Florida’s Top Online MBA Programs Offered Today

Profiling Three Popular Online MBA Programs in Florida

Below, we highlight three accredited Florida universities offering reputable online or hybrid MBA programs. Each summary is drawn from the school’s own program page and is followed by key details, including program format, duration, cost, and admissions requirements.

Breaking Down the Top Fields of Study in Florida

Florida’s diverse economy means MBA students have a wide array of high-value specializations to choose from. Below are five of the most in-demand MBA concentrations in Florida, chosen based on industry growth, earning potential, job demand, and the presence of these industries and programs in the state.

Finance (Banking & Financial Management)

Florida is a banking and finance hub, especially in Miami’s financial district. This brings a strong demand for financial analysts, wealth managers, and chief financial officers. A master’s in finance often leads to lucrative roles such as a financial manager. Financial managers earn a median of $156,100 nationally, and the field is growing 17% from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than average. 

Business students of the finance concentration learn investment, corporate finance, and risk management skills. The payoff is high: Finance MBA graduates typically earn high salaries, especially in investment banking and financial consulting.

Healthcare Management

Florida’s large healthcare sector is booming, driven by an aging population and continual growth. MBA graduates with a healthcare management focus can become hospital administrators, healthcare consultants, or biotechnology project managers. 

The job outlook is excellent. Medical and health services manager roles are projected to grow 29% by 2033, which is among the fastest of any occupation. Salaries are strong as well, with a median pay of around $118,000 for healthcare managers. Florida’s numerous hospitals, clinics, and healthcare startups ensure local demand, and many Florida MBA programs offer this concentration to meet industry needs.

Hospitality and Tourism Management

Tourism is a cornerstone of Florida’s economy, from theme parks to beach resorts. In fact, tourism accounts for about 9.5% of Florida’s employment, supporting roughly 2.1 million jobs statewide. An MBA with a hospitality or tourism concentration equips students to lead hotels, resorts, cruise lines, or event management companies. 

Florida’s record visitation numbers and robust hospitality industry mean ample opportunities for graduates to move into high-level management. While entry-level roles in hospitality management may start modestly, climbing the ranks to regional director or vice president can lead to six-figure salaries, especially in major resort companies.

Business Analytics

Virtually every industry now values data-driven decision making, and Florida’s finance, technology, and logistics companies are no exception. An MBA in Business Analytics blends business acumen with data science skills. Graduates obtain skills to analyze big data and guide strategy. 

Jobs for management analysts are projected to grow 11% by 2033, and roles like business intelligence consultant can command high salaries, up to $122,000 in Florida for experienced talent. Graduates help organizations in Florida’s growing tech corridors, like Tampa and Miami, turn data into insights.

Supply Chain Management (Logistics & Trade)

Florida’s strategic location with major seaports (Miami, Jacksonville, and Tampa) and distribution centers makes it a logistics powerhouse. A master’s in supply chain management is highly valued by employers in import-export, retail, and manufacturing. 

Employment of logisticians is projected to grow 30% from 2020 to 2030, thanks to global e-commerce and supply chain optimization needs. MBA students in this field learn how to manage procurement, transportation, and inventory for efficiency. 

In Florida’s economy, which handles massive cargo volumes and global trade, these skills are in huge demand. Graduates often start in roles like supply chain analyst or operations manager and can advance to supply chain director positions.

Types of Online MBA Programs Available in Florida

Florida universities offer different MBA formats to suit students’ needs. In general, you’ll find part-time programs that let you spread out coursework while working, accelerated programs that enable you to graduate faster, and even programs that forgo standardized testing for experienced applicants. Each type has its own time commitments, advantages, and considerations, as outlined below.

Part-Time Online MBA Programs for Flexibility

Part-time online MBAs are structured for working professionals who need to juggle school with a full-time job or family. Expect a lighter course load each term, usually one or two courses at a time, and a longer overall duration. In this study format, you’ll typically take two to three years to graduate, instead of the usual one and a half to two years full-time. 

Many part-time online students study evenings or weekends, averaging roughly 10 to 15 hours of coursework per week. This allows you to continue earning a salary and apply what you learn immediately at work. The trade-off is a longer time to finish and a potentially extended tuition payment timeline.

Example Program: 

• Florida State University — Online MBA

Accelerated Online MBA Programs for Speed

Accelerated MBAs are designed for swift graduation, allowing motivated students to graduate in as little as 12 to 18 months. The daily time commitment is high, however. These programs condense the curriculum into a short timeframe, so expect an intensive workload, with 20 or more hours of study per week.

In an accelerated program, you can earn your MBA and re-enter the job market faster. Keep in mind, you’ll have little downtime between modules, and a fast pace can be challenging, especially if you’re working. 

Example Program: 

• The University of Florida — Online MBA

No-GRE/GMAT Required Programs for Accessibility

Many Florida online MBA programs now waive the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) requirement. This makes admission more accessible for experienced candidates. 

