learning needs and career goals. 

There are specialized tracks you can pursue within the MBA, including:

• finance
• business analytics
• global energy management
• entrepreneurship

The 30-credit hour MBA in entrepreneurship will allow you to conduct extensive academic research into startup creation and innovation management. 

The program is unique in that it focuses heavily on the tech industry, teaching students via case studies and other types of hands-on experience so that they can have all the knowledge they need to start, market, grow, and diversify a firm. As you learn, you’ll be able to work closely with an assigned mentor who will help you apply your coursework to your business idea or business. 

You will be able to participate in a myriad of hands-on experiences, including internships and tech simulations. You’ll learn firsthand how your actions as a business owner can influence your own firm as well as the rest of the economy. You can complete this program in as little as 12 months and choose from more than 35 elective courses to further enhance your degree. 

#2.  University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Full-Time MBA Entrepreneurship Concentration

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a public university that was founded in 1789. It is a large university with a wide array of programs and student activities. Divided into a number of schools and colleges, the university is home to one of the top business schools in the nation—the Kenan-Flagler Business School. 

The MBA program at Kenan-Flagler is a competitive degree that is one of the best at helping students land long-term careers. The entrepreneurship concentration is a nine-credit-hour specialization that will teach you everything from how to start a new venture, how to add employees or grow a venture, and how to address the ethical concerns faced by all entrepreneurs in modern society. 

You can complete this degree in as little as two years while studying on a part-time basis. You shouldn’t have any trouble finding a job after you graduate, either, since the program pairs each student with personalized and robust career services—that’s true even if you decide to take your studies online!

Not only that, but the Entrepreneurship Center (referred to colloquially as the Eship Center) is a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship at the university. You’ll be able to take a variety of electives and pursue numerous activities to help you build an entrepreneurial mindset as you complete your degree. From participating in the Adams Apprenticeship or doing research in the Small Business Technology Development Center, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to choose from here. 

#3.  Temple University

MBA Concentration in Entrepreneurship 

Temple University is a large college located in Philadelphia, PA. Founded in 1884, this school has a solid reputation for quality programs and a thriving campus life. It’s home to the Temple Owls, a group of teams who compete in the NCAA Division I conference, as well as dozens of research centers and institutes. 

Temple University has an MBA program that is consistently ranked as one of the best degrees in the country. U.S. News & World Report is just one of the many ranking publications that regularly includes Temple in its round-up of the best schools when it comes to producing successful entrepreneurs.

There are many concentrations available within this degree, but the entrepreneurship specialization is one of the most innovative. In fact, the university operates a special Innovation and Entrepreneurship Institute at the Philadelphia campus. Here, you will be able to conduct research on entrepreneurship and engage in hands-on entrepreneurial activities that are sure to lead you toward career success.

A state-funded program, this top MBA degree is incredibly affordable with low tuition rates. You’ll take just over two years to complete your degree when studying on a part-time basis, completing approximately 48 credit hours. If you’re willing to put your nose to the grindstone and study full-time, you could complete it in as little as 18 months. 

You’ll take core courses in things like statistics, leadership, accounting, and other general business classes. Then, you’ll be able to take courses specifically in topics related to your entrepreneurial pursuits. You will complete a final capstone course in enterprise consulting that will allow you to gain hands-on experience in an executive role. Of course, the program has a heavy emphasis on research as well. 

As you study, you’ll be able to work in the more than 21 different institutes and centers at Temple’s Fox Business School, each of which promotes cutting-edge research in the many areas of management and business. From the Sport Industry Research Center to the Consumer Sensory Innovation Lab, there is truly something here for everyone!

#4.  Indiana University

Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation (M.B.A.)

Founded in 1920, Indian University is a quirky school with a profound reputation for creating some of the best business graduates in the nation. Choose to study at Indiana University and you’ll become a “Hoosier.” Exactly what a “Hoosier” is, nobody really knows for sure—but what is known is that this school offers one of the best MBA degrees in the nation. 

Offered by the Kelley School of Business, the entrepreneurship, and corporate innovation MBA is an AACSB-accredited program that is available both online as well as on-campus. Regardless of the option you select, you’ll learn from qualified, attentive instructors and enjoy affordable tuition rates. The degree is ranked within the top five in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

It has seven different majors (including entrepreneurship, of course) and the curriculum consists of more than 50% electives. Because of this, you’ll be able to fully customize your learning experience and get the deep specialization you’re looking for in a master’s degree. 

