MBA in Entrepreneurship

Even though college drop-outs have been able to create multi-million dollar businesses, that doesn't mean that an MBA can't help you achieve your entrepreneurship dreams. Entrepreneurship is becoming an increasingly popular choice among MBAs, since more MBA students are seeking out entrepreneurship classes. While anyone can come up with a good idea, an MBA will help give you the skills you need to transform those ideas into commercial success stories.

Entrepreneurship Courses

While there is no educational requirement for successful entrepreneurship, an MBA will give you the skills and expertise to move your business ventures forward. Entrepreneurship MBA programs are designed to give students the necessary skills for launching a new business, including: new product marketing, market research, raising capital, and developing new services. Some schools offer specialized programs for students launching new businesses which give students opportunities to network and even raise capital for their business. Examples of common entrepreneurship MBA classes include retail business creation, new venture development, innovation strategies, entrepreneurial finance, entrepreneurial leadership, and executing strategy.

Entrepreneur Jobs

According to the QS Jobs & Salary Report 2011, an MBA is increasingly being seen as a way to help establish an entrepreneurial enterprise. Venture capitalists and angel investors cite an MBA as one of the key things they look for in entrepreneurs.

In addition to starting a company, entrepreneurship MBAs can also work for companies looking for employees with entrepreneurial leadership qualities. Internet companies such as eBay and Google are always on the lookout for entrepreneurially-minded MBAs. Wharton states that their Entrepreneurial Management is also an appropriate choice for private equity, management consulting, or jobs in smaller companies with a strong growth curve. Other job options include business manager, corporate recruiter, HR manager, management analyst, and market research analyst.

Entrepreneurship MBA Programs

These schools have the best entrepreneurship MBA programs in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report:

F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business, Babson College

Entrepreneurship is emphasized throughout Babson's MBA curriculum, and the Opportunity and Entrepreneurship class is included in the core curriculum. Babson's two-course elective series, the Entrepreneurship Intensity Track, is designed for students planning to launch a business upon graduation. Students can also take several electives in entrepreneurship including those that deal with specialized areas such as buying a small business, family businesses, environmental entrepreneurship, and women entrepreneurs.

Stanford Graduate School of Business

Stanford's Center for Entrepreneurial Studies assists alumni and students engaged in entrepreneurial pursuits. Stanford also offers several entrepreneurship electives, including classes specifically designed to teach students how to create a startup.

Harvard Business School

The Rock Center for Entrepreneurship runs several programs designed to help students get involved in entrepreneurship. Harvard's Business Plan Contest has led to the creation of several successful businesses based on both winning and non-winning business plans entered into the contest. The Entrepreneurship Club provides students with opportunities to network and brainstorm business ideas.

Sloan School of Management, MIT

Sloan's Entrepreneurship & Innovation track focuses on launching and developing emerging technology companies, allowing student to learn startup concepts and participate in MIT's entrepreneurial community. MIT's Venture Capital and Private Equity Club, one of the most visible clubs on campus, allows students to interact with professional investors and business executives.

Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

Wharton was the first school to develop a fully integrated entreprenneurial studies curriculum. Wharton's programs for entrepreneurs include the Wharton Business Plan Competition, the Wharton Small Business Development Center, the Venture Initiation Program, and the Center for Technology Transfer. Wharton's Entrepreneurial Management major is designed for students who want to be directly involved in entrepreneurial ventures, as well as those who want to bring entrepreneurial leadership skills into a corporate setting.

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