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Graduate students who want to focus on the many aspects of running a successful business, such as new product development, financing strategies, business design, and e-commerce, should pursue a Doctorate in Entrepreneurship.
This degree will prepare you for success in this challenging economic climate.
Entrepreneurship doctorate programs increase students’ knowledge of various critical elements related to running businesses, managing innovation, and teaching others about entrepreneurship.
One of the most sought-after majors today is Entrepreneurship. This major is best known to prepare students for running a successful business. However, a doctorate teaches you more than just running businesses and managing innovation.
Doctor of Entrepreneurship degrees equip students with skills to compete in today’s challenging economic climate. This advanced degree will deep dive into product development, financing strategies, business design, and e-commerce.
There are a few entrepreneurship doctoral degrees that are available 100% online or hybrid. This list highlights the outstanding features of each accredited college, university, or academic institution’s online program.
Unlike other doctoral programs, there aren’t many online doctorate programs in entrepreneurship because this degree is still relatively new. The eight schools listed below, in random order, offer the best Entrepreneurship doctoral degree available 100% online or hybrid. This list highlights the outstanding features of each accredited college, university, or academic institution’s online program. Each program was individually evaluated. With our list of the best Online Doctor of Entrepreneurship Degrees Colleges, you’ll have access to the country’s top-rated online schools that will teach you the fundamentals of starting a business or working for yourself. These institutions are proud of their business education curricula, which industry leaders teach to provide high-quality training and education. Please check our Methodology page for more details.
List of the Best Online Doctor of Entrepreneurship Degrees
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA
Online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership – Entrepreneurial Leadership
Regent University, a private, nonprofit Christian university, is another of the best online schools in the country, offering an online doctorate in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis on Entrepreneurial Leadership.
The school’s staff will assist students in embracing life as active researchers, from one-on-one support from academic liaison librarians to research training programs. Students will be able to collaborate effectively with their dedicated professional professors.
Students will feel confident that they are engaging with the most recent research in their field through extensive access to online libraries and relevant collections of published papers.
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Program Features:
- The degree must be completed in seven years, and students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00.
- Students are encouraged to drive change, promote entrepreneurship and innovation, and understand the various types of entrepreneurship.
Specialization Courses:
- Ecclesial Leadership
- Human Resource Development
- Individualized Studies
- Organizational Leadership
Admission Requirements:
- Application to Regent University
- Unofficial Transcripts
- Government-issued ID
- Resume
- Leadership Essay or Graduate Degree Paper (with Citations)
Tuition:
- $1,020 per credit hour
Financial Aid:
- Federal Pell Grant
- TEACH Grant
- Stafford Subsidized Loans
What’s Unique About the Program:
The program guarantees a research-based terminal degree with a biblical foundation with one-on-one coaching. It prepares participants to teach organizational leadership at the university level or conduct research with the government, corporations, and research institutes.
Furthermore, this is the only university that provides free access to its Virtual Library and a plethora of other resources.
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ
Doctor of Business Administration: Innovation and Corporate Entrepreneurship
Grand Canyon offers two types of doctorate in entrepreneurship: Quantitative Research and Qualitative Research. Whichever you choose, you’ll develop competencies in Information Systems, Organizational Structure & Sustainability, and Financial Decision-Making.
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
Program Features:
- There are two residencies required
- Requires completion of 60 credit hours
- It’s a hands-on, virtual program that requires students to follow the institution’s pace.
Specialization Courses:
- Quantitative Research
- Qualitative Research
Admission Requirements:
- Accredited Master’s Degree in Business-related fields
- Official College Transcript(s)
Tuition:
- $740 per credit hour
Financial Aid:
- Federal Student Loans
- Pell Grants
- Military Tuition Assistance
What’s Unique About the Program:
GCU’s online DBA in Corporate Entrepreneurship program will help you in the Qualitative Research program, you’ll focus on enhancing your designing, conducting, and reporting skills to solve local business problems. In the Quantitative Research program, you’ll focus on enhancing your research, theory, and application.
