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Dr. Wallace E. Boston School of Business

Entrepreneurship

Online Bachelor of Arts in Entrepreneurship (BA)

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About the Online Entrepreneurship Degree Program

Have an idea? Learn the intricacies of bringing your product or service to market with an online Bachelor of Arts in Entrepreneurship from American Public University (APU). This bachelor’s degree is also an opportunity for current entrepreneurs to learn how to create a thriving business venture.

This 100% online program is solely aimed at entrepreneurship. This program focuses on idea generation, marketing, management, operations, and small business financing. 

American Public University’s Bachelor’s in Entrepreneurship includes vital topics like innovation design, technological innovation, writing business plans, business law, finance and money management, and strategic growth. During the program, you will develop a pitch, create ads, and produce a final business plan for your concept. 

You will learn from experienced professors who know the resources, technologies, and pitfalls often encountered when bringing new products and services to a competitive marketplace.  

What You Will Do

  1. Identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in the product, service, or nonprofit environments
  2. Design an appropriate business strategy to support an entrepreneurial business based on research, critical thinking, and leadership skills
  3. Evaluate analytical skills necessary to operate a business efficiently and effectively that meet strategic planning and goals
  4. Recommend various methods necessary to grow an entrepreneurial venture through financial analysis and capital funding options

View Program Outcome Assessment Results

Degree at a Glance

Accredited
ACBSP Accredited

ACBSP® is a registered trademark of the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

Number of Credits
120
Transfer up to 90 credits1
Cost Per Credit
$360 | $250*
$324**
*with Preferred Military Rate
**with Veteran Grant or APUS Opportunity Grant
Courses Start Monthly
Online
and vary from 8 to 16 weeks

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Program Requirements Printable Catalog Version

Students must choose a concentration for this degree program:

This concentration is designed to equip graduates with a practical, hands-on understanding of what it takes to run a successful business in today’s business environment. Students will learn about leveraging and a variety of business opportunities into viable business entities. Studies include marketing, management, operations, finance, accounting, and the legal aspects of running a business. This concentration is applicable for any student who has a desire to start his/her own business, plans to take over a family owned business, or otherwise currently works in an entrepreneurial enterprise.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:

  • Discuss economic factors associated with government, business, and consumer environments and apply theoretical techniques to analyze markets.
  • Apply concepts of contract, tort, Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), and property law to entrepreneurial business enterprises.
  • Compose an entrepreneurial business strategy based on in depth analysis of internal and external factors and competitive and environmental forces.
  • Apply critical thinking and decision-making skills by collecting data through various research tools in order to develop alternatives and solve problems objectively.
  • Practice quantitative skills necessary in to grow an entrepreneurial business through work in accounting, finance, and statistics.
  • Develop a marketing plan to support an entrepreneurial business that leverages its overall business strategy.
  • Practice analytical skills necessary to operate a business efficiently and effectively.

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 4567

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This course focuses on opportunities and problems encountered in the service sector as entrepreneurs seek to accomplish growth in their service businesses. Topics explored include selecting resources to support service businesses, motivating employees in the service sector and developing a control system to offer an efficient and effective service product to your market. Students develop a market analysis of the needs and wants matrix for the service market.

Course ID: 4569

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As The Family Owned Business is introduced, students learn what differentiates this type of business and the characteristics that make family owned firms different from other business environments. The entrepreneur who takes over the family business will have innovative ideas to enhance the business. This brings complexity and challenges as an entrepreneur and this course explores some of those while also constructing effective strategies.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 4861

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Non-profit entrepreneurship continues to thrive in the 21st century in most major and minor industries. Topics include trustee’s responsibilities, trustee recruitment/termination/development, financing structure, fundraising, financial management, and strategic planning.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 4859

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Networking is a valuable skill for anyone, but it is especially critical for the entrepreneur. The entrepreneur must put themselves "out there" and develop business relationships. There is an art and skill to networking and this course unlocks the psychology of networking. Entrepreneurs in this course also begin structuring and maintaining their network.

