Graduate students seeking a degree in business management will be interested to know that some of Florida’s excellent colleges and universities now feature some of the nation’s best online MBA degrees. For years, MBA students have had to make the difficult choice of finding a program at a local college, so they may be able to stay working for their current employer, or pull up stakes and move to a city where a university offers an attractive MBA degree. Those days are no more since the advent of the online MBA.
The online MBA programs in Florida present the perfect balance between a flexible schedule that a graduate student can structure and convenient course access that allows a full-time business employee to use weekends and evenings to pursue a degree. Many online MBAs are packaged within 30 or more credit hours of courses and take two years to complete when taking one course each term. Some MBA degrees in Florida offer an even quicker graduation time with shorter terms or when students take more classes each term. It is common for some online MBA degrees to feature an accelerated graduation time of 12 months or shorter.
Online MBAs in Florida
Explorer Ponce de Leon is credited for naming Florida on Easter in 1513. The word means “flowery.” Florida’s nickname is the Sunshine State. The lower-east coast state happens to be the 4th most-populated state in the nation and is attractive to people wanting year-round sunshine and higher temps. There is more coastline in Florida than any other state in the contiguous United States.
Some might attribute the state to Disney World or famous musicians like Jim Morrison, Tom Petty, and Pat Boone who all hail from the Sunshine State. But the state is also highly regarded for its fiscal stability, and it sits as the #1 state in the nation in regard to education. This education ranking takes into account the amount of debt the residents go into for their education, their K-12 education scores, as well as their higher education. Florida also sits in the #1 spot for higher education with low student debt, low tuition and fees, and high graduation rates. With this in mind, Florida is one of the best states in which to pursue an online MBA degree.
Methodology
This is a consensus ranking of the best online MBA degrees in Florida. This list is a great tool for prospective students. We use data from five different prestigious ranking systems. Combining these rankings allows us to give students a broader view of the best programs available. These are not simply the best degrees according to one person. They are the best according to everyone.
Ranking scores for each program were weighted equally, averaged, and converted to a score on a 100-point scale. Data for our ranking order was collected from:
The base tuition of each Florida Online MBA program was used as a tie-breaker.
Related Resources:
Best Undergraduate Business Programs
Best No-GMAT Online MBA Programs
Fastest Online MBA Programs
Best 1-Year Online MBA Programs
Here are the top online MBA programs in Florida
1
Private: University of Florida
Warrington College of Business
One of Florida’s best online MBA programs is at the University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business. The business school’s Online One-Year degree is a 16-month option. This accelerated program is perfect for those with an undergraduate degree in business who graduated in the last seven years. This is the quickest way to get an MBA at UF. Students in UF’s Outreach Engineering Management program are eligible for this option.
Florida’s Online Two-Year program is a 24-month option using course materials developed by the same faculty that helped the UF MBA at Warrington College of Business become one of the best in the business. Program leaders recommend this track for students seeking maximum flexibility. Online students get the same MBA degree from a top ten university. The University of Florida was the first school in Florida to offer a fully accredited online degree. Its online MBA is one of the state’s best.
Admissions Email: [email protected]
Admissions Phone: 352-392-1365
AACSB Accredited: YES
2
University of Miami
Herbert Business School
The Herbert Business School at the University of Miami provides an excellent online MBA in Florida. This distance degree reflects the uniquely multicultural and future-focused perspective of Miami. The online MBA program at Miami Herbert empowers students to transform global business and enjoy lasting connections within Miami’s thriving ecosystem—all without putting careers on hold.
Miami Herbert leaders build a culturally and professionally diverse global framework. Every classroom’s wide range of experiences and perspectives prepares graduates to be international business-ready. This online degree is perfect for students who are passionate about global business, want to make industries more sustainable, and are looking to lead diverse teams. The program can be completed in under two years full-time or 28 months part-time. This online platform builds solid connections with classmates and staff through live online classes, asynchronous coursework, and in-person learning experiences. This online MBA has what it takes to prepare tomorrow’s business leaders in Florida.