Regardless of the concentration you choose, you’ll be immersed in studies from a Christian perspective, emphasizing ethics, dignity, and human values. You’ll be equipped for leadership roles like chief executive, management analyst, consultant, and more upon completion. Additional perks of this online degree include transferable credits, residency options, and great networking opportunities.
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
Organization and Management – Entrepreneurship PhD
Liberty University is a private university with numerous doctoral programs to choose from. Each of their online Ph.D. programs, professional doctorates, and postgraduate degrees is available in an online format, and the majority of them can be completed entirely online. This allows students to remain active in their careers, families, and communities while reaching the pinnacle of academic achievement.
One of their Ph.D. programs is Organization and Management – Entrepreneurship. This rigorous doctoral degree program teaches students how people interact within organizations and how to create the best way to start a business. It has no set log-in times, allowing students to complete their classes at their own pace and schedule.
Accreditation:
- The Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Program Features:
- Organization and management courses, research classes, entrepreneurship studies, and a dissertation sequence are part of the entrepreneurship degree.
- Through Liberty University’s library portal, students have access to a wide range of online resources.
- This degree has an 8-week format with eight different start dates each year.
Specialization Courses:
- Managing the Contemporary Organization
- Leading Organizational Change
- Understanding the Organization
- Risk Management Process & Practice
- Managing Human Resources
- Strategy Formulation & Strategic Thinking
Admission Requirements:
- Admission application
- Application fee
- Official college transcripts
- Proof of English proficiency:
- 8.5 on the TOEFL Essentials test
- 105 on the Duolingo English test
- 80 on the Internet-based TOEFL
- 3.9 on the iTEP
- 6.5 on the IELTS
Tuition:
- $595 per credit hour full-time
- $650 per credit hour part-time
Financial Aid:
- Grants & Loans
- Scholarship
- Federal Work-Study
What’s Unique About the Program:
Student success is their success, which is why they are dedicated to providing high-quality academics at a low tuition rate. Liberty also has one of the most generous transfer credit policies, allowing students to transfer up to 50% of a doctoral degree.
University of Arizona Global Campus
Chandler, AZ
Online Ph.D. in Organizational Development and Leadership
This coed college is primarily a commuter campus located in a vast city in a suburban setting. It provides an online Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Development and Leadership specializing in Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Professionals who want to bring a unique vision to their organization, start their own business, or pursue an academic or research career may benefit from studies at the University of Arizona Global Campus’s Ph.D. in Organizational Development and Leadership with a specialization in Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
This organizational development doctorate will demonstrate students’ ability to assess organizations based on research and evidence.
Students will also improve their ability to predict the consequences of strategic initiatives and organizational change. Then, as they work toward their dissertation, they will take more advanced courses in research, statistics, and measurement.
Accreditation:
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission
- International Accreditation Council for Business Education
Program Features:
- The degree is composed of 62 credit courses. Of the 62 credits, 44 are in major coursework, including classes, research processes, and a dissertation. The remaining 18 credits are completed through the Innovation and Entrepreneurship specialization.
Specialization Courses:
- Theories & Models of Instructional Systems Design
- Leadership & Organizational Cultures
- Advanced Seminar: The Leader as Coach
- Advanced Seminar: Human Resources Business Strategy
- Advanced Topics in Organizational Development & Leadership
- Strategic Talent Development
Admission Requirements:
- Master’s degree with a graduate-level cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Meet the minimum technology requirements, computer skills, abilities, features, system configurations, hardware, and software
- TOEFL or IELTS exam is taken within the past two (2) years. (International students)
- Bachelor’s degree in the primary language of instruction is English. (International students)
- Official College Transcript(s)
Tuition:
- $812.00 per credit hour
Financial Aid:
- Scholarships
- Student loans,
- Grants
- Military benefits
- Payment plan
- Third-party billing option
- Employee tuition savings
What’s Unique About the Program:
Students are taught to be independent by creating development solutions and evaluating them using human performance technology as part of their Ph.D. in Organizational Development and Leadership. They will also assess organizational diversity as a competitive advantage.