Most students will complete their studies in as little as two years, though a part-time student may take three or four. You’ll complete a broad MBA core curriculum along with entrepreneurship courses totaling no more than 12 credit hours of study. You will focus on topics like how to grow and start a business, how to manage human resources, and more. 

This degree has excellent career outcomes, with more than 64% of all students in the MBA program receiving promotions while still enrolled in the degree and the rest enjoying a mean base salary of $122,000 after graduation. You can’t beat those kinds of results!

#5.  Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MBA in Entrepreneurship & Innovation (E&I) Track

Located just outside of Boston in Cambridge, MA, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a school that focuses primarily on scientific and technological research. Divided into five schools, the university is known for its extensive research expenditures in these areas (they total more than $700 million a year!).

However, it’s not just math and science that help make MIT the school it is today. The school also has a heavy emphasis on its business programs. The Sloan School of Management is one of the country’s premier business schools and it is home to a quality MBA that has an entrepreneurship and innovation track. 

A two-year, full-time program, the MBA promotes intellectual discovery and is taught by expert faculty. You’ll be able to have the flexibility you need to customize your coursework to meet your goals, choosing electives and real-world learning opportunities that will prepare you with the skills you need to act upon your dreams. 

In the very first semester, you’ll begin learning with a cohort of students that is then divided into smaller teams. You’ll move through your courses with your team, enabling you to benefit from a strong, supportive bond throughout the entirety of your MBA program. 

You’ll take core classes like:

• Communication for Leaders
• Financial Accounting
• Economic Analysis for Business Decisions

Then, you’ll be able to choose a specialization or track that helps you hone in on your more specific goals. In addition to the track in entrepreneurship and innovation, you can also choose from tracks in enterprise management and finance. 

#6.  University of South Florida

MBA in Entrepreneurship Specialization

Also known as USF, the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL has multiple campuses throughout the state. You can study in Sarasota, St. Petersburg, and more, but no matter where you choose to study, you’ll find that the MBA in entrepreneurship is the perfect fit to help you meet your career goals. 

A leader in regional higher education, the University of South Florida is also a top school to consider if you want to learn exclusively online. The MBA is available both on-campus as well as in a remote setting, with both offering affordable tuition rates and AACSB-accredited prestige. While Florida students receive an in-state tuition discount, all students will find that they are able to graduate from this top MBA program with significantly lower student debt than what they might be saddled with at other institutions.

The nine-credit concentration in entrepreneurship is an excellent choice if you want to start out on your own in the world of business. You’ll learn everything from how to secure funding to how to develop a strong, recession-proof marketing strategy, and how to grow your company through both sales and employment.

Core classes in this concentration include:

• Exit Strategies
• New Product Development
• Strategic Market Assessment
• Fundamentals of Venture Capital and Private Equity

If you aren’t sure that the specialization in entrepreneurship is the right fit for you, don’t worry. This school also has an exceptional Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship that may work well for you, too.

#7.  Oklahoma State University

MBA Concentration in Entrepreneurship

Located in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University is a public institution with a larger-than-life personality. The school is home to dozens of majors along with more than 400 different student organizations you can join. 

A flagship public university, Oklahoma State University offers a competitive MBA that’s ranked in the top 40 programs worldwide by U.S. News & WOrld REport. In addition to the specialization in entrepreneurship that can be found within the MBA degree, this school also has a separate School of Entrepreneurship that focuses on research and instruction in this diverse field. 

This school has helped the school earn a reputation as a school that is instrumental in the creation of new firms since its research has been integral in the expansion of tech startups around the country over the last few years.

The MBA in entrepreneurship here can be completed both on campus as well as online. It can be completed in as little as two years, even if you’re studying on a part-time basis. You’ll take approximately 33 to 36 credit hours, depending on whether you choose to study in Stillwater, in Tulsa, or online. You’ll take 12 credit hours of core entrepreneurship concentration courses in subjects like:

• Venture Capital
• Launching a Business: The First 100 Days
• Ideation, Creativity, and Innovation.

Of course, you’ll also take the core business fundamentals and professional development courses that help give this program its strong reputation. You will be able to access all of the resources of the Riata Center for Entrepreneurship, too, which has incubation spaces, pitch-and-poster competitions, and experienced mentors on staff.

#8.  Texas A&M University-Commerce

MBA in Entrepreneurship

Texas A&M University is a top public university that’s ranked as one of the best in the country by U.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1889, this rural school is ranked as a top national university, a top public school, and one of the top performers on social mobility. Those accolades speak for themselves! 

