The Best MBA Programs for Entrepreneurship

 

If you’re interested in pursuing an entrepreneurial career, either immediately post-MBA or in the long term, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’re sharing the entrepreneurship-focused resources offered by the top US MBA programs. For those targeting an entrepreneurial path, it’s not just about earning an MBA, but immersing yourself in an ecosystem that nurtures and refines entrepreneurial aspirations. Without further ado, here are the best MBA programs for entrepreneurship.

Our List of the Best MBA Programs for Entrepreneurship

Note that while we have assigned a ranking of sorts, each of the programs below offers a strong entrepreneurship curriculum and resources. For our ranking methodology, we took into account the overall ranking of the institution, the prominence of each school’s entrepreneurship offerings, internal client feedback, and post-MBA placement statistics.

1. Stanford Graduate School of Business

When you think of MBA programs for those who want to launch a business, Stanford GSB is likely top of mind. The GSB boasts a robust and influential platform for aspiring entrepreneurs, with over 60 courses in entrepreneurship and innovation including the well-known ‘Start Up Garage’. Stanford GSB offers a multifaceted program that equips students with the skills, resources, and mindset necessary to excel in the entrepreneurial landscape.

The GSB reports that 19% of the Class of 2022 started their own businesses upon graduation. Learn more about the Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) Entrepreneurship Program.

2. Harvard Business School (HBS)

HBS recognizes the critical role entrepreneurship plays in business and has designed a multifaceted program to cater to the needs of those eager to launch and lead ventures. With an Entrepreneurship ‘track’ embedded within the curriculum, HBS provides a structured path that immerses students in the intricacies of entrepreneurship. Central to HBS’ approach is the integration of entrepreneurship across various disciplines. This strategy ensures that aspiring entrepreneurs receive a well-rounded education that spans finance, marketing, strategy, and operations, while simultaneously delving deep into the specifics of building and scaling businesses.

HBS reports that over 50% of its graduates launch at least one venture in their career, with 13% doing so directly after graduation, which helps ensure that entrepreneurs have plenty of likeminded peers on campus (and beyond). Learn more about the Harvard Business School Entrepreneurship & Innovation Program.

3. MIT Sloan 

The MIT Sloan School of Management MBA program offers a cutting-edge and immersive education for aspiring entrepreneurs. With its fusion of academic excellence, hands-on experiences, and access to a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, MIT Sloan equips graduates with the skills, knowledge, and mindset required to thrive in the world of startups and innovation. The program’s reputation for excellence and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of entrepreneurship position graduates as leaders who can drive transformative change, push technological boundaries, and leave a lasting impact on the business world.

Sloan reports that 10% of its most recent class planned to start a business upon graduation. Learn more about the MIT Sloan E+I Certificate.

4. Wharton

Wharton offers a dynamic entrepreneurship curriculum that seamlessly integrates with its renowned foundational business education. The Wharton Entrepreneurship courses cover a diverse range of topics, from startup strategy and venture financing to innovation and market validation. These courses provide students with a solid foundation while offering insights specific to the challenges faced by entrepreneurs.

Wharton reports that 7% of its most recent class planned to start their own business upon graduation. Learn more about the Wharton Entrepreneurship and Innovation Major.

5. Chicago Booth

Chicago Booth’s concentration in entrepreneurship is well regarded for preparing aspiring entrepreneurs. With a rigorous analytical approach, the program equips students with the ability to dissect complex market dynamics and make data-driven decisions. Flexibility in the curriculum allows for tailored education, while a faculty comprising accomplished academics and industry experts ensures a well-rounded learning experience. The Chicago Approach, emphasizing intellectual curiosity and open-mindedness, fosters calculated risk-taking and unconventional problem-solving.

Collaborating closely with the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, students gain access to resources, mentorship, and real-world learning opportunities. Booth’s renowned New Venture Challenge has launched more than 300 businesses to date including Grubhub and Venmo.

Booth reports that 3% of its most recent class planned to launch a business after graduation. Learn more about the Chicago Booth Program for Entrepreneurship.

6. Haas School of Business

The Haas curriculum is one that seamlessly blends foundational business education with specialized coursework in entrepreneurship. The Berkeley Entrepreneurs Association (BEA), with over 400 members, and the extensive entrepreneurship curriculum provide students with insights into venture capital, business planning, social entrepreneurship, and startup strategies, equipping them with a comprehensive skill set.

Haas reports that 5% of its most recent graduating class planned to launch a business. Learn more about the Haas Entrepreneurship Program.

7. Kellogg School of Management

The Entrepreneurship at Kellogg MBA program stands out by combining experiential learning, a collaborative culture, a tailored curriculum, global perspectives, a focus on social impact, a vibrant ecosystem, and a strong reputation. These factors collectively contribute to an educational journey that equips students with the skills, mindset, and connections to thrive as innovative and responsible entrepreneurs in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

Uniquely, Kellogg offers three paths within entrepreneurship – founder-focused (for a traditional entrepreneurship path), entrepreneurship through acquisition (for those interested in a search fund or similar), and entrepreneurial finance (for those pursuing VC). It also offers a strong accelerator program called Zell Fellows and the option to do a semester in San Francisco, the heart of the startup world.

Kellogg reports that 2% of its most recent class planned to start their own business upon graduation. Learn more about Entrepreneurship at Kellogg.

8. Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth

Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business is committed to experiential learning. The Entrepreneurship Initiative offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers foundational business concepts while going deep into startup strategies, venture capital, and innovation management. Students are encouraged to challenge conventional thinking, cultivate resilience, and embrace a hands-on approach to problem-solving.

Tuck reports that 2% of its most recent class was starting a business upon graduation. Learn more about the Tuck Center for Entrepreneurship.

9. University of Texas – Austin (McCombs)

UT McCombs offers a concentration in entrepreneurship and easy access to the robust Austin start up community. With its experiential learning opportunities, focus on mentorship and commitment to fostering innovation, McCombs equips graduates with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in the world of startups and innovation.

McCombs reports that 2% of its most recent class planned to launch their own venture. Learn more about the Entrepreneurship Concentration at McCombs.

10. Ross School of Business

At Ross’ center is its action-based learning philosophy, epitomized by its required Multidisciplinary Action Projects (MAP) which can be focused on entrepreneurship. This experiential learning opportunity immerses students in real-world business challenges, enabling them to collaborate with companies, startups, and organizations to develop strategic solutions. Ross also offers a robust entrepreneurship curriculum, an internship program for those looking to work at a startup or VC fund, and access to the schoolwide Michigan Business Competition.

Ross’ percentage of graduates launching a new business was a small but mighty <1%. Learn more about the entrepreneurship resources at Ross School of Business.

Selecting an MBA program geared toward entrepreneurship is an investment in your ability to innovate and lead. This decision connects you with mentors, collaborators, and the insights needed to launch and grow businesses. With every class, pitch, and connection, you’re taking steps toward realizing your entrepreneurial dreams.

If you need further assistance curating a personalized list of the best MBA programs for entrepreneurship, don’t hesitate to reach out. We can provide hands on guidance and support throughout your application journey. Request your initial consultation today.