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The Close School of Entrepreneurship presents Startup Fest 2025 winners with a check for $10,000.

BSBA Major in Entrepreneurship

The entrepreneurship major, housed in the Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship at the LeBow College of Business, prepares you to design, test, launch and scale new ventures and innovation initiatives in uncertain, fast-changing environments. Our students learn how to move from ideas to action by combining entrepreneurial judgment with disciplined analysis, evidence-based decision-making and ethical responsibility. Through applied coursework, venture-focused experiences and engagement with entrepreneurs and industry leaders, you’ll develop the skills needed to evaluate opportunities, execute ideas and drive innovation.

#2

Top Schools for Entrepreneurship Studies, Mid-Atlantic Region

The Princeton Review, 2025

$70,411

Average starting salary for LeBow BSBA graduates

Class of 2025

Why Major in Entrepreneurship at Drexel LeBow?

Entrepreneurship is about recognizing opportunities and turning ideas into action. At Drexel LeBow, you’ll learn how to transform those ideas into viable ventures and innovative solutions through hands-on learning, evidence-based decision-making and practical experience.

Drexel LeBow’s BSBA in Entrepreneurship:

  • Develops the entrepreneurial, analytical and strategic skills needed to evaluate opportunities and build sustainable ventures.
  • Emphasizes learning by doing through venture-focused coursework, startup simulations and pitch competitions.
  • Connects students with Drexel’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, including the Baiada Institute for Entrepreneurship, where experienced entrepreneurs, investors and mentors help students develop and refine new ventures.
  • Prepares graduates to launch new ventures or drive innovation within startups, growing companies and established organizations.

Inside the Entrepreneurship Major Curriculum

Entrepreneurship requires creativity, sound judgment and the ability to execute. The curriculum combines business fundamentals with entrepreneurial practice, preparing you to evaluate opportunities, navigate uncertainty and make evidence-based decisions throughout the venture creation process.

You’ll explore topics such as opportunity recognition, venture planning, innovation strategy and business growth while strengthening your skills in critical thinking, communication and ethical decision-making. Throughout the program, you’ll apply what you learn through hands-on projects that mirror real entrepreneurial challenges.

Courses

Coursework explores topics including:

  • Entrepreneurial Strategy & Competitive Advantage
  • Venture Finance & Capital Acquisition
  • New Venture Planning & Execution
  • Business Growth & Scaling Strategies
  • Innovation Management & Corporate Entrepreneurship

Visit the Drexel Course Catalog

a student at the Close School presents her startup idea during a co-op

Drexel Co-op and Experience

Through the Drexel Co-op program, students alternate classroom learning with full-time professional experience through University-approved employers. With plans of study that allow for up to three co-ops, you can gain as much as 18 months of practical experience while building professional networks, developing career clarity and applying classroom knowledge in real-world settings.

Up to 18 months of experience

Graduate with as much as 18 months of experience in the workplace

$20.61

Median co-op hourly pay

LeBow Class of 2024

45%

of co-op students received a full-time job offer from their co-op employer

LeBow Class of 2024

Entrepreneurship students often pursue co-op experiences with startups, growth-stage companies and innovation teams, gaining firsthand experience with venture operations, product development and business growth.

Past co-op placements include:

Amazon, Campbell’s, Comcast, GoPuff, Paramount, PayPal

Beyond Co-op

Co-op is just one way to gain real-world experience at LeBow. Many students also expand their experience through consulting courses, case competitions, research projects, international residencies, industry events, alumni mentorship and other hands-on learning opportunities.

Many of these opportunities are made possible through the Dana and David Dornsife Office for Experiential Learning, where students work on real and simulated projects with industry partners. Partners have included organizations such as Unilever, the Philadelphia 76ers, Boeing, PwC, and nonprofit and governmental agencies.

The Laurence A. Baiada Institute for Entrepreneurship

The Baiada Institute is the hub of student innovation at Drexel. As part of the Close School, the Baiada Institute empowers students from every major to launch and grow their ventures. With access to mentorship, funding, competitions and a vibrant entrepreneurial community, you’ll gain the tools and support you need to bring your ideas to life.

Inside the Baiada Institute.
Aquiera Halsey student photo

I felt that if I studied entrepreneurship and learned the fundamentals of business then no one would be able to take my business away from me. If it wasn’t for Drexel I wouldn’t have the confidence in such a high-stress, high reward environment.

Aquiera Halsey ’11

Manager, Oncology Quality Data & Cancer Registry

Thomas Jefferson University Hospital

Read more about Aquiera

What Can You Do With a BSBA in Entrepreneurship?

An Entrepreneurship degree prepares you to create value in many different settings, whether you’re launching your own venture, helping a startup grow or leading innovation within an established organization. Graduates develop the ability to identify opportunities, solve complex business problems and turn ideas into action across industries.

Career paths may include:

  • Founder or entrepreneur
  • Venture operator
  • Innovation manager
  • Product manager
  • Business consultant
  • Growth or business development manager

The program also provides a strong foundation for graduate study in business, entrepreneurship, innovation and related fields.

Common Questions About the Entrepreneurship Major
What types of students are a good fit for the entrepreneurship major?

The entrepreneurship major is a strong fit for students who enjoy solving problems and thinking creatively. The skills you learn will be useful whether you want to launch your own business, join a startup or work within an established organization. The program is ideal for students who are curious, adaptable and motivated to make an impact through business.

What’s the difference between the BSBA in Entrepreneurship and the BA in Entrepreneurship and Innovation?

The BSBA in Entrepreneurship is a business-focused degree that combines core business disciplines with entrepreneurial strategy, analytical decision-making, and venture creation to prepare students to launch and grow businesses or drive innovation within organizations. In contrast, the BA in Entrepreneurship and Innovation emphasizes creativity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and entrepreneurial thinking, preparing students to solve complex problems and create value across startups, corporations, nonprofits, and other sectors. Both programs provide hands-on experiential learning, but the BSBA offers a broader business foundation, while the BA takes a deeper, innovation-centered approach.

Is entrepreneurship still a good major if I don’t want to start my own business?

Yes! While some students aspire to launch their own ventures, many use their entrepreneurial skills in established organizations. Entrepreneurship graduates pursue careers in product management, business development, consulting, innovation management, venture operations and other roles where they identify opportunities, solve problems and lead new initiatives. The program prepares you to think entrepreneurially whether you’re building a startup or helping an organization grow and innovate.

Take the Next Step

All undergraduate applications are processed through Drexel University’s central admissions portal. Have questions about applying to LeBow? Our undergraduate enrollment team is here to help.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Find the information you need to plan for your education through Drexel Central. Review tuition and fees, estimate the cost of attendance, and explore financial aid resources, including scholarships, grants, loans and payment options.

Connect with Us

Our staff is ready to help you with any questions you may have about the application process, including which program is right for you. We look forward to hearing from you.

Germyce Harris Williams

Assistant Director, Recruitment & Retention

(215) 571-3392

Pearlstein Building 429