Brighten your future by earning a Florida Online MBA. This sunny state offers many hidden gems for graduate students to discover. Florida residents will be surprised to find these campuses are nestled right in their backyard. All classes are offered online. However, attending a university close to home makes it convenient for students to visit the campus.
Why should I get a Florida Online MBA?
Earning an MBA can help you advance your career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Florida has a 2.6% unemployment rate as of November 2022. This offers Florida MBA grads a great outlook.
The business schools in Florida offer great opportunity. Florida employers will be eager to meet candidates at local job fairs. They also offer mentoring, job shadowing, company tours, and internship opportunities. Professors will also have connections and decades of experience working with local companies.
What can I expect from a Florida Online MBA?
Business schools know students select online MBA programs because they need flexibility. Online MBA degrees allow students to work on assignments when it is convenient for them. An online platform makes is easier to balance a full-time job or family obligations while earning your degree.
Most programs allow students to take between one and three classes each semester. Students will log in to an online platform and complete weekly modules. Activities may include videos to watch, articles to read, quizzes, and writing assignments. Some classes may have weekly live virtual meetings. There may be additional opportunities for experiential learning and group projects.
Concentrations
An online MBA curriculum is typically 36 hours. Some of the programs included in this article can be completed in just 33 credit hours. Comprehensive MBA programs give students a general overview of many business concepts. Others begin with core business courses and then allow students to select a concentration. Traditional concentration options include Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, International Business, Management, and Marketing.
Unique concentrations you’ll find in Florida:
- Airport or Airline Management,
- Missional Leadership, and
- Sports Management.
Students can also expand career options by earning a joint MBA degree. Joint MBAs combine the MBA curriculum with another full degree. Popular degrees to combine with an MBA include:
- Master of Healthcare Administration,
- Juris Doctor (law degree), and
- Master of Science in Pharmacy.
Whatever you are passionate about, you are sure to find the perfect fit with one of the Florida Online MBA programs.
Learning Environment
Distance learning students will have opportunities to interact with their peers. Interactions may include working on group projects such as a shared Google document, responding to discussion board posts, or even presenting during a live Zoom session. Professors meet with students who need extra support during office hours.
But online students should note that they generally have access to on-campus services. Examples include research materials through the library, career counseling, and online tutoring.
Admissions
Admissions requirements are generally more lenient for online MBA programs. Graduate programs require you to submit your undergraduate transcript. Don’t stress if your undergraduate GPA is less-than-stellar. Admissions committees are able to view a student’s potential, not just compare you to a competitive applicant pool.
Students who didn’t earn a degree in business may need to take extra business courses to succeed. These are often offered in a condensed format so that you can jump right into your core courses. GMAT/GRE waivers may also be available. Admissions representatives are available to answer any questions prospective students may have. Since there are generally few admissions requirements, many programs accept applications year-round.
Maybe it is time to consider one of Florida’s Online MBA hidden gems.
How much do online MBA programs cost in Florida?
Inflation has been a struggle for many working families in 2022. Therefore, affordability was a factor when selecting the programs on this list. These ten hidden gems offer tuition rates that won’t break the bank.
Scholarships/Financial Aid
Scholarships may be offered based on standardized test scores or high undergraduate GPAs. All students should complete FAFSA paperwork to determine eligibility for tuition help. Students should apply for scholarships and FAFSA early. This will increase their chances of receiving tuition assistance.
What jobs can I get with a Florida Online MBA?
Florida offers a thriving economy. It is home to many large private businesses and government entities. Some of the top industries include amusement and theme parks, education, and supermarkets.
At first glance, you may wonder why you would work at a supermarket after earning an MBA. However, business leaders are needed in every sector. Below are the top three Florida employers.
Publix Super Markets
Publix is the largest employer in Florida, with over 130,000 employers. Fortune Magazine has consistently ranked Publix amongst the “100 Best Companies to Work For” for 25 years. The corporate headquarters in Lakeland, Florida, employs many MBA graduates.
Central departments at headquarters include Corporate Purchasing, Human Resources, and Strategy Support. The Finance Manager of Benefits Support offers an annual salary range of $104,520-$156,715. Many other six-figure managerial roles are available.
Walt Disney Parks and Resort
Who wouldn’t want to work at the happiest place on Earth? Walt Disney employs a team of over 58,000 individuals in Florida. Disney offers an exciting paid internship opportunity. Currently, enrolled students and those within 24 months post-graduation are eligible to apply. These amazing internships are incredible resume’ boosters. Many internships have led to full-time Disney careers.
Career opportunities are available in Business Support, Marketing and Sales, Finance, Data, and Analytics. Disney is a great place to work while earning your degree. They offer great benefits, such as tuition reimbursement.
Dade County School Board
Miami-Dade School District is the fourth largest school district in the U.S. Many senior-level business roles are available. Executive Director opportunities include Personnel Operations and Network Services, Contract Management, and Project Management. Directors II span Business Operations Performance Improvement, Regulatory Compliance, and Accounts Payable. The salary for these mid to upper-level supervisory roles range from $70,194-$125,310.
Florida Online MBA Hidden Gems
Pursuing a Florida Online MBA is a smart career move. An online MBA offers flexibility and upward career mobility. These programs are dedicated to helping business students achieve their goals.
Barry University
Barry University’s D. Inez Andreas School of Business is a hidden gem in the Miami region. Flexible MBAs are offered in the evenings or a convenient online format. Applications are accepted year-round. Students can take between one and three classes at a time as long as they graduate within five years.
