The Characteristics and Motivations of Contemporary Entrepreneurship Students

Entrepreneurship is among the fastest growing curricular areas at universities. The rationale for delivering entrepreneurship education to students is well understood; however, minimal research has examined the characteristics, motivations, and attitudes of those choosing to enroll. The authors examine data collected across 5 years from 2,664 students enrolled in a multidisciplinary entrepreneurship course offered at a major university in the United States. It highlights why demographic characteristics, career intentions, and what is termed entrepreneurial maturity should be taken into consideration in course and program development. The study provides valuable baseline data that can inform entrepreneurship education research, pedagogy, and assessment.