A lot of thought usually goes into making decisions regarding whether to earn a master of business administration (MBA) degree and the criteria to use when choosing the best MBA programs in Florida. The availability of exceptional programs in the state is only one factor to take into consideration when choosing the ideal option that meets your career desires and goals.
How do MBA Programs in Florida Help Students Advance their Career?
One advantage that prospective MBA students in Florida have is the availability of several program options. A school may only offer one MBA program, but may offer several concentrations or specializations within that program.
Best 5 MBA Programs in Florida
Rank | School | Location |
---|---|---|
1 | Florida Gulf Coast University | Fort Myers, Florida |
2 | University of Florida | Gainesville, Florida |
3 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, Florida |
4 | Florida State University | Tallahassee, Florida |
5 | University of South Florida | Tampa, Florida |
Students may have the opportunity to choose from several different MBA programs, depending upon their preferences. One example is the fact that a school may offer a program that follows a traditional path, an accelerated path or an Executive MBA program. Schools have different criteria for admissions to their programs when there is a variety of options. These options allow a student to advance their career by choosing the MBA option that best suits their career needs or goals.
Another way that schools help students advance their career when offering MBA programs in Florida is by offering a variety of delivery formats. Everyone does not have the option to attend classes in-person or meet other in-person degree requirements. Several schools offer their programs in an online format. Some schools offer a hybrid program, which is a combination of in-person and online learning.
Students enrolled in an online MBA program still complete the same rigorous coursework as students taking classes in the traditional setting. All students complete the degree requirements, regardless of the delivery format. Online students benefit from the flexibility that allows them to continue working. Some students may not have the opportunity to earn their MBA if not for program flexibility.
Gain deeper knowledge in your field or change to a new field, and improve your job security. Gain a competitive edge over other workers or job applicants, and boost your potential earnings. Education pays according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), who indicates that workers with a graduate degree have the highest earnings and lowest unemployment rate for all workers.
Florida Gulf Coast University
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) Online program at Florida Gulf Coast University consists of rigorous coursework that instructs students on concepts across all business disciplines and emphasizes the application of analytical, technical, and behavioral tools required to meet organizational challenges. Learn to devise and communicate solutions to business problems while using structured and unstructured data, to collaborate in groups and on teams, and to think strategically in a global business environment.
There are several concentrations, including Data Analytics, Management, and International Business.
School Overview
University of Florida
The University of Florida Warrington College of Business offers students a ‘Find my MBA Quiz’ to identify which MBA experience best fits their needs. Some students may prefer to compare options on their own and choose from nine program format options. Examples of the options include the Full Time Two-Year program, the Executive MBA or the Weekend Professional One-Year option.
Another option is the Online One-Year program, which the school indicates is one of the quickest ways to earn an MBA. Students still receive the same high-quality instruction and support provided to students in other MBA programs. The accelerated program is designed for students that have completed an undergraduate degree program in another area within the past seven years that now wishes to earn and MBA. Prepare for your future as you take courses in finance, investments, international logistics, and cover other topics in the curriculum.
School Overview
University of Central Florida
Students at the University of Central Florida choose their MBA program from several options, including the school’s flagship MBA program, taught at the downtown campus. Students gain advanced knowledge and theoretical concepts and learn to efficiently access, to retrieve, and analyze information through technology. Students gain an appreciation for a diverse workforce, and learn to promote leadership and interpersonal competencies.
School Overview
Florida State University
Florida State University offers several formats for its MBA program, including the unique options of JD/MBA pathway and the MSW/MBA pathway. Another option, the Accelerated Full-Time MBA, is ideal for students that are receptive to the fast pace of the program. Students learn to enhance their current professional skills, and gain teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Some topics covered in the program include financial reporting, problems in financial management, strategy and business policy, and corporate information security.
School Overview
University of South Florida
The University of South Florida MBA program provides students with expanded leadership development. The school recognizes that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to business leadership, and offers several customized areas of study. Choose your preferred area of study from options such as Analytics and Business Intelligence, Compliance, Risk and Anti-Money Laundering, Digital Marketing or Project and Process Management.
