Empowering you to become your best
At USF, you will gain the intellectual capital needed to tackle today’s industry challenges and lead in tomorrow’s marketplace.
How is the USF MBA unique? Our program helps students develop analytical skills and creative abilities – so you’ll learn to not only understand data, but also how to use it to make sound predictions and refine your organization’s strategy.
View BrochureFind Your Stride
The Online MBA attracts a broad diversity of students from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds. Most students are working full-time while enrolled and complete the program in two-three years. Others may choose to enroll full-time and finish in one year.
Choose a Customized Area of Study
This is not a "one-size-fits-all" program. Students work with an advisor to choose electives curated for this limited access program according to career aspirations -- or can select one of seven optional concentrations unique to the online program.
Study Online - Anytime, Anywhere
The Online MBA includes top tier online instructors across USF’s campuses. Students who can make it to any campus can enjoy on-site access to resources available to all USF students.
Courses are asynchronous, allowing students to consume the dynamic prepared content of the courses when it makes the most sense for them. Teamwork, weekly discussions and collaboration sessions provide the important network building and engagement that is fundamental to a quality MBA experience.
Coursework
The Online MBA curriculum is designed around a series of foundation, core, elective and capstone courses complemented by a series of professional development opportunities. For a detailed description of degree requirements, please .
Foundation
16 credit hours – maximum
Business foundation courses offer essential background in key areas for advanced study.
Students with recent business degrees or coursework may waive some or all foundation
courses. Some opt to complete the Business Foundations Graduate Certificate before
starting the MBA.
Core
15 credit hours
The MBA core includes advanced courses that build essential skills in analytics, communication,
financial analysis, organizational behavior, and ethics. The curriculum integrates
functional areas to prepare students for effective leadership.
Electives
15 credit hours
Students take five graduate business electives, including one global elective. With
advisor guidance, they can create a unique emphasis by combining courses or choose
a concentration offered in the Online MBA.
Capstone
3 credit hours
The Online MBA capstone lets students apply their program knowledge to real-world
case studies, developing actionable recommendations in teams. Usually taken in the
final semester, it provides a challenging and rewarding finish before graduation.
Immersion Courses and Study Abroad
Immersion electives offer Online MBA students the unique opportunity to network with their peers while building skills in leading methodologies, such as design thinking, Lean Six Sigma, and using improv to manage. These one-week, in-person courses are typically offered the week before the semester starts or during Spring Break. These electives are optional but are highly valued by our students to strengthen their connection with colleagues.
Like the on-campus immersion courses, Online MBA students may participate in a variety of short-term Study Abroad courses as well. By studying business practices globally, students gain perspective and unique insights. Typically, these courses are offered during Spring Break and in summer as 10-day (or less) programs. See this page for further details.
Admission Requirements
The admission requirements and processes for the USF Online MBA are identical to that of the on campus Professional MBA. The Online MBA attracts candidates from a wide variety of academic and professional backgrounds. Admission decisions are based on the strength of the application. Outstanding qualities in one area may compensate for weakness in another. Competitive applicants tend to have strong GMAT or GRE scores, several years of quality work experience, and undergraduate GPAs 3.3 or higher.
Application Requirements
All candidates seeking admission to the OMBA must submit the following:
- and $30 application fee
- Transcript showing completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited higher education institution in the U.S. or foreign equivalent
- GMAT or GRE score*
- Statement of purpose
- Resume
- Three reference letters (at least one must be from a professional reference)
*The GMAT/GRE requirement may be waived for candidates that meet certain conditions.
Please submit a GMAT/GRE waiver request with your complete application in order to be considered for a waiver.
Additional details regarding admission requirements and application deadlines may be found in the .
Residency Program and Professional Development
The Online MBA Residency program, held near the beginning of your program, is designed to help you succeed in both the academic and professional environment. This required two-day, on-campus program will allow you to network with your peers, meet our world-class faculty and visit industry leaders.
January 10-11, 2025
In-person Residency - USF St. Petersburg
May 16-17, 2025
Virtual Residency
Immerse yourself in a distinctive networking and professional development experience during the MBA Residency, a 2 ½ day program offered either in-person or entirely online. This mandatory Residency includes a discussion panel with CEOs, keynote speakers, a hands-on mini-case competition, and a workshop on ethical leadership.
With this unique Residency program, USF’s MBA offers you the distinct advantage of connecting closely with your peers.
Through the MBA Residency, you will:
- Strengthen your leadership acumen, develop a strategic mindset, and learn to lead with integrity and emotional intelligence.
- Apply your knowledge during challenging, highly interactive workshops with top-ranked faculty and corporate leaders.
- Develop meaningful connections with your peers.
Attendance at the 2025 Residency is mandatory for all MBA students entering between Spring 2024 and Fall 2024.
- Virtual residency: May 16-17, 2025
Attendance at the 2026 Residency is mandatory for all MBA students entering between Spring 2025 and Fall 2025.
- In-person Residency: Dates TBD, 2026
Virtual Residency: Dates TBD, 2026
Tuition/Financial Aid
Tuition
The Online MBA is $750/credit hour for core, elective, and capstone courses.
Foundation courses are $497/per credit hour. USF employee benefits and state employee benefits do not cover this program.
Financial Aid
Many Online MBA students benefit from corporate tuition assistance policies granted by their employers. Future students are strongly encouraged to identify what programs are available through their employer.
USF financial aid is available in the form of partial scholarships or loans. A step-by-step guide for financial aid for graduate students and other information about financial aid can be found on USF's University Scholarships & Financial Aid Services website.
Post 9-11 GI Bill for Veterans
USF Ranked #2 in the Nation for Best Colleges for Veterans
The Post 9-11 GI Bill covers a large amount of the tuition and program fees for the MBA Program. The USF Office of Veterans Success serves veterans, active duty servicepersons and members of the Selected Reserve, as well as the dependents of veterans eligible for benefits. They offer guidance regarding educational benefits eligibility and assistance with forms and forwarding of documentation to the VA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my undergraduate degree or professional experience need to be in business?
No. Applicants can have degrees and work experience in various fields like psychology, arts, engineering, or healthcare.
Do I need work experience to apply?
No, but quality experience matters. Most students have 2–3 years of experience, though some have none or 25+ years.
What should I include in my résumé if I lack extensive work experience?
Highlight degrees, honors, internships, leadership roles, volunteering, teamwork, and job responsibilities.
What does the admissions committee look for?
A holistic review. Strengths in one area can offset weaknesses in another.
What is the minimum GRE/GMAT score?
No minimum; applications are evaluated holistically. See if you qualify for a waiver.
Do applicants need to demonstrate English proficiency?
Yes, for non-native speakers. Review the qualifications.
How long does it take to complete the program?
The 33-credit hour program takes at least three semesters full-time or about three years part-time. Coursework must be finished within five years.
How many classes do students take each semester?
Full-time: at least 9 credit hours. Part-time: typically 6.
Can Online MBA students take on-campus classes?
Yes, with advisor approval, up to 6 credit hours. Tuition rates may vary.