This concentration provides the student with an array of study and course work in business analytics, tools to use for analytics, decision-making, and applied analytics.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:

  • Compare operational statistical theories and software options for objective decision-making.
  • Use managerial level statistical methods to integrate into objective decision-making processes.
  • Apply analytical concepts to support decision-making.

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 4871

|
This course is designed to provide an understanding of the basics of applied analytics based on principals starting from descriptive statistics, probability, distributions, and hypothesis testing; where sums, counts, frequencies, measures, and probabilities of collected data and occurrences, past or current, are used effectively to support reactive or corrective decisions either on real time or for the future. This course covers using Microsoft Excel® add- in for data analysis as a tool to create, manipulate, and report descriptive analytics outcomes for decision-making. Microsoft Excel® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 4592

|
This course is designed to provide a foundational knowledge in analytics, and how it is used in business to strengthen the decision-making process. As technology has changed the landscape of business processes, it has also created a necessity for decision-makers to have the ability to use various tools to create, manipulate, and report data. Students will learn operational statistical theories, software options to work with data, and begin to integrate concepts into objective decision-making.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 4593

|
This course is designed to provide a intermediate knowledge in analytics, and how it is used in business to strengthen the decision-making process. Students will focus on managerial level of statistical methods, advanced Excel functionality, and continue to work on applying concept to strengthen the ability to integrate concepts into objective decision-making processes. (Prerequisite: BUSN250)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 4594

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This course is designed to lead students through various projects and business problem scenarios to enable them to apply concepts learned to quantify elements of alternative elimination, assess data pertinent to the overall decision-making process, and to gain and understanding of the different business functions and how data is used differently in each area. This course requires Microsoft Excel® 2010 or higher. (Prerequisite: BUSN350) Microsoft Excel® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

The restaurant industry is the second largest private-sector employer in the United States and it adds jobs at a stronger rate than all other industries combined. By 2023, the restaurant industry is projected to add 1.3 million jobs (National Restaurant Association, 2015). In 2015 alone, restaurants are expected to add over 300,000 jobs. Further, restaurant industry sales account for 4% of the U.S. gross GDP. Starting and owning their own food and/or drink establishment is one of the top three goals of our current entrepreneurship students.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:

  • Describe food service industry trends in nutrition and health and explain how food service operations may incorporate these trends into menu development
  • Design and implement cost control systems as they relate to foodservice operations.
  • Develop menus, and analyze recipes, their structures and conversion properties.
  • Incorporate industry standards to inform decisions related to safe and efficient food service operations

Choose 12 credit hours from this section.

Course ID: 2905

|
Introduction to the principles of the food and beverage management; attention is focused on major industry segments, business practices and trends. Subsequently, detailed consideration is given to the components of the foodservice system: marketing, menu planning, logistical support, production, service, controls, and quality assurance. Product and systems differentiation in various industry segments are emphasized throughout.

Course ID: 2907

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A study of established standards, techniques, and practices in large quantity food production, to include sales, production, and service of meals in varied environments - fine dining, casual table service, and catering, among others. (Prerequisite: HOSP100)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 5021

|
This course covers the necessary principles to keep food, beverage and labor costs under control, helping to contribute to the success of the operation. Students will apply the terminology and calculations involved in cost control systems and analysis. The course will examine cost control techniques for food, beverage and labor. Menu engineering and analysis will be introduced along with development of cost reduction methods through management policy.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 3995

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An introduction to basic nutrition concepts and concerns in relation to food preparation and service in the hospitality industry. Students are introduced to nutrition and dietary guidelines and the connection to healthy life styles and prevention of health issues.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 2959

|
Study of wine manufacturing, quality criteria, and sensory standards for both U.S. and international wines; topics include history of wine in society, selection of wine for specific meals, and wine variations. Opportunities for students to purchase different types of wine and participate in evaluative tasting techniques are presented; however, alternatives are available for students that choose not to, or may not legally, consume alcoholic beverages.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