If you want to combine value and prestige in your graduate degree, you won’t find a better option than Texas A&M University-Commerce. This school has a campus just north of Dallas and offers one of the country’s most affordable MBA in entrepreneurship degrees. 

Tuition rates are priced at about half the rate of regular MBA programs, regardless of whether you are in-state or out-of-state. You can even take classes online for maximum flexibility!

You will take around 36 credit hours of courses, depending on the specific classes you take. When you choose the entrepreneurship track, you’ll benefit from a core education in business management along with training in the economics of starting and running a company and how to competitively position your product or service in an economy dominated by larger, more established corporations. 

#9.  University of Massachusetts at Amherst

MBA with Entrepreneurship Focus 

The University of Massachusetts at Amherst is the central location for the state school system with a large enrollment of more than 31,000 students. You can also take campuses at nearby liberal arts colleges like Smith College, Hampshire College, Amherst College, and Mount Holyoke College if you’re looking for a more intimate learning experience.

With more than 100 majors to choose from, it won’t be hard for you to find exactly what you’re looking for. You can take classes from this school both on-campus as well as online through the UMass Amherst University Without Walls. For the most part, though, the MBA degree is meant to be completed exclusively on-campus to provide the most benefit in hands-on learning.

One of the largest MBAs in the country, the MBA with an entrepreneurship focus at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst is a profound program that will expose you to not only the core fundamentals of entrepreneurship but also to leadership. You’ll take roughly nine credit hours of study that will explore how to best navigate a complex marketplace, how to grow a firm, and more.

Core program requirements include:

• Corporate Real Estate
• Project Management, Negotiations Theory and Practice
• Sustainable Product Innovation

The school is top-ranked by the U.S. News & World Report, with the MBA receiving top marks from this publication both for its quality and overall value. 

#10.  Florida International University

Professional MBA (PMBA) Flex in Entrepreneurship and  Innovation Specialization

Florida International University is a public university that was founded in 1972. Despite being a relatively young university, it’s done a lot in its few short years. It has a student enrollment of more than 58,000 learners spread out among two main campuses in North Miami and in West Miami-Dade County. 

Another one of the top MBA in entrepreneurship degrees is the one offered by Florida International University. Known as the Professional MBA Flex program, or PMBA, the degree is fast-paced and vigorous, allowing you to earn your degree in just 20 months so you can advance in your profession as soon as possible. It combines on-campus learning with online flexibility since you’ll attend classes one evening a week in Miami’s financial district along with online courses. 

In addition to a specialization in entrepreneurship, this program has available constructions in:

• finance
• leadership
• real estate
• international business
• marketing channel strategy

All Fortune 500 companies are currently recruiting graduate students from these concentrations, making it one of the most effective degrees of its kind. 

This program features a generous $10,000 scholarship available to online and on-campus students alike. Not only that, but the program is easy to apply to, with a full GMAT waiver and lots of concentration options. The entrepreneurship program includes up to 12 credit hours of concentration courses in addition to baseline business classes. 

It is unique from other MBA in entrepreneurship degrees because it focuses exclusively on the management of a startup firm and on tech innovation. It’s ranked as one of the best online MBAs in the south as well as one of the most affordable, according to U.S. News & World Report, but you’ll find success in this program regardless of whether you choose to study online or fully on-campus. 

OTHER NOTABLE PROGRAMS

#11. University of California-Berkeley

Location: Berkeley, CA

Degree: MBA in Entrepreneurship

Net Price: $14,131

Website   

#12. Ohio State University

Location: Columbus, OH

Degree: MBA in Entrepreneurship 

Net Price: $11,736

Website

#13. Ball State University

Location: Muncie, IN

Degree: Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Entrepreneurial Leadership

Net Price: $9,392

Website

#14. Harvard Business School

Location: Cambridge, MA

Degree: MBA in Entrepreneurship 

Net Price: $47,562

Website

#15. Fayetteville State University 

Location: Fayetteville, NC

Degree: MBA in Entrepreneurship

Net Price: $5,705

Website

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admissions requirements for the top entrepreneurship programs?

Admissions requirements for all MBA programs vary depending on the business school to which you are applying. Because of this, it’s a good idea to get in touch with the admissions department at your school of choice ahead of time. That way, you can get filled in on all of the university’s specific requirements as well as any deadlines you need to be aware of. If you can, pay the campus a visit! THat’s the best way to see if a school is right for you.