California Intercontinental University
Irvine, CA
Doctorate of Business Administration – Entrepreneurship & Business Management
California Intercontinental University (CIU) was founded in 2003 and received state approval to grant undergraduate and graduate degrees in 2005. CIU now offers a fully online Doctor of Business Administration – Entrepreneurship & Business Management degree.
CalUniversity’s online programs have flexible scheduling, allowing students to continue their education whenever their hectic schedules allow.
Accreditation:
- The Distance Education Accrediting Commission, Council for Higher Education Accreditation
Program Features:
- Coursework totals 60 semester credits, including 30 credits of Business Core courses and 15 credits of Entrepreneurship and Business Management Specialization courses.
- It also includes a Comprehensive Competency Assessment and 15 credits of Dissertation courses.
Specialization Courses:
- Case Studies in Global Entrepreneurship
- Exploring Entrepreneurship and Economics
- Financial Entrepreneurial Ventures
- Strategic Entrepreneurship
- Strategic Management: A Global Approach
Admission Requirements:
- Curriculum Vitae or professional resume
- Official transcripts of a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university/institution
- Two-year full-time work experience in the Business Administration field.
Tuition:
- $528 per credit
Financial Aid:
- Federal Student Loans
- Pell Grants
- Military Tuition Assistance
What’s Unique About the Program:
This program benefits students who seek a doctoral program in the most convenient way possible. As it can be completed in as little as two years, this program is the quickest DBA in entrepreneurship!
And while the degree is brief, it serves as a breeding ground for more potent and better business leaders. Students will gain world-class skills in business management, consulting application architecture, and enterprise architecture.
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN
Online Entrepreneurship: Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Walden University is a for-profit institution that provides online education. Walden is part of a global network and primarily focuses on adult and graduate education. Ninety-one percent of students are satisfied overall, and more than 85 percent of graduates would recommend Walden.
The university recently launched an online DBA in Entrepreneurship for professionals who want to make a difference in the world through their businesses.
The coursework emphasizes both writing and critical thinking skills. It should be noted that two four-day residencies are required despite the coursework being completed online.
Students must gain the academic approval of independent evaluators, including their committee, the Institutional Review Board, and the University Research Reviewer, to graduate with a doctorate from Walden.
Accreditation:
- The Higher Learning Commission
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Program Features:
- Students should complete a minimum of 49 credits, which up to 17 transfer credits can reduce.
- Doctoral studies, consulting capstones, and portfolio capstones are all possible capstone options. The traditional doctoral capstone is doctoral study, whereas the other two options have limited slots, and the student must be approved before pursuing them. An interview is required for the consulting capstone.
- Two in-person residencies are required.
Specialization Courses:
- Entrepreneurship
- Healthcare Management
- Human Resource Management
- Leadership
- Self-Designed
Admission Requirements:
- Official transcripts
- Resume showing work history
- Employment history and education history
- Submitted application
Tuition:
Financial Aid:
- Federal Financial Aid
- Transfer Of Credit
- Program-Specific Savings
- Grants And Loans
- Military Savings
- Partnership Savings
- Alumni Referrals
- Alumni Savings
What’s Unique About the Program:
Students have the chance to choose their doctoral research topic and research what interests them. Students are prepared to be competent and well-equipped to respond to the research question.
Furthermore, students are given a previously conducted study to collect comparative data and develop good working relationships with those in charge of that data. They may also require a written legal agreement, so get those details worked out first.
What To Expect From an Online Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship
Doctoral entrepreneurship programs are highly customizable degrees that allow students to select from various courses that closely match their interests and career goals.
Credit Hours and Core Coursework
These degree programs typically require around 60 credits of coursework and include some required courses or doctoral seminars but conclude with elective courses that allow students to explore various topics. Courses that are required or suggested usually focus on research skills and the fundamentals of entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneurship doctoral courses may be divided into sections depending on the program, such as statistics and research methods, entrepreneurship, and management. Students may need to complete courses in strategic management, research methods, statistical methods, entrepreneurship theory and history, entrepreneurship processes, and other topics.
