Best MBA in Entrepreneurship

An MBA in Entrepreneurship is ideal for professionals looking to start a business, innovate within an existing company, or become venture capitalists and startup consultants. This specialization focuses on business innovation, funding strategies, risk management, and leadership, equipping graduates with the skills to launch, manage, and scale successful ventures.

According to the Kauffman Foundation, entrepreneurs with an MBA are 50% more likely to succeed in launching a business than those without formal business education ( Kauffman). Additionally, the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) reports that MBA graduates who start businesses generate 25% higher revenues on average than non-MBA entrepreneurs ( GEM).

An Entrepreneurship MBA specialization is ideal for professionals seeking to turn innovative ideas into scalable business ventures or take leadership roles in high-growth startups.

What is an Online MBA in Entrepreneurship?

An Online MBA in Entrepreneurship provides a flexible path for aspiring business owners, startup founders, and corporate innovators to gain critical business acumen, financial expertise, and leadership skills while maintaining their professional responsibilities. These programs help students develop business models, secure venture funding, and implement growth strategies.

Students gain expertise in lean startup methodologies, business law, venture capital fundraising, and digital transformation, ensuring they are well-prepared to build and scale successful enterprises. Many online programs offer hands-on incubator experiences, mentorship with successful entrepreneurs, and pitch competitions, providing a dynamic, real-world learning environment.

What Are the Admissions Requirements for an MBA in Entrepreneurship?

Admissions requirements for an MBA in Entrepreneurship vary by program, but typically include:

  • Bachelor’s Degree – From an accredited institution, often in business, economics, or a related field.
  • Work Experience – 2-5 years of professional experience, preferably in a startup, business development, or leadership role.
  • GMAT/GRE Scores – Some programs require standardized test scores, while others offer waivers.
  • Personal Statement – Discuss business ideas, entrepreneurial goals, and why the applicant is pursuing an MBA in Entrepreneurship.
  • Letters of Recommendation – Typically from business mentors, investors, or academic advisors.
  • Resume – Highlighting entrepreneurial experience, leadership roles, and business ventures.

Is an MBA in Entrepreneurship the Right Specialization for You?

An MBA in Entrepreneurship specialization suits visionary, self-motivated individuals who want to turn ideas into profitable businesses, innovate within existing companies, or lead venture capital initiatives. If you are passionate about problem-solving, strategic risk-taking, and creating disruptive business models, this specialization will provide the foundation for success.

Compared to other MBA specializations, such as Finance or Strategy, an MBA in Entrepreneurship emphasizes business creation, innovation, and funding strategies. If you want to launch and scale a business or develop entrepreneurial skills for leadership roles, this program may best fit you.

2026 Best MBA in Entrepreneurship Programs

Are you looking for the best MBA in Entrepreneurship programs to launch your business career? At mbaschools.org, we carefully rank these programs to help you find the perfect fit. Our team looks at factors like curriculum quality, faculty expertise, and alumni success to give you reliable insights. We focus on schools that provide hands-on learning and strong networks for entrepreneurs. You can trust our rankings to guide your decision. For full details on how we create these rankings, visit our methodology page at https://www.mbaschools.org/methodology/.
#1

University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, IL - Public 4-Year - uic.edu

Master's - Master of Business Administration

Concentration: Entrepreneurship - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Illinois Chicago's MBA Entrepreneurship Concentration offers two specialized tracks: TechVentures and General Entrepreneurship. This 42-semester-hour hybrid program focuses on technology venture creation, business modeling, and resource acquisition strategies. No GMAT is required, making it accessible to professionals with diverse backgrounds. The curriculum is designed for early to mid-career professionals seeking to transform innovative ideas into successful ventures through flexible course structures and practical training in entrepreneurial enterprise development.

  • No GMAT required
  • Two entrepreneurship tracks
  • 42 semester hours total
  • TechVentures and General tracks
  • Professional work experience preferred
  • Flexible MBA program structure
  • Two years work experience recommended

Master's - Master of Business Administration

Concentration: Entrepreneurship - TechVentures - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

UIC's MBA Entrepreneurship - TechVentures concentration provides specialized training in technology assessment, business modeling, and strategic planning for startup ecosystems. This 42-semester-hour hybrid program emphasizes hands-on experience in venture creation and resource acquisition, with no GMAT requirement. It is tailored for professionals with recommended work experience who aim to launch and grow cutting-edge technology ventures, blending theoretical knowledge with real-world application to navigate complex entrepreneurial challenges.

