The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is an included program in the University's accreditation by AACSB International.

The MBA program develops the skills of management, the tools of problem-solving, the capacity for decision-making, and the knowledge about formal organizations and their economic environment. The curriculum is designed to provide both a general view of business and a specialized focus through development of a portfolio and selection of an area of emphasis.

Areas of Emphasis

With 11 Areas of Emphasis from which to choose, the MBA program prepares graduates for leadership positions in a variety of managerial and organizational settings. 

• MBA General Business
• MBA with Accounting emphasis
• MBA with Aviation Economics emphasis
• MBA with Business Analytics emphasis
• MBA with Cybersecurity Management emphasis
• MBA with Entrepreneurship emphasis
• MBA with Finance emphasis
• MBA with Hospitality and Tourism Leadership emphasis
• MBA with Human Resource Management emphasis
• MBA with Sport Management emphasis
• MBA with Supply Chain Logistics Management emphasis

Admission Requirements

Admission to the MBA program does not require an undergraduate business degree; a number of successful MBA graduates started the program with little to no previous business coursework. However, foundational proficiency in the major functional areas of business is required to be successful in the program. These foundational proficiencies can be completed quickly through accelerated courses.

In addition to the University graduate admission requirements described in the Admissions section of the catalog, the department bases decisions for regular admission on a holistic review of credentials in which the following criteria are used to assess the potential success of each applicant:

• A record of appropriate employment at increasing levels of responsibility via resume.
• Academic achievement as demonstrated by undergraduate institutional grade point average (GPA).
• Accreditation of degree-granting institution.
• Business course academic preparation.
• Graduate-level motivation and writing abilities as noted in essay responses.
• Other qualifications that illuminate future MBA potential.

Primary consideration will be given to the applicant’s academic record.

The credentials of applicants who do not meet these requirements are reviewed further to determine if other factors are sufficient to warrant admission. A student needing prerequisite foundational courses for the MBA program may take them as a non-degree student. However, only students who have been fully admitted to candidacy in the MBA program will be permitted to enroll in the required core courses of the MBA degree.

Foundational Proficiencies

Admission to the MBA program is gained by demonstrating proficiency in the major functional areas of business: accounting, business communications, business ethics, economics, finance, management, management information systems, marketing, and statistics. 

Candidates are expected to have completed the equivalent of the UWF BSBA Core courses with a grade of 'B' or higher within the last 10 years. For candidates with no prior undergraduate business core coursework, or those who are lacking select prerequisites, the College offers graduate-level Accelerated MBA Foundation Courses, which allow candidates to quickly meet the foundational proficiencies needed to begin the MBA Core Courses. The Accelerated MBA Foundation option is a series of 1.5 semester hour, intensive courses that cover the essential foundational knowledge in each of the prerequisite business subjects.

Additional Foundational Proficiencies

In addition to the foundational proficiencies listed above, the Accounting area of emphasis also requires proficiency in upper-level undergraduate Accounting coursework. 

Application and Advising

Inquiries should be addressed to the MBA Office, which will assist in all matters of application, admission, degree planning, and graduation. All students planning to enter the MBA program must meet with an advisor to develop a degree plan. Transcripts and resume should be submitted to the Graduate School at the time of application. The program is jointly administered by the MBA Office in partnership with faculty members who specialize in the areas of accounting & finance, marketing, economics, management, and management information systems.

Degree Requirements

In addition to the University’s general requirements, students seeking the MBA degree must meet the following degree requirements.

Candidates are required to complete all courses with a grade of 'C' or better and maintain a minimum overall graduate and MBA GPA of 3.0. The University's Time to Degree policy applies to the completion of all MBA coursework. Noncompliant courses must be reviewed to determine proficiency.

Transfer Credit Policy

The University's Transfer of Credit regulation applies to the MBA program. Further, the Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business will accept transfer credits as equivalent to UWF master-level business-related courses from institutions accredited by AACSB International.

