Not all entrepreneurs have a degree in entrepreneurial studies or applied entrepreneurship. It’s entirely possible to develop and launch a successful company with a different set of academic credentials.
Pursuing a BS in Accounting degree is appropriate for aspiring Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) who wish to own their own CPA business. However, it can also be useful for future entrepreneurs who would like to enter any other industry. After all, an accounting degree will teach you how to keep your business books and finances balanced — critical skills for any entrepreneur.
Another excellent degree for entrepreneurs is a BS in Marketing and Advertising. Your future marketing campaigns will be the lifeline of your company. Campaigns promote your products or services and increase brand awareness. While earning a marketing degree, you’ll explore the fundamentals of consumer behavior, best practices in developing advertising campaigns and the process of conducting market research.
As your company grows, you may later hire a dedicated marketer or outsource your marketing needs to a marketing agency. In the beginning, however, many entrepreneurs who launch small businesses handle their own marketing.
Depending on your business goals, you may also wish to consider a less traditional degree option. For instance, suppose you aspire to open your own sports management agency. In this case, it might make the most sense to earn a BS in Sports and Entertainment Management.
Similarly, for someone who intends to start and run a public relations firm, a degree in communications may be the best choice. Of course, if you are not yet sure what kind of business you will launch, a degree in entrepreneurial studies or applied entrepreneurship is a strategic choice, offering skills applicable to all industries.