  • 42 total semester hours
  • Two entrepreneurship track options
  • TechVentures specialized focus
  • Professional work experience preferred
  • Minimum 2 years recommended experience
  • Core MBA courses included
  • Technology and general tracks
  • Courses cover venture potential
  • Business plan development
  • Resource acquisition strategies

Master's - Master of Business Administration

Concentration: Entrepreneurship - General - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The MBA Entrepreneurship - General track at the University of Illinois Chicago focuses on practical skills for launching and scaling innovative ventures through a 12-semester-hour hybrid curriculum. Covering business modeling, resource acquisition, and strategic planning, it offers flexibility with TechVentures and General options. No GMAT is required, and the program is ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to develop venture creation expertise with guidance from experienced faculty and industry insights.

  • Two entrepreneurship track options
  • 12 semester hours concentration
  • TechVentures and General tracks
  • Practical venture creation skills
  • Technology and business focused
Show 2 More Programs ˅
#2

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

Baton Rouge, LA - Public 4-Year - lsu.edu

Master's - MBA in Entrepreneurship and Family Enterprise

Concentration: Entrepreneurship and Family Enterprise - Online Learning - Visit Website

Louisiana State University Shreveport's Online MBA in Entrepreneurship and Family Enterprise is a 30-credit AACSB-accredited program focusing on venture creation, strategic business development, and organizational leadership. With a total tuition of $14,370, it offers flexible online learning, accelerated coursework, and can be completed in as few as 10 months. The program includes multiple start dates, dedicated student coaching, and optional international experiences, preparing graduates for high-impact roles in diverse industries. No entrance exam is required for this master's-level program.

  • 30 total credit hours
  • Cost per credit: $479
  • Total program tuition: $14,370
  • Finish in 10 months
  • Online program format
  • AACSB accredited
  • Multiple start dates annually
  • Entrepreneurship concentration option
  • Dedicated student coaching
  • Flexible admission requirements

Master's - MBA in Entrepreneurship and Family Enterprise

Online Learning - Visit Website

Louisiana State University Shreveport's online MBA in Entrepreneurship and Family Enterprise is a 30-credit program that empowers professionals to transform innovative ideas into successful business ventures. It focuses on financial assessment, strategic planning, and customer relationship management, with a flexible 10-month timeline and affordable tuition of $14,370. The curriculum blends core business fundamentals with specialized coursework, ideal for aspiring business owners and innovation leaders. No entrance exam is required for this master's-level program.

  • 30 total credit hours
  • Cost per credit: $479
  • Total program cost: $14,370
  • Complete in 10 months
  • AACSB accredited program
  • Online flexible format
  • Multiple admission pathways
  • Optional international experience
  • Application deadline: Feb 24, 2025
  • Classes start March 17, 2025

Master's - MBA in Entrepreneurship and Family Enterprise

Concentration: Entrepreneurship and Family Enterprise Specialization - Online Learning - Visit Website

LSU's Online MBA with an Entrepreneurship and Family Enterprise Specialization is a 30-credit AACSB-accredited program designed for working professionals. It emphasizes launching businesses, strategic growth, and customer relationship management, with flexible online learning and completion in as few as 10 months. At a total tuition of $14,370, it offers multiple start dates, dedicated coaching, and optional international experiences to excel in entrepreneurial leadership. No entrance exam is required for this master's-level program.

  • 30 total credit hours
  • Cost per credit: $479
  • Total program tuition: $14,370
  • Finish in 10 months
  • AACSB accredited program
  • Multiple admission pathways
  • Optional international experience
  • Flexible online format
  • Application deadline: Feb 24, 2025
  • Concentration and specialization options
Show 2 More Programs ˅
#3

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL - Private 4-year - northwestern.edu

Master's - Entrepreneurship Pathway

Campus Based - Visit Website

Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management offers a comprehensive Entrepreneurship MBA pathway with New Venture and Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition tracks. The program emphasizes experiential learning through courses that guide entrepreneurs from problem identification to startup launch. Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration via NUvention programs and gain practical skills from innovation experts. This campus-based program requires the GMAT or GRE entrance exam and is military-friendly, preparing students to become dynamic business leaders across multiple industries.

