Inside Online Master’s Programs in Entrepreneurship

Before You Begin…

Pursuing a master’s in entrepreneurship is an exciting step, but it’s important to ensure it aligns with your goals, needs, and readiness. Before you apply, take a moment for self-reflection. Ask yourself the following questions to gauge if you’re prepared for the commitment — and opportunity — that an online entrepreneurship program entails:

1. Do I have a clear goal for this degree? For example, launching a specific startup, expanding a family business, or innovating in my current industry.
2. Am I prepared to invest the time, energy, and money required? Consider how you’ll balance an online program with work or personal responsibilities.
3. What skills or knowledge gaps do I need to fill? Think about whether you need more expertise in areas like finance, marketing, or leadership to complement your entrepreneurial instincts.
4. Can I stay self-motivated in an online learning environment? Online programs offer flexibility but require discipline to keep up with coursework without in-person reminders.
5. How will I leverage the program’s resources? Am I ready to network with peers and mentors, seek feedback on my venture ideas, and fully utilize mentorship, workshops, or incubator opportunities?

Reflecting honestly on these questions can help confirm that you’re not only ready to pursue an entrepreneurship master’s, but also positioned to get the most value out of the experience.

Profiling Three Online Entrepreneurship Master’s Programs

Below, we profile three accredited U.S. universities that offer reputable online (or hybrid) master’s programs in entrepreneurship. Each summary includes key details about format, length, cost, admissions, and career outcomes to help you compare options.

Understanding Cost: Pricing the Online Entrepreneurship Master’s

The cost of an online entrepreneurship master’s program will depend on a few key factors: tuition rate, number of credits required, and additional fees or expenses. Tuition is usually charged on a per-credit basis, so programs with more credits or higher per-credit rates will have a higher total price. Fixed costs typically include tuition and mandatory university fees (like technology or distance learning fees). Variable costs include textbooks, course materials, and any travel (if the program has an in-person residency or if you choose to attend networking events). The good news is that online students often save on relocation or housing costs, since you don’t need to move or commute to campus. Plus, many online learners keep working while studying, which can make financing the degree easier.

Online programs can also be comparatively affordable: some public universities offer in-state tuition discounts for online students, and you might find that total tuition ranges from around $15,000 up to $40,000 for most entrepreneurship master’s degrees. Financial aid is usually available — you can apply for federal graduate student loans, and many schools offer scholarships or payment plans for online students. Always check if the programs you’re considering have any special fees (for example, a residency fee or online platform fee) so you can budget accordingly. Below is a comparison of three programs and their costs:

(Tuition figures above are current as of this writing; always verify on the school’s website for the most up-to-date costs.)

What’s After Your Master’s?

Earning your master’s in entrepreneurship can open the door to a wide array of careers and opportunities. Of course, many graduates go on to start their own businesses — launching startups in tech, e-commerce, consulting, or other industries. The degree provides a strong foundation in how to write business plans, secure funding, and manage growth, which can increase your venture’s chances of success. Even if you’re not immediately founding a company, the entrepreneurial mindset is highly valued in the job market. Graduates often pursue roles such as business development manager, innovation project leader, or product manager within established companies, where they drive new initiatives and strategic growth. You might lead a corporate innovation lab, develop new product lines for a brand, or spearhead a company’s expansion into new markets.

In terms of job outlook, the entrepreneurial skillset is increasingly in demand as organizations of all sizes prioritize innovation. The transferable skills you gain (like opportunity recognition, risk management, pitching and negotiation, and strategic thinking) are useful in virtually any business context. Whether you launch the next big startup, scale an existing business, or champion innovation in a corporate setting, your master’s in entrepreneurship can serve as a springboard — helping you turn ambitions into tangible career outcomes and long-term growth.

FAQs from Entrepreneurship Students

Q: How is a master’s in entrepreneurship different from an MBA?

A: An MBA covers a broad base of business disciplines (finance, marketing, operations, etc.) and often targets those looking to advance in corporate management. A master’s in entrepreneurship, on the other hand, is more specialized — focusing deeply on startup ventures, innovation, and new business development. It typically includes courses tailored to launching and growing businesses (e.g. venture capital, innovation strategy) rather than general management. 

Another difference is audience and format: MBA programs (even online MBAs) usually prefer candidates with several years of work experience and may take two years to complete, whereas many entrepreneurship master’s programs welcome students with less work experience and can be completed in around one year. 

