Bachelor of Arts in Entrepreneurial Studies | Online
Built for Builders. Designed for Dreamers. Delivered for Doers.
You don’t just want a career. You want to create something. Maybe it’s a startup. Maybe it’s scaling a family business. Maybe it’s driving innovation inside a company that needs your vision. Whatever you’re building — this program gives you the academic foundation, practical skills, and entrepreneurial mindset to make it real.
The online BA in Entrepreneurial Studies is delivered with the flexibility to fit your life and your ambitions. Study from anywhere, at your pace, without putting your current ventures or career on hold. You’ll pitch real business ideas, develop real financial models, learn to harness AI for competitive advantage, and graduate ready to lead — in business, in community, in life.
At a Glance
Detail | Information |
Degree Awarded | Bachelor of Arts in Entrepreneurial Studies |
Delivery Format | 100% Online |
Total Credit Hours | 121 credit hours |
Program Structure | 61 Associate’s-Level + 60 Upper-Division Credits |
Estimated Duration | 4 years (full-time) / Flexible for part-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 online?
Entrepreneurship doesn’t have a fixed schedule — and neither should your education. Our online program gives you the flexibility to study while you build, work, and live. You’ll engage with coursework, case studies, and projects that apply directly to real entrepreneurial challenges — not just theoretical exercises. The same rigorous, HLC-accredited curriculum delivered on campus is available to you wherever you are, on your timeline.
WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR
This program is designed for:
- Aspiring founders who want the skills and confidence to launch their first venture
- Current small business owners who want to strengthen their foundation, grow strategically, and compete more effectively
- Family business successors preparing to take over and lead the next generation of a family enterprise
- Innovation leaders working inside organizations who want to drive change from within (intrapreneurship)
- Transfer students completing their degree while already pursuing entrepreneurial ventures
- Working adults who want a flexible education that doesn’t require stopping what they’re building
- Social entrepreneurs passionate about creating business models that serve communities and drive positive change
If you believe in the power of ideas to change the world — and you’re willing to do the work to make it happen — this program is for you.
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 online BA in Entrepreneurial Studies are prepared to create, lead, and drive change across a wide range of 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.
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
Generations College welcomes applications from motivated, qualified students who are ready to invest in their futures. To apply for the online BA in Business Administration, please prepare the following:
Requirement | Details |
Application | Completed application |
GPA | Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 |
Official Transcripts | From all previously attended high schools, colleges, universities, and institutions |
Personal Statement Essay | Describing your academic goals, professional aspirations, 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 |
Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis. Early application is encouraged.
TRANSFER CREDIT AND THE 2+2 PATHWAY
Already have an associate's degree? Your bachelor's in entrepreneurship may be closer than you think.
Generations College’s 2+2 transfer pathway is designed for students who have completed associate’s-level work and want to complete their bachelor’s degree with an entrepreneurship focus — all online.
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 (online)
- 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 design a personalized completion plan
FINANCIAL AID
Your entrepreneurial journey starts with the right investment. Generations College makes that investment accessible.
Our tuition has not increased in more than 15 years — an unusual commitment in higher education that reflects our mission to serve students, not extract from them.
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 — If you’re working while building your entrepreneurial skills, your employer may offer tuition reimbursement
- Veterans Benefits — GI Bill® and other veteran education benefits accepted
- Payment Plans — Flexible semester-based payment plans available
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What is the difference between the BA in Entrepreneurial Studies and the BA in Business Administration?
A: The BA in Entrepreneurial Studies is specifically designed for people who want to create, launch, and grow ventures. It emphasizes creativity and innovation, entrepreneurial finance, digital marketing and e-commerce, pitching and investor relations, social entrepreneurship, and new business implementation. The BA in Business Administration is broader in scope and focuses more on managing and leading within existing organizations. Both programs share a common foundation and both prepare graduates for professional success — the key difference is the entrepreneurial orientation and venture-specific coursework.
Q: Do I need to already have a business idea to enroll?
A: Not at all. Many students enter with a vague passion for entrepreneurship and develop their ideas progressively through the program. You’ll explore creativity and innovation, business planning, finance, marketing, and pitching — all of which help you clarify and develop your direction. Students who already have ideas will find the curriculum helps them stress-test and strengthen them.
Q: Is the online entrepreneurship degree as rigorous as the campus version?
A: Yes. The online BA in Entrepreneurial Studies delivers the same HLC-accredited curriculum, the same faculty, and earns the exact same degree as the campus version. Your diploma will not indicate how you attended. Many online students find that studying entrepreneurship while actually managing ventures and careers adds real-world dimension to the curriculum.
Q: Does the program include the pitch competition?
A: Yes. The program culminates in ENT-3550 Entrepreneurship Capstone and Pitch Competition, taken in the final semester. This course challenges you to present your venture concept to an audience — simulating the real-world experience of pitching to investors, partners, or stakeholders. Online students participate in this experience through virtual formats designed to replicate the energy and rigor of a live pitch event.
Q: How long does it take to complete the online entrepreneurship program?
A: The program is 121 credit hours. Full-time students typically complete it in four years. Students entering through the 2+2 pathway with an associate’s degree can complete the upper-division in approximately two years. Part-time options allow for more flexibility.
Q: Is financial aid available for online students?
A: Yes. Online entrepreneurship students are eligible for all the same federal, state, and institutional financial aid as campus students. Our tuition has not increased in over 15 years. Contact our financial aid office to explore your specific options.
Q: What is CAPPE student support?
A: CAPPE is Generations College’s comprehensive student support program available to all students, including online learners. It includes academic advising, tutoring, career counseling, personal wellness resources, and professional development — providing the support infrastructure to help you succeed.
Q: Can I study the AI concentration instead of the standard entrepreneurship program?
A: Yes. The BA in Entrepreneurial Studies with AI Concentration is available and shares the same associate’s-level foundation as this program. The AI Concentration replaces some upper-division courses with advanced AI curriculum including AI for competitive business advantage, AI prompt engineering, and advanced AI techniques. If AI-driven entrepreneurship aligns with your goals, that program may be a strong fit. Contact admissions to discuss which track is right for you.
Q: Is Generations College accredited?
A: Yes. Generations College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This means your degree is respected by employers and graduate programs nationally.
Q: What technology do I need for the online program?
A: You need a reliable internet connection and a computer capable of running standard web browsers and document software. Specific requirements are provided upon enrollment, and our Student Technology Support team is available to help with any technical challenges.
Ideas Are the Beginning. This Program Is Where They Become Real.
Generations College has been empowering students since 1904. Now, for the first time in our history, we’re offering bachelor’s degrees — including a program specifically designed for the people who want to build something remarkable.