Frequently Asked Questions
May I set up a visit?
Prospective students are encouraged to visit us and experience first hand what it is like to participate in our MBA Program. During a visit you may take a tour of the College of Business, meet with a current student or discuss the program with the Associate Dean. Students may e-mail us at mba@usfsp.edu to schedule a visit.
Am I able to complete my MBA at USF St. Petersburg if I'm working full-time?
Yes. Our program is designed for working professionals, and classes are held during weekday evenings.
When are classes generally held?
On-campus classes are held Monday - Thursday evenings from 6:00 - 8:50. USFSP also offers online classes that are eight (8) weeks long each. These courses are taught by the same professors and have the same content as on-campus classes but allow for more schedule flexibility.
What accreditation does USFSP's MBA Program hold?
The MBA Program at USF St. Petersburg, along with the entire College of Business, is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International. AACSB International accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide. Institutions that earn accreditation confirm their commitment to quality and continuous improvement through a rigorous and comprehensive peer review.
How many students are in the MBA Program?
There are approximately 130 students in the program; the average class size is 30.
What are the admission requirements?
Admission to the MBA Program is open to all qualified individuals holding a four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in the United States or from a recognized academic institution in a foreign country. The admission decision is based on the following minimum requirements:
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Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) of 500* or higher in the last five years (GRE is also accepted); AND
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GPA of 2.5 or higher in the last 60 semester hours of degree-seeking coursework; AND
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Total score of 1100 or higher using the following formula:
(200 x GPA in last 60 hours of degree-seeking coursework) + GMAT score
e.g., GPA 2.8 x 200 = 560 + 570 GMAT = 1130
*500 is the minimum GMAT score required for admission into the MBA Program.
What is the GMAT?
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized assessment test comprised of three sections: analytical writing, quantitative reasoning and verbal reasoning. For more information on the GMAT, please visit www.MBA.com.
Can the GMAT or GRE be waived?
The GMAT and the GRE are exams designed to test the skills required to successfully complete an MBA program. One of these two exams is required for admission. The only exception for the GMAT or GRE requirement is for an applicant who has taken the GMAT or GRE in the past five years and used it toward the successful completion of another Master's Program. There is a minimum score requirement of 1100 for the GRE.
On the day of the exam you will have the opportunity to specify institution codes to have your scores reported. The institution code for the GMAT is VP9-M4-25. The GRE institution code is
5828.
Do you accept transfer credits from another graduate program?
Yes, we do accept transfer credits. Students wishing to attend USF St. Petersburg's MBA program may transfer up to six (6) credit hours from another university's MBA Program as long as the institution's business school is accredited by the AACSB. Additionally, each course must have a grade of 'B' or higher and can be no older than seven (7) years at the time of graduation. Transfer courses require approval from the Associate Dean.
Do I need an undergraduate business degree to be admitted?
No. Our students represent a diverse set of personal and academic backgrounds and may hold undergraduate degrees in science, engineering, math, law, humanities, social science and other majors.
Do I need work experience to apply?
No. Work experience is not a requirement for admission; however, some professional work experience is highly recommended to get the most out of the MBA experience.
Does the USFSP MBA Program offer online courses?
Yes. Each semester, two online courses will be offered. Each course is eight (8) weeks long. Students choosing to enroll in online courses will take one online course the first 8 weeks of the semester and the next online course the second 8 weeks of the semester. Online courses are taught by the same faculty and have the same content as on-campus courses. Instructors utilize online course management through a web portal called Blackboard. Blackboard allows the instructor to upload course documents, quickly send class e-mails, and post grades quickly.
Does the program require any prerequisites?
Yes, there are prerequisite courses required as a foundation for the program. However, if a student has taken these courses or their equivalent at an AACSB accredited institution within the past 7 years and earned a grade of 'B' or higher, (s)he might be able to receive a waiver of these requirements. USF St. Petersburg is the only MBA Program in Florida to offer MBA Essentials, an intensive program designed for students without a recent undergraduate degree in business. Students enrolled in MBA Essentials are able to complete their prerequisite requirements in one semester.
How long does the program last?
The 36-credit-hour program* typically takes two years to complete. Most students who are working full-time take two courses per term. Students must complete the program within five years.
*does not include prerequisite courses.
What are the requirements for the TOEFL?
Applicants whose native language is not English, or whose undergraduate instruction was not in English, might be required to complete either the Internet-based (79 or higher), paper-based (550 or higher) or computer-based (213 or higher) TOEFL. Students must direct the Educational Testing Service to forward their test results taken within two years of their intended start term to the University of South Florida St. Petersburg (institution code: VP9-M4-25). For more information on TOEFL, please visit this page.
How much can I expect to pay for tuition?
For current tuition rates please visit this page.
How do I apply for a student loan?
U.S. Citizens or permanent residents who indicate on their Application for Admission that they are interested in applying for loans will automatically receive loan application materials through the university's Office of Financial Aid & Veterans Services. Applicants must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to a federal processor and submit a university Financial Aid Application and a copy of their most recent tax return to the Office of Financial Aid & Veterans Services. These government loans are not available to international applicants. For more information please see this page.
Can an MBA from USF St Petersburg help me to become a CPA?
Yes. In Florida, the educational requirement for taking the uniform CPA exam includes a "5th" year beyond a Bachelor's degree and additional accounting courses beyond those taken by most Accounting majors. Most undergraduate Accounting majors can take graduate accounting courses and meet the 5th year requirements by earning an MBA at USF St. Petersburg.
Where do I go to log into the web program used for MBA Essentials?
The MBA office registers you for the required MBA Essentials and supplies you with all the materials you need. Once accepted into the program, you will meet with the Associate Dean, Dr Watkins, to determine which Essentials you will need to complete. Your Essentials courses will be listed in BlackBoard under My Organizations which can be found by clicking the Faculty Tools link.
If you would like to have your transcript evaluated prior to admission please send it to mba@stpete.usf.edu.
