Exploring the benefits of majoring in entrepreneurship

Key takeaways about an entrepreneurship major

• An entrepreneurship major helps you learn how to start and grow businesses.
• Courses focus on innovation, leadership, finance, and strategy.
• Popular pairings include business, marketing, and economics.
• Career paths range from startup founder to corporate strategist.
• Entrepreneurship majors can explore scholarships through Sallie.

So, what is an entrepreneurship major?

Think of an entrepreneurship major as a guide to building ideas into real businesses. It’s about learning how to spot opportunities, take smart risks, and bring people and resources together. Unlike a general business degree, entrepreneurship puts the focus on creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on experience.

Entrepreneurship degree vs. business degree

Both degrees teach you the language of business, but the paths diverge. A business degree is broad, covering management, marketing, and finance. An entrepreneurship degree goes deeper into how to launch startups, create new products, and lead innovation. If you see yourself building something from scratch—or reinventing how companies work—entrepreneurship could be your lane.

Key courses and specializations for entrepreneurship majors

Expect classes that sharpen both your analytical and creative sides. Common courses include:

• Principles of entrepreneurship

• Venture finance and fundraising

• Marketing strategy for startups

• Innovation and product development

• Business law and ethics

Some schools also offer specializations like social entrepreneurship, tech ventures, or family business management.

Common double majors or minors to pair with an entrepreneurship major

Pairing entrepreneurship with another focus can make you stand out. Popular combinations include:

• Marketing: Learn how to position and promote your ideas.

• Economics: Build a stronger foundation in market forces.

• Computer science: Perfect for tech startup dreams.

• Communications: Boost your storytelling and networking skills.

Skills I’ll build as an entrepreneurship major

This isn’t just about textbooks—it’s about real-world skills you’ll carry with you:

• Problem-solving and critical thinking

• Leadership and teamwork

• Financial literacy and budgeting

• Creativity and innovation

• Networking and pitching ideas

Top career paths for entrepreneurship majors

The cool thing? Your career can be as unique as you are. Some paths include:

• Startup founder or co-founder

• Product manager

• Business consultant

• Venture capitalist or investor analyst

• Corporate innovation strategist

Salary potential for entrepreneurship majors

Earnings can vary since entrepreneurship isn’t a one-size-fits-all career. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, management analysts earn a median salary of over $99,000, while marketing managers and financial managers can earn six figures. Entrepreneurs who launch successful ventures may earn even more—but keep in mind there’s also risk involved.

Is entrepreneurship right for me?

Ask yourself: Do you get excited by big ideas? Are you comfortable with some uncertainty? Do you thrive when you’re solving problems or leading a team? If so, an entrepreneurship degree might be a strong fit. If you prefer a more structured path, a business degree might feel more comfortable.

Notable schools for entrepreneurship majors

Some standout programs include:

• Babson College

• University of Southern California (Marshall School of Business)

• University of Michigan (Ross School of Business)

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan School of Management)

• Indiana University (Kelley School of Business)

Use Scout College Search to explore more schools offering entrepreneurship majors.

Finding scholarships for entrepreneurship majors

Paying for college is no small thing, but the good news is there are scholarships created specifically for entrepreneurship students. You can start by exploring scholarships by major, and then use tools like Scholly Scholarships to match with opportunities that fit your background and interests. Don’t forget to apply to options that are quick and simple, like the No Essay Scholarship. You can also go directly to scholarships for entrepreneurship majors. The key is to start early, apply often, and keep your applications organized—small wins can add up fast.