Key takeaways
- There are several key differences between an entrepreneurship and a business degree as highlighted in this guide “entrepreneurship degree vs business degree”.
- An entrepreneurship degree focuses on how to launch and scale a business, whereas a business degree focuses on various aspects of business management.
- If you value a hands-on learning format, an entrepreneurship program is the right one for you. But if you value theoretical learning, a business degree might be a better fit.
- Both programs teach highly valuable transferable job skills that lead to high-paying job opportunities.
- Marketing Managers earn an average annual salary of over $160,000, making it one of the highest-paying jobs entrepreneurship or business graduates can pursue.
- Business degrees offer a broader range of specializations as compared to entrepreneurship programs.
- Both programs have much to offer and the answer for which is better depends largely on your career aspirations.
As per the latest Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Report, entrepreneurial activity in the United States in 2024 returned to its all time high of 19% as reached in 2022. However, the same report also highlights the rise in the fear of failure among respondents. Nearly 49% claim they would not start a new business fearing it might fail, which is a significant increase from 44% published in 2022.
So, what combats the fear of failure? Education! Entering the field after obtaining a formal education can alleviate some of the fears and many of the unknowns. But which degree is best for entrepreneurship? Here, we put two of the most popular choices against each other, entrepreneurship degree vs business degree, to determine which is better.
What is an entrepreneurship degree?
An entrepreneurship degree focuses specifically on developing the skills and knowledge needed to launch and manage a new business venture. The program is specifically designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs develop the competencies needed to launch a business venture or secure job opportunities in organizations that help aspiring entrepreneurs do so.
Which is what makes it a great option for those who plan to start their own business sometime down the line. An entrepreneurship degree not only prepares students for an entrepreneurial career, but also high-paying jobs that they can pursue to build experience before launching a business.
What does an entrepreneurship degree entail?
You can pursue a degree in entrepreneurship at different levels, from an associate to a PhD. The range of topics covered in undergraduate programs will vary from those covered in advanced degrees. At the undergraduate level, you will undertake a variety of courses covering the following topics:
- Opportunity recognition
- Creation of a business plan
- Risk management
- Innovation
- Financing for startups
- Small business management
- Networking and collaboration
- Startup growth and scaling
Moreover, entrepreneurship programs offer a wealth of opportunities, including mentorship from industry leaders, networking, pitching competitions, collaborations, and so much more. Essentially, you will be encouraged to think creatively, find innovative business ideas, work on them, create comprehensive business plans, and chart a path to bring your idea to life.
What can you do with an entrepreneurship degree?
An entrepreneurship degree essentially teaches you all you need to know about launching, managing, and scaling a business. Here, you will learn a wide range of skills from business management, market analysis, financial planning, financial management, accounting, human resource management, and so much more.
All of these skills make you eligible for a wide range of job opportunities, some of which are mentioned below.
| Job title | Average annual salary |
| Management Analyst | $101,190 |
| Financial Analyst | $101,350 |
| Marketing Manager | $161,030 |
| Strategy and Operations Manager | $114,785 |
| Corporate Communication Manager | $120,048 |
| Product Manager | $102,923 |
Related: Find jobs you can get with an entrepreneurship degree
What is a business degree?
A business degree focuses on developing the skills and competencies needed to manage an established business. We use the term ‘established business’ here to draw a clear distinction between the two programs. Moreover, there are different types of business degrees you can pursue, namely business administration (BBA), business management, business development, business studies, international business, or a simple Bachelor of Business.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, business degrees are often cited as one of the most popular programs in the United States. One major reason for their popularity is the flexibility and wide range of concentration areas, such as marketing, finance, accounting, communications, and so on. You can pursue a business degree at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and even doctoral levels.
Related: Complete guide to getting a business communications degree
What does a business degree entail?
A business degree features an extensive curriculum covering business fundamentals. The core focus of the program is to build competencies in different areas within the broader business management category. These skills include analytical, managerial, and other versatile skills.
Of course, the curriculum will vary depending on your concentration track and exact program. However, you will take courses covering the following topics:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Marketing
- Management
- Economics
- Business Ethics
- Business Law
- Operations
- Project Management
You can also pursue stand alone degrees in the majority of sub-fields within the business field.
