Entrepreneurship Major
Entrepreneurship is the study of how to start, finance, and grow new ventures. It is a major within Business & Management.
An Entrepreneurship major focuses on the practical knowledge and skills involved in creating and developing new business ventures. Students examine how entrepreneurs identify market opportunities, develop business ideas, secure financing, and build companies from the ground up. The major explores fundamental questions such as how to evaluate whether a business idea is viable, how to create a workable business plan, what sources of funding are available, how to manage early-stage growth, and what strategies help new ventures compete and survive in their markets. Students develop both analytical and interpersonal skills, learning to assess risk, think creatively about problems, and communicate effectively with investors, employees, and customers.
This major typically attracts students who are interested in starting their own businesses, working in startup environments, or understanding how organizations grow from initial concept to established operation. The curriculum usually begins with foundational courses covering business fundamentals, opportunity recognition, and the basics of business planning. As students progress, coursework becomes more specialized and applied, often involving case studies, simulations, mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, and hands-on projects such as developing actual business plans or launching small ventures. This structure allows students to build theoretical knowledge before applying it to real-world entrepreneurial challenges.
Typical coursework
Course requirements vary by school, but a Entrepreneurship program commonly includes topics such as:
- New venture creation
- Small business management
- Venture financing
- Innovation
- Business planning
- Marketing for startups
Most programs also include general-education requirements and, in many fields, a capstone project, internship, or research experience.
Degree levels
Entrepreneurship is commonly offered at these levels:
- Bachelor's
- Master's
Availability differs by institution, and program names can vary (for example, a Bachelor of Arts versus a Bachelor of Science track).
Common career directions
Graduates with a Entrepreneurship background pursue a range of paths. Some roles related to this field of study include:
- Founder
- Small business owner
- Product manager
- Business development associate
Many careers require additional steps beyond the major — such as a graduate degree, a license, or a certification — and many graduates work in fields unrelated to their major. What you study is one factor among many in where your career goes.
General career information is drawn from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. Career paths vary widely by person, school, and region; this is not a list of guaranteed jobs or earnings.
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Find degree programs →Frequently asked questions
What is a Entrepreneurship major?
Entrepreneurship is the study of how to start, finance, and grow new ventures. It is part of business & management, and combines foundational coursework with more focused study as you advance.
What courses do Entrepreneurship majors take?
Coursework varies by school, but commonly includes topics such as new venture creation, small business management, venture financing, innovation, and others, plus general-education requirements.
What can you do with a Entrepreneurship major?
Graduates pursue a range of paths, including roles such as founder, small business owner, product manager. Many roles require additional steps such as a graduate degree, license, or certification. This is general information, not a guarantee of any job or salary.
What degree levels is Entrepreneurship offered at?
It is commonly offered at the bachelor's, master's level, though availability varies by institution.