If you live in Florida and want to advance your business career, an MBA can expand your options and increase your earning potential. And with a employment growth in the state increasing by nearly 200,000 jobs over the last year alone, Florida residents with MBAs will likely find the number of quality job opportunities for them growing substantially as well.
Online MBA programs offer students a cost-effective and flexible way to earn their degrees while continuing to work in their present jobs. This guide will introduce you to the top online MBA programs available in Florida today. We’ve also included tons of useful information and advice on program specialization options, financial aid resources to help you pay for your MBA studies, job opportunities that await you upon graduation, and much more. Sound interesting? Then keep reading to discover how you can advance your business career in the Sunshine State by earning your business administration master’s through one of the best MBA program online in Florida for 2024.
Best of 2024: Online MBA Programs in Florida
This year’s best online MBA programs in Florida offer high quality curriculums, exceptional study flexibility, affordable costs, and access to important student support services. Specialization options additionally allow students the ability to tailor their studies in areas of the business field such as leadership, marketing, finance, operations management, analytics, and more. Here are our rankings for 2024’s top-rated Florida online MBA programs to aide you in your program search.
The online MBA program at Florida Tech University offers students the opportunity to explore real world business challenges in a convenient 100% online format. Florida Tech MBA students can expect to develop a balanced foundation in the practical and theoretical aspects of business that can be applied to a range of positions across various fields. Once the basics are covered, students can select from one of 10 different concentrations in topics like project management, information technology, marketing, and accounting. These specializations offer students the chance to explore industry-specific knowledge that relates to their individual interests and career goals.
Program Highlights:
Business Administration
- Credits: 36
- Length: Two years
- Mode: Online, in person
- Accreditation: IACBE
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
Students of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s (ERAU) online MBA in aviation program develop skillsets unique to the aerospace industry. Within the MBA program, students can specialize by opting to use elective credits toward professional certificates in business intelligence, finance, human resources, information systems, information technology, international business, leadership, marketing, or project management. Students can opt to learn fully online or on a campus near them, while international or adventurous students can also pursue this degree at ERAU’s Asia campus in Singapore. Regardless of how they choose to complete their degree, ERAU graduates benefit from the school’s close relationships with major aerospace companies such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Gulfstream. Many ERAU graduates move on to high-level careers in these companies.
Program Highlights:
Master of Business Administration in Aviation
- Credits: 36
- Length: Varies
- Mode: Online, in person
- Accreditation: ACBSP
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
Ave Maria University takes pride in the strong support it provides to its online MBA students. To encourage community between distance learners, their peers, and instructors, Ave Maria creates space for students to seek individualized administrative and academic support and to connect with their classmates outside of their online classrooms. Ave Maria offers students six emphases to choose from: management, accounting, communications, international business, legal studies, and sports management. During their studies, students benefit from expert faculty, many of whom have professional experience in their emphasis. During the program, students will complete their coursework asynchronously and 100% online. This gives students the flexibility to complete their work on their own schedule while they balance their other commitments.
Program Highlights:
Online Master of Business Administration
- Credits: 32
- Length: One year
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | ACCSC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
Popular Online MBA Specializations in Florida
As we mentioned, many online MBA programs available through Florida colleges and universities offer specialization or concentration tracks that allow students to tailor their studies to meet their individual academic needs and career interests. Below are descriptions of six of the most popular of those specializations along with examples of Florida online MBA programs currently offering them.
MBA with an Emphasis in Healthcare Management and Administration
Healthcare management and administration is a great choice for those looking to take on managerial roles in the Florida healthcare system. An MBA with this specialization is usually designed for those with some experience working in healthcare administration who want to advance to a management or leadership position.
Online MBAs with Healthcare Specializations in FL
Human Resource Management
An MBA with a human resource management specialization offers a great path both for those looking to enter or advance in human resources. In Florida specifically, there are plenty of HR job openings across a variety of different sectors from real estate to healthcare.
Online MBAs with HR Specializations in FL
Information Technology
Information technology is a great MBA specialization for anyone working in the tech sector who would like to transition into a leadership role. Some technical knowledge is usually required for this specialization, though some MBAs may be appropriate for those looking to enter this field.
Online MBAs with IT Specializations in FL
Finance
A finance MBA is one of the most popular MBAs and one that is often necessary for promotions in financial career fields. This is a great MBA for anyone looking to advance their career and increase the number of jobs available to them in the finance field.
Online MBAs with Finance Specializations in FL
Management
As a more general specialization, a business administration MBA gives access to a variety of paths for degree-holders. Graduates with this MBA often advance into managerial roles. In Florida specifically, there is an increase in demand for management roles since more companies have moved to the Sunshine State in the last five years.