This concentration is designed for students who want to focus on possibly being a small business owner. Graduates examine leadership, customer service, operations, social media, and marketing specific to a small business. Developed to bring specialized knowledge to entrepreneurs, this program will expose students to key concepts and principles to be a successful small business owner.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:

  • Summarize employment practices for small business owners.
  • Recommend a customer service model for a new small business.
  • Conduct appropriate marketing functions for your business venture.
  • Assess relevant areas for cost improvement for a small business.

Choose 12 credit hours from this section.

Course ID: 4565

|
This course outlines appropriate processes to evaluate potential employees. This course was designed and developed to guide students through recruiting, advertisement planning, and hiring the most qualified applicants. Students research comparable pay rates and the cost of compensation for employees, learn of the most effective methods for motivating employees, and learn about employment law.

Course ID: 4572

|
New business owners must be able to retain customers and capture new customers. Whether online or in a physical location customer service is critical to the success of any small business. This course provides students the foundation for service innovation, finding opportunities for service innovation, and exploring customer “jobs.” In addition, this course focuses on determining what your customer is trying to accomplish, not what you are offering. This is crucial to implement a quality service culture.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 4574

|
This course covers the intricate details of marketing a small business, from developing a marketing strategy and planning, to implementing digital media and traditional tactics. The student addresses many marketing issues that face small businesses, such as value proposition, Go-to-Market strategy, unique selling proposition, integrated marketing communication, and marketing messages. Key topics covered are marketing strategy, market research, segmentation and target markets, competitive analysis, advertising, and how to leverage a marketing budget for optimum results.

Course ID: 4575

|
This course explores the benefits and challenges of using social media and other online marketing techniques. Part of the focus throughout the course is seeing how different marketing tools and strategies can enhance presence in the market for a small business. Students learn how to leverage social media to enhance branding and marketing strategies and customer relations. It is recommended the student have completed ENTR415.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 4576

|
This is a critical operations course integrating Excel (or equivalent spreadsheet software) to formulate crucial numbers. Students learn about strategy, budgeting, cash conversion, cash considerations, analyze costs, analyze financial and operating ratios, and plan for internal controls. A working knowledge of spreadsheet software is expected. NOTE: This course uses spreadsheet software.

Course ID: 4577

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This course provides an overview of the elements of e-Business/eCommerce such as strategy, technology, relationships, and related issues to create an online business, build brand presence, and other important aspects of having an online business. The student creates a domain name and selects a website template to create a virtual business.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

The fitness industry is growing and many individuals express an interest in being an entrepreneur in this field. Research shows growth estimates ranging from 9.76 billion dollars in 2008 to a $24 billion industry today. The fitness industry services some 51 million Americans of all ages and income levels. The fitness industry has been forecasted to grow 23% by 2025 and encompasses different types of gyms. Sports fitness is a growing industry due in part to increased awareness of health and wellness. In this concentration, students will focus on wellness, conditioning, trends and culture.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:

  • Discuss factors affecting endurance training and methods for developing endurance.
  • Examine the body's responses to weight training, training and conditioning, and strength training exercises.
  • Analyze the health benefits gained from strength training.
  • Apply concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention.
  • Design a functional training program.
  • Examine the issues and trends associated with fitness and wellness.

Choose 12 credit hours from this section.