In general, most universities require students to submit undergraduate transcripts evidencing a GPA of a minimum 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. You may be asked to have a background in business or a related field, though this isn’t always necessary as some schools will allow you to make up for this simply by taking a few extra classes in your MBA. 

You’ll also need to submit supplemental documents like GMAT scores (in most cases), a resume, letters of recommendation, and a written personal statement. The resume is often a key requirement since some schools like to see that you have several years’ worth of work experience in a business-related industry before attending graduate school. 

What is the best MBA entrepreneurship – no GMAT required? 

The GMAT is a common requirement for most MBA programs. Business schools use this test to help them forecast the potential success of all individuals in their programs as well as to gauge candidates against each other.

However, more and more schools are minimizing (or foregoing entirely) the need for applicants to report GMAT schools. Some of the top schools that do not require a GMAT or a similar test, like the GRE, include:

• University of Southern California
• Boston University
• University of Tennessee
• Southern Methodist University
• Carnegie Mellon University

What are the subjects in an MBA in entrepreneurship?

The exact courses that you will take as part of an MBA in entrepreneurship will vary. However, you’ll generally complete a core MBA course in things like economics, project management, accounting, finance, and leadership before going on to specialization classes.

If you choose an entrepreneurship concentration, you will take classes that cover subjects like:

• venture feasibility
• legal structures in a new business
• entrepreneurial strategies
• venture capital
• product design and marketing
• social innovation 

What jobs can you get with an MBA in entrepreneurship?

The best part about earning an MBA in entrepreneurship is that it will give you unparalleled freedom to do exactly what you want. Whether you want to start a new business in the tech industry or would rather work in finance, you’ll be able to do it by earning one of these degrees.

However, there are a few job titles that tend to be more common among MBA graduates of entrepreneurship programs. You could start your own business or work as a senior product manager, a management consultant, or a software product manager. You could even work as a CEO!

Is an entrepreneur MBA worth it? 

With all the risks associated with starting a new business, you might be wondering whether becoming an entrepreneur—and earning an MBA in entrepreneurship—is even worth it. 

The short answer is that yes, it absolutely is worth it. After all, the days of working for the same company throughout your entire career and retiring with a cushy pension are long gone. Now, you must be far more self-reliant to help ends meet. You’ll need to have a flexible career path that spans numerous organizations and roles. 

Start your own business or even choose to work for someone else—regardless of the option you choose, an entrepreneurship MBA is a great way to give you the skills necessary to pursue freedom and flexibility in your career. You’ll gain the business skills you need to bring your vision to the market while also staying competitive. 

Ultimately, you can expect to pay up to $50,000 for your MBA, but it’s worth it. Scholarships and financial aid are often available with many employers providing their own form of tuition assistance.

Plus, you’ll earn a high starting salary. As a CEO or top executive, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, you could earn an average annual wage of $185,950 or more. As a senior product manager, you’ll bring in around $108,790, while as a computer and information systems (software) manager, you could ring in more than $150,000.

Plus, these jobs are in high demand, experiencing an average growth of around 5% by 2029.

Should I pursue an MBA Entrepreneurship online program instead?

In many cases, an online MBA might be a more logical choice for you. That’s because online degrees often follow the same curricular structure as on-campus programs, featuring the same credits, electives, and capstone projects. You’ll learn from the same instructors but benefit from more flexibility and affordability, making it easier to fit in classwork at odd hours.

Often, you’ll learn in a cohort-based format. You’ll progress through the curriculum with like-minded peers while also benefiting from networking and hands-on learning opportunities. 

An online program in entrepreneurship is the right choice for you if you’re looking for more freedom and flexibility in the pace and scheduling of your courses. 

What are the best business schools for entrepreneurship?

Going to business school and pursuing an MBA in entrepreneurship is a great way for you to channel your creativity and translate your hard-working nature into the career of a lifetime.  If you want to launch your business or even just gain the skills you need to work in any management or leadership position, you will want to study at one of the best business schools.

In addition to the schools we’ve ranked highly in this post, such as the University of Houston and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, you may want to consider top schools like:

• Stanford University
• Babson College
• University of California-Berkeley
• Harvard University.

All of these universities are home to business schools that will help you knock your goals right out of the park!

IF YOU ENJOYED THAT THEN CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLES ON THE BEST AFFORDABLE ONLINE MASTER’S IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS & BEST AFFORDABLE ONLINE MASTER’S IN ACCOUNTING!