Admissions Email: [email protected]
Admissions Phone: 305-284-4154
AACSB Accredited: YES
3
Private: University of South Florida
Muma College of Business
The University of South Florida’s Muma College of Business offers an excellent online MBA program. This distance degree helps students develop creative abilities and analytical skills. Graduate students learn to understand data and leverage it to make predictions and explain how it affects the bottom line. The result is graduates ready for today’s industry challenges. They are trained to be forerunners in tomorrow’s workplace.
This popular online MBA attracts diverse learners from many academic and professional backgrounds. Most students work full-time while enrolled and complete this program in two or three years. Others choose to enroll full-time and meet all program requirements in one year. This is a customizable program. Students work with advisors to select electives curated for the limited access program according to their career aspirations. Enrolled students can choose one of six optional specializations unique to the online program. Blue economy, cybersecurity, compliance, risk, and anti-money laundering are concentrations associated with South Florida’s online MBA. This Florida degree is one of the best.
Admissions Email: [email protected]
Admissions Phone: 813-974-3350
AACSB Accredited: YES
4
Private: Florida International University
College of Business
Florida International University’s Alvah H. Chapman Jr. Graduate School of Business offers graduate students an exemplary online MBA. FIU’s College of Business leads the way in online instruction. The business school has over two decades of experience in distance learning under its belt. Program leaders offer an exceptional online experience and education. The PMBA Online program is flexible and robust. It is the perfect degree for ambitious professionals wanting to advance their careers or business.
Online MBA students can study when and where they want at their pace. Distance learners choose from three pacing tracks, five-term starts, and ten concentrations. This program offers unique scholarships of up to $10,000. Completing the Professional MBA Online program includes completing 12 core courses and two emphasis courses. The program consists of three Professional Development Seminars. This online MBA in Florida is a solid program and a top choice.
Admissions Email: [email protected]
Admissions Phone: 305-348-0148
AACSB Accredited: YES
5
Private: Florida State University
College of Business
Florida State University’s College of Business features one of Florida’s best online MBA programs. FSU’s MBA equips students with the skills, expertise, and network needed to advance in today’s modern business world. This distance degree is perfect for highly motivated professionals seeking a competitive edge. All courses are led by renowned College of Business instructors, providing students with individualized attention. This program benefits from its unparalleled access to industry regulators and policymakers in Florida’s capital city.
Business school leaders take pride in an innovative curriculum, a robust alumni network, and an excellent career placement. Distance learners thrive from the convenience of their home or office. They hone their skills and collaborate with high-caliber students in an environment that fosters creativity and rewards problem-solving. All classes are taught by the same world-renowned staff who teach on campus. These instructors are recognized leaders in their fields of research. This online MBA program in Florida is one of the state’s most affordable and flexible options in business education.
Admissions Email: [email protected]
Admissions Phone: 850-644-3501
AACSB Accredited: YES
6
Private: Florida Gulf Coast University
Lutgert College of Business
Florida Gulf Coast University’s Lutgert College of Business offers a top-notch online MBA in Florida. This program will help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to work in management and supervisory positions in all types of businesses. The well-accredited online MBA emphasizes the application of behavioral, analytical, and technical tools to meet organizational challenges. Teamwork and leadership skills are integrated throughout the program. Instructors hold lessons on global and ethical awareness, the appropriate application of technology, and entrepreneurial approaches. Enrolled students learn to apply academic theory to real-world business issues.
Lutgert’s rigorous core coursework presents concepts across all business disciplines. Enrolled students deepen their expertise in global supply chains, accounting, economics, data-driven decision-making, financial management, business strategy, and more. Distance learners can tailor their degrees to their interests and goals by choosing customized elective courses. This is a stellar online Master of Business Administration program from Florida Gulf Coast University.
Admissions Email: [email protected]
Admissions Phone: 239-745-GRAD
AACSB Accredited: YES
7
Private: University of West Florida
College of Business
The University of West Florida’s College of Business features an excellent online MBA in Florida. UWF’s online Master of Business Administration program features a comprehensive curriculum. Graduate students receive the expert business tools, skills, and experiences that allow them to advance careers quickly and affordably. More than half the courses include experiential, applied learning. MBA students build an integrated Portfolio demonstrating their strategic skills and expertise. All students select their industries, ensuring the skills and knowledge gained apply to their job responsibilities. This curriculum prepares tomorrow’s business leaders for new opportunities after graduation.
