Essential Information
Online entrepreneurship courses and programs are offered more frequently by state and private universities than by vocational schools. Programs are available through both extension departments and business departments of several schools.
Training can be found in the form of certificate and bachelor's degree programs or merely a sequence of classes at the undergraduate or graduate level. Some of the programs require previous education, while others are open to all who are interested. Online degree programs in entrepreneurship may be found as hybrid or blended programs, in which students are required to perform some coursework on campus. Other programs can be completed entirely online.
California State University - Dominguez Hills
Requiring neither business experience nor a college degree, the certificate program in entrepreneurship: start-up and business owner management is designed to help anyone starting or operating a small business. Topics include business planning, finding financing, legal issues for businesses and buying or selling a business. The course's 12 modules should take about 360 hours over six months to complete. Many advantages common to vocational schools are found here: reasonable tuition, online access, few prerequisites and non-competitive admission.
University of Massachusetts - Amherst
Through the online sustainable entrepreneurship program offered through its University Without Walls program, UMass Amherst helps adults complete a bachelor's degree online in sustainable entrepreneurship with a concentration in small business development, sustainable food systems, sustainable agriculture, holistic health or green building. This is a blended program; students must complete some coursework on campus in Amherst, MA.
University of Colorado - Denver
The Bard Center for Entrepreneurship at UC Denver offers six online courses in aspects of entrepreneurial ventures as part of its graduate-level online entrepreneurship program. Aimed at people with a business baccalaureate degree, the classes look at creating new business concepts, designing and managing a start-up, legal issues, leadership, financial management and corporate entrepreneurial innovations. Undergraduate transcripts are required for enrollment in a course.
Free Online Resources
- Virginia Commonwealth University's Start-Up USA offers many free resources for the entrepreneur, aimed particularly at people with disabilities.
- The government-funded Job Accommodation Network offers personalized consulting to individuals with disabilities; other resources are available to everyone.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration also offers several free online training courses for business owners.
Individuals looking for training in entrepreneurship can choose to pursue online programs at various universities, including the University of Colorado and California State University. Programs in the field are available at the certificate, bachelor's and graduate levels.
