6 Best Degrees for Entrepreneurs
Reviewed by Jacob Imm
May 31, 2023
6 Best Degrees for Entrepreneurs
By definition, an entrepreneur is someone who starts their own business. As such, there’s no “degree requirement” to become one—all you need is an idea, a plan, and some elbow grease.
However, entrepreneurs still rely on various skills to bring their visions to life. Many of those skills are taught in college. Perhaps that’s why “most business owners have a bachelor’s degree,” according to the United States Census Bureau.
So, which college degree should you use as a springboard for your business venture? While your choice will depend on various factors, some programs are tailor-made to give you the knowledge you’ll need to succeed. With that in mind, let’s look at six of the best majors for entrepreneurs.
1. Entrepreneurship
Sometimes, the answer to a question is this simple: If you want to be an entrepreneur, pursue a degree in entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship degree programs have emerged to prepare the future business owner with the interdisciplinary skills they’ll need.
Because entrepreneurs have to wear many hats (especially in the beginning), a bachelor’s degree program that covers all the bases is well worth your time. As a business entrepreneurship major, you’ll typically learn how to:
- Develop and design a product or service
- Start selling online
- Market your business
- Manage the financial side of the business
2. Business
A business degree is another superb choice for the entrepreneur-to-be. Business programs touch on topics like finance, accounting, economics, and marketing, giving students a taste of every aspect of the business world.
While business degrees are sometimes geared more toward people who want to work in an existing business, they still offer valuable information for entrepreneurs. Besides, many entrepreneurs work 9-to-5 jobs to support themselves while they iron out their business plans.
After graduating, many business degree holders will go on to complete a master of business in financial management or international business.
3. Marketing
As many entrepreneurs find out, you can’t simply “build it and wait for them to come.” If you want your new business to grow, you need to reach the right people. That’s exactly what you’ll learn in a marketing program.
The marketing degree covers all the essential facets of marketing, including:
- Internal branding
- Paid advertising
- Email marketing
- Social media marketing
- Copywriting
You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the creative side of marketing, where you’ll learn how best to package your innovative new idea.
4. Social Entrepreneurship
As a mix of business fundamentals and sociocultural studies, social entrepreneurship is easily one of the best degrees for entrepreneurs. This interdisciplinary major covers topics that range from finance and law to leadership and conflict resolution. Think of it as a business degree for someone who wants to change the world.
A social entrepreneurship program is ideal for any entrepreneur looking to launch a business with a social impact, whether it’s a non-profit or for-profit endeavor.
5. Ethical Leadership
If you plan to grow your business into an empire, you’ll soon find yourself with a team of employees working beneath you. In other words, you’ll eventually be a leader.
If you want to be the best business leader you can be, a degree in ethical leadership can give you the necessary tools. Ethical leadership programs teach students how to lead with honesty, integrity, fairness, and a sense of community.
With an ethical leadership degree to your name, you can be a business leader that everyone looks up to—whether you have two employees or two hundred.
6. Computer Science
The future is digital, so there’s a high likelihood that your business will rely on technology. A computer science degree can help you prepare for our increasingly online world.
Even if your big idea isn’t tech-focused, you’ll still need to work with computers and other technology to develop your business. The more you understand how these systems work, the easier your work will be. Plus, you’ll cover essential topics that every business owner should know, such as:
- Cybersecurity
- Artificial intelligence (AI)
- Information systems
- Problem-solving
Of course, if you’re planning to design the next revolutionary app or digital experience, you’ll definitely want to start with a computer science degree.
Pursue Your Dreams of Entrepreneurship with the Right Degree
So, which college degree is the overall winner? Although the best degree for your future as an entrepreneur depends on your plans and interests, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more relevant major than social entrepreneurship. So, what is a social entrepreneurship degree, exactly? A social entrepreneurship program blends the hard skills of economics and business with the soft skills of social and cultural disciplines. It’s the best of both worlds.
However, if you’re planning to go to college to kickstart your career as an entrepreneur, you can’t just look at the major. You also need to think about the school itself. No matter which program you enroll in, you’ll want to pick a school like North Central College—one with state-of-the-art facilities, knowledgeable professors, and abundant internship opportunities.
Whichever route you take, don’t forget to stock up on that elbow grease. You’ll need it.
Jacob Imm is the associate director of communication in the North Central College Office of Institutional Communication. He has 13 years of collegiate communications experience and has worked with hundreds of college students. He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s degree from Northern Illinois University.
Sources:
United States Census Bureau. (2021, October 8). Most business owners have a bachelor's degree. Census.gov. Retrieved February 16, 2023, from https://www.census.gov/library/visualizations/2021/comm/most-business-owners-have-a-bachelors-degree.html