5 helpful degrees to be an entrepreneur

At a glance

• Entrepreneurship typically focuses on launching or running a new business, putting an emphasis on critical business, marketing and finance skills.
• An accounting degree, a business degree and a business management degree are just a few options that can be helpful for people interested in entrepreneurial work.
• In addition to a business-related degree, it can be helpful to pursue a non-degree certificate or two to supplement your entrepreneurial skills.
• Learn more about online business degrees from University of Phoenix!

Starting your own business can be a great way to take control of your career, set your own hours and potentially make a good income. That said, success takes more than just a good product or service.

Entrepreneurs need to be able to wear many hats, from marketing and sales to accounting and HR. They also need to be able to think outside the box, take risks and adapt to change. Those who are interested in becoming an entrepreneur can benefit significantly from a college education.

A wide variety of degrees may be helpful for people interested in entrepreneurship, including business, marketing, management and accounting. Each of these degrees can help entrepreneurs develop skills to start and run a business. If you’re thinking about starting your own business, consider getting an entrepreneurship degree in one of the following five helpful disciplines.

1.   Accounting degree

An accounting degree, such as a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, is helpful for entrepreneurs in several ways. First and foremost, it teaches you how to keep track of your finances and make sound financial decisions for your business.

Additionally, an accounting degree can give you the skills you need to prepare tax documents and understand tax laws. Taxes can be complex, and you’ll need to be able to navigate them to keep your business compliant. Finally, an accounting degree can help you understand financial statements and use them to make decisions about pricing, investments and more. It also provides skills necessary for tax preparers.

2.   Business degree

A business degree is another useful option for entrepreneurs. A business degree teaches you skills to understand how businesses operate, how to think strategically and how to make sound decisions for your business. This includes understanding financial statements, marketing techniques and human resources management.

Likewise, a business degree can help you develop leadership skills. You need to be able to motivate and inspire others to get them on board with your vision. Fortunately, many different business degrees are available, so you can find one that matches your interests and goals.

For example, there’s a Bachelor of Science in Business for more general business skills or a Bachelor of Science in Business with a Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship Certificate for those who want to focus on running their own business. In addition, plenty of online business degree programs are available for those who want the flexibility to study from home.

3.   Business management degree

A business management degree is another excellent option, as it covers a broad range of topics, including finance, operations, marketing and change management. As such, it can give you skills to run every aspect of your business.

In addition, a business management degree can help you develop critical skills like decision-making, problem-solving and project management. These are essential skills for entrepreneurs because they need to make quick decisions, solve problems as they arise and keep projects on track.

Moreover, business management degrees are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels with degrees like a Bachelor of Science in Management or a Master of Management so you can choose the right program.

4.   Business administration degree

Another all-encompassing major, a business administration degree, can give entrepreneurs the skills to handle managerial duties, understand financial statements, make sound investment decisions and market their businesses.

In addition, a business administration degree can help entrepreneurs develop skills like critical thinking, problem-solving and communication. These skills are essential for anyone in a leadership position because they need to think critically about problems and communicate effectively.

Students have a variety of business administration degrees to choose from, including a Bachelor of Business Administration or a Master of Business Administration, among others.

5.   Communication degree

Pursuing a communication degree offers a host of benefits for entrepreneurs. First, it can help you develop writing, public speaking and active listening skills. These skills are essential for entrepreneurs because they must communicate their vision clearly and persuasively.

A communication degree can also help you hone your negotiation skills. Entrepreneurs often negotiate with suppliers, partners and investors. Being able to do so effectively can mean the difference between a successful business venture and a failed one.

Some communication degrees that may interest entrepreneurs are a Bachelor of Science in Communication or a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication.

How do you become an entrepreneur?

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to entrepreneurship. The best way to become an entrepreneur is to gain a combination of education, experience and skills. You can do so by pursuing a degree or certificate in entrepreneurship or business, interning at a startup, taking on leadership roles in organizations and continuing your education through professional development courses.

Moreover, there are a few different ways to become an entrepreneur, such as:

• Starting a business from scratch: This involves coming up with a business idea and then putting together the necessary financing, marketing and operational plans.
• Purchasing an existing business: Purchasing an existing business or franchise can be less risky than starting a new business but requires significant planning and investment.
• Joining a startup company: Joining a startup is a great way to get experience and learn how to run a business from the ground up.

Regardless of your path, remember that entrepreneurship takes hard work, dedication and determination. That being said, it can be rewarding, both personally and professionally.

Earn a business degree from University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix offers several business degrees that help students learn foundational skills to succeed in a variety of career paths. Whether you’re looking to build the fundamentals of entrepreneurship or wanting to expand an existing skill set, there’s a degree program for you.

Here are some of the business degree programs at University of Phoenix:

Associate of Arts with a concentration in Business Fundamentals — Understanding the fundamentals of business can help prepare students for entry-level positions such as administrative manager and office manager.

Bachelor of Science in Accounting Degree — Learn how accounting principles and financial information can be used to benefit a business. Prepare for roles as an accountant, auditor and more.

Bachelor of Science in Business — Preparing students with skills for work as business managers, operations managers and more, this degree program helps develop an in-depth understanding of how to address business needs.

Bachelor of Science in Communication — Equip yourself with the writing and communication skills to share a great idea with a broad audience.  

Master of Business Administration — For those looking to elevate their business skills and take on greater leadership roles, this program is for you. Learn how to develop strategies to foster innovation and facilitate change in a dynamic business environment.

Master of Management — From communication and leadership skills to operations and strategic planning, the lessons learned in this program are important for running a complex business operation.

Doctor of Business Administration — It’s one thing to succeed in business, it’s another to push the field into new territory. Advance your understanding of business administration with this online doctoral program.