What can you do with a business degree?
After graduating with a business degree, you can explore a world of career opportunities in the field of business. Generally, students choosing a concentration track tend to seek job opportunities in their chosen niche area. Here are some opportunities business degree graduates can explore:
| Job Title | Average annual salary |
| Human Resource Specialist | $63,169 |
| Financial Analyst | $101,350 |
| Project Manager | $100,750 |
| Marketing Manager | $161,030 |
| Business Development Manager | $87,329 |
| Account Manager | $73,620 |
Entrepreneurship degree vs business degree – Key differences between the two
Both programs may appear strikingly similar at a glance. In fact, both business and entrepreneurship programs cover business fundamentals and management principles. Students enrolled in both programs will undertake courses in business fundamentals, management, finance, accounting, human resources, economics, and more.
However, the two programs differ when it comes to the core focus and learning takeaways of the program. Here, we highlight the differences between the two.
| Entrepreneurship vs business | |
| Entrepreneurship | Business |
| Focuses on how to start and scale new business ventures. | Focuses on business management and operations, primarily of established businesses. |
| Program format includes hands-on learning through projects, competitions, and more. | The program format includes a heavy focus on theoretical classes and case study examinations. |
| Encourages risk-taking and flexibility in operations | Encourages risk aversion and risk management, emphasizing structured management |
| Prepares students for leadership, innovation, and startup success | Prepares graduates for corporate roles |
| Specialization areas include Leadership, Global Entrepreneurship, Social Responsibility in Entrepreneurship, and more. | Specialization areas include Entrepreneurship, Financial Management, Marketing, Project Management, Accounting, HR, and more. |
| The capstone project includes creating a viable business plan for launching a startup/prototype development. | The capstone project includes a strategic analysis of the market, an existing business, or so on. |
Theory vs practice – the main difference between business and entrepreneurship programs!
One key difference between the business and entrepreneurship programs is in the learning format. A business program emphasizes theoretical learning through detailed cases study analysis to learn how businesses operate. Here, you will develop a deeper understanding of st rategic planning, managing large teams, understanding complex systems and taking data-backed decisions.
An entrepreneurship program emphasizes learning through doing. If you value a more hands-on learning approach and are seeking a program where you are forced to find solutions, an entrepreneurship program is the one for you. Here, you will need to think for yourself, bring out the innovator in you, create business plans and pitch your business ideas, compete with your classmates, and more to learn entrepreneurship.
Which is better? Business or entrepreneurship?
Truth be told, there is no right answer to this question. Both programs offer a wholesome learning experience and teach graduates valuable skills. After graduation, graduates from either program enter the job market with highly valuable skills making them eligible for a variety of corporate jobs. And of course, entrepreneurship degree graduates have the skills and knowledge needed to launch a business venture.
When both programs are so valuable and have so much to offer, it is only natural to wonder which is a better option. If you are an aspiring college student confused between the two, this section is for you. Instead of comparing entrepreneurship vs business to come to a conclusion as to which is better, ask yourself what career path you want to pursue.
Who is a business degree ideal for?
A business degree is ideal for:
- Individuals aspiring to pursue a corporate career.
- If you value job security.
- Those aspiring to pursue high-paying job opportunities.
- Individuals who value a structured organization with clear job roles and incentives.
- Value a set monthly income and stability.
Who is an entrepreneurship degree ideal for?
An entrepreneurship degree is ideal for those who:
- Aspire to start their own business
- Prefer to work for themselves rather than for someone else in a large corporation
- Are willing to put in additional working hours
- Love problem-solving and bridging market gaps
- Value driving a positive impact more than obtaining a promotion
Which program wins? It depends on you!
In the battle of entrepreneurship degree vs business degree, neither emerges as victorious. Both are excellent programs and equip graduates with transferable skills. Graduates with a business or entrepreneurship degree are eligible for a variety of high-paying corporate jobs. However, there is always a program that is better suited to your career aspirations.
Before you enroll in a program, make sure you give your future career goals careful thought. If you are looking for the best of both worlds, consider a business entrepreneurship program.
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