Course ID: 3839

|
This course introduces students to the wellness concept, which builds the foundation for health literacy and an appreciation for life-long health and physical fitness. The components of wellness will be studied in this class, including physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, environmental, and occupational, with the goal of promoting and advocating for self-responsibility, health literacy, and a life-long commitment to wellness.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4527

|
This course introduces students to the scientific principles of nutrition pertinent to the function of nutrients in the body and the physiological processes involved in digestion and absorption. Students will attain knowledge of the nutrients that make up the food we eat; the anatomy and physiology of digestion and absorption; the function of the each macro and micro nutrient within the body; the interplay between foods, food substances and disease processes like heart disease, cancer, and obesity; the role of nutrition throughout the life cycle; and, our global food problems.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3336

|
This course is designed for the undergraduate degree in Sports and Health Sciences. Students will combine knowledge from prior classes such as Anatomy, Exercise Physiology, Nutrition and Training and Conditioning and will be prepared to implement their knowledge in a professional setting. Application of basic exercise training principles will be expanded as the course progresses, allowing the student to execute a wide range of personal fitness training principles such as fundamentals of human movement science, client/athlete assessment, exercise training concepts, program design, nutrition and supplementation. This course incorporates advanced exercise programming techniques utilizing the Optimum Performance Training Model (OPT Model) and prepares students for the Certified Personal Training examination offered by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM-CPT). Upon successful completion of this course and with a valid CPR certification students are eligible to sit for this examination. (Prerequisite: BIOL251)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4686

|
This course provides the student with the tools to pragmatically conduct business within the fitness and wellness industry. The student will develop parameters of management within a business structure including financial, facility, marketing, risk management, leadership, and personnel.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4687

|
This course is designed to explore the growing field of Sports and Health Sciences and its cultural impact on the United States and International health and wellness. The student will gain the tools necessary to assess the fitness, sport, and health industry and its relationship to health and wellness management.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 5100

|
This course prepares students with an interest in pursuing a career in the fast growing industry of sports facility or event management. During the course, students will acquire professional skills that can be applied in a wide variety of career positions. A range of topics includes facility financing, alcohol management, crowd management, and box office management. Upon completion students will have basic fundamentals to comprehend the field of facility and event management.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Must take the following in this Section:

Course ID: 5037

|
Information and Digital Literacy is designed to provide students with sustainable and usable skills essential to success in both academic and professional settings. Students will learn best practices to locate and evaluate sources, and effectively communicate using digital literacy to become proficient 21st century learners.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4951

|
Martin Luther King, Jr, said, “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to KEEP MOVING.” Making Writing Relevant is a composition course that will definitely keep you moving. It is not merely a required course; it is the type of course you will want to take because it moves you onto the path to success. Over eight-weeks, we will help you learn the most important components of a successful writer-communicator. We will teach you how to research properly, knowing you will need this skill in every course you take here at APUS and also in interactions in your professional and personal life. We will teach you the formatting style you will use in your field. We will provide a supportive community to strengthen and encourage you, and by the end of this nearly-all-you-need-to-know-about-writing course, you will be able to fly.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Must take the following in this Section:

Course ID: 4894

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This is an introductory statistics course designed to help students achieve a basic understanding of the statistical methods available to analyze and solve the wide variety of problems encountered in the workplace. This course is designed for students who seek an understanding of descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The emphasis of the course will be on the proper use and interpretation of statistical techniques. MATH120 is the recommended mathematics general education course for students who will be required to take additional statistics courses such as MATH302 Statistics as part of their program of study.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 4372

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This course is an overview of accounting concepts used by managers in a business environment intended for non-accounting majors with no accounting background. Topics include accounting concepts, users of accounting information, elements and purpose of financial statements, accrual accounting, internal control and basic financial analysis. Students must have access to Microsoft Word® and Microsoft Excel® software. Microsoft Word® Microsoft Excel® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 4715

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The act of being an entrepreneur is taking an idea and turning it into reality. There are two types of entrepreneurs - those that have a myriad of ideas and those that can't think of one idea. This course, Idea generation, is dedicated to helping the student identify opportunities for a new business venture by either deciding on one idea they have or helping to create ideas. The course starts with recognizing various ways to come up with a new idea and ends with outlining a plan to take the idea to reality.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 4853

