A snapshot of what you can do with an entrepreneurship degree

Entrepreneurs play a vital role in the modern economy. They establish new business concepts and improve existing ones, with the help of technology.

What is an entrepreneur?

Entrepreneurs are people who create change in their industries. They lead change through visionary ideas, unique collaborations and organization of people and resources. They also use the generation of new products and processes that break the mold of current offerings. “Entrepreneur” is not only a buzzword; it's a mentality that has struck every job market. It challenges people to think bigger and outside of the box. One sector, in particular, has seen a surge in entrepreneurial growth: technology.

As an area of special interest for entrepreneurs, technology’s potential to transform business processes makes it attractive. Are you wondering what you can do with an entrepreneurship degree? With a focus on technological entrepreneurship and management, you can open the door to many career tracks.

A Bachelor of Science in technological entrepreneurship and management helps you develop a specialized knowledge base. By completing this degree, you can gain:

• A technological background with a focus on valuable entrepreneurial tools and processes. 
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities that help leaders navigate the unknowns of entrepreneurship.
• Knowledge of management and leadership best practices. These are critical to launching a new business or project.
• Sales and marketing knowledge that establishes the value of a new venture.

These abilities can help empower you to build your own technology-focused startup. They can also help you fill key roles in product and service design and development in established organizations.

Key courses in the online entrepreneurship degree curriculum

Is an entrepreneurship degree worth it? The answer comes down to the classes in the Bachelor of Science in technological entrepreneurship and management curriculum.

Those courses cover four key areas: entrepreneurship, business, leadership and technology.

Entrepreneur classes include:

Technology

Computer Applications and Information Technology (CS)

In this course, you can learn about business information systems. The course views systems from a business intelligence perspective with a focus on problem-solving. You may choose to take Technology Literacy: Problem Solving Using Digital Technology Applications instead. This course gives insight into the role of digital technologies in modern society.

My Technology Venture

This course highlights venture practice and the importance of self-reflection. You can develop a stronger grasp of what you can do with an entrepreneurship degree.

Technology Entrepreneurship

Striking at the core of this program’s intent, you can develop the knowledge and abilities that can help you turn business ideas into functioning enterprises.

Entrepreneurship

Seminar in Entrepreneurship

This seminar offers crucial context early in the degree path. It connects you with entrepreneurs who share their experiences starting and growing their ventures.

Creativity and Business Innovation

This class helps you build innovative mindsets. You'll focus on developing creative skills and habits in the context of solving problems.

Pro-Seminar

You can use this opportunity to work in small groups with fellow student entrepreneurs. As a group, you'll research topics and complete work tied to your specific interests. This is an opportunity to learn more about potential careers with an entrepreneurship degree.

Business

Understanding the Enterprise

This course focuses on the core functions of innovative and technology-focused businesses. You can learn how such companies operate and interact with one another.

Business Statistics

You can gain valuable context around probability, hypothesis testing and regression analysis through this course.

Funding the Enterprise

Accounting, valuation, planning and other important concepts are foundational for entrepreneurs. You'll focus on financial resource management techniques used by successful U.S. companies.

Introduction to International Business

The global economy is increasingly interconnected. In this course, you'll learn how companies can work together in the context of regulatory, operational and cultural differences.

Leadership

Leading the Enterprise

This course focuses on leadership strategies and development. You can apply leadership development practices to topics ranging from technology management to globalization.

Innovation Management

Innovation is at the core of what makes many startups successful. You can expect to learn about the relationship between and management of resources, organization and planning.

Potential careers with an entrepreneurship degree

Entrepreneurial careers may begin with established companies and startups. Though, those holding this type of degree can always choose to start their own venture.

Even when focused on a specific field such as technology, graduates with this degree have many opportunities in the professional world. 

Potential positions include:

• Management: You can put your leadership and business talents to use.
• Marketing and sales: The degree’s holistic approach to education allows you to interact with customers, troubleshoot problems and develop an in-depth knowledge of your organization’s offerings.
• Research and development: This leverages your technological knowledge base and your drive to realize new and powerful ideas.

Entrepreneurs may also join new, growing enterprises. This opportunity helps you build valuable experience with the structure and operations of an entrepreneurial venture. You can do so without making a significant personal investment in the company. 

If you take this path, you won’t be the final decision-maker or individually guide the organization’s mission. However, you can take on leadership roles that make meaningful contributions in those areas.

Entrepreneurs have the option to start their own ventures, too. You can take a concept you believe in and follow the steps necessary to build it into a functional business. Careful consideration of the initial idea and strong development processes are vital for success. There is always an element of risk involved.

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development reported conditions are favorable for new ventures across much of the developed world. The number of new enterprises is higher than it has been for more than a decade, including in the U.S.

In all cases, you need an educational foundation that prepares you for these careers with an entrepreneurship degree. A program that emphasizes core competencies of business, technology, entrepreneurship and leadership is valuable. A curriculum that includes individual and group work with students across business-focused academic disciplines should also be a priority. This approach prepares you for business situations in which you must interact with many different stakeholders.

Is an entrepreneurship degree worth it?

For many, yes. It’s true that entrepreneurs throughout history have led in their field without a specialized degree. These entrepreneurs range from Amadeo Peter Giannini who founded Bank of America to Steve Wozniak of Apple. As Entrepreneur Magazine points out, degrees may help changemakers break through barriers in their careers. It'll also be instrumental in mastering skills and talents.

Finding the right entrepreneurship degree program gives you the educational background and initial experience needed to start your career in this space. Whether you’re interested in working for an established company, startup or your own enterprise, ASU offers an online entrepreneurship degree through a collaboration between the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering and W. P. Carey School of Business that addresses your needs.The Bachelor of Science in technological entrepreneurship and management prepares you for the many demands entrepreneurs face in the modern business world.

Sources:

ASU Online – Online Technological Entrepreneurship & Management Degree (BS)
ASU Online – Technological Entrepreneurship and Management, BS
Entrepreneur.com - Is College Degree Relevant to Entrepreneurs?
OECD - Entrepreneurship At a Glance Highlights 2018