MBA Portfolio

The MBA portfolio provides an opportunity to focus in-depth research in an industry, which the student will select upon starting the core curriculum. Four of the MBA Core courses require projects that are included in the student’s portfolio.

In the final semester of the program, the student will submit their portfolio for review by the program director and participate in an exit survey. Portfolio submission and exit survey participation are required for graduation.

MBA Program of Study

​The program of study leading to the MBA degree is a 33-36 semester hour program, depending on the area of emphasis. All students will complete 27 semester hours of MBA Core courses and 6-9 additional semester hours, dependent upon the selected area of emphasis. Enrollment in MBA courses is generally limited to MBA candidates.

General MBA

The General MBA program requires the completion of 33 semester hours and is designed to offer both a comprehensive understanding of business fundamentals and a specialized focus through the Portfolio component. Before beginning core classes, students select an industry for their Portfolio, allowing them to conduct in-depth research in their chosen area. Four of the core classes include projects that are integrated into the student’s Portfolio. The program equips graduates with the skills necessary for leadership roles such as analysts, consultants, and managers across various organizational settings and industries. 

General MBA Required Courses

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see MBA Degree Requirements

Accounting Area of Emphasis

The MBA with an emphasis in Accounting is a 36 semester hour program designed to enhance graduate students' conceptual understanding of current and emerging issues in the accounting profession. The program develops advanced accounting skills, as well as research and communication abilities that meet the demands of the field. Graduates are prepared for careers in public accounting as auditors, consultants, and tax practitioners; in industry as financial and operational managers; and in government in various roles. The MBA in Accounting requires a bachelor’s degree in Accounting or significant undergraduate coursework in accounting. All Accounting Area of Emphasis courses are offered exclusively online.

Accounting Emphasis Required Courses

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see MBA Degree Requirements

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selection based on course availability

Additional Foundational Proficiency Requirements

For the Accounting emphasis, in addition to proficiency in the major functional areas of business, candidates are expected to have completed the equivalent of the following UWF courses. Courses that are not compliant with UWF's time-to-degree policy must be reviewed to determine proficiency.

Aviation Economics Area of Emphasis Required Courses

The MBA with an emphasis in Aviation Economics is a 36 semester hour program designed to equip students with the skills needed to apply economic concepts to challenges within the aviation industry. The curriculum includes coursework in both general and commercial aviation economics and finance, with a focus on areas such as credit markets, airport functions, aircraft and environmental considerations, and the effects of low-fare startups on market structures, bankruptcy, and mergers. Students will also examine the economic impact of tourism air travel and regulatory issues in commercial aviation. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers as directors of transportation and commercial airports, as well as roles in aviation supply chain operations. All Aviation Economics Area of Emphasis courses are offered exclusively online.

Aviation Economics Emphasis Required Courses

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see MBA Degree Requirements

Business Analytics Area of Emphasis

The MBA with an emphasis in Business Analytics is a 36 semester hour program that connects business analytics to specific managerial decision-making scenarios. Students will learn how analytics serves as a data-driven decision support toolbox for managers across various business environments. The curriculum emphasizes the ability to communicate to management the appropriate types of data mining to apply in business scenarios, considering the data set and organizational context. Students will also learn how to plan industry-related research studies, collect relevant data, and present findings and recommendations. Additionally, students will analyze the impact of each recommended course of action and develop effective arguments to support their recommendations. The program highlights the importance of data integrity and data privacy. All Business Analytics Area of Emphasis courses are offered exclusively online.

Business Analytics Emphasis Required Courses

*

see MBA Degree Requirements

Cybersecurity Management Area of Emphasis

The MBA with an Emphasis in Cybersecurity Management is a 36-credit-hour program focused on developing policies and procedures that safeguard an organization’s information assets while maintaining productivity. Students will learn to perform risk assessments to identify potential threats and design effective mitigation plans. The program emphasizes articulating both conceptual and technical aspects of information security management solutions to team members, managers, and clients. Additionally, students will address ethical dilemmas that arise in cybersecurity contexts. An integral part of the program involves designing, developing, and implementing cybersecurity management solutions. All Cybersecurity Management Area of Emphasis courses are offered exclusively online.

