How Does a Masters in Entrepreneurship Differ from an MBA?

Getting a Master’s Degree is a huge undertaking that is often required by many in order to excel in their industry. For some, it is that expanded knowledge that will help them achieve a promotion or qualify them for something greater. For others, getting that Master’s Degree is step towards diverting their career goals in a different direction. As the decades pass, there has been an increasing number of people pursuing a Masters in Entrepreneurship rather than getting their MBA. This raises a question of not only why, but what is the difference between the two degrees. The differences are subtle but distinguishable.

Art vs. Science

As the MBA implies, it is a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. This is generally designated as a Liberal Arts program in most universities. The curriculum is focused around the art of administrating business from various levels in a creative approach to expand knowledge. In this approach, the degree itself focuses much of its non-business learning on such things as humanities and other artistic disciplines.

Taking on a Masters of Entrepreneurship is actually a Science degree. This curriculum teaches the fundamentals of a specific science while applying business applications related to the science. The degree also applies a great deal of scientific methods into the starting, running, and owning a business rather than simply being a key operator of the business itself.

Matter of Choice

Those who decide to get a Masters of Entrepreneurship often want to branch out on their own as business leaders. In these tough economic times, it is often those who create the jobs that are most gainfully employed. An MBA prepares a person to be great leader of an already established company. Business Administration is a key element of any company and it takes great administrators to become great Vice-Presidents and Executive Officers of the busines, which is also the motivator behind choosing a Masters of Entrepreneurship. This person doesn’t want to be a cog of the machine, but the architect of the machine itself.

Furthering Your Degree

The Master’s Degree holder can opt to continue their education further to that of a Doctorate. The Science degree allows for further expansion as a true doctor in the sense of the word. It also provides for the allowance of pursuing a PhD where the Administration Arts degree will not. For career students and those seeking further prestige, this can be a deal breaker.

Which to choose?

The differences between both degrees are greatly a matter of choice in the direction the degree holder wants to achieve. For the person wanting to start their own business or already has their own business, the Masters of Entrepreneurship may be the right pursuit. If that person is already established in a business and is seeking to advance in their field, then the MBA is clearly a solid objective. Previous degrees will also play a factor. If the person already carries an degree in the arts, then the MBA may be the best option. Both degrees hold substantial merit in their own right, while the focus of study is slightly different between them. Choosing which degree to decide on greatly depends on the end goal of the degree holder and what they plan on achieving beyond that goal.