Professional MBA

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Coursework

The 33 to 49 credit hour MBA curriculum is designed around a series of foundation, core, elective and capstone courses complemented by a series of professional development opportunities. The majority of course requirements in the Professional MBA are similar to that in the Online MBA. For a detailed description of degree requirements, please visit the graduate catalog.

Foundation

16 credit hours – maximum
The business foundation courses provide background in key functional areas in order to prepare for more advanced studies. Students who have a recent undergraduate degree or coursework in business may be able to waive some or all business foundation courses. Business foundations courses are available in evening, weekend/hybrid, or fully online formats for Professional MBA students.

Core

15 credit hours
The MBA core is a series of advanced application courses that every student takes during their time in the program. Functional knowledge and skills build on each other throughout the curriculum, preparing students to integrate the various functional areas of business that effective leaders need. Students will develop key competencies in analytics, professional communication, financial analysis, organizational behavior and ethics. Core courses are available in evening, weekend/hybrid, or fully online formats for Professional MBA students.

Elective Requirements

15 credit hours
Students take five graduate-level business electives, one of which must be a designated global elective. Working with their advisor, students can choose to select a unique combination of business and other graduate courses to create their own distinct area of emphasis, or pursue one of the many specializations/concentrations available. The modality of certain electives may be limited.

Business Analytics
Creativity and Innovation
Digital Marketing
Entrepreneurship
Global Business
Healthcare Management
Information Technology Management
Leadership
Marketing Strategy
Project and Process Management
Sustainable Business

Finance Concentration
In addition to the specializations above, Professional MBA students can elect to add a Finance Concentration to the degree program. This concentration strengthens the financial acumen of MBA students. Students who intend to work in the financial services sector will benefit from the tailored elective offerings in areas like financial modeling, investments, and capital markets. Those that seek leadership roles in business will benefit from the analytical and creative thinking mindset this concentration encourages, facilitating improved problem-solving techniques.

Concentrations differ from specializations in that they appear as a stated credential on a student’s transcript upon graduation, and specific courses will be required as electives.

Immersion Courses and Study Abroad

Immersion electives offer 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 in leadership. These one-week, in-person courses are offered at various times throughout the year and do not conflict with other regularly scheduled classes. These electives are optional but are highly valued by students to strengthen their connection with colleagues.

Like the on-campus immersion courses, 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 in the summer as 10-day (or less) programs. See this page for further details. https://educationabroad.global.usf.edu/