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Entrepreneurs face unique leadership challenges, especially with a new venture. This course provides the entrepreneur with the necessary tools and frameworks for creating strategy, building companies, and assembling human capital with limited resources. This course also explains the ethical challenges in a start-up venture.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4566

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Innovation Design and Prototyping equips students with the essential skills and frameworks to transform innovative ideas into market-ready products. Through an integrated approach, the course covers the entire product development lifecycle, emphasizing design thinking, customer validation, and agile methodologies. Students will explore strategies for protecting intellectual property, expanding product value, and adapting products for global markets. With a focus on real-world applications, learners engage in hands-on assignments that connect product strategy with broader business goals while leveraging emerging technologies like AI to drive innovation. (Prerequisite: ENTR150)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 4568

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This course studies the foundations of entrepreneurship through the context of innovation, entrepreneurial processes and concepts, and ethical decision-making. By studying how different decisions result in different outcomes and by understanding the unique strategic requirements of a venture, this course investigates entrepreneurship and the creation of new ventures. Students learn the basic theories used to explain and understand entrepreneurial activity, which prepare them to plan a new business opportunity.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 4591

|
This course focuses on the essential framework and first steps towards the student's objective of an entrepreneurial opportunity. The first portion of the course focuses on a framework for your business plan. The remainder course topics center on business plan elements, such as competition, marketing, operations, and other issues essential to the delivery of a business plan. In this course, the student begins the process of writing a business plan, which will be used and updated throughout the program. (Prerequisites: ENTR150, ENTR215, and ENTR300)

Course ID: 4822

|
Social entrepreneurship is a growing movement for entrepreneurship. Social entrepreneurship scans society and identifies social problems; the entrepreneur then solves that problem/need by creating a solution that benefits society. Because of this, Social Entrepreneurship has since become the new trend for aspiring entrepreneurs to start their entrepreneurial ventures. According to a survey of 1,000 social entrepreneurs (conducted by Un.Ltd. research team), they impact health and well-being, community cohesion, promote personal development, and create training and skills development. Further, the research indicated 40% of social entrepreneurs held a degree.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 4570

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This course introduces students to the essential principles and tools of small business finance, with a focus on planning, budgeting, forecasting, and funding strategies for new ventures. Students will develop key components of the financial section of a business plan—including start-up cost estimates, cash flow projections and profit and loss statements. Emphasis is placed on understanding the financial decision-making process, building effective financial systems, maintaining compliance, and presenting financial data persuasively to lenders or investors. This course is designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the financial knowledge and confidence to fund, manage, and sustain a small business.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 4571

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This course covers many of the legal aspects of starting a new business venture including business entity selection and formation, employment law, intellectual property, taxation, and business transactions. (Prerequisite: ENTR311)

Course ID: 4573

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This course provides detailed budgeting and money management tools to start and grow a new venture. Many entrepreneurs have charismatic leadership and vision, but underestimate the importance of the ability to manage the money coming and going out of the organization. Cash deficits can cripple a company, so it is imperative entrepreneurs understand the drivers of good cash flow and strong profitability. This course enables the student entrepreneur to gain practical knowledge with the cash flow statement, forecasting, pro forma statements, profit and profitability, break-even, budgeting, and working capital. NOTE: This course uses spreadsheet software. (Prerequisites: ACCT105 and ENTR311)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 4860

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Innovative marketing provides a conceptual and applications-oriented framework for marketing decision-making in an entrepreneurial environment. This course emphasizes satisfying target customers and achieving organizational objectives through skillful blending of strategies of key marketing concepts and principles for entrepreneurs.(Prerequisite: ENTR311)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 4858

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Managing growth includes leveraging assets at every stage and controlling the risk. This course focuses on areas that are essential to a new venture’s growth, including planning, marketing, risk assessment, and financial performance. Students examine the growth opportunities of a venture and structure an experiential growth plan that will provide the greatest impact for their venture. (Prerequisite: ENTR311)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 4857

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Creating a new venture offers unique challenges. Indeed, innovation and advances in technology are prevalent, and technological innovation leads to competitive advantage. Students are introduced to the challenges of new technology that include: the complexity of intellectual property and sources of funding. This course includes an application of integrating technology into a venture.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
Select any courses that have not been used to fulfill major requirements. Credits applied toward a minor or certificate in an unrelated field may be used to fulfill elective credit for the major.