Skipping the GRE/GMAT saves you the time, cost, and stress of exam prep. It can be especially beneficial if you’ve been out of school for a while or have strong qualifications otherwise. These programs typically evaluate your professional experience, past academics, and other factors instead of test scores. 

Example Program:

• The University of Miami — Online MBA

What Will an Online MBA in Florida Cost You?

Tuition for online MBA programs in Florida can vary widely based on the institution and your residency status, but overall they tend to be competitive and sometimes more affordable than out-of-state or on-campus alternatives. Fixed costs typically include tuition and university fees. Variable costs might involve textbooks, online course materials, and any travel for hybrid components. 

Many Florida public universities charge a market rate for online MBAs that is the same for in-state and out-of-state students, or only slightly higher for non-residents. This can make Florida’s online MBAs a bargain for out-of-state students compared to on-campus rates. Additionally, studying online can save you money on relocation or commuting, and you can often continue working, which offsets costs. 

Florida-specific considerations include potential in-state tuition discounts and the availability of Florida-only scholarships or employer tuition waivers. Make sure to check for online financial aid opportunities as well. Overall, online MBAs in Florida range from around $24,000 on the low end to $60,000 or more at top-tier schools for the total program cost. Below is a snapshot of tuition rates at three example programs:

FAQs from Prospective Florida MBA Students

Are online MBA programs in Florida accredited and respected?

Yes, and you should always verify accreditation to ensure a program’s quality. Fortunately, most Florida universities offering online MBAs hold Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation (the gold standard for business schools) and regional accreditation, such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) for southern states. 

Hiring managers generally recognize accredited online MBAs as equivalent to traditional ones, especially when they’re from well-known Florida schools. Just be sure to choose an accredited program so your degree holds value nationally. Understanding accreditation for programs is an important step in your school search.

Can I work full-time while pursuing my online MBA?

You absolutely can. In fact, the flexibility of online MBA programs is designed for working professionals. Many students continue their nine-to-five jobs and study in the evenings or on weekends.

You’ll need good time management; expect to dedicate roughly 10 to 15 hours per week for coursework in a part-time format, or more if you choose an accelerated track. Employers are often supportive, and you can immediately apply what you learn at work. Balancing both roles is challenging, but thousands of online MBA students successfully do it every year.

Should I take the GMAT or GRE before applying to a Florida online MBA?

You won’t necessarily need to. It depends on your program choice and the strength of your application. Many online MBA programs in Florida waive the GRE/GMAT requirement, especially if you have relevant work experience or a strong academic record. 

For example, the University of Miami’s online MBA does not require GMAT scores at all, and Florida State University offers GMAT waivers for qualified applicants. Admissions committees instead focus on your professional résumé, undergraduate GPA, and letters of recommendation. That said, a few programs still may ask for test scores if your other credentials are weaker, so check each school’s policy. 

Overall, prepping for the GMAT or the GRE might not be needed, which is a big plus if you’ve been out of school for a while. It may still be a good option if you believe a strong test score will bolster your application.

What is the online MBA learning experience like, and is it as good as on-campus?

The online MBA learning experience in Florida is very robust, and you usually receive the same quality education as on-campus students. Courses are often taught by the same professors who teach in the campus MBA programs. Class sizes are kept small to ensure interaction, too. 

In online coursework, you’ll engage through video lectures, live webinar-style classes, discussion boards, and group projects using conferencing tools. Expect a lot of case studies and team collaboration, just like in a traditional MBA. 

Florida universities also provide similar resources to online students, such as library access, tutoring, and even virtual career fairs. The consensus from online MBA graduates is that the experience is challenging but equally enriching, and they build real connections with classmates despite the digital format.

Will I have networking opportunities and career support in an online MBA program?

Yes, online MBA programs recognize the importance of graduate networking opportunities and career development and offer plenty of support. You’ll network with peers through group assignments, cohort-based projects, and sometimes in-person components. Many programs have optional residency weekends or global immersion trips where you can meet classmates face-to-face. 

Schools also foster networking via virtual mixers, alumni mentorship programs, and LinkedIn groups for MBA students. On the career support side, online MBA students in Florida have access to the same career services as campus students, including one-on-one career coaching, job boards, and recruiting events. For instance, the University of Florida’s online MBA students can utilize dedicated business career services and even have a job portal with top employers.

List of the Best Schools for Online MBAs in Florida

When it comes to choosing the right MBA, you want a ranking you can trust. That’s why this list was created using a rigorous methodology grounded in data. Our rankings team analyzed information from the U.S. Department of Education’s datasets and from over 7,700 colleges and universities. 

By crunching these data points, the ranking highlights programs that combine strong academic quality with flexible online delivery and good value. Use this OMD list as a roadmap to find an online MBA that fits your budget, supports your goals, and sets you up for success in the Sunshine State’s dynamic job market.