  • Customizable entrepreneurship curriculum
  • New Venture and Acquisition branches
  • Experiential learning courses
  • Interdisciplinary NUvention programs
  • Cross-university collaboration
  • Real-world startup development
  • Multiple industry focus areas
  • Entrepreneurial finance options
  • Kellogg-Q Lab Residency
  • Courses taught by innovation experts

Master's - Entrepreneurship Pathway

Concentration: New Venture - Campus Based - Visit Website

Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management provides a focused New Venture MBA concentration within its Entrepreneurship Pathway. Students engage in experiential 'Discover. Test. Launch.' courses and interdisciplinary NUvention programs, developing skills for startup creation and scaling. The curriculum includes cross-university research opportunities and multiple program formats, with a Summer 2025 application deadline of March 26. This campus program requires the GMAT or GRE entrance exam and is military-friendly, offering tailored training for aspiring business innovators.

  • Customizable entrepreneurship curriculum
  • New Venture and Acquisition branches
  • Experiential 'Discover. Test. Launch.' courses
  • Interdisciplinary NUvention programs
  • Cross-university research opportunities
  • Multiple MBA program formats
  • Summer 2025 application deadline March 26

Master's - Entrepreneurship Pathway

Concentration: Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition - Campus Based - Visit Website

Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management features an Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition MBA concentration, equipping students to acquire and manage existing businesses. The program includes experiential courses, interdisciplinary NUvention programs, and the Kellogg-Q Lab Entrepreneurial Residency, covering startup lifecycle stages. Students gain practical knowledge from real-world entrepreneurs and access cross-disciplinary research. This campus-based option requires the GMAT or GRE entrance exam and is military-friendly, providing flexible learning for professionals seeking acquisition-focused entrepreneurship.

  • Customizable entrepreneurship curriculum
  • New Venture and Acquisition tracks
  • Interdisciplinary NUvention courses
  • Experiential learning approach
  • Kellogg-Q Lab Entrepreneurial Residency
  • Multiple course options for entrepreneurs
  • Cross-disciplinary research opportunities
  • Courses cover startup lifecycle stages
  • Industry-focused entrepreneurship programs
Show 2 More Programs ˅
#4

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC - Public 4-Year - unc.edu

Master's - MBA

Concentration: Entrepreneurship - Campus Based - Visit Website

UNC Kenan-Flagler's campus-based MBA with an Entrepreneurship concentration cultivates a strong entrepreneurial mindset through customizable electives in venture founding, funding, and growth. Situated in the Research Triangle, students engage with a vibrant innovation ecosystem via mentorship, startup experiences, and access to the Launch Chapel Hill accelerator. Program highlights include experiential learning, a student-run private equity fund, and the Venture Capital Investment Competition. Graduates are prepared for diverse roles as startup founders, venture investors, or corporate innovators. This master's level program typically requires the GMAT or GRE for admission.

  • Entrepreneurship Concentration Electives
  • Multiple Career Path Options
  • Student-Run Private Equity Fund
  • Venture Capital Investment Competition
  • Launch Chapel Hill Accelerator Access
  • Founder/Funder/Intrapreneur Tracks
  • Experiential Learning Opportunities
  • Strong Alumni Entrepreneurship Network
  • Research Triangle Ecosystem Support

Master's - MBA

Concentration: Entrepreneurship - Online Learning - Visit Website

UNC Chapel Hill's online MBA Entrepreneurship concentration equips professionals to identify opportunities, develop business plans, secure funding, and scale ventures through flexible online, in-person, and experiential formats. The curriculum emphasizes innovation in technology, corporate settings, and startup environments, supported by faculty with real-world venture experience. Students gain skills in business strategy and new venture discovery, preparing for careers in venture capital, tech innovation, or entrepreneurship. This master's level program typically requires the GMAT or GRE for admission.

  • Online MBA with Entrepreneurship concentration
  • Multiple entrepreneurial career paths
  • Experiential learning opportunities
  • Elective courses in innovation
  • Faculty with venture experience
  • Develops business strategy skills
  • Options for tech and market innovation
  • Courses in new ventures discovery
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#5

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Amherst, MA - Public 4-Year - umass.edu

Master's - MBA

Concentration: Entrepreneurship - Online Learning - Visit Website

UMass Amherst's online MBA with Entrepreneurship concentration develops entrepreneurial leaders through a flexible curriculum requiring 9 elective credits. Students gain strategic insights from courses like New Venture Finance, preparing them to launch ventures and drive organizational change. The program offers fall, spring, and summer starts with priority deadlines and is ranked #16 for online MBAs. No entrance exam requirement is specified for this master's-level program.

