Ranking gains reflect improvements for FSU’s online graduate business students

The Florida State University College of Business edged up to No. 14 among public schools that offer specialty master’s programs online and took a giant leap to the No. 15 spot among public online MBA programs on U.S. News & World Report’s latest 2024 lists of best programs released today.

The college now ranks No. 18 overall for its two online specialty master’s degrees – specifically the online master’s degrees in management information systems (MS-MIS) and risk management and insurance (MS-RMI) – up from its No. 16 public ranking and No. 21 overall ranking last year. The MS-RMI is housed in the top-ranked Dr. William T. Hold/The National Alliance Program in Risk Management and Insurance.

The new MBA standing reflects a surge of 17 places among public universities and 26 places to No. 18 among all online MBA programs nationwide, a remarkable climb after several years hovering near last year’s No. 32 rank among public schools and No. 44 overall. Also, the college’s MBA specialty in marketing, taught by faculty members in the Dr. Persis E. Rockwood School of Marketing, ranks No. 6 among public schools, No. 8 overall, after going unranked the last two years. FSU’s online MBA also ranked No. 14 among public schools for military veterans, No. 16 overall.

“We are thrilled about our tremendous performance and standing among the nation’s best online graduate programs,” said Michael Hartline, dean of the College of Business. “The competition among online MBA programs is especially intense, so we welcome these new high marks that reflect our significant achievements and continuing pursuit of preeminence.”

Among the areas of improvement leading to FSU’s higher ranking:

• Decreased class sizes and stronger graduation rates
• Reasonable program costs in an effort to reduce student debt
• Extensive student services, including placement and career support 

“The combination of efforts by our dedicated faculty and staff, blended with exceptionally qualified students, has proven to be the secret sauce in our continuing journey along the path to preeminence,” Hartline said. “Our efforts lead to quality, versatile graduate degrees and produce outstanding graduates that are highly sought after by employers. The ROI is truly substantial.”

One hallmark benefit of an FSU MBA is the added expertise students hone through completing one of the program’s nine specializations in the following high-demand fields: business analytics, finance, healthcare management, human resources, management information systems, marketing, real estate, risk management and insurance, and supply chain management.

“Our graduates go on to lead enterprises in varied industries of their choosing,” said Darren Brooks, MBA program director and assistant dean for Executive and Professional Programs. “Pursuing our MBA and a specialization online gives business professionals the opportunity to retool their skill set at a part-time pace – without pausing their full-time careers. Additionally, most online students say their FSU coursework delivers real-world lessons they can immediately apply to their current posts.”

Students say they are first drawn to FSU’s online programs because of the university’s stellar reputation. Once the learning begins, they find that not only are they gaining new skills that will move their business careers forward, but they also are building a long-term professional network as they interact with fellow classmates, who have varying backgrounds and experience.

“This online program is challenging, stimulating and engaging – in a collaborative learning environment,” said MS-RMI student Kinjiro Yamasaki, a systems analyst and senior risk advisor in South Florida. He appreciates the program’s emphasis on emerging trends and practical application.

Convenience and cost are two big reasons student Kevin Driscoll said he chose FSU’s online MS-MIS program. “It’s a great value, especially as an out-of-state resident,” said Driscoll, who works as a consultant based in Arlington, Virginia.

Scheduled to graduate this semester, Driscoll is looking forward to the professional benefits of completing his degree. 

“Earning an MIS master’s degree will open up many doors to lucrative and in-demand careers that focus on helping organizations solve business problems with technology,” Driscoll said. “The hard skills from hands-on assignments, as well as soft skills from group projects that I acquired along the way, are invaluable.”

March 1 is the next application deadline for the college's online master's degree programs in business administration, management information systems or risk management and insurance. Those admitted will start their studies in May. Learn more and request information at graduatebusiness.fsu.edu.

– Melanie Yeager