Electives
Some programs provide students with a list of potential electives, whereas others may allow students to select from various subject areas related to entrepreneurship. A student’s dissertation is the focus of the program’s final credit hours.
Students may earn a maximum of 18 credit hours toward their dissertation, depending on the program. This process is typically broken down into steps to assist students in staying on track and completing their program in about four years.
Students are likely to take courses throughout the required curriculum that will help them prepare for their dissertation, such as research practicum courses, research methods courses, or courses in conducting a literature review.
Candidacy and Dissertation
After completing their coursework, students are usually required to take a comprehensive exam for candidacy. Following that, students begin work on their dissertation. Most universities require students to write a dissertation proposal. This allows the student’s dissertation committee to provide feedback on the student’s dissertation ideas and research.
Once approved, students begin collecting and analyzing data and conducting research related to their hypothesis. During the last year or so of the program, students work to write and compile their findings. Finally, once students have completed their dissertation, they must defend it in front of their committee.
Career Options & Salary Outlook for Entrepreneurship Doctoral Graduates
Students with a degree in entrepreneurship have numerous career options, as they can pursue a wide range of business-related careers. Many graduates will become business owners of some kind, but they can also pursue a variety of other professions.
Students interested in management, for example, could work as a business operations manager for an already established organization. Others who want to teach students about entrepreneurship may pursue a career as a business teacher.
On the other hand, others may be interested in using their business knowledge to help other businesses grow and work in the consulting field, such as becoming a business strategy consultant. Here are just a few of the career options available to Ph.D. graduates.
Postsecondary Teacher
The median annual wage for a postsecondary business teacher is $84,380 per year. Overall employment of market research analysts is expected to grow by 8 percent from 2022 to 2032.
What they do:
Postsecondary teachers work for their university or college, where they conduct research and teach various courses in their subject area. They could be in charge of supervising graduate students, advising undergraduates, and serving on school committees. These educators must prepare materials and assessments to teach.
Education Required:
Those with a background in entrepreneurship who want to teach may pursue a career as a postsecondary business teacher. Postsecondary business teachers are typically required to have a doctorate in their field, but a master’s degree may be acceptable for some smaller schools or positions.
It is also critical for these teachers to draw on their own field experience to help students understand what it is like to work in the real world. Some postsecondary teachers will need to hold industry-related credentials, depending on the field and the courses being taught.
Top Executive
The median annual wage for the top executive is $103,840 per year. The employment of top-level executives is expected to grow at 3 percent from 2022 to 2032.
What They Do:
Many entrepreneurship graduates start their businesses or work in high-level management positions within their organizations. The term “top executive” refers to a variety of job titles, such as president, chief executive officer (CEO), director, chief financial officer (CFO), and others.
Top executives, in general, work to improve their organization’s efficiency and effectiveness by planning for long-term objectives.
While specific job duties vary by position, these professionals frequently collaborate with other managers to set goals, develop policies and strategies to achieve these goals and identify areas for improvement. These executives may be in charge of financial operations, general operations, and negotiations.
Education Required:
Although requirements vary by position, most top executives must have a bachelor’s degree and some prior work experience. This work experience is usually in a related field. Depending on the position, top executives may be required to hold additional credentials related to their specific area.
Market Research Analyst
The median annual wage for the market research analyst is $74,680 per year. Overall employment of market research analysts is expected to grow by 13 percent from 2022 to 2032.
What They Do:
Entrepreneurs interested in marketing and identifying market trends and consumer demands may want to become market research analysts. Typically, these analysts must have a bachelor’s degree, but some positions require a master’s degree.
Analysts in market research work to determine what consumers want and how much they are willing to pay for it. They also look at who wants what kind of product or service.
Analysts in market research carefully study market trends and attempt to forecast future trends. By compiling reports, they also assist organizations in determining the effectiveness of their marketing strategies.