  • Online MBA with Entrepreneurship Focus
  • 9 Elective Credits Required
  • Fall Priority Deadline: June 1
  • Spring Priority Deadline: October 1
  • Summer Priority Deadline: February 1
  • Courses Include: New Venture Finance
  • Focus Listed on Transcript
  • Flexible Course Options
  • Industry-Relevant Electives

Master's - MBA

Concentration: Management & Entrepreneurship - Campus Based - Visit Website

The campus-based MBA with Management & Entrepreneurship concentration at UMass Amherst blends general business training with specialized coursework for aspiring startup leaders and consultants. Through 9 elective credits and a practical curriculum, students develop management skills and strategic insights for emerging business landscapes. The program has fall start application rounds with a first deadline of November 1st. No entrance exam requirement is indicated for this master's-level program.

  • MBA with Entrepreneurship Focus
  • 9 elective credits required
  • Transcript-listed focus area
  • Fall start application rounds
  • Multiple application deadlines
  • Startup and consulting prep
  • Diverse management courses
  • Career-oriented curriculum
  • First deadline: November 1st
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#6

University of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA - Private 4-year - usfca.edu

Master's - MBA in Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Concentration: Entrepreneurship & Innovation - Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of San Francisco's MBA in Entrepreneurship & Innovation equips professionals with advanced skills in venture creation and business transformation. Students master creative problem-solving, comprehensive business planning, and digital technology applications through rigorous academic coursework and practical experience. This program prepares graduates for leadership roles in startups, corporate innovation, and entrepreneurial ventures across various sectors. As a master's level program, it typically requires the GMAT or GRE entrance exam for admission. The curriculum emphasizes personalized learning paths, business plan development, corporate innovation strategies, internet business applications, venture development, private equity insights, global product development, and small business preparation.

  • Personalized emphasis options
  • Business plan development focus
  • Corporate innovation skills
  • Internet business applications training
  • Venture development paths
  • Private equity insights
  • Global product development
  • Small business venture preparation
#7

Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw, GA - Public 4-Year - kennesaw.edu

Master's - Master of Business Administration

Concentration: Organizational Entrepreneurship and Innovation - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Kennesaw State University's MBA in Organizational Entrepreneurship and Innovation equips professionals to lead transformative ventures and drive innovation in dynamic markets. This hybrid program merges core business principles with specialized entrepreneurial strategies, focusing on venture formation, creativity, and leadership. Tailored for working individuals, it offers flexible evening classes that balance career and study. The curriculum includes eight MBA core courses and four entrepreneurial management modules, emphasizing real-world application without requiring entrance exams like the GMAT or GRE, as none are mandated.

  • Organizational Entrepreneurship concentration
  • Eight MBA core courses required
  • Four entrepreneurial management courses
  • Courses cover venture formation
  • Focus on innovation and creativity
  • Designed for working professionals
  • Evening MBA format available
#8

Southeast Missouri State University

Cape Girardeau, MO - Public 4-Year - semo.edu

Master's - MBA in Entrepreneurship & Corporate Innovation

Campus Based - Visit Website

Southeast Missouri State University's MBA in Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation equips professionals to turn innovative concepts into thriving businesses, with no prior business degree or standardized test scores required. The AACSB-accredited curriculum emphasizes practical skills in venture capital, product development, and leadership, delivered through flexible 8-week terms and multiple annual start dates. Offering 33 credit hours and diverse entrepreneurship electives, this on-campus program supports career growth with affordable tuition and provisional admission options for those without a 3.0 GPA.

  • No business degree required
  • No GMAT/GRE needed
  • 5 different start dates annually
  • 33 total credit hours
  • On-campus program
  • AACSB accredited
  • Flexible 8-week course terms
  • Multiple entrepreneurship electives
  • Admission with 3.0 GPA preferred
  • Option for provisional admission
#9

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL - Public 4-Year - illinois.edu

Master's - MBA

Concentration: Entrepreneurship and Strategic Innovation - Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers an online MBA with an Entrepreneurship and Strategic Innovation concentration, designed for professionals aiming to launch and scale ventures. This 12-credit-hour program emphasizes innovation leadership through three core entrepreneurship courses, strategic innovation coursework, and experiential learning. Students develop creative problem-solving skills and learn to assess venture feasibility from startup to growth phases. The program requires a competitive admission process, which typically includes entrance exams like the GMAT or GRE, though specific requirements should be verified with the school.