Online MBAs with Management Specializations in FL
Marketing
An MBA in marketing is an ideal degree for anyone looking to advance their career in marketing or to enter the field. This degree also features a variety of sub-specializations like SEO, social media marketing, and marketing management.
Online MBAs with Marketing Specializations in FL
Frequently Asked Questions About Earning an Online MBA in FL
What is the average cost of an MBA program in Florida?
The average cost for an MBA in Florida varies greatly. In general, online programs run by in-state, public universities are the most affordable. However, scholarships, employer reimbursement programs, and other financial aid considerations can greatly decrease the cost even for private or out-of-state programs. When looking at program costs, consider the financial aid opportunities as well as the upfront tuition cost.
What does an MBA admissions process in Florida look like?
The MBA admissions process varies from school to school, though some requirements are almost universal. Most accredited programs ask for undergraduate degree transcripts, letters of recommendation, and some sort of personal statement or short-answer question responses. Read the directions carefully, so you know what is required. For example, the University of Florida requires both a personal statement and responses to short answer questions while the University of South Florida only requires a statement of purpose.
How quickly can I earn an online MBA in Florida?
How quickly you can earn your MBA depends on a variety of factors, including if you’re taking courses on a full-time or part-time basis. Since many MBAs are designed for those with a typical 9-5 schedule, most students take them on a part-time basis and finish within two years. You might be able to finish faster if you increase your course load, but this depends on the program.
Is the GMAT required to get into an MBA program in Florida?
The GMAT is a standardized test required by many MBA programs across the country. However, not every MBA program requests your GMAT scores. Read each program’s requirements carefully, so you know if you must submit these scores. For example, neither the University of Florida nor the University of Miami requires GMAT scores. Some programs, like the University of South Florida, allow you to waive the GMAT requirement if you have specific work experience.
In Florida, what is the ROI on an MBA vs a bachelor’s degree in business?
Not surprisingly, MBA holders on average earn more than those with only a business bachelor’s degree. According to recent (July 2024) figures from ZipRecruiter, for example, the average annual salary for MBA graduates in Miami is over $165,000, nearly $100,000 more than that for workers with only a business administration bachelor’s degree (just under $70,000). Likewise, the average annual salary for MBA holders in Tampa is over $161,000, while the average annual salary for those with only a business administration bachelor’s in Tampa is just over $65,000. ROI extends well beyond the short term, too, as MBA holders can expect to enjoy more promotions and earnings increases over the course of their entire working careers.
What accreditations should I look for in an online MBA program in Florida?
Any program you apply to must be properly accredited. Accreditation is usually listed on a program’s website. If an in-person program is accredited, that means the online program is too. Accreditation means a program offers a high-quality education.
Financial Aid and Scholarships for MBA Students in Florida
The financial toll of graduate school can be minimized with the right financial aid options. Some of the most common include student loans, employer tuition assistance, fellowships and assistantships, scholarships, and research grants.
For MBA programs specifically, the most common financial aid options are employer tuition assistance and scholarships. If you work a full-time job, check out our employer tuition assistance guide to find out how to discuss tuition assistance with your employer. For scholarships, consider general ones and those specific to your state or to those pursuing MBAs since these programs typically have less competition. Below is a list of some Florida-specific scholarships for MBA students to get you started.
University of Florida General Scholarship
Honorably Discharged Graduate Assistance Program
Jose Marti Scholarship Challenge Grant Fund
University of South Florida Scholarships
Professional MBA Online Scholarships from Florida International University
Salary Potential for MBA Grads in Florida
The temperature in Florida isn’t the only thing that’s hot — the job market is, too. When looking specifically at MBA grads, there are many job openings with above-average salaries. Metro areas like Tampa, Fort Myers, and Miami have a variety of job openings for those with MBAs across all sectors. How many job openings there are and how much you can expect to make differs by MBA specialization. To give you an idea of what to expect, the chart below outlines the growth rate, average annual openings, and average mean wage for five of the most popular jobs for MBA-holders in Florida.
| Job Growth Rate (2022-32) | Average Annual Openings (2022-32) | Annual Mean Wage (2023) | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Accountant |
14% |
9,600 |
$83,430 |
|
Human Resource Manager |
13% |
840 |
$133,570 |
|
Financial Manager |
23% |
3,690 |
$162,180 |
|
Market Research Analyst |
23% |
7,070 |
$80,830 |
|
Marketing Manager |
15% |
1,600 |
$155,990 |
