Entrepreneurship Graduate Certificate Programs

Updated: Nov 29, 2024

We are in an age of entrepreneurship. The economic downturn of 2008 and the pandemic of 2020 both accelerated startup businesses. Whether starting cottage industries or looking to be the next big thing in tech, everyone needs basic entrepreneurial skills. There is also a massive uptake in organizations that advise small businesses.

An online Entrepreneurship Graduate Certificate may be helpful for some start-ups who need to escalate their skills quickly and don't have the time or resources for trial-and-error learning. It's also an excellent addition for business graduates wanting a more hands-on career.

What Are the Online Entrepreneurship Graduate Certificate Requirements?

Considering an online entrepreneurship graduate certificate? Schools in the U.S. will ask for some of the following prerequisites:

A minimum bachelor's degree GPA of at least 3.0
A master's degree in a relevant business subject
Both qualifications must be from accredited institutions; the school will require official transcripts
Students from non-English-speaking countries must have full certification for English language proficiency: PTEA, TOEFL, and IELTS. Some may accept ELS 112
Letters of recommendation – usually two, but some may request three. These should be from academic tutors and professors, though employer references may also be accepted
The application fee
A personal goal statement or essay

What Types of Classes Are Included in the Online Entrepreneurship Graduate Certificate Curriculum?

Entrepreneurship graduate certificates are made up of mandatory and elective courses and can often be completed in a year or less. While exact titles differ between schools, the following list is an example of the type of courses you will be expected to take:

Entrepreneurship Creativity & Innovation Skills
Entrepreneurial Feasibility & Planning Skills
Capstone Project: Business Plan
Micro Ventures
Global Entrepreneurship
Strategies for Entrepreneurship: Operational, Legal, Financial
Social Entrepreneurship & Non-Profit Ventures
Applied Entrepreneurship
Accounting & Finance for Entrepreneurship
Leadership for Entrepreneurs
Ethics for Entrepreneurs
Marketing Skills for Entrepreneurs
Professional Sales Skills
Customer Relationship Skills for Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurship Without Borders

What Type of Careers Can I Pursue with an Online Entrepreneurship Graduate Certificate?

Entrepreneurship graduate certificates are hugely flexible, offering career options in the following ways:

Startups: Your business, your way. You can create your startup with an entrepreneurship graduate certificate and take it in any direction.
Startup Advisor/Consultant: If helping businesses aligns more with your interests, you can help businesses grow. Work as an independent advisor or with a finance company like a retail bank.
Mid-level Manager: Entrepreneurship qualifications aren't just for entrepreneurs. They set you up for responsible job roles in big businesses.
B2B Sales: Sales can be an excellent avenue for entrepreneurs. When selling B2B, cold, hard facts matter more than gloss. With your background, you could work selling business to business.
Research & Development: This business area is not just about technical skills. You also need to understand user needs – both B2B and B2C. Your mindset is ideal in an R&D department.