Clicky

The 10 Best Online Associates in Entrepreneurship

Best Online Associates in Entrepreneurship - featured image

In 2020, there was a record-high number of new businesses that opened! With the continued growth of e-commerce, there are significantly more business opportunities for entrepreneurs and retailers. If you’re planning to start your own business or a career in the corporate world, take the first step through a degree in entrepreneurship.

With online entrepreneurship degree programs, you’ll be able to learn the ins and outs of company funding, business development, and operations management. You’ll also be able to acquire the skills to stand out in the competitive business world. Aside from starting a business, you may pursue managerial roles or become a project management professional. The opportunities are endless!

Related Rankings:


An Additional Resource: What career and salary can I have with an online Bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship?


Methodology

Nurture your entrepreneurial mind! Begin your Entrepreneurship associate’s degree journey that will catapult you to academic and career success!

We rounded up today’s leading online Associate in Entrepreneurship programs offered by the most reputable schools across America. Each degree has these distinctive academic features:

  • Awarded as an Associate in Entrepreneurship degree, with fully online or blended coursework that is on par with traditional Entrepreneurship programs,
  • Focuses on core Entrepreneurial theories, concepts, and applications, featuring business and management fundamentals, accounting principles, customer service, selling and sales, and business economics,
  • Allows for a smooth transition to the Entrepreneurship bachelor’s program,
  • Facilitated through a convenient learning platform, particularly a Learning Management System, making it easy to access associate-level coursework, attend virtual lessons, and communicate with professors,
  • Successful entrepreneurs and small business owners as professors, imparting academic expertise in the field of Entrepreneurship, as well as applicable real-life lessons they learned from their own businesses to students,
  • Features federal aid programs, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid for qualified associate degree students,
  • Obtained proper accreditation from a relevant colleges and schools commission or academic organization, proving compliance with the ruling academic standards,
  • Well-recognized by, and affiliated with, Entrepreneurship associations and industry groups,
  • Constantly gets positive reviews from Entrepreneurship majors and alumni.

Check out our Methodology for a closer look at our ranking process.

The 10 Best Online Associates in Entrepreneurship

Northcentral Technical College

North Central Technical College

Prominent Program Features:

Running your own business? Learn the right skills and gain new skills through an Associate’s degree in Small Business Entrepreneurship. Northcentral Technical College is one of the best distance learning institutions to earn your online program, providing various learning resources and student portals.

You’re sure to learn how to develop business plans, run your operations, and create marketing campaigns here. Small business management covers a diverse mix of courses like:

  • Accounting Fundamentals
  • Business Law
  • Management Principles
  • Customer Service
  • Principles of Sales

On top of business courses, you’ll also cover topics in creating social media campaigns and entrepreneurship online. This is helpful since many small businesses use their online media presence for marketing. Additionally, Northcentral has partnered with various universities to allow seamless bachelor’s transfer after finishing the entrepreneurship program.

Did You Know?

If you’re planning to take up various programs, Northcentral Technical College’s Pathway program is a sure way to complete these in a short time. This works by accrediting the courses earned from certificates and diplomas into your degree program. This saves you time and tuition expenses. 


Hudson Valley Community College

Hudson Valley Community College

Prominent Program Features:

Hudson Valley Community College is one of the best business schools to start your career. Earning an online entrepreneurship associate degree here will make your dream business venture a reality. Completing this online program will give you the confidence to run your own small business or pursue managerial roles.

The 63-credit coursework aims to impart entrepreneurial operations, financial management, and marketing lessons. Some of the courses include:

  • Principles of Microeconomics
  • Legal Issues in Entrepreneurship
  • Selling and Sales Management
  • Business Ethics
  • Business Communications

Another business component that you’ll also learn from is Human Resources. With this, you’ll be able to learn about labor statistics and how to train your employees properly. Plus, experience business operations first-hand and learn from experts through an internship program.  

Did You Know?

When you complete Hudson Valley’s entrepreneurship program, you can be a business owner. The curriculum allows you to develop a business throughout your associate’s degree, so by the time you graduate, you’ll have a full-fledged plan ready for investors and business execution.