Education Required:
These professionals need to have a strong business background, and some may choose to pursue the Marketing Research Association’s voluntary Professional Researcher Certification (PRC) to be more competitive in the field.
Organizations or Associations in Entrepreneurship
Numerous organizations can assist entrepreneurs. Here are a few organizations that are worth looking up:
Business Network International: BNI’s mission is to help its members increase their business through a structured, positive, and professional referral marketing program that will enable them to develop long-term, meaningful relationships with quality business professionals.
The organization has over 240,000 members in approximately 8,500 chapters worldwide. Business Network International is widely regarded as the world’s premier referral organization. BNI member referrals generated $20.01 billion in revenue for their member businesses in 2023.
The Entrepreneurs’ Organization: The Entrepreneurs’ Organization is a global network of over 10,000 business owners in 46 countries exclusively for entrepreneurs.
A group of young entrepreneurs founded the organization in 1987 to enable entrepreneurs to learn and grow from one another, leading to tremendous business success and enriched personal life.
Entrepreneurs’ Organization: Members of EO have been building a global network to serve the entrepreneur’s unique needs since its inception in 1987. This organization now has a presence in over 58 countries.
Designed for entrepreneurs and founders of businesses with annual revenues of more than $1 million, EO offers the opportunity to learn and grow in your business while making connections.
Vistage: A Vistage membership provides diverse perspectives essential for better decision-making using a peer advisory group of 12 – 16 successful CEOs, key executives, and business owners.
Membership allows working through challenges with these experienced peers who’ve faced similar situations and can ask tough questions. There is also the option of working one-on-one with executive coaching and hearing from expert speakers.
Vistage, which has been around for over 60 years, prides itself on being comprehensive and effective in its approach to assisting CEOs in becoming better leaders, making better decisions, and reaping better outcomes.
Young Presidents Organization: This entrepreneurial organization is very similar to the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, except that the revenue requirements for YPO are higher.
Furthermore, you are not required to be the company’s founder, but you must be its current leader. It offers forums and amazing events to those who qualify, namely CEOs of companies with more than $12 million in annual revenue. As a member of YPO, you have incredible networking opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Earn an Online Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship?
Earning an online Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship is a great way to get started with your first business. The degree will prepare you for success. Courses are designed to improve your fundamental understanding of what makes a business run. You will learn how to apply that knowledge in the creation and implementation of actual business plans.
Is an online Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship Worth It?
Entrepreneurship is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the business world. Even ten years ago, it was challenging to find a graduate degree in entrepreneurship. Colleges and universities are now developing cutting-edge entrepreneurship programs that are specifically tailored to our economy.
Online programs are an excellent way to earn your degree flexibly while reaping nearly all of the benefits of an on-campus school without having to relocate or leave your job.
Is an online Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship exclusive to current and aspiring business owners?
A Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship, however, isn’t just for those who want to start a business. It is an excellent choice for students already in business and who want to bring a vision to their organization. This dynamic degree will bring business success whether you are the CEO or an employee.
How Much Does a Doctorate in Entrepreneurship Cost?
Certain factors determine the cost of an online doctorate in entrepreneurship. Because many institutions charge higher tuition for out-of-state students, state residency is an important consideration.
Some schools, however, charge flat tuition for online students regardless of residency. Another important factor is technology fees, which frequently apply to online students but not their brick-and-mortar counterparts.
The cost of an online entrepreneurship doctorate typically ranges from $200 to $1,100 per credit. Total tuition should range between $20,000 and $60,000 for students.
Summary
- Online Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship are relatively new degrees. This advanced degree is mainly pursued by those who want to work in high-level positions, such as business owners, executives, consultants, or educators.
- Students enrolled in these programs expect a rigorous curriculum that includes core courses in entrepreneurship theory, research methodologies, and strategic management. Many programs also require students to complete a dissertation or capstone project.
- Online and hybrid formats offer the flexibility to fit your studies around your schedule so you can keep working full-time while advancing your education. This makes it a great choice for professionals who want to juggle their career and personal life with earning their degree.
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