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Strike Out on Your Own to Build a Business

You see the appeal of being your own boss: You set the rules. You make the decisions. If you want to build a business from scratch and run it exactly how you see fit, IUP's Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management BS will give you the tools. 

Starting and successfully running your own small business is complicated—it involves making hard decisions, having a lot of responsibility, and taking on many roles. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. At IUP, you'll have support, guidance, and an education in the ins and outs of entrepreneurship to set you on the right track.

 

What You’ll Learn

You'll get an outstanding educational foundation in our program and be able to build your business on solid ground. You’ll be equipped to run a small business and cover multiple areas of operations, such as:

  • Business Planning
  • Financial Planning and Accounting
  • Human Resource Management
  • Marketing

The bachelor in entrepreneurship and small business management degree program is specifically focused on running businesses, so you’ll be ready to lead.

Imagine Your Future

Small businesses are the greatest source of job growth and innovation in the US. You’ll have a competitive edge from your studies in entrepreneurship and small business management.

You can join many of our graduates and start your own business right out of school, or work toward your dream while saving capital and gaining experience.

Similar Occupations

  • Business consultant
  • Mid-level manager
  • Research and development professional
  • Sales executive

Career Opportunities

Top 12 industries with the most small businesses:

  • Professional, scientific, and technical services (4,343,003)
  • Construction (3,194,482)
  • Real estate, rental, and leasing (3,092,859)
  • Retail trade (2,739,144)
  • Health care and social assistance (2,591,786)
  • Administrative, support, and waste management (2,487,228)
  • Transportation and warehousing (2,388,336)
  • Arts, entertainment, and recreation (1,565,439)
  • Finance and insurance (968,853)
  • Accommodation and food services (940,215)
  • Educational services (834,018)
  • Other Services (4,435,573)

Entrepreneurs with a degree:

44%

Entrepreneurs worldwide:

~582 million

Entrepreneurs in the US:

800,000+

Small businesses (establishments that employ less than 500 employees):

99.9%

of US businesses

Classes and Requirements

In pursuing a degree in entrepreneurship and small business management from IUP, you’ll learn techniques for successfully starting and running a business. Among the classes you’ll take are: 

  • Accounting Principles I and II
  • Business Statistics
  • Fundamentals of Finance
  • Introduction to Entrepreneurship
  • Legal Environment of Business
  • Principles of Marketing
  • Production and Operations Management
  • Small Business Planning

Full Academic Catalog Listing

The course catalog is the official reference for all our degree and course offerings. Check it out for a full listing of the classes available and requirements for this degree.

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Complete Your Bachelor's Degree and MBA in Five Years with the 4+1 Program

You can earn your bachelor’s as well as a master’s degree in five years when you take advantage of IUP's 4+1 programs. 

 When you enter a 4+1 program as a sophomore, you will be able to reserve a spot in your chosen master’s degree program. Just be sure to meet minimum requirements to continue in the program. 

 A 4+1 program gives you more specialized knowledge for career advancement and lets you save on tuition costs, and you can complete your master’s degree in a shorter timeframe. 

See the requirements for the 4+1 Program.

Gives you information and networking opportunities in operations management. You’ll also get help obtaining the widely sought-after certification with the Association for Operations Management.

Cultivates future entrepreneurs and their business concepts, and will be your sounding board as you plan your future. The club brings together young, aspiring entrepreneurs and successful business owners to network, so you can find mentors and learn from people who’ve been where you are. The club will also support you if you’d like to enter the annual Pennsylvania State System Business Plan Competition, along with many other competitions.

Works to increase the awareness of cross-cultural and international business issues. IBA fosters world diversity and friendship among its members. You’ll be encouraged to have a global outlook and to explore the world of diverse cultures with enthusiasm and respect.

Provides opportunities for you to network with human resource professionals and take on internships. What’s more: Job placements happen all the time. The student chapter is the oldest of the SHRM chapters in the local area.

An umbrella organization for IUP's Eberly College of Business outreach programs, the MSG demonstrates IUP’s commitment to service. You can join any number of MSG consulting groups, including the Small Business Development Center, Small Business Institute, Government Contracting Assistance Program, Center for Family Business, and IUP ExcEL Center.

Real-World Internship Experiences

An internship is a way to get outside the classroom and into the real world, where you’ll get hands-on experiences that you can take with you into the professional world.

In the entrepreneurship and small business management program, you’ll have access to the largest internship program at the College. And you’ll be eligible for paid internships at a variety of Fortune 500 companies.

Small Business Institute

Through the Small Business Institute, you'll have opportunities to gain experience working with

  • Accounting systems
  • Business planning
  • Computer system installation
  • Human resource problems
  • Market studies
  • Operations management

You’ll assist real clients while receiving faculty support and supervision.