Students can select a general MBA or choose a specialization. Specializations include Accounting, Finance, Health Services Administration, International Business, Management, or Marketing. Joint MBAs are offered with Podiatric Medicine, Sport Management, and Sport Psychology. All classes are taught by full-time faculty. Faculty maintain an open-door office policy and make time to help students.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is best known for its aerospace programs. However, its MBA in Aviation deserves recognition. This unique MBA is delivered through the David B. O’Maley College of Business. This program features traditional business courses and gives students exposure to the aviation and space operations arena. This customizable degree also offers career-relevant specializations and nine resume-boosting certifications.
Specialization options:
- Airport Management
- Airline Management
- Aviation Human Resources
- Aviation System Management
Certification options:
- Business Intelligence and Analytics
- Information Technology Management
- International Business
- Project Management.
Graduates are prepared for specialty careers with leading airlines or diverse business corporations.
Florida A&M University
Florida A&M University is a Historically Black university with a distinguished Master of Business Administration. U.S. News and World Report ranked FAMU 1st among HBCUs in 2021. The School of Business and Industry has strong partnerships with over 100 organizations, including Accenture, JPMorgan, and Disney. These partnerships lead to an 85% career placement rate. Other graduates have pursued doctoral studies or launched new businesses.
The comprehensive tuition includes all textbooks and an international residency. Previous destinations have included Brazil, Chile, and China. Undergraduate students who have at least 90 college credit hours may begin taking MBA classes. Full-time graduate students may also speed up their studies with the one-year MBA.
Florida Gulf Coast University
Florida Gulf Coast University is the second newest State University System of Florida member. The Lutgert College of Business brings fresh vitality to its MBA program. In 2021, The Princeton Review ranked this MBA amongst the top programs nationally.
The online MBA features contemporary concentrations in Data Analytics and Management/Leadership. Additional options for on-campus students include Digital Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and Information Systems. The 33-credit hour curriculum can be completed in as little as one year. Six entry points are available throughout the year. This makes it easy for professionals to jumpstart their education.
Florida Institute of Technology
Nathan M. Bisk College of Business at Florida Institute of Technology offers a Master of Business Administration degree. The accelerated B.S. in Business to MBA program saves students time and money. This degree can be accomplished in four to five years. An optional International Business concentration prepares students to succeed in global corporations.
The Student Business Incubator helps students become effective entrepreneurs. This semester-long boot camp pushes students to launch new business ventures. Students can also compete in case competitions like the Cadillac Case Competition and Honda Social Marketing Challenge. MBA students have interned with the CIA, Merril Lynch, and State Farm.
Jacksonville University
Unleash your potential by earning an MBA through Jacksonville University’s Davis College of Business. This hidden gem holds prestigious AACSB accreditation. Additionally, this program made CEO Magazine’s Best MBA ranking. Students can enroll part-time, full-time, online, or in-person. They are also able to change their status each semester.
MBA concentrations are offered in FinTech and Health Care Management. An EMBA focused on Leadership Development is also available. EMBA students meet one weekend per month on campus or through streaming. Combine your passions by pursuing a dual MBA in Business Analytics, Health Informatics, Public Policy, or Nursing. Condensed courses follow an eight-week modular system, allowing flexible program start dates.
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo University is home to the Donald R. Tapia School of Business. Tapia is the world’s largest Catholic business school. Saint Leo has been consistently recognized as a Top University in the South by U.S. News and World Report for over 10 years. Professionals in the MBA program open future pathways through paid fellowships with Ernst and Young. They also have opportunities to attend sustainable business immersions spanning the globe. MBA students can pursue their interests with a wide selection of concentration options.
Concentrations:
- Accounting
- Cybersecurity Management
- Data Analytics
- Healthcare Management
- Human Resource Management
- Marketing
- Project Management
- Social Media Marketing
- Sport Management
- Supply Chain Global Integration Management
Southeastern University
The MBA from Southeastern University’s Jannetides College of Business and Entrepreneurial Leadership can take your career to new heights. Specialty options include Executive Leadership, Healthcare Administration, Missional Leadership, and Sport Management. This private Christian university presents business courses from a Christian worldview.
Students can take online and in-person classes from the main campus or partner sites. SEU is recognized as a College of Distinction in Business and Career Development for 2022-2023. MBA graduates are prepared for diverse careers as entrepreneurs, management analysts, and operations research analysts.
Stetson University
Stetson University’s School of Business Administration is the oldest business school in Florida. The business school holds dual AACSB accreditation in accounting and business. The MBA can be earned in as few as 18 months.
The admissions process is fast-tracked for highly qualified students. To get more bang for your buck, combine the MBA with a Master of Healthcare Administration or an M.S. in Pharmacy. The Stetson School of Business Foundation awards scholarships to part-time and full-time MBA students. Classes are held weekly through a virtual platform. There are no residency requirements, but students have the option to study abroad.
University of West Florida
The University of West Florida’s College of Business offers a prestigious MBA. This MBA is accredited by the AACSB. U.S. News and World Report named this program among the Best Online MBA Programs in 2022. MBA students can choose an emphasis on
- accounting,
- aviation economics,
- business analytics,
- entrepreneurship,
- finance,
- hospitality and tourism leadership,
- human resources management,
- information security management, and
- supply chain logistics management.
Students will develop an e-portfolio showcasing projects from their classes. Alums are employed at the Navy Federal Credit Union, NYLife Securities, and Andrews Research and Education Foundation.
A Florida Online MBA For Everyone
Florida offers a myriad of online MBA programs. These MBA degrees offer flexibility, affordability, and education excellence. They are a great opportunity for the working professional. They offer a wide array of specializations, certificates, and dual degree options. No matter your current industry or future career dreams, there really is a Florida Online MBA for everyone.
Related Resources:
Guide to Online MBA Self Care
How can I strengthen my online MBA application?
What will I learn in an Online MBA?
What is the Difference Between a Certificate and a Concentration?