Frequently Asked Questions for Online MBA program
FAQ Section 1: The Online MBA Program at FSU
Q: How are the MBA programs structured?
Our MBA programs are offered in a lock-step structure, which means that the courses are offered only during specific terms.
Q: What is the overall teaching philosophy?
All graduate courses, online and on-campus, are developed and taught by faculty from the College of Business at FSU. Nationally and internationally recognized by their peers and industry leaders worldwide, FSU College of Business faculty believe in dynamic teaching – enhanced by extensive business experience and academic research. More importantly, they work one-on-one with their students, offering a level of personal interaction that sets FSU apart from its peers. Our faculty guarantees that students are exposed to top-level executives and business leaders.
Q: Do I have to visit campus to participate in the program?
Two courses will be offered each successive semester. The proposed schedule is given below. Courses will be delivered totally online, with the total program taking approximately 28 (14 courses, 3 hours each) months to complete.
Q: Is the distance MBA a true MBA program?
Yes. All graduates of this program will be awarded a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. Students in our distance MBA program will receive the same diploma that is awarded to residential on-campus graduates, and they will be eligible to participate in Florida State University’s commencement ceremony in Tallahassee.
Q: What is the difference between the online MBA and the on-campus MBA program?
The only difference lies in the delivery (online versus on-site). The word “online” is appropriately used to describe the flexibility and convenience of the online format for professionals who wish to earn an MBA from Florida State University without relocating or leaving an already well-established career. No differentiating language will appear on your diploma.
Q: What is the course format?
All online courses are offered through the learning management system used at FSU, Blackboard. Course use a combination of lecture notes, audio clips, self-assessments, quizzez and homework. Class discussion is facilitated through the use of an online discussion forums. . Students interact with the professor and each other through these discussions. You do not have to be online at any particular time.
Q: How are examinations given?
In general, examinations are given online. However, professors may choose to have examinations proctored. Students are responsible for obtaining proctors for their exams. Information on proctored exams is available from the Center For Assessment and Testing.
Q: What career assistance is available?
Career coaching, networking and internship opportunities are available to all of our MBA students. The College of Business Graduate Programs partners with the FSU Career Center, corporate partners and business leaders to facilitate employment and development opportunities for all of our students.
FAQ Section 2: Admissions
Q: When does the Online MBA program start?
The Online MBA program begins in the fall term each year.
Q: What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is June 1 for admission the following fall term.
Q: Do I need to take the GMAT?
Yes. This is a University requirement. The GMAT cannot be waived. If you have already taken the GRE, we may be able to substitute it for the GMAT, depending on how long ago you took the test and the score you received.
Q: What is the minimum GMAT score accepted?
The minimum GMAT accepted is 530. (A high GPA of a 3.5 or higher may offset a lower GMAT score. All application information is reviewed in admissions decisions.) The competitive/average GMAT score for applicants and students is a 550.
Q: What is the institutional code for Florida State University?
The institutional code is PN8K517.
Q: Can I be admitted as a provisional student and then take the GMAT exam?
We do not admit students without an official GMAT score report. We do not admit a student in the hopes that he or she will receive a score that meets our admission requirements.
Q: GPA: What is the required minimum GPA for admission?
In general, we require a 3.0 undergraduate, upper division GPA. Some exceptions/considerations may be given depending upon the undergraduate program, work experience, high GMAT scores, etc.
Q: Can I transfer courses from other schools?
We can accept up to six graduate credit hours from an AACSB accredited university, provided they are no more than seven years old and you received a grade of "B" or higher. If courses previously counted toward a degree, they cannot be transferred. Professional designation courses do not transfer for credit.
FAQ Section 3: The Application Process
Q: Where do I submit my application?
Applications are submitted online. Apply Now!
Q: I am an international applicant. What do I need to know about the admissions process?
All international applicants should review the information for prospective international applicants prior to the admissions process.
Q: After I submit my application, is there a way to check the application status?
Yes. After you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation via e-mail that your application has been received. To check your application status, log into your account and review the "Submission Status."
Please note: Adjust your spam mail filters to accept all e-mails from @fsu.edu so that you will receive all e-mails regarding your application.
Q: What about an application fee?
Your application will not be processed without payment of the non-refundable application fee of $30. Payment may be made online or by mail to Florida State University, PO Box 5000, Tallahassee, FL 32314-5000.
Q: How long is the acceptance process?
This program processes applications in blocks. In order to facilitate student planning, decisions are made early if the application is received early. Applicants seeking financial assistance are strongly encouraged to complete their applications as early as possible.
Q: How am I notified of the admissions decision?
We post admissions decisions to your ApplyYourself account by 5p.m. Eastern Time on the decision date for the program for which you applied. Under no circumstances can we provide decisions earlier. We will send an e-mail once a decision has been made. An acceptance or deny letter will be mailed to each applicant as well.
Q: How do I contact technical support for the online application?
Technical support is available from any page within the online application by clicking on the ApplyYourself Support button or by e-mail at i-support@applyyourself.com.
Q: If I send in some supplemental materials after I submit my application and after the deadline has passed, will you read it?
Yes.
FAQ Section 4: Financial Matters
Q: What is the cost of the program?
The program cost of the program is based on your residency status. These rates are subject to change each year based on Legislative appropriation. Costs over and above tuition are the costs of textbooks and other course-related materials required by the instructor. Visit the estimated program costs information for detailed financial information by program.
Q: I am an out-of-state applicant. Are there any special financial assistance programs for me?
Tuition Supplements:
Through Florida State University there are a limited number of tuition supplements for outstanding out-of-state MBA candidates. Supplement recipients are determined as part of the admissions process. Recipients are notified of this at the time of the admissions decision.
Academic Common Market:
The Academic Common Market/Electronic Campus Program (ACM/EC) allows students to enter approved online graduate programs at a university in another Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) member state without having to pay out-of-state tuition. Online students, who live in one of the 16 member states, may be eligible for the reduced ACM tuition rate and are required to request ACM certification. The ACM certification may be granted to students only if the following conditions are met:
- No public college or university in the student’s state of residence offers a degree program in his or her chosen field of study.
- The program is available in another Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) state that participates in the ACM/EC.
- The program is available through distance learning.
- The student meets admissions requirements of the college or university that offers the program.
- The student is certified as a resident of his or her home state.
Please contact the ACM/EC State Coordinator for your state to apply for this program.
Scholarships, Fellowships & Grants:
Scholarships, fellowships and grants are available from Florida State University as well as external sources. In addition, information about national fellowships and scholarships is available from the FSU Office of National Fellowships.
Loans:
Another option for financial support is the MBA LOANS® program sponsored by the Graduate Management Admissions Council.
FAQ Section 5: The Online MBA Textbooks for Fall 2008
A complete list of textbooks for available here.