  • Online MBA Concentration
  • 12 Total Credit Hours
  • Three Core Entrepreneurship Courses
  • Competitive Admission Process
  • Focuses on Innovation Leadership
  • Designed for Multiple Degree Programs
  • Strategic Innovation Course Included
  • Creative Thinking Development
  • Startup to Growth Curriculum
  • Experiential Learning Opportunities
#10

Northeastern University

Boston, MA - Private 4-year - northeastern.edu

Master's - MBA

Concentration: Entrepreneurship - Campus Based - Visit Website

Northeastern University's MBA Entrepreneurship concentration equips ambitious professionals to turn innovative ideas into successful businesses. The program focuses on competitive strategy, product development, venture financing, and team management. Students can customize their 12-credit elective path, gaining practical skills to launch startups, drive corporate innovation, and excel in entrepreneurial roles across various industries. This campus-based program, which is military-friendly, requires an entrance exam such as the GMAT or GRE. It features a fully customizable concentration, experienced faculty, and multiple MBA program formats for flexibility.

  • Fully customizable concentration
  • 12 credits of entrepreneurship electives
  • Suitable for startup founders
  • Covers venture financing strategies
  • Prepares innovation managers
  • Multiple MBA program formats
  • Taught by experienced faculty
  • Focus on practical business skills

Master's - MBA

Concentration: Technological Entrepreneurship - Campus Based - Visit Website

Northeastern University's MBA with Technological Entrepreneurship concentration prepares aspiring tech entrepreneurs to build successful businesses by developing skills in customer understanding, product development, business modeling, and investor pitching. Designed for professionals focused on strategic technological innovation, the program combines practical coursework with real-world frameworks and connections to venture accelerators like IDEA. This campus-based, military-friendly program requires an entrance exam such as the GMAT or GRE and offers a flexible part-time schedule, 15 concentration options, and faculty with entrepreneurial experience.

  • Part-Time MBA Program
  • Top 10 Entrepreneurship Graduate Program
  • IDEA Venture Accelerator Involvement
  • Tech-Driven Business Skills
  • Faculty with Entrepreneurial Experience
  • 15 Concentration Options
  • Flexible Part-Time Schedule
Show 1 More Programs ˅
*IPEDS 2023 dataset, accessed via NCES Data Center. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

MBA in Entrepreneurship Curriculum: What Classes Will I Take?

Most MBA in Entrepreneurship programs take 1-2 years to complete, depending on whether students enroll full-time, part-time, or in an accelerated format.

Core Courses in an MBA in Entrepreneurship

The curriculum for an Entrepreneurship MBA specialization blends business fundamentals with startup-focused strategies through courses such as:

  • New Venture Creation & Business Planning
  • Venture Capital & Private Equity
  • Digital Marketing for Startups
  • Entrepreneurial Finance & Funding Strategies
  • Innovation & Product Development
  • Business Law & Intellectual Property
  • Scaling Startups & Growth Strategies
  • Leadership & Strategic Decision-Making

Many programs also incorporate real-world startup projects, including business incubators, venture pitch competitions, and accelerator partnerships. Some students complete internships with venture capital firms, innovation labs, or high-growth startups to gain hands-on experience before launching their ventures.

What Career Options Do I Have with an MBA in Entrepreneurship?

An Entrepreneurship MBA specialization prepares graduates for a wide range of roles in business innovation. Common job titles include:

  • Startup Founder – Builds and scales new business ventures.
  • Venture Capital Analyst – Evaluates investment opportunities in early-stage startups.
  • Business Development Manager – Identifies growth opportunities for established companies.
  • Innovation Consultant – Advises businesses on product development and disruptive strategies.
  • Corporate Strategy Manager – Leads innovation initiatives in large organizations.

Salary Expectations

Salaries for MBA in Entrepreneurship graduates vary based on industry, experience, and business success. According to the Kauffman Foundation and GEM, entrepreneurship professionals with an MBA typically earn:

  • Startup Founder (Varies) – Income depends on business success and funding.
  • Venture Capital Analyst – $100,000 – $150,000
  • Business Development Manager – $95,000 – $140,000
  • Innovation Consultant – $110,000 – $160,000
  • Corporate Strategy Manager – $115,000 – $170,000

Take the Next Step Toward Launching Your Business

An MBA in Entrepreneurship provides the critical business knowledge, leadership skills, and investor connections needed to launch and scale successful startups, secure venture funding, and drive business innovation. Whether you want to build a new company, manage venture capital investments, or lead entrepreneurial initiatives in corporations, this degree will give you the expertise, network, and confidence to achieve your goals.

Explore top-ranked MBA in Entrepreneurship programs today and start making your business vision a reality.

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