Seminole State College of Florida

Seminole State College of Florida

Prominent Program Features:

Seminole State College of Florida offers quality programs in business administration, engineering technology, and healthcare services. Its Associate Degree in Entrepreneurship is worth noting since it covers all business basics, plus more!

Learn various entrepreneurial principles, computer applications, and investments in the business world through this 60-credit online program. Some of the required courses are:

  • Business Communications
  • Principles of Managerial Accounting
  • Legal Issues for Small Businesses
  • Opportunity Analysis and Franchising
  • Entrepreneurial Marketing and Professional Selling

Get the chance to take elective courses that suit your interests and career plans. If you’re about to become a global entrepreneur, you may choose International Business Law or Global Management classes. Aside from running your small business, completing this program will help you qualify for roles such as a manager, administrative officer, or certified business analysis professional. 

Did You Know?

In 2020, Seminole State College organized a competition for its students taking up a degree in entrepreneurship. Through Seminole Startup 2020, aspiring entrepreneurs could create and defend business plans to a panel of investors. This surely brought excitement and a lot of learning.


College of Southern Idaho

College of Southern Idaho

Prominent Program Features:

College of Southern Idaho is one of the best academic providers in the northwest. The college offers business programs, student clubs, and benefits geared toward prospective students. Learn essential business skills to operate your business in the comfort of your home through an Associate Degree in Business Management and Entrepreneurship.

Through the program’s extensive training, you’ll gain expertise in operations management, customer relations, and consumer behavior. A degree in entrepreneurship comes with business courses like:

  • Human Relations
  • Retailing and Merchandising Management
  • Non-Profit Management
  • Entrepreneurship Essentials
  • Digital Media Tools

Since finances are vital in keeping a business afloat, future business owners will also learn more about accounting procedures and income tax filing. If you’re interested in holding events, the program also comes with an events management course to provide you with the right training.

Did You Know?

The College of Southern Idaho operates a community pantry for all its students. Gilbert’s Pantry aims to help financially challenged students by providing them with complete meals. Aside from food, students may also request personal toiletries and hygiene products.


North Hennepin Community College

North Hennepin Community College

Prominent Program Features:

Turn your idea into an actual business venture through an online associate in entrepreneurship. North Hennepin Community College is one of the best choices for an online program. Their curriculum is designed to provide extensive knowledge in business planning, operations, and project management.

Gain a sufficient understanding of various theoretical business concepts while enhancing your leadership and communication skills. The online associate degree includes classes in:

  • Financial Accounting
  • Business Computer Systems
  • Consumer Behavior
  • Fundamentals of Public Speaking
  • Principles of Management

The curriculum also emphasizes legal courses to help future business owners understand business laws and policies in the global market. Additionally, the program has a part-time track for working students and adult learners in business and financial occupations. Here, students may follow a pathway of milestone courses taken every semester.

Did You Know?

The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools accredits North Hennepin Community College. This means that the institution has met the academic standards set by different colleges and school commissions for academic providers and is continuously improving.


Christian Leadership University

Christian Leadership University

Prominent Program Features:

Christian Leadership University aims to produce values-centered graduates through its academic degrees. Its Associate of Christian Entrepreneurship integrates Christian values into business principles and practices. The online curriculum explores different business aspects and uses Biblical principles to instill good values in future business owners.

In this associate degree program, you’ll cover principles in entrepreneurship that are effective in managing your own business, as well as leadership techniques and business plan development. Be prepared for a career in the business world through courses like:

  • Developing the Leader Within
  • Anatomy of a Business Plan
  • Cornerstones of Communication
  • New Trends in Management
  • Recordkeeping for the Small Business

If you’re pursuing higher education, the university offers a master’s and a doctorate program in the same field. You’ll need to take up an extra 30 business course credits and an additional 10 credits of ministry work to complete each degree.

Did You Know?

Christian Leadership University believes in the value of teamwork and partnership. That’s why the school rewards online students who enroll in pairs or as a group by giving them a 25% discount on tuition fees. Students need to enroll in the same course simultaneously to qualify.