Q: Do I need a ready business idea (or existing startup) before starting the program?

A: No — you do not need to have a fully formed business idea or existing startup to enroll in a master’s in entrepreneurship. These programs are designed to help you develop ideas and learn the process of entrepreneurship from scratch. Many students begin with just an interest in innovation and discover or refine their venture ideas through coursework and mentorship. For instance, you might brainstorm a concept in a class on opportunity recognition or join a team project to create a hypothetical startup. By the end of the program, even students who started with no clear idea often have a viable business plan ready.

That said, if you do already have a business idea or even an operating startup, the program can serve as a laboratory to improve and grow it — you’ll get structured feedback from professors and peers, and access to resources (like incubators or pitch competitions) to further develop your venture. In short, come with an open mind and a passion for entrepreneurship; the ideas will evolve as you learn.

Q: Can I work full-time while pursuing an online entrepreneurship master’s?

A: Yes. One of the main advantages of an online master’s program is the flexibility to continue working. Many online entrepreneurship students are working professionals who juggle jobs and even family responsibilities alongside their studies. Expect to spend roughly 10-15 hours per week on coursework for each class (this can vary by program and your course load). 

Most programs allow part-time enrollment, meaning you might take just 1 or 2 courses per term if you’re working full-time. The asynchronous course structure (recorded lectures, discussion forums) lets you do the work during evenings or weekends as your schedule permits. It’s still a significant time commitment, so good time management is key, but it’s very achievable. 

Q: What kind of support and networking opportunities will I get as an online student?

A: Online entrepreneurship programs typically offer robust support services similar to their on-campus counterparts. You’ll have access to professors during virtual office hours and often be assigned an academic advisor to guide you through the program. Many programs emphasize mentorship — pairing students with experienced entrepreneurs or faculty mentors who can advise on your business ideas. You’ll also likely engage in team projects, so you build relationships with classmates (who may become future business partners or collaborators). 

Networking happens through virtual platforms: live class sessions, discussion boards, and sometimes optional on-campus events or meetups. Schools often host online networking events, webinars with guest speakers, or virtual pitch competitions to enhance your experience. You’ll be part of the university’s community — for example, as an online student at OU or Penn State, you join the same alumni network as on-campus grads. 

Additionally, many universities have innovation hubs or incubator programs open to students (online learners can usually participate remotely or during short campus visits). Career services for online students may include resume workshops, job listings, and introductions to venture capital networks or industry contacts. In short, you won’t be going it alone — quality online programs strive to provide a rich ecosystem of support, from one-on-one guidance to a community of fellow innovators you can lean on.

Q: Is a master’s in entrepreneurship really worth it?

A: The value of a master’s in entrepreneurship depends on your goals and what you put into it. For many, it is worth it — the degree can accelerate your learning, expand your network, and add credibility as you pursue funding or partnerships. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of how to run a business beyond just trial-and-error. This includes financial acumen, marketing strategy, operational planning, and leadership skills that can save you from common mistakes entrepreneurs make. Moreover, a graduate credential can open doors: job opportunities tend to increase with a master’s in entrepreneurship, whether that means higher-level roles in startups or innovation positions in corporations.

If you’re a career-changer, the degree provides a structured path to transition into the world of startups. You’ll also have access to your school’s resources (faculty expertise, research, competitions) which can be invaluable in shaping a successful venture. That said, entrepreneurship also values real-world experience — there are successful entrepreneurs with no formal education, and having a master’s doesn’t guarantee your startup will succeed. The degree won’t replace the need for grit, creativity, and hard work. But it will give you a toolkit of knowledge and a support network to draw on.

Best Online Master’s Programs in Entrepreneurship

With dozens of programs to choose from, how do we determine which entrepreneurship master’s stand out? Our ranking of the best online master’s in entrepreneurship was built on a thorough analysis of data from the U.S. Department of Education and information from thousands of universities themselves. We evaluated programs based on affordability (tuition rates and availability of financial aid), academic quality (accreditation and reputation), the number of online programs/courses offered, and the level of student support services (like academic advising and career counseling). Each program on our list meets high standards for curriculum excellence and flexibility for online learners. In the next section, you’ll find the results — a curated list of top online entrepreneurship master’s programs that offer a great balance of quality, support, and value for aspiring entrepreneurs.