The skills from this program include analyzing critical elements of a complicated business issue, identifying the problem, and coming up with appropriate alternatives with sound recommendations. Distance learners get a thorough understanding of an organization and its related industry from strategic, financial, information systems, marketing, supply chain, and economic perspectives. You may have found it here if you’re in the market for one of Florida’s best online MBA programs.
Admissions Email: [email protected]
Admissions Phone: 850-473-7716
AACSB Accredited: YES
8
Private: Barry University
D. Inez Andreas School of Business
The D. Inez Andreas School of Business at Barry University offers a stellar online MBA in Florida. This dynamic online MBA program integrates real-world experience with strategic curricula. Program leaders emphasize sustainability and practical applications on a global and local scale. The curriculum draws on best practices and contemporary methodologies. This holistic approach to education helps MBA students grow as leaders who understand the importance of social responsibility and business ethics. Each concentration features seven-week courses, empowering students to graduate in one calendar year.
Barry University’s career-advancing curriculum is delivered online, so students keep working while enrolled. Instructors encourage graduate students to grow within their area of interest through industry-focused electives. This distance degree is perfect for today’s business professionals. Barry’s MBA online program prepares leaders for career advancement in many dynamic environments. Core coursework emphasizes management essentials like economics, finance, and accounting. If pairing an ethical and strategic worldview that is socially responsible and environmentally sustainable sounds exciting, this online MBA in Florida is right up your alley.
Admissions Email: [email protected]
Admissions Phone: 305-899-3000
AACSB Accredited: YES
9
Private: Jacksonville University
Davis College of Business
The Davis College of Business at Jacksonville University features an excellent online MBA in Florida. This program’s flexibility is tangible. All MBA program courses are delivered in eight-week modules that allow enrolled students to move at their own pace. The business school lets all students take classes in any format that suits them, including full-time, part-time, or online.
Program directors continuously update curriculum content and assess it to ensure it meets the critical learning goals companies value. This online MBA program ranks in the best MBA programs list by CEO magazine. Leadership focus is at the top of the list with this degree. The leadership competencies students develop will differentiate and prepare them to move up in an organization. Online MBA specializations include Accounting and Finance, Cybersecurity, Portfolio Management, Healthcare Management, Financial Technology, and Business Analytics. Customized specializations like Luxury Brand Management are also a hit. Jacksonville University prepares tomorrow’s leaders with this online MBA.
Admissions Email: [email protected]
Admissions Phone: 904-256-7000
AACSB Accredited: YES
10
Private: Florida Atlantic University
College of Business
The College of Business at Florida Atlantic University offers an excellent online MBA in Florida. Florida Atlantic’s Executive Graduate Programs Office in the College of Business hosts this 16 – 23-month Online MBA. This distance degree is perfect for graduate students wanting to continue their professional responsibilities while pursuing an AACSB-accredited MBA. FAU’s Online MBA is entirely asynchronous. Enrolled students access courses anytime and from all locations with an internet connection. The content and instruction replicate the classroom experience. Distance learners can access recorded online lectures, presentations, discussions, and chats.
This online MBA at Florida Atlantic contains curriculum professors identical to the university’s campus-based programs. There are no residency requirements and no international residency requirements. The online MBA program provides an environment where a concentrated effort between instructor and student results in mastering components of a graduate-level business administration curriculum within an online environment. Imagine being a full-time graduate student in Florida in an entirely online environment!
Admissions Email: [email protected]
Admissions Phone: 561-297-3624
AACSB Accredited: YES
Florida Online MBA Programs
Some business professionals enter the job market immediately after completing their undergraduate business degree. After getting an entry-level position, these workers realize they need to invest in an advanced education if they can move up the career ladder. This intelligent career move means earning a Master of Business Administration degree.
In years past, pursuing an MBA meant quitting a job you worked hard to get and keep so you could return to school full-time. Those days are over. Today, the footpath to an MBA has become a multilane expressway due to the modern surge of accredited online MBA programs. Don’t want to travel? Many Florida-based programs feature entirely online coursework. Graduate students can earn their advanced education on their schedules from the comfort of their own homes and offices—all while working full-time in the job they love.