Forsyth Tech Community College

Forsyth Technical Community College

Prominent Program Features:

Forsyth Tech Community College offers some of the best online associate programs in the country. With over 20 programs, its Associate Degree in Entrepreneurship stands out. Here, you’ll be able to explore different entrepreneurship issues and opportunities while developing the necessary skills to succeed in the business world.

Discuss business taxes, contract management, and what to look for in a franchise agreement. Some of the online courses include:

  • Law for Entrepreneurs
  • Basic PC Literacy
  • Small Business Management
  • Entrepreneur Marketing
  • Innovation and Creativity

Time management is also an important skill to develop, especially when handling a team and dealing with business operations daily. That’s why the program includes topics on properly organizing your schedule and allocating your resources efficiently.

Did You Know?

Forsyth Tech Community College is home to many clubs and student organizations. Some academic-related groups include the Interior Design Club, the Paralegal Association, and the Cyber Security Geeks. There are also recreational ones like the Karate Club and Creative Writing Club.


Genesee Community College

Genesee Community College

Prominent Program Features:

Genesee Community College prides itself on combining theory and practice to produce well-rounded business owners. Its Associate Degree in Entrepreneurship does this through a hybrid online setup. With this program, you’ll be able to cover entrepreneurial concepts and business principles while gaining hands-on experience through international field trips and internships.

Develop an entrepreneurial mindset through diverse general, core, and elective business courses. Be equipped with the right skills through classes such as:

  • Microcomputer Applications
  • Business Law
  • Basic Accounting Principles
  • Public Speaking
  • Principles of Marketing 

Completing this 64-credit program will help you qualify for roles in various fields. You may opt to work in advertising, accounting, or sales. Tech-savvy graduates may go for positions in e-commerce and information technology companies.

Did You Know?

Genesee Community College has a business management laboratory with a display window. This well-lit area helps students practice visual merchandising techniques and exercise their creativity.


Stark State College

Stark State College

Prominent Program Features:

If you’re all about innovation and building start-ups, Stark State College may be the online school you’re looking for. Its entrepreneurship associate degree will improve your organizational skills and develop your foundational knowledge in business methods and economics.

Here, you’ll be able to create business strategies, interpret statistical data, and plan marketing campaigns. Build on your entrepreneurial skills through a comprehensive curriculum, with courses like:

  • Managing Entrepreneurial Growth
  • Human Resource Management
  • Managerial Accounting
  • Business Law and Ethics
  • Principles of Marketing

Additionally, your mentors will help you develop soft skills like leadership, communication, and professionalism to run your business effectively. Take advantage of this fully online 64-credit degree program to become your boss, pursue a partnership, or be a business consultant.

Did You Know?

Stark State College believes in making education accessible to everyone. Aside from offering online classes, the school offers part-time degree programs to online students who can’t take full credit loads every semester. This is perfect for students with jobs or prior responsibilities. 


Southeast Technical Institute

Southeast Technical Institute

Prominent Program Features:

Southeast Technical Institute offers quality programs for online learners. Through its online associate in entrepreneurship, you’ll be able to acquire the right knowledge and skills to run your own business. Here, you’ll also be exposed to how business negotiations work and how you can effectively supervise your team.

Completing this 61-credit associate program will help you sharpen your analytical skills and decision-making abilities to start your own business. Cover courses such as:

  • Principles of Selling
  • Entrepreneurship Communications
  • Foundations of Business
  • Business Law
  • Small Business Management

Additionally, you’ll get to explore various social media channels used in sales and marketing. Learn the fundamentals of human resource and payroll management, which are vital in running a business. The program also emphasizes computer literacy to give you an edge in business.

Did You Know?

Southeast Technical College has covered you if you’re planning on transferring to a four-year program. The school has partnered with advanced collegiate schools to waste time on taking courses you’ve already taken. With this, you’ll be able to transfer associate degree credits conveniently.

Best Online Associates in Entrepreneurship - fact

Additional Resource: The Best Online Schools for Bachelor’s in Entrepreneurship


Frequently Asked Questions

Why earn an Associate degree in Entrepreneurship?

