Prerequisites

The Florida State University MBA is designed for both working professionals with extensive professional experience and individuals who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their previous academic work and who have completed a significant internship or other work experience. Admission is competitive, and all applicants must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Previous coursework in business is not required, but all applicants are expected to have a general knowledge of economics, finance, accounting, statistics, calculus and management principles.

While prerequisites are not required for this program, the MBA faculty strongly recommends the completion of prep courses by all applicants who have not taken previous coursework in accounting. A preparatory course called FSU Fundamentals of Financial Accounting Tutorial (modules 1-4) is an alternative, offered online by Cambridge Business Publishers.

Curriculum

The Online MBA with a Major in Alternative Investments and Finance requires the following coursework (39 credit hours). The curriculum includes courses from FSU’s top-ranked MBA specialty in real estate. For a complete list of all MBA course descriptions, please visit business.fsu.edu/MBA-courses.

ACG 5026 Financial Reporting and Managerial Control
BUL 5810 The Legal and Ethical Environment of Business
FIN 5425 Problems in Financial Management
FIN 5515 Investment Management and Analysis
FIN 5537 Derivatives and Risk Management
FIN 5### Private Equity Venture Capital
FIN 5### Alternative Investments
REE 5105 Real Estate Valuation
REE 5205 Real Estate Finance
REE 5305 Real Estate Investment
RMI 5007 Essentials of Risk and Insurance
RMI 5018 Alternative Risk Financing
RMI 5257 Data Analytics in Risk Management and Insurance

Note: Program requirements are subject to change.

Admission to the Master of Business Administration program is competitive. The decision is based on a portfolio of qualifications, including prior academic experience, work experience, optional entrance exam scores (such as GMAT or GRE) and letters of recommendation. Entrance exam scores are optional for this program and can be submitted if they will enhance an application. Any submitted test scores become part of the application and are used in the admission decision.

Application checklist

I. The following items should be submitted through the Florida State Graduate Application portal, available exclusively online at admissions.fsu.edu/gradapp:

• Applicant