With so many choices, pursuing the right online MBA program depends on personal preference. The crucial decision comes down to many variables, including coursework, B-school reputation, cost, etc. Florida’s best MBA degrees within the structure of a flexible learning environment offer a solid conduit for career success.
How Can I Benefit from an Online MBA in Florida?
Today, many online graduate students pursue programs in their home state. This makes sense as it is common for distance degrees to include short residencies within their curriculum. Lower travel means higher savings when considering the cost of an advanced business education. If you live in Florida, chances are you will pull the trigger on a business school in the Sunshine State. Making professional connections with organizations in your home state is always a good idea.
What are the Top Industries in Florida?
There are many reasons to love Florida. The beaches, the warm weather, and the diverse culture make it a place that many people want to visit and even live in. While other great attributes that make Florida a great place to live and learn are the industries that keep the state in solid economic shape. Here are three top industries that are thriving in the state of Florida and ways a business professional can find a management career in the state.
Florida has a Booming Tourism Industry
Year after year, Florida remains at the top of the list of most-visited states in the United States for a number of reasons. In 2018, over 126 million tourists from around the world visited the Sunshine State. Some of the most popular places to visit in Florida include:
- Disney World,
- the city of Miami,
- The Florida Everglades National Forest,
- beaches including Panama City Beach and Cocoa Beach, and
- the city of Orlando.
Orlando offers tourists a one-two punch with Disney World and the Universal Studios Theme Park being located there. While Disney World is famously known as being the “Happiest Place on Earth,” the Florida-based theme park employs 70,000 people, making it the largest employer at one location in the United States. The Everglades in Florida is also an important tourist destination as the natural feature generates over $100 million annually for Florida.
Florida has a Successful Real Estate Industry
Florida’s optimal tropical climate makes it a destination for vacationers year-round. People looking to move to the state to avoid the harsh winters in the north are also attracted to Florida. Because of these factors, Florida real estate continues to be a hot commodity. Over 20% of investors see real estate as a profitable venture, and areas of Florida are enjoying this fact. While the Miami area has suffered in recent years from the impact of climate change and rising sea levels, the value of real estate continues to climb.
Florida has an Incredible Aerospace and Aviation Industry
While many would consider oranges to be Florida’s most popular export, it is actually aircraft and aircraft parts that top the list. Of the nine total active spaceports in America, two are located in the state of Florida. Cecil Field Spaceport and Cape Canaveral Spaceport continue to operate and employ workers. While NASA may be grounded, private launches continue to take place there, and of the 17 private launch licenses in the country, eight are retained in Florida.
One common factor to consider when thinking about the industries that drive Florida’s economy is the workforce required to keep them going. Managers at multiple levels are needed with industries like real estate, aerospace and aircraft, and tourism. Professionals managing within these industries will often have acquired a degree like the online MBA, as it is designed to equip managers to lead organizations. With so many excellent universities currently offering the degree, an online MBA program in Florida is within reach.
What are the Top Organizations to Work for in Florida?
Florida is home to some of the nation’s biggest brands. Publix Super Markets, AutoNation, and HIG Capital all call Florida their HQ home. Believe it or not, online MBA programs feature networking and internship opportunities for enrolled graduate students. Even earning a distance degree gives you access to Florida’s largest companies. The job placement potential for MBA students is undeniable. Elite companies hire MBA students by the truckload. Once you get on organizational leaders’ radars at some of these companies, the likelihood of becoming gainfully employed there is positive.
What Professions are in Top Demand in Florida Business?
All organizations need well-trained leaders and managers. The businesses in Florida are no exception. The Sunshine State has a solid outlook for marketing, sales, and technology jobs. Earning your online MBA in marketing management can set you up for business success with Florida’s booming economy. Financial and real estate managers are in high demand in Florida. BLS reports that marketing managers make good money and enjoy attractive job growth over the coming years.
With Florida’s leadership in offshore drilling, consider a management role in the field. Crews of oil drill workers and refineries need well-trained and competent professionals who can supervise oil and gas drilling, refining, and transportation.
