Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations

Overview

Entrepreneurial and small business operations programs prepare people to manage a small business or franchise.

Entrepreneurial and small business operations programs teach students how to make a business plan and find start-up funds. They also include topics such as:

Business administration
Enterprise planning and entrepreneurship
Small business operations and problems
Personnel supervision
Marketing
Capitalization and investment
Taxation
Business law and regulations
E-commerce

Internships

Many academic programs in this field include an internship so that students can get experience in a small business setting. Internships allow students to develop skills at companies or organizations.

Concentrations

In entrepreneurial and small business operations programs, students may be able to specialize in:

Franchise and franchise operations
Small business administration

Schools

Many community colleges offer associate degree programs in entrepreneurial and small business operations. A certificate program usually takes a year of full-time study. An associate degree program usually takes two years to complete.

Colleges and universities also offer bachelor's degrees in entrepreneurial and small business operations. At some colleges students may focus on this topic within a general business management program. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

Several universities offer graduate degree in entrepreneurial and small business operations. It is also possible to concentrate in entrepreneurial business as part of a Master in Business Administration (MBA) degree. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Accounting
Business and Applied English
Business Math
Entrepreneurship
Introduction to Business
Public Speaking

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores. It is possible to study a business specialization even though your undergraduate major is not business-related. But you should complete courses in accounting, economics, statistics, business law, and management information systems.

Prior work experience in the small business world is very helpful, and may be required for MBA programs.

Additional requirements at some schools include:

Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT)
Letters of recommendation
Interview

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

An associate degree program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

Business Law
Business Software Applications
Business Writing
Developing a Business Plan
Entrepreneurial Finance
Introduction to Accounting
Introduction to Marketing
Principles of Economics
Psychology
Service Management
Small Business Management

A bachelor's degree program covers the same subjects, plus more detail in some areas and more liberal arts courses.

Graduate Program Courses

MBA programs typically cover many of the subjects listed under program courses in the first year. In the second year, you choose subjects in the area where you want to specialize. Often you do an internship between the first and second years. A thesis also may be required.

Things to Know

Business courses in high school can be useful preparation for a career in entrepreneurial and small business administration. Your high school transcript needs to show that you are preparing for a demanding college-level program.

Good skills in writing, speaking, and critical thinking are needed for advancement in the business world.