Bachelor of Arts in Entrepreneurial Studies
Build Something Real — In One of the Best Cities in the World to Do It
Chicago is one of the greatest entrepreneurial cities on earth. World-class access to capital, a diverse economy, a deep network of investors and mentors, an energetic startup community, and a culture that celebrates builders — it’s all here. And when you study entrepreneurship on the campus of Generations College in Chicago’s Loop, you’re not just near that ecosystem. You’re inside it.
The on-campus BA in Entrepreneurial Studies combines rigorous academic instruction with face-to-face mentorship, collaborative project-based learning, live pitch competitions, and real connections to Chicago’s business community. You’ll graduate not just with a degree — but with relationships, a portfolio of work, and the kind of entrepreneurial confidence that only comes from doing.
At a Glance
Detail | Information |
Degree Awarded | Bachelor of Arts in Entrepreneurial Studies |
Delivery Format | On Campus — In-Person Instruction |
Campus Location | 29 E. Madison St., Chicago, IL 60602 (The Loop) |
Total Credit Hours | 121 credit hours |
Program Structure | 61 Associate’s-Level + 60 Upper-Division Credits |
Estimated Duration | 4 years (full-time) |
2+2 Transfer Pathway | Yes — transfer your associate’s degree and complete upper-division in 2 years |
Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 25:1 |
Career Placement Rate | 95% |
Start Terms | Fall, Spring, and Summer |
Financial Aid Available | Yes — federal, state, and institutional aid |
This program is built for people who want to create, not just manage. From business plan development and entrepreneurial finance to digital marketing, AI strategy, pitching to investors, and scaling a sustainable venture — every course is designed to sharpen your ability to innovate, solve problems strategically, and lead with purpose. You’ll develop the mindset, skills, and real-world experience to launch your own business, grow a family venture, or drive innovation inside any organization. Whether you’re just starting your journey or ready to take the next step, this program gives you the tools to turn ideas into impact.
Why study entrepreneurship on campus in Chicago?
There is no better city in the nation to learn entrepreneurship than Chicago. With access to over 4,000 active tech startups, a thriving small business community, major venture capital presence, a world-class manufacturing and logistics sector, and an entrepreneurial culture built on diversity and resilience — Chicago gives you a classroom that extends beyond the walls of any building. On-campus instruction at Generations College means you’ll build real relationships with faculty, peers, mentors, and industry leaders who can help turn your ideas into reality.
WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR
This program is designed for:
- Aspiring founders who want to build their business knowledge while being immersed in Chicago’s entrepreneurial community
- Current small business owners strengthening their foundation and expanding their strategic toolkit in an in-person learning environment
- Family business successors preparing to lead the next generation of a family enterprise
- Innovation leaders who want face-to-face mentorship and collaboration as they develop intrapreneurial skills
- Transfer students completing their bachelor’s degree on campus in Chicago while building their entrepreneurial network
- Students who learn best in community — through discussion, debate, collaboration, and live feedback from instructors and peers
Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Entrepreneurial Studies, graduates will be able to:
- Cultivate the creativity and leadership skills needed to design, launch, and sustain ventures that create lasting economic, social, and personal value.
- Develop a deep understanding of how cultural, social, and global economic forces shape entrepreneurial opportunities, allowing for more informed and responsive venture strategies.
- Apply innovative thinking and strategic problem-solving to real-world business challenges, generating actionable solutions that are both practical and forward-thinking.
- Practice ethical, inclusive leadership that promotes social responsibility and meaningful stakeholder engagement, building trust and integrity into the foundation of every venture.
- Utilize AI, digital platforms, and data-driven insights to innovate responsibly, streamline operations, reach customers effectively, and enhance the long-term success of ventures.
