How to Become an Entrepreneur

Overview & Salaries

Recommended Degree:
For entrepreneurs there is no general degree that you need to start a business, just the understanding of what it takes to grow and manage a successful company. A business bachelors degree, masters degree, or an MBA can give you the needed education to understand the intricacies of running a large scale business. The higher level degrees can offer a greater understanding about running your own company and leave you more prepared.

Begin your career path today by signing up for free information from one of our accredited colleges below that offer programs to help get you started in entrepreneurship.

How Much Does an Entrepreneur Make?
$101,650 (national median salary, to view salaries in your state click on the “Best Places to Work” tab up top)

Expected growth from 2012-2020:
+261,500 additional people employed

(all information above provided by the Top Executive career page, 2012 BLS)

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Discover the Best Places to Become an Entrepreneur

For chief executives, the number one state in the nation for employment opportunities falls in the state of California, with 29,320 positions currently being occupied, and a yearly average salary of $191,550. The highest mean wage in the nation, however, goes to New York at $199,650 annually, and presently 18,150 positions currently being occupied by top executives.

Many schools offering entrepreneurship programs provide valuable internships as well as mentor programs to supplement their core courses. It is extremely important for the budding entrepreneur to work with others who have tread the same path.

  • Silicon Valley (San Francisco Bay Area, CA)
  • Silicon Alley (New York, NY)
  • Houston, TX
  • Dallas, TX
  • Boston, MA

Employment & Salary Information by State for Entrepreneurs

Use our interactive map below to find out which areas of the United States are currently experiencing the greatest amount of growth and job availability for graduates looking for a career in Entrepreneurship. The associated information has been gathered from the Bureau of Labor statistics, representing data collected in 2012.

Employment and Information Data for Entrepreneur

Why Become an Entrepreneur?

An entrepreneurial career isn’t for the faint of heart. In fact, if you plan on making a job instead of taking a one there are some serious considerations. Entrepreneurship has always been a key driving in the growth of the U.S. economy. From the local hardware store to the mom and pop bakery serving your company, entrepreneurs and small business owners account for a vast number of jobs throughout the country.

Recommended Courses to Help You Become an Entrepreneur

  • Leadership and Organizational Behavior
  • Marketing
  • Entrepreneurial Management
  • International Entrepreneurship
  • Technology Entrepreneurship
  • Strategic Decision and Risk Management
  • Foundations of Social Entrepreneurship
  • Accounting, Tax, & Legal, Issues for Entrepreneurs
  • Venture Capital Financing

Degrees to Help You Become an Entrepreneur

Much like the career itself, entrepreneurship programs can be as varied as the professions they ultimately serve.

Certificate
Certificate programs are designed to provide students, often with some previous business experience, with foundation and principle exercises and curricula in entrepreneurship to launch and maintain enterprises.

Bachelor’s Degree
The four-year degree program offers the traditional business foundation education combined with courses focusing on entrepreneurship in the new economy from how to start and launch a business to managing success overseas.

Master’s of Business Degree
The Masters of Business (MBA) degree in entrepreneurship allows students with business background and a bachelor’s degree to focus on specific areas of studies. These areas of study can include technology, entrepreneurship or fashion entrepreneurship and taking these classes can offer you the tools to help you earn the success you are looking for.