If you live in Florida and want to advance your business career, getting an MBA can expand your options as well as increase your earning potential. Not only do top positions have a faster-than-average growth rate in Florida, but individuals with MBAs can also command significantly higher salaries. An online program is usually a cost-effective and flexible way to get your MBA, as many people continue working while completing their degrees.
This guide outlines the top online MBAs in Florida for 2023 along with state-specific resources and scholarships currently available. You’ll also learn about some of the specializations offered within these MBA programs in addition to discovering how online graduate programs work and what to expect in terms of length and content.
Top Online MBA Programs in Florida in 2023
The best online MBA programs in Florida for 2023 offer flexibility, value, student support, and high-quality curriculums. They also give options for specializations, make learning convenient for busy professionals, and promote networking and collaboration. Learn more about this year’s top-rated programs below and see which one has the features you’re looking for.
St. Thomas University offers a 100% online general MBA program for students seeking to further their education and be successful in the business industry. This program is designed for working professionals and is offered in an online format with accelerated courses taught by qualified and accomplished faculty. The entire degree can be completed in as little as 12 months. This degree prepares students for leadership roles such as senior analyst, production supervisor, director of sales, operations manager, and director of production management. Students can expect to take courses in managerial accounting, international business, business data analytics, financial management, organizational behavior, and management ethics.
Program Highlights:
General MBA
- Credits: 36
- Length: 1-2 years
- Cost: $555/credit
- Mode: online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
Hodges University has been named one of the top business schools in Florida and offers an MBA degree online, available all day every day. This degree prepares students with the knowledge, understanding, and skills needed to be successful in the global business world. This degree prepares students for careers such as human resource manager, management consultant, medical and health manager, and more. Students can expect to take courses in managerial accounting and finance, financial analysis, applied economics, business administration concepts and theories, ethical practices, advanced international environment, marketing methods, leadership and management in the 21st century, and strategic human resource development.
Program Highlights:
MBA
- Credits: 36
- Length: 1 year
- Cost: $830/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
The University of Florida offers an online MBA program with 1-year or 2-year option. This program requires students to have a minimum of two years of professional experience before applying. This program is designed to give students the core principles of business education through experienced faculty with the skills, knowledge, and understanding needed to be successful in their careers. All material can be accessed online at any time for the utmost convenience, with readings, lectures, coursework, and group projects taking approximately 15 hours each week. Students will experience courses in managerial economics, financial accounting, professional writing, managerial quantitative analysis, strategic management, asset valuation, risk, and return, organizational behavior, and production and operations management.
Program Highlights:
MBA
- Credits: 48
- Length: 1-2 years
- Cost: approximately $1,000/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
Florida Institute of Technology offers an MBA degree that will give graduates the advantage in all manner of business environments. This program offers 10 concentrations and builds business foundations in accounting, marketing, finances, economics, human resources, information systems, management, and organizational behavior. Students explore business startups as their major field practicum experience in Florida Tech’s Student Business Incubator, which combines curriculum, qualified faculty, and expertise in a semester-long program that pushes students to collaborate with customers, vendors, and strategic partners. Students will be paired with skilled, executive entrepreneurs to gather resources, develop business models, develop prototypes, and launch their business.
Program Highlights:
MBA
- Credits: 36
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $891/credit
- Mode: Online, Campus, Off-site
- Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business/li>
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NA |
The University of South Florida offers an online MBA program that helps students develop critical skills and creative abilities. The program is asynchronous, which allows students to access the material whenever is convenient. Students can choose concentrations in cybersecurity, data analytics, finance, healthcare analysis, and compliance, risk and anti-money laundering. The core curriculum gives students key knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the business management industry through financial analysis, professional communication, organizational behavior, and ethics. Students may also participate in short-term study abroad courses that will give them a unique insight in global business practice.
Program Highlights:
MBA
- Credits: 33
- Length: 1-3 years
- Cost: $750/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
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 | 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 | ACICS |
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 | NA |
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 |
Popular Online MBA Specializations in Florida
Because of the many online MBA programs available through Florida’s colleges and universities, there are also a good variety of specializations available. The most popular specializations are in-demand due to the abundant business job openings in Florida. Learn more about the six most popular specializations below and see schools offering quality programs in each.
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.
Examples of Online MBA Programs in Florida with this Specialization
University of South Florida (Fully-online)
Florida Southern College (Fully-online)
Florida Atlantic University (Fully-online)
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.
Examples of Online MBA Programs in Florida with this Specialization
University of Florida (Fully-online; On-campus)
University of West Florida (Fully-online)
Florida International University (Fully-online)
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.
Examples of Online MBA Programs in Florida with this Specialization
University of South Florida (Fully-online)
Florida International University (Fully-online)
Florida Atlantic University (Fully-online)
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.
Examples of Online MBA Programs in Florida with this Specialization
University of Florida (Fully-online; On-campus)
University of South Florida (Fully-online)
Florida International University (Fully-online)
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.
Examples of Online MBA Programs in Florida with this Specialization
St. Thomas University (Fully-online)
Hodges University (Fully-online)
Florida Southern College (Fully-online)
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.
Examples of Online MBA Programs in Florida with this Specialization
University of Florida (Fully-online; On-campus)
Florida International University (Fully-online)
Florida Atlantic University (Fully-online)
Frequently Asked Questions About Earning your MBA Online in Florida
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, the University of Florida requires them while the University of Miami does not. 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?
On average, MBA holders earn more than those with only bachelor’s degrees. This ROI isn’t just in the short term, either, as MBA holders get more promotions and increase their earning potential across their working careers. In Miami, for example, someone with an MBA makes $80,000 a year on average while someone with a bachelor’s in business makes $59,000. The same is true in Tampa, where bachelor’s degree holders make $57,000 and MBA holders make $78,000.
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, assistantships, scholarships, and research grants. Explore our financial aid guide for a more in-depth look at each option.
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.
Also, check out our scholarships guide for more scholarships along with tips to make your applications stand out.
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. In fact, Florida jobs are growing at three times the national average. 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 (2020-2030) | Average Annual Openings (2020-2030) | Annual Mean Wage (2021) | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Accountant |
22.7% |
9,560 |
$76,320 |
|
Human Resource Manager |
20.9% |
790 |
$118,520 |
|
Financial Manager |
30.5% |
3,800 |
$137,890 |
|
Market Research Analyst |
38.4% |
7,040 |
68,620 |
|
Marketing Manager |
23.8% |
1,500 |
$150,760 |