Graduates of the on-campus BA in Entrepreneurial Studies are prepared to launch, lead, and drive change across a wide range of entrepreneurial contexts:
Career | Description |
Startup Founder / Small Business Owner | Launch and operate your own business with the strategic, financial, and operational skills to succeed |
Business Development Manager | Identify growth opportunities, build partnerships, and expand markets for existing businesses |
Digital Marketing Strategist / E-Commerce Director | Build and execute digital marketing strategies and manage online sales platforms and customer acquisition |
Innovation Manager / Intrapreneurship Lead | Drive innovation inside established organizations, launching new products, services, and business models from within |
Venture Capital Analyst / Startup Consultant | Evaluate startup opportunities, support portfolio companies, and advise early-stage businesses on strategy and growth |
Social Enterprise Founder / Nonprofit Director | Create and lead mission-driven organizations that generate community value alongside financial sustainability |
95% of Generations College graduates secure employment in their field within six months of graduation.
THE CHICAGO ENTREPRENEURIAL ECOSYSTEM
Chicago is consistently ranked among the top U.S. cities for entrepreneurship. Studying at our campus in the Loop gives you direct access to:
- 1871 Chicago — one of the nation’s top technology and entrepreneurship centers, located in the heart of the city
- Chicago NEXT — a network of over 700 technology companies and entrepreneurs
- Cook County Small Business Center — resources, mentorship, and funding support for local entrepreneurs
- Diverse industries — Chicago’s economy spans finance, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, food and beverage, technology, retail, and real estate — giving you exposure to entrepreneurial opportunities across every sector
- Venture capital presence — Chicago is home to hundreds of venture capital firms, angel investor networks, and startup incubators
- Alumni and mentorship networks — Generations College alumni active in Chicago’s business community regularly engage with current students
Your education doesn’t end at the classroom door. It continues through every conversation, event, and connection you make in this city.
THE PITCH COMPETITION
One of the most distinctive experiences in the on-campus entrepreneurship program is the Entrepreneurship Capstone and Pitch Competition (ENT-3550), taken in the final semester. This course challenges students to:
- Develop a comprehensive, investor-ready business plan
- Refine their pitch narrative, financial projections, and market analysis
- Present to a live panel of judges that may include Chicago investors, alumni, and industry leaders
- Compete for recognition, feedback, and potential connections that could help launch their ventures
This isn’t a simulation. This is practice for the real thing — and for many students, it becomes the real thing.
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
Generations College welcomes applications from motivated, driven individuals ready to pursue their entrepreneurial futures on our Chicago campus. To apply, please prepare the following:
Requirement | Details |
Application | Completed application submitted via TruVantage portal |
GPA | Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 (applicants below 2.5 may be considered on a case-by-case basis) |
Official Transcripts | From all previously attended colleges, universities, and institutions |
Personal Statement Essay | Describing your entrepreneurial goals, business ideas or experience, and reasons for choosing Generations College |
Letters of Recommendation | Up to 2 may be requested: 1 professional reference, 1 academic or community reference |
Interview | May be requested by the admissions committee |
Government-Issued ID | Required for identity verification and enrollment |
TRANSFER CREDIT AND THE 2+2 PATHWAY
Already have an associate's degree? Come finish your entrepreneurship bachelor's on our Chicago campus.
The 2+2 transfer pathway allows students who have completed associate’s-level work at Generations College or another accredited institution to transfer those credits and complete the upper-division entrepreneurship program on campus in approximately two years.
How the 2+2 Pathway Works:
- Complete your associate’s degree at Generations College or an accredited institution (61 credit hours recognized)
- Transfer into the upper-division Entrepreneurial Studies program at the Chicago campus
- Complete 60 upper-division credit hours over 5 semesters (approximately 2 years full-time)
- Graduate with your Bachelor of Arts in Entrepreneurial Studies
Transfer Credit Policy:
- Credits from regionally accredited institutions are reviewed for transfer eligibility
- A minimum grade of “C” or better is generally required for transfer credit acceptance
- Maximum transfer credit limits apply — contact the Registrar for a detailed evaluation
- Our admissions team will work with you to map your prior credits and create a personalized plan
FINANCIAL AID
Your entrepreneurial vision deserves a clear path to funding your education.
Our tuition has not increased in more than 15 years — an extraordinary commitment that reflects our belief in the people we serve.
