Online Courses in Enterpreneurship

Entrepreneurship is the field of business which deals with the development and management of new business ventures. Entrepreneurial activities are a significant part of the United States' business economy. An entrepreneurship degree helps prepares students for the challenges related to planning, launching, and managing a new business. It focuses on developing innovative ideas, new venture planning, entrepreneurial finance, and management skills for initiation and growth of new businesses. With these focal points, a degree in entrepreneurship may be useful for aspiring business people.

These days, many schools are starting to offer online entrepreneurship courses. The online nature of these programs provides the convenience of completing the courses at home and avoiding travel time and costs associated with transportation. It also enables professionals to keep their current job while getting an education. The courses may be part of certificate or training programs or degree programs for associate, bachelor, or master's degrees in entrepreneurship. Online courses not for degree programs may fulfill the need of professionals who simply want to stay updated in their careers.

An associate's degree in entrepreneurship helps provide students with the basic skills needed to initiate and manage a new business. The program may consist of four semesters of course work. It usually includes courses in accounting, marketing, economics, business law, and finance. The courses in these programs may include the following, but may vary by schools:

• Business Fundamentals
• Introduction to Management
• Success strategies
• Applied Business Math
• Marketing principles
• Computer applications
• Introduction to Accounting
• The Economics of Business
• Business Communication
• Human Resource Management
• Consumer Behavior
• Introduction to Management
• Advertising Principles
• Entrepreneurship
• Small Business Management
• Entrepreneurial Financing
• Marketing Strategy
• Business Law and Ethics
• Career Development Strategies
• E-Commerce

An online certificate program may consist of about 36 credit hours of coursework. It may include courses such as Evaluating new Business Opportunities, Business Innovation, Funding a New Business, and Managing and Growing Sustainable Organizations. A bachelor's degree program in entrepreneurship teaches candidates important principles about management of a new business, such as formulation and finance of new business operations. The curriculum is usually divided into introductory course and major course requirements, and may include the following courses (course titles will vary by school):

• Management for Organizations
• Personal & Organizational Ethics
• Human Resource Management
• Business Law
• Principles of Microeconomics
• Principles of Accounting
• Introduction to Entrepreneurship
• Creativity & Innovation
• Venture Capital & Banking
• Principles of Finance
• Principles of Marketing
• Small Business Ventures
• New Business Strategy
• Business Plan Development

In addition to required core courses, students may also have the option to take specialization courses in a particular area. However, please note that each school's curriculum will vary, so prospective students should check with schools to get information about their program.

Career Prospects
After earning a degree in entrepreneurship, graduates may be able to successfully set up their own businesses. Those who do not choose to start their own business may pursue jobs in various business segments such as:

• Entrepreneurial firm manager
• Business consultant
• Management analyst

Students may also use the information learned in these courses to apply to their current jobs if they are taking courses to enhance their skill set.