Solar energy and biomass account for all of Florida’s substantial renewable-sourced electricity generation. Renewable resources provide nearly ten percent of Florida’s in-state electricity net generation. Almost 75% of that renewable generation comes from solar energy.
What Will My Online MBA in Florida Cover?
You are discovering how business school will help you land your dream job. Before you get your heart set on choosing your corner office, here are a few truths about the online MBA program that will get you there.
An online MBA degree will begin with core leadership, economics, finance, and marketing classes. From there, programs allow distance learners to customize their degrees in specialized business areas. Popular concentrations that lead to satisfying jobs in Florida include the following:
An Online MBA in Accounting
This advanced degree equips graduate students with tools for careers in analyzing budgets, performing financial audits, and making vital financial decisions. CPAs in Florida can get credit hours toward their license requirements by pursuing an online MBA.
An Online MBA in Project Management
A distance degree in Project Management allows business professionals to focus on managing complicated projects from conception to execution. Florida’s offshore oil rigs and refineries rely heavily on these managers to stay in the black.
An Online MBA in Economics
The famous and witty Will Rogers is quoted as saying, “Too many people spend money they earned to buy things they don’t want to impress people they don’t like.” No matter your opinion on the topic, money matters. An economics-focused online MBA emphasizes today’s business world’s complex market, consumer behavior, international finance, and policy.
An Online MBA in Information Technology
The world is getting smaller and more technical each day. Graduate students with an online MBA in IT have their fingers on the future’s pulse. These distance learners get exposed to advances in cybersecurity, digital technologies, data analysis, management, and computer systems.
An Online MBA in Finance
A graduate degree in finance stresses management of the analysis of banking, investment, and financial market strategies. Finance specialists gain access to many positions in all types of governments and private and public organizations.
An Online MBA in Human Resources
Organizations need trained professionals who can manage people, programs, and resources. An HR specialization includes researching employee management, talent development, training, organizational behavior, and employee relations.
Are There Affordable Online MBA Programs in Florida?
The Sunshine State is full of affordable online MBA programs. Some heavy-hitting business schools within this ranking list provide degrees that cost less than $25,000 in tuition fees. Then, graduate students enjoy a higher earning potential. The total cost of these degrees can be paid for quickly after graduation if you know what resources you have at your disposal. Look for programs that offer lower tuition rates without sacrificing reputable accreditation. Florida Gulf Coast University is an excellent example of a top-shelf business school with AACSB-International accreditation.
Affordability of Online MBA programs in Florida
The most prestigious online MBA programs in Florida are available for around $12,000 to over $80,000.
| School | Affordability |
|---|---|
| University of Florida | $$$ |
| University of Miami | $$$$ |
| University of South Florida | $$ |
| Florida International University | $$$ |
| Florida State University | $$ |
| Florida Gulf Coast University | $ |
| University of West Florida | $ |
| Barry University | $$ |
| Jacksonville University | $$ |
| Florida Atlantic University | $$ |
How Can I Make Florida Graduate School Less Expensive?
Business school is a sound investment. Some MBA programs cost six figures in total. There are ways to make earning an online MBA in Florida more affordable. The first variable to consider is tuition. If money is tight, find a school that offers low rates, plentiful scholarships, and financial aid opportunities. Some corporations in Florida subsidize their workers’ advanced degrees with tuition reimbursement. Business school leaders share internship and teaching assistantship opportunities within their programs. These resources help to pay down education costs and grow professional networks.
Still looking for ways to make your Florida online MBA more affordable? Here are some of the best ways to get the best bang for your academic buck:
Consider Florida’s MBA Graduate Assistantships
There are excellent ways to make your online MBA more affordable while gaining valuable work experience in your field of study. This truth is why graduate assistantships exist.
At some of the best online MBA programs in Florida, graduate assistantships allow business students to earn a tuition waiver or stipend while undertaking course-assisting projects.
These programs help online MBA students incur a lower financial burden as they lay the groundwork for their careers. Most graduate assistantships are twenty hours per week. Many students fit the work around their academic schedule like any part-time job. As fees for international students can be burdensome, these students find ways to make an online MBA affordable. This makes the difference for graduate students needing the support to pursue their studies.