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 4839

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The Entrepreneurship Capstone Project synthesizes the prerequisite core and elective Entrepreneurship Courses allowing the student to implement the planning document that has been created throughout the program for their venture. The course includes presenting a pitch for the student’s venture. (Prerequisite: Senior Standing and completion of all core and major courses prior to enrollment)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session

Learn About the Entrepreneurship Degree

Unlike a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) or Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) that may offer a concentration or a few classes based on entrepreneurship, American Public University’s online bachelor’s in entrepreneurship is fully dedicated to the knowledge and discipline it takes to explore business ownership and become a successful entrepreneur.

What separates APU’s program from others is its laser focus on business ideation. From day one, every course in this program is geared towards helping you develop your very own business idea, allowing you to directly apply new skills to your business concept as you’re learning them. And if you enter the program without a business idea, you will learn how to develop a concept.

Additionally, earning your entrepreneurship degree online opens you up to a diverse world of business perspectives, interacting with students and faculty both near and far from you, accessed conveniently on your own computer.

Learn From a Faculty of Working Professionals

When you enroll in the online entrepreneurship program at American Public University, you have the opportunity to gain real-world insight and develop expertise alongside our faculty, who are successful entrepreneurs themselves.

From restaurant owners and business consultants to inventors with multiple products on the market, our professors are both practitioners and teachers. In addition to their instruction, our faculty are or have been business owners with experience launching and managing a business.

Faculty Highlight

Brenda Frazier, PhD, serves as an associate professor of business entrepreneurship while simultaneously running multiple businesses. Among her ventures is her very own invention: homemade, gluten-free pasta, Dr. Noodles By Brenda, which has had a 5-star rating on Amazon.com.

Brenda Frazier
All of our faculty bring real-world entrepreneurial experience. Whether they own a business, have developed a product, or are an intrapreneur within a company, everyone’s still active in the business.
Brenda Frazier
PhD, Associate Professor of Business, Entrepreneurship Program

An Accredited Program

The entrepreneurship degree program at American Public University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP®). ACBSP is one of the most widely recognized organizations responsible for evaluating and accrediting business programs.   

Does Accreditation Matter?  

When choosing where to continue your education, it helps to have this qualitative benchmark in order to help you decide whether an institution is reputable. Accredited schools are assessed on a standardized rubric for the following:    

Accredited schools have been evaluated for:  

  1. Academic rigor  
  2. Program effectiveness  
  3. Operational integrity   

Knowing the school you’ve chosen is accredited can give you both peace of mind in your investment and show potential employers that your education is one of a higher caliber.   

Institutional Accreditation  

American Public University is part of American Public University System, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.  

This is important because of two critical matters you should consider as you explore learning options:  

  1. Only accredited colleges and universities may participate in federal financial aid and many other tuition assistance programs for students.  
  2. Other colleges and universities will typically accept transfer credit only from accredited academic institutions. 

ACBSP® is a registered trademark of the Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs.  

What’s the Difference: BA, BS, BBA

Colleges and universities offer various types of degrees for business programs, and schools will offer one degree, or another based on each discipline. This glossary of business programs helps to define the options you may discover as you research your desired program. You should think about your personal and academic goals when choosing a program and the school that offers it.   

Why Attend American Public University?

Flexibility 

Whether you’re planning around a busy family life, work schedule, or all of the above, you can’t beat the flexibility of online learning. When you enroll in an online program at American Public University, you may attend classes on your own time, from your own space, and you have access to your classes and course materials 24/7. There are no scheduled login times and no mandatory virtual lectures or class sessions. Instead, you complete assignments to meet a weekly deadline and you interact with fellow students who share your passion for starting their own business.   

