Business Administration vs. Entrepreneurship Degrees

Choosing a career path can be challenging but also fun. There are a few differences between business administration and entrepreneurship degrees. Which one is right for you?

You have decided to pursue a business degree, but you are unable to decide between a business administration or entrepreneurship degree.

Your goals and how you want to achieve them are the determining factors. The following is some information that can help you in your decision-making process.

What is a Business Administration Degree

The skills needed to successfully run and grow a business are provided to students through a business administration degree.

Students will be taking courses that include:

  • accounting
  • finance
  • human resources
  • information technology
  • marketing.

These professionals also learn how to communicate effectively. They are taught how to share ideas, give feedback, persuade others, create informative presentations, and train others.

Business administrators frequently work in teams and on several collaborative projects. This may be hard for some people, but it is a crucial part of business and its success.

What is an Entrepreneurship Degree

An entrepreneurship degree is a specialized degree that teaches students how to develop and grow a business.

While pursuing their degree, individuals will be taught how to build a business plan, attract investors, execute a business idea, and run a small business.

Individuals will also learn skills such as innovation, leadership, and business strategies.

Students will also learn the foundational skills in development, marketing, and management in preparation for entering positions such as product management, c-level management, and business ownership.

What is the Difference

Business administration focuses more on the day-to-day tasks of managing and operating an organization or a business.

While entrepreneurship focuses on starting and growing a company from the idea to the company.

It is the responsibility of the entrepreneur to identify an opportunity and then take on the risk of the new venture.

While entrepreneurs have creativity, innovation, leadership, and risk-taking skills, business administrators have strong management, leadership, and organizational skills.

Business administrators work for a company, while entrepreneurs control the company.

Business Administration with an Entrepreneurship Concentration

Due to the need for an entrepreneur to know the ins and outs of business, entrepreneurs must learn the business administration side. That is why most entrepreneurial programs are a concentration within a business administration degree program.

There are several types of degree programs with an entrepreneurship concentration. These programs range from business administration with an entrepreneurship minor to a Bachelor of Science in business administration with an entrepreneurship concentration.

There are a few institutes of higher education that offer Bachelor of Science in entrepreneurship degrees.

While other programs consist of undergraduate or graduate certificates in entrepreneurship.

How to Choose Between Business Administration and Entrepreneurship

This depends on the goals, personality, and skills of the individual pursuing the degree.

If you desire more job security with a sense of predictability in schedule and tasks, then business administration is right for you. Entrepreneurship is your best bet if you are more of a risk-taker and okay with uncertainty.

Sometimes introverts prefer the entrepreneur's role as they will be behind the scenes creating. While business administrators are wheeling and dealing, they tend to be more extroverted.

Careers for Business Administration Degree Holders

A business degree with such a broad scope lends itself to many different options. There are many careers for business administration majors.

Potential career paths include:

  • accounting
  • business analyst
  • cybersecurity
  • human resources
  • marketing
  • operations management
  • project management

Careers for Entrepreneurship Degree Holders

While most entrepreneurs seek to start their own businesses, but life may provide obstacles, and an individual may need to obtain an alternative position.

Alternative positions include:

  • business consultant
  • chief executive officer
  • financial advisor
  • fundraising manager
  • marketer
  • management consultant
  • recruiter
  • sales development representative

Degree Programs

Below are three nationally accredited online universities offering business administration and entrepreneurship programs.

1. DeVry University

Meeting the challenges of a global high-tech marketplace, DeVry University offers several degree options in business. These options range from an associate degree in business to various bachelor's, master's, and graduate certificate programs.

DeVry offers a Bachelor of Science in business administration general degree and various concentrations, including small business management and entrepreneurship.

DeVry prepares individuals for the workplaces of tomorrow with backgrounds in communication, accounting, marketing, human resources, and more to propel their careers.

2. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)

With a wide selection of online business degrees, Southern New Hampshire University has a variety of programs to prepare students for various roles in business.

It also teaches future business leaders how to understand and manage conflict, organizational behavior, and strategic management.

SNHU has degrees ranging from associate to master's degrees, including a Bachelor of Business Administration in entrepreneurship.

The program has several online start dates throughout the year and has eight-week terms. Courses vary based on which degree program a student chooses.

3. Strayer University

Offering online business programs starting on the associate level through graduate certificates in business, Strayer University has a program to fit the various needs of its students.

Strayer has several bachelor programs in business administration, including a Bachelor of Business Administration in entrepreneurship.

All business students will learn leadership skills and ethical practices to grow and maintain a business or organization. Strayer offers several start dates throughout the year.

Examine Your Choices and Make a Decision

Whether an individual wants to start a business or maintain one there is a program for you. Examine your talents, skills, and programs to help you be successful.