School Overview
University of West Florida
The fully accredited MBA program at the University of West Florida prepares students for enhanced career opportunities and improved earnings. Develop your management and leadership skills and the capacity for decision-making while in the program. Gain a competitive edge as you progress through the comprehensive, integrated curriculum with seven emphasis area options, and participate in additional learning opportunities such as the case competitions and live cases in the classroom.
Students have the option of completing the program in the traditional classroom or in an online format. The university also offers a unique program option which is the Germany MBA. Students take courses both at the Florida campus and at the partner university in Ludwigshafen, Germany.
School Overview
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
The Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (Florida A&M) accepts applications from students with an undergraduate degree in both business and non-business disciplines for its MBA programs. Students have the option of choosing a traditional program or an online MBA program. The online program offers the shorter time to complete the degree and the flexibility in scheduling that some students need when pursuing an MBA. Students can start the program during any semester.
Students complete courses in accounting, economic theory, management engineering, organizational management and systems theory and design, along with other core and electives courses.
School Overview
Lynn University
The MBA programs at Lynn University are offered online with no required classroom instruction. Students likely appreciate the fact that there is also no GRE or GMAT requirement. The unparalleled technical support helps students to seamlessly progress through the award-winning iPad powered program.
Gain a deeper understanding of how businesses work, and how to serve as a liaison between employees and management personnel. Gain advanced business and management skills and discover techniques used in global resource management. Excel in your career when you discover how to enhance your skills to transition into leadership and management roles when you graduate with an MBA in one of the 12 online MBA specialization options. Consider the Entrepreneurial Management specialization, Human Resources Management, International Business Management or Hospitality Management specializations. There are also unique options such as Aviation Management, Social Innovation Management or Web Development Management specializations.
School Overview
Barry University
The Andreas School of Business at Barry University prepares future business leaders to understand that business is not simply about making money, but also involves ensuring the well-being of the world for future generations. Learn the importance of providing reliable business practices that maintains the stability of our economic, social, cultural and global environment.
The curriculum is designed to help students develop a better understanding of different business disciplines, and allows students to choose one of six MBA specializations. Some topics covered in the program include financial markets and institutions, business taxation, global marketing, and diversity in the workplace.
Although many students complete the degree in the on-campus format, other students enjoy the flexibility of the online MBA program.
School Overview
Nova Southeastern University
Students that pursue an MBA at Nova Southeastern University gain the advantage of choosing between evening, weekend or online classes to meet their needs and preferred options for completing courses. The Professional MBA program courses are offered during daytime and evening hours in both the on-campus and online format.
Students that enroll in the Saturday MBA program take courses in the unique format of Saturday-only courses on-campus at the Fort Lauderdale/Davie campus. Learn from established business leaders and gain real-world experiences. Narrow your focus when you decide on one of the 12 concentrations. A few concentration options include the Complex Health Systems, Process Improvement, Sport Revenue Generation and Finance.
School Overview
Southeastern University
The Southeastern University MBA programs provide students with the skills and knowledge to take their career to the next level, while learning from faculty members with decades of experience. Students have their choice of four concentration options. Gain management, organization, and leadership skills while also discovering how to be an effective ethical leader.
School Overview
Saint Leo University
Thrive in the supportive learning environment of the MBA program at Saint Leo University. The state-of-the-art facilities, supportive faculty, and international approach are some reasons that students likely consider attending this school to earn an MBA.
Students study key issues that face business leaders today, and learn how to use a variety of strategies, law and ethics for their benefit in any size company or organization. Students also gain valuable experiences through the internship, which can be completed near campus or the student’s home. Some students go on to earn a doctoral degree in business administration at the school.
School Overview
University of Miami
The Miami Herbert Business School at the University of Miami recognizes that today’s business leaders must drive change to be successful in their career. The university focuses on educating ‘creative thinkers, strong communicators and principled leaders.’ Students have the option of completing the Executive MBA program, a dual degree MBA program, the online MBA, the evening and weekend MBA designed for working professionals, or the on-campus Full-Time MBA program.