Cybersecurity Management Emphasis Required Courses

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see MBA Degree Requirements

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selection based on course availability

Entrepreneurship Area of Emphasis

The MBA with an Emphasis in Entrepreneurship is a 36 semester hour program that immerses students in the processes required to transform business ideas into well-structured plans for new ventures. The curriculum equips students with the skills to identify and create opportunities and the abilities to turn those opportunities into value. Graduates of this program often pursue careers as entrepreneurs, small business owners, and product developers. All Entrepreneurship Area of Emphasis courses are offered exclusively online.

Entrepreneurship Emphasis Required Courses

*

see MBA Degree Requirements

Finance Area of Emphasis

The MBA with an emphasis in Finance is a 36 credit hour program that deepens students' understanding of finance through both theoretical and practical perspectives. The curriculum covers the structure and functions of financial markets and institutions, including interest rates, exchange rates, and market dynamics. It emphasizes financial statement analysis, risk and return, valuation, capital budgeting, specialized financing methods, and international finance. Students also explore theoretical concepts in securities analysis and portfolio management. This program develops advanced finance skills, enhances research capabilities, and refines communication skills, preparing graduates for careers as financial and operational managers in industry and various roles in government. All Finance Area of Emphasis courses are offered exclusively online.

Finance Emphasis Required Courses

*

see MBA Degree Requirements

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selection based on course availability

Hospitality and Tourism Leadership Area of Emphasis

The MBA with an emphasis in Hospitality and Tourism Leadership is a 36 semester hour program designed to equip students with advanced skills in analyzing and addressing complex global issues in the hospitality and tourism sectors. Students will learn to analyze key elements of global hospitality and tourism problems or opportunities, develop defensible recommendations, and create effective written and oral presentations of their analyses. All Hospitality and Tourism Leadership Area of Emphasis courses are offered exclusively online.

Hospitality and Tourism Leadership Emphasis Required Courses

*

see MBA Degree Requirements

Human Resource Management Area of Emphasis

The MBA with an emphasis in Human Resource Management is a 36 credit hour program that enhances students' ability to evaluate the relationship between human resource management and organizational strategy. Students will learn to conduct effective interviews, assess pay structures including incentives and pay-for-performance systems, and address ethical issues related to compensation and benefits. The program also covers the design and development of effective training programs. All Human Resource Management Area of Emphasis courses are offered exclusively online.

Human Resource Management Emphasis Required Courses

*

see MBA Degree Requirements

**

selection based on course availability

Sport Management Area of Emphasis

The MBA with an emphasis in Sport Management is a 36 semester hour program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage sport organizations. The program emphasizes the application of analytics and the impact of technology on the sport industry, preparing students to navigate and leverage data-driven insights to drive organizational success. The curriculum integrates advanced management practices with a focus on how numbers and technology are transforming the sport sector, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles in this dynamic field.

Sport Management Emphasis Required Courses

*

see MBA Degree Requirements

Supply Chain Logistics Management Area of Emphasis

The MBA with an Emphasis in Supply Chain Logistics Management is a 36-semester-hour program designed to equip graduate students with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and implement effective supply chain logistics strategies. The curriculum covers key areas such as managing transportation and distribution operations and making strategic decisions by leveraging logistics competencies. Graduates of this program are well-prepared for careers in the marketing and management of logistics, transportation, and distribution services. Potential career paths include roles such as supply chain logistics strategist, global intermodal transportation manager, and logistics distribution and terminal operations manager. All Supply Chain Logistics Management Area of Emphasis courses are offered exclusively online.