While becoming an entrepreneur takes hard work and experience, getting a degree will help you become well-rounded in business. Most programs come with various courses, providing the necessary knowledge to make sound business decisions and strategize.

Most institutions teach modern concepts and business models you may apply to your business or workplace. Plus, getting mentored by industry experts will help polish your entrepreneurial skills.

What are some of the courses in an Entrepreneurship degree program?

There are several standard courses you’ll find in an entrepreneurship degree program. Here are some of the standard classes you’ll likely be taking:

Entrepreneurship

The degree’s major course touches on topics to produce an effective entrepreneur. Learn how to craft business plans and handle operations while being exposed to marketing concepts and global trends.

Finance

Whether it’s funding, investment, or costs, this course will help you analyze the numbers and translate them into financial statements. This is vital for future business owners since you’ll deal with financial transactions daily.

Business Communication

Effective communication skills are part of leading a team or landing investors successfully. That’s why it’s essential to develop different communication areas like public speaking, composition, and grammar.

Business Law

Because Entrepreneurship prepares students for operating a future business of their own, becoming familiar with business laws and policies is a must. You’ll also get in touch with creating contracts, how to deal with legal issues, and the business requirements prescribed by local entities.

Computer Applications

Utilize spreadsheets, databases, and other software programs vital to business operations. This course usually includes computer lab work so that you can do exercises and hands-on work. 

What does it take to finish an online Associate degree, such as Entrepreneurship?

Taking an online degree takes time, effort, and resources to finish. First, you’ll need to invest in your “gear.” Make sure to get a sturdy personal computer or laptop and an excellent internet connection. These are vital in taking online classes and finishing your schoolwork. You’ll also need to create a schedule that you can follow easily. Studying at home may be challenging since you’ll be prone to distractions. So, it’s best to create a routine and stick to it.

After enrolling in your program, review your school’s online learning resources and platform. Being familiar with these may help you navigate easily, especially when dealing with deadlines. Lastly, it takes a lot of time management skills, patience, and hard work. Completing an associate degree takes around two years, so it’s best always to put your best foot forward, even while attending classes remotely.

How do you save on an online Entrepreneurship associate degree?

With the rising prices of commodities, tuition prices are steadily rising. With an average credit hour cost of $316, online entrepreneurship degrees at the associate level certainly cost less than regular programs. But there are more ways to save on tuition:

Stackable Credits

Some schools may credit those subjects for your associate’s degree if you’ve taken certificate courses before. The same goes for the classes taken in your associate’s program. These may be used when you continue into a 4-year degree program or a master’s.

Tuition Discounts

The most common discount goes to resident students, military personnel, and veterans. Additionally, online institutions give discounted rates when enrolling in multiple programs or group enrollment.

Scholarships

Most online institutions offer scholarship programs and financial aid for qualified students. These may range from full tuition to partial assistance. Most programs have a GPA requirement, so it’s best to consult your school advisor.

Employer Assistance

Some companies offer tuition assistance for employees seeking to further improve their skills through an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Depending on your company’s discretion, this may come in reimbursement or a full scholarship.

What should students look for in online Entrepreneurship associate degrees and schools?

Landing the right business school online takes more than luck. When looking for the perfect institution, it’s best to consider these factors before enrolling:

Extensive Curriculum

Entrepreneurship goes beyond business courses. Make sure the degree program comes with courses that will help you holistically. Look for programs with courses in leadership, communication, and innovation.

Flexibility

It’s best to check the program options first to see what works best for you. If you’re a working student, check if there’s a part-time track where you can adjust the number of credits taken every semester. Check for pathways that’ll put you at an advantage.

School Credentials

Getting accreditation means that the university has passed quality academic standards, so it’s best to consider that. It’s also essential to check on prospective professors, ensuring they are qualified in their respective fields.

Student Services

Many colleges offer a whole list of services for their prospective students. Take the time to review them and see which will truly help you in your online academic journey. Check the school’s online library and try contacting an academic advisor to see their responsiveness.


Take a look:

Rowan Jones
Chief Editor