The Full-Time MBA program features three options, including an Accelerated MBA option with a jaw-dropping short completion time. Gain the skills, knowledge, and expertise provided to students in the other program options while engaging in activities such as hands-on opportunities that prepares students for business leadership. Students progress through core courses, choose four electives and complete a capstone project.
School Overview
Florida Southern College
The Florida Southern College MBA program is offered in an accelerated format that also offers students the oportunity to complete a certificate program in their last semester of MBA studies. The school indicates that more than 60 percent of MBA students participate in an international field experience.
Another feature of the program is the Living Case Studies. Students that are MBA cohorts take on a challenging living case study, do the research, then analyze the data and make the recommendations used to influence and steer the direction of real businesses.
School Overview
Florida Atlantic University
Florida Atlantic University offers several MBA programs options. Choose the Professional MBA, Executive MBA program, the Professional MBA in Sport Management, the Flexible MBA or the Online MBA.
Students that choose the online program option benefit from 100 percent online program delivery, and no GMAT or GRE requirement. The program is designed for students that have a minimum of four years work experience, and that have an undergraduate degree in any area. Students progress through the same curriculum as the students attending an on-campus program option. Students graduate with a Master of Business Administration with an International Business specialization.
School Overview
Florida Institute of Technology
Prepare for the future by earning an MBA from the Florida Institute of Technology, a school that is located on the Space Coast. Students benefit from the 12 concentration options which allows students to tailor the program to their specific interests and career goals.
Develop a strong business background, gain hands-on experiences, and learn modern management strategies.
School Overview
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
The Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University explains that while many schools offer MBA programs, when you choose Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, you choose a program that is already aligned with an industry. Students gain a first-hand look at the aviation business practices, and have the opportunity to customize their degree program. Consider a specialization in Airport Management, Airline Management, Finance, Aviation Human Resources or Aviation System Management.
Students in all concentrations advance their current knowledge and skills, and learn to apply modern management concepts, methods, and tools to the challenges of aviation, while also learning other personalized skills.
School Overview
Florida International University
Florida International University considers itself a ‘pioneer’ in online instruction, with more than 20 years of experience of providing students with online education options. The university offers eight specializations for professionals that want to advance their career. There are five start times each year, allowing for further flexibility in the program.
Although students take courses online, they have opportunities to engage with faculty and other students through activities such as professional seminars, virtual meetings, and a two-day residency.
Some of the eight specializations, which helps students tailor the program to their interests include Real Estate, International Business, and Marketing Channel Strategy.
School Overview
University of Tampa
The University of Tampa offers students the opportunity to complete the MBA on a full-time or part-time plan of study.
The fully accredited Executive MBA is an option designed for professionals that have a minimum of seven years of work experience. The classes are cohort-based, and offered every other Saturday, allowing busy professionals to continue working or caring for other responsibilities. The program focuses on leadership, finance and corporate strategy, with cutting-edge curriculum. Students take a 10-day trip abroad to gain exposure to global commerce.
School Overview
Rollins College
The Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College, located in Winter Park, prepares students to advance their career through programs such as the Professional MBA. The program offers the flexibility of attending classes just two nights each week, and intimate class sizes.
Students select either the finance specialization, the marketing specialization, or the entrepreneurship concentration, and are able to apply the new knowledge and skills in real time. Another benefit is that there is no GMAT or GRE test requirement.
School Overview
<3>Methodology
There are many schools that offer MBA programs in Florida. We researched the schools in the state and narrowed them down to the top 20 programs. We then ranked the final schools by assigning a weighted score to each school based on the cost of tuition and program length. Whenever there was a tie, the school with the lower tuition rate received the higher score. Please remember that tuition costs typically do not include the cost of required fees, housing, parking, materials or supplies.
Please contact us if you would like to have your school included in our rankings, or if you need to update the information for your schoo