I'm a single mother to an active, outgoing 3-year-old boy who plays soccer, t-ball, and rides motocross. Pair that with working full time, it was imperative that I enroll in a flexible, online program where I didn't feel set up to fail. I’m able to hop online during my lunch break, during nap time, on the weekends at t-ball practice, or truly anywhere, anytime I can connect to Wi-Fi. The flexibility is priceless.
Britney Burns
University Graduate

Affordability  

Online education eliminates some of the costs associated with a traditional 4-year degree, such as commuting time and room and board, without sacrificing quality. American Public University prides itself on offering affordable tuition, no-cost ebooks for all undergraduate programs, no-cost admission applications, and no-cost transfer credit evaluations.  

Networking Opportunities  

American Public University provides ample opportunity for business students to connect with peers outside of class with a variety of virtual student communities. Getting involved with program-specific student groups and organizations like our Entrepreneurship Club will also present valuable networking and leadership opportunities.   

Student Support  

While American Public University's entrepreneurship degree is entirely online, students always feel supported both by their faculty and their fellow students through regular group discussions and collaboration.   

  
Joanna Liming
I was concerned about whether or not I could do it, but the teachers are just phenomenal. They were there. If you had a question or you sent them a chat, they responded right away.
JoAnna Liming
 University Graduate  

Frequently Asked Questions

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, business has been the most sought after bachelor's degree for the past decade. That said, not all business degrees are created equal. If entrepreneurship and running your own small business are where your passions lie, a Bachelor of Arts in Entrepreneurship degree could be the best option, given its specific focus.   

From courses in prototyping to small business management, and even learning to write a comprehensive business plan, American Public University's online entrepreneurship degree is entirely geared towards the advanced knowledge needed to succeed as an entrepreneur in the business world.  


Getting your degree in entrepreneurship can provide the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to be a successful business owner. You’ll get the opportunity to engage with fellow students and faculty members passionate about business ownership and you can exchange ideas to help refine your business plan. On top of that, the rigor of an accredited degree program can help prepare you for many of the challenges you will face along the way. Earning a degree can boost both your credibility and your confidence, whether you’re heading into a pitch meeting or simply networking amongst peers.   

It depends on the type of degree you are seeking. If you enroll in a bachelor’s degree program, you typically must complete 120 credit hours. That generally takes four years of full-time study to complete. However, if you’ve already completed general education courses, you could have transfer credits available, which may put you on a quicker path to graduation. If you are seeking a master’s degree, credit hour requirements vary. Most are 30-36 credit hours, which may take about two years studying on a full-time basis. 

At American Public University, where we offer both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in entrepreneurship, you can transfer up to 90 credits into our undergraduate entrepreneurship degree program or 15 credits toward a master’s degree. This can reduce the time it takes to complete your degree even more.  

Courses Start Monthly

Next Courses Start Jul 6
Register by Jul 3
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Admission Requirements

  • All APU undergraduate programs require a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent (i.e., GED). Please read all undergraduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation.
  • There is no fee to complete the APU admission application for this program. View steps to apply.

Need Help?

Selecting the right program to meet your educational goals is a key step in ensuring a successful outcome. If you are unsure of which program to choose, or need more information, please contact an APU admissions representative at 877-755-2787 or [email protected].

Quality Education Should Be Affordable

So you can focus on the opportunities ahead, without the financial burden of more expensive schools who are not as invested in your success. Learn more about paying for school.

Consumer Information

Disclosures

Maryland Residents learn more about costs, completion rates, median debt, and more.

 

1The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to policies outlined on our University website. Please see the University's transfer credit policy webpage for complete information.

*Cost Per Credit Hour

The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.

See all military student benefits.

Cost of Attendance

Learn more about American Public University's cost components and full cost of attendance.