Hello everyone!!! I need some tips on the best entrepreneurship focused programs. Preferably in the USA, but I will also consider going over to England and Europe. I have been working in IT for a few years, but not really as a manager or anything. I think I would rather focus on entrepreneurship than stay in IT anyway. You know what I mean? Any advice for me?

(Wild) Cat

Hello Cat,

There are really a lot of MBA programs with focus on entrepreneurship in the USA - some of the best business schools offer such programs like NYU(Stern) and Duke University Fuqua School of Business.

To get a complete list, just use the advanced search tool:

http://www.find-mba.com/search

If you find any specific program you like, just ask about it, and you will surely get some replays!

I Think it could be a good idea for you to do an MBA in entrepreneurship while keeping your IT Job - it can later maybe help you to start your own business!

Hello,

Check this out

http://www.entrepreneur.com/topcolleges/grad/0.html

Enjoy !

Interesting List! funny to see, how according to this list, the best places to learn entrepreneurship aren't really highly Ranked schools. i am a bit concerned about this list though, and wouldn't use it as my only criteria for choosing where to do my MBA - the traditional ranking lists are still the best, safest way to asses how good is the MBA program of any given school. you can find some schools in this list that are also highly ranked though.

Thanks everybody for the advice. I've been looking at Duke for some time.

About that link, was interested to learn that a few good programs are right under my nose at USC, UCLA, Chapman and LMU. I think the Monterey program looks a bit too obscure, while the Dardens and Kelloggs are probably out of my league. My dream is Stanford, but honestly, I think I'm more Temple, UNC, or Wisconsin kind of material.

Cat

to be honest i never much understood the point of a formal entrepreneurship concentration. you can just as well focus on that in your elective year can't you? i think my concern would be finding a well-rounded and high quality school with a good entrepreneurship electives rather than a formal entrepreneurship program.

peace,
ryan

Good point ryan - i also think a student will benefit more from a "Normal" MBA program - After all, there is no difference between an entrepreneur and a regular manager - they both need the same basic set of tools. I also think that people wanting to start they're own business would better network with others working in established firms, and not only with other entrepreneurs!

There are many good schools out there. If entrepreneurship is what you want to go for, do it. Those schools that have the best rating for this, probably have earned it. Although the many good schools, that keep their majors and emphasis a little more traditional and general are also a good point. One thing that should not be overlooked as subject experts. Generally entrepreneurship programs are going to have professors that have great personal expereince on the subject. Otherwise you may get a walking textbook, a teacher that only has knowledge based off of others knowledge. Which may not be the best thing if you are trying to get a real education, which is supplemented by the instructor's personal expereinces.

If you are really looking to find the best school for yourself, and have a pretty good idea of what kind of business you want to start, that is the first step. I would suggest visiting the school's that you are interested in, and viewing their entrepreneurship program curiculum. You should be able to get the names of the instructors teaching those specific courses, than you can go read their bio's. Perhaps even send them an email to ask some questions.

P

I am looking at Zicklin's Entrepreneurship MBA program but I also heard that Zicklin as an MS in Entrepreneurship , what is thedifference?

did you read this article about MBA entrepreneurship programs?:

http://www.find-mba.com/article/350/making-a-way-on-your-own-mba-programs-with-an-entrepreneurship-focus

at the bottom of the page there are links to schools offering such programs.

you should also search the site - it was a hot topic here.

Hey,

Speaking of schools not on the lists above, be sure to take a look at George Washington University. GW has a revised program, built a brand new state of the art Business School Building, and has an amazing career development department. It also has a lot to offer in entrepreneurship (take a look at the core class and the entrepreneurship knowledge domain).

Take a look here:
http://business.gwu.edu/grad/mba/

Porb a program to watch and will move up in the rankings fast...

I'm nearly finished with the Entrepreneurship MBA program at the University of Louisville (ranked #16 by Entrepreneur and Princeton Review) and the program is MUCH different than a regular MBA. All courses discuss the start-up perspective as well as the corporate perspective for that discipline. It focuses more on staying ahead of your competition and understanding the trends of your industry more than a regular MBA program would.

Also, the national business plan competitions are often only a benefit for those in the entrepreneurship programs. While we offer entrepreneurial electives for our regular MBA programs, it's just not the same if you have the intention of launching your own business someday.

If you're still looking, I would check out UofL's program at www.business.louisville.edu/mba.

Very interesting post. I am very interested in completing the PHD program at University of Louisville. How has your expereince been there? I know it is rated in the top.

My experience has been tremendous and several of the professors for the Entrepreneurship PhD also teach in the MBA program. I'd recommend contacting the program director, Dr. David Dubofsky and ask to speak with some current PhD students to get a true feel for the program.

Good luck!