As part of graduate assistant roles, MBA students are assigned to faculty members to assist with various duties. Their tasks include grading papers, performing research, proctoring exams, and collecting data. It is challenging to juggle the workload at first, but once assistants get into the swing of things, it becomes inseparable from their graduate studies experience.
Find Online Scholarships Available to Florida MBA Students
Scholarships are the easiest way to make your Florida online MBA more affordable. This financial aid can range from need-based, academic, and talent-based scholarships.
Offering financial aid services to online MBA students in Florida must remain a priority. This asset reduces financial barriers prohibiting participation in online MBA programs for qualified students. Applying for financial aid in most Florida B-schools is straightforward, requiring applicants to complete a simple form. The Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) determines eligibility for scholarships, need-based grants, and federal loans.
What Prerequisites Does an Online MBA in Florida Include?
Universally, all B-schools want candidates who will be successful within their programs. Applicants who show themselves to make the grade and achieve quality work experience are attractive to admissions departments.
The standard for graduate school acceptance includes completing an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university. You may be susceptible to leveling courses at the front end of your online MBA if you lack a business education.
Another common prerequisite is business experience. B-schools typically want applicants with two to five years of professional experience before applying for a program to feel these students have a realistic view of business leadership.
How Do I Apply to Florida’s Best Business Schools?
The application process for business schools in Florida starts by logging on and finding out the program’s characteristics that interest you.
- Look for a sturdy core curriculum with specialization opportunities if you are interested in a concentrated area of business leadership.
- Your next step is to ask questions about the program and see if it fits you—business school staff admissions experts can answer all your questions.
- Once you are ready, it is time to apply to a business school that interests you. Florida graduate school applications are presented online and show you step-by-step instructions. Besides completing the online application, you will submit components that include essays, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and placement scores if required.
Online MBA programs in Florida are rigorous. They will test your patience, mettle, and resolve. However, the rewards of an advanced business degree outweigh the costs. Spend time discovering your ultimate motivation for pursuing a quality degree like the online MBA. When the time is right, contact any of Florida’s excellent business schools and begin your adventure to business leadership.
How Can I Meet Florida’s MBA Admission Requirements?
Earning an online Master of Business Administration degree in Florida opens the door to countless exciting career skills and opportunities. If you’re interested in pursuing this educational triumph but need help deciding where to start, gaining the knowledge of MBA admission requirements helps. Here are some steps to take for an online MBA program.
Finish your Bachelor’s Degree
Potential MBA students must have completed an undergraduate degree before applying to business school. Some applicants major in business-related fields like management, finance, or marketing. However, don’t let your bachelor’s in liberal arts, performance art, or engineering keep you from applying to a Florida MBA program. Many B-schools accept candidates from all fields if their undergraduate degree is from an accredited college or university.
Gain Valuable Work Experience
Many MBA students start their coursework after getting several years of work experience on their resume. You have done well if you’ve managed employees or volunteers before graduate school. It is a plus if you have acquired leadership experience. When considering what online MBA candidates to choose from those applying, admissions experts look for qualities like self-discipline, leadership skills, and personal growth.
Consider an entry-level position in a business-related field to gain work experience before getting an MBA. Build your career over the next few years, then look for opportunities to develop your soft (social) and hard (technical) skills while broadening your responsibilities.
Here are examples of entry-level jobs in business for people that require little to no experience:
- Market research analysts.
- Fundraisers.
- Marketing assistants.
- Sales representatives.
- Human resources specialists.
- Administrative assistants.
- Technical writers.
Gather and submit your application package
Gaining acceptance into an online MBA program in Florida begins with completing an application form. Your application includes general information like this:
- Name and current mailing address.
- Names and completion dates of colleges and universities you’ve attended.
- All certificates and degrees conferred upon you.
- Your undergraduate GPA (grade point average).
- Relevant work experience and volunteering.
- Names and contact info of academic and professional references.
- Placement exam (GRE/GMAT) scores.
Today, application forms are electronically mailed. However, some business schools allow candidates to send physical copies of their application materials. Be prepared to submit an application fee of $75-$250.
With the MBA program’s track record, there is no reason to question its effectiveness in preparing tomorrow’s business leaders in Florida. All that is left to do is dream big and find the right program.