Supply Chain Logistics Management Emphasis Required Courses

*

see MBA Degree Requirements

Certificates

For the Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business graduate certificates:

• Candidates are required to complete all certificate courses with a grade of "C" or better, and maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or better.
• Normally, transfer courses cannot be used to satisfy requirements for completion of graduate certificates.
• The University’s six-year policy on “Time to Degree: Master’s” applies to completion of coursework for graduate certificates.

Business Analytics Certificate

This certificate program teaches students the role of analytics as a data-driven decision support toolbox for managers in various business environments. Students will be able to communicate to management the appropriate types of data mining to apply in a business scenario given the data set and organizational context. The importance of data integrity and data privacy will be emphasized.

The Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics is available online.

The Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics is not available to students pursuing the MBA with the Business Analytics emphasis.

QMB 6305 Quantitative Methods for Business must be completed prior to starting the certificate.

Graduate Business Foundations Certificate

This certificate offers business foundation courses for participants interested in developing or renewing skills and knowledge in basic business foundations. The program primarily targets working professionals with non-business undergraduate degrees who desire formal business education to support existing or anticipated responsibilities in their career tracks. The certificate also provides the foundation for further graduate study in business and administration.  

The Graduate Business Foundations Certificate is available online and face-to-face.

Graduate Cybersecurity Management Certificate

This certificate teaches students to develop policies and procedures that ensure the safety of an organization's information assets without harming the productivity of the organization. Students will perform risk assessment to identify potential threats and design mitigation plans and identify the ethical dilemmas that occur in the context of cybersecurity. Conceptual and technical aspects of cybersecurity management solutions are discussed including the design, development and building of an information security management solution.

The Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Management is available online.

The Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Management is not available to students pursuing the MBA with the Cybersecurity Management emphasis.

Graduate Entrepreneurship Certificate

This certificate program engages participants in the processes necessary to convert business ideas into well-structured plans for new business ventures. Participants will develop and present new venture ideas, develop a comprehensive new venture business plan, and consult with small businesses to develop solutions to real business problems.

Core Certificate:

The Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship is available exclusively online.

The Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship is not available to students pursuing the MBA with the Entrepreneurship emphasis.

Hospitality and Tourism Leadership Certificate

This certificate teaches students how to analyze key elements of a complex global hospitality and tourism problem/opportunity and present a defensible recommendation. Students will then create an effective written analysis report and oral presentation of their findings. The curriculum covers strategic leadership, financial analysis, and a service marketing experience all within the context of the global hospitality industry.  

Students pursuing the Graduate Certificate in Hospitality and Tourism Leadership must have completed a bachelor's degree in Hospitality, Tourism, or the equivalent.

The Graduate Certificate in Hospitality and Tourism Leadership is not available to students pursuing the MBA with Hospitality and Tourism Leadership emphasis.

Human Resources Management Certificate

This certificate develops the student’s ability to describe the relationship of Human Resources Management and organizational strategy. Students will evaluate the bases of pay, including incentives and pay for performance systems. Ethical issues related to compensation and benefits will be discussed. Students will demonstrate how to conduct an effective interview and design and develop a training program. 

The Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management is available online.

The Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management is not available to students pursuing the MBA with Human Resources Management emphasis.

MAN 3301 Human Resources Management or GEB 5816 MBA Foundations: Principles of Human Resources Management  must be completed prior to starting the certificate.

Supply Chain Logistics Management Graduate Certificate 

This certificate exposes the student to the utilization of supply chain logistics management concepts to solve business management problems specific to domestic and global logistics and transportation operations. Students will use analytics to assist in identifying critical logistics issues and opportunities in creating and executing supply chain logistics strategies across global marketplaces.

Prerequisites

Certificate Courses

The Supply Chain Logistics Management graduate certificate is available online.

The Graduate Certificate in Supply Chain Logistics Management is not available to students pursuing the MBA with the Supply Chain Logistics Management emphasis.