Financial Aid Options Available:
- Federal Financial Aid — FAFSA-eligible; federal grants, loans, and work-study programs available
- State Grants — Illinois students may qualify for MAP (Monetary Award Program) grants and other state-funded assistance
- Institutional Scholarships — Merit-based and need-based scholarships offered through Generations College
- Employer Tuition Assistance — Many employers offer tuition reimbursement; our team can help you access and navigate this benefit
- Veterans Benefits — GI Bill® and other veteran education benefits accepted
- Payment Plans — Flexible semester-based payment plans available
Steps to Access Financial Aid:
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — school code available on our financial aid page
- Review your financial aid award letter from Generations College
- Meet with a Financial Aid counselor to explore all available options
- Confirm your enrollment and aid package
CAMPUS LIFE AND STUDENT SUPPORT
CAPPE — Center for Academic, Personal, and Professional Excellence
On-campus entrepreneurship students have full access to CAPPE, Generations College’s signature student support program:
- Academic Advising — personalized guidance to keep you on track toward graduation
- Tutoring Services — subject-specific tutoring available for all program courses
- Career Services — resume coaching, interview preparation, internship placement, and connections to Chicago-area entrepreneurs and investors
- Personal Wellness Support — counseling and wellness resources to support your whole-person success
- Professional Development — workshops, networking events, speaker series, and career readiness programming
- Entrepreneur-in-Residence Connections — access to mentors from Chicago’s business community who provide real-world perspective and professional connections
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Where is Generations College located?
A: Generations College is located at 29 E. Madison Street in Chicago’s Loop, the heart of Chicago’s business and financial district. The campus is easily accessible by CTA and is steps away from the startup communities, business districts, and professional networks that bring our entrepreneurship curriculum to life.
Q: What is unique about studying entrepreneurship on campus in Chicago?
A: Chicago gives on-campus entrepreneurship students something no online format can fully replicate — direct, in-person access to one of the nation’s most dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystems. Through campus events, faculty mentorship, internship connections, and proximity to Chicago’s startup community and investor networks, students gain real-world exposure that accelerates both their education and their ventures.
Q: Is there a real pitch competition?
A: Yes. ENT-3550 Entrepreneurship Capstone and Pitch Competition is a capstone course in the final semester. Students develop investor-ready business plans and present live to a panel that may include Chicago investors, alumni, and business leaders. It’s a genuine entrepreneurial challenge — and one of the most memorable experiences in the program.
Q: How large are the classes?
A: Generations College maintains a 25:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Our classrooms are designed for meaningful interaction, not passive lectures. Students get direct feedback from instructors, build real relationships with peers, and engage in the kind of collaborative learning that mirrors a real entrepreneurial environment.
Q: Do I need to have a business to enroll?
A: No. You don’t need an existing business or startup idea to join the program. Many students arrive with curiosity and ambition, and the curriculum helps them develop their entrepreneurial thinking over time. Students who already have ventures find the program provides the strategic and financial rigor their ideas need.
Q: Can I work while attending campus classes?
A: Yes. Many campus students work part-time or full-time while completing their degrees. Generations College course schedules are designed with working adults in mind, and our CAPPE advisors help students build manageable course loads that accommodate professional commitments.
Q: Can I transfer credits from another college?
A: Yes. Students with an associate’s degree from a regionally accredited institution may qualify for the 2+2 transfer pathway and complete only the upper-division entrepreneurship courses on campus. Contact admissions for a free transfer credit evaluation.
Q: Is financial aid available for campus students?
A: Yes. Campus students are eligible for federal financial aid, Illinois MAP grants, institutional scholarships, employer tuition assistance, and veterans benefits. Our tuition has not increased in over 15 years, making Generations College one of the most affordable accredited options for entrepreneurship education in Chicago.
Q: What is the difference between this program and the AI Concentration?
A: The BA in Entrepreneurial Studies with AI Concentration adds four advanced AI-specific courses: AI for Competitive Business Advantage, AI Prompt Engineering, and Advanced AI Techniques and Application. If you want to combine entrepreneurship with deep AI expertise — especially for technology ventures or AI-driven business models — the AI Concentration may be worth exploring. Contact admissions to discuss which track aligns with your goals.
Chicago Is Waiting for What You're Building
Generations College has been educating Chicago’s professionals since 1904. Now, for the first time in our history, we’re offering bachelor’s degrees — and the Entrepreneurial Studies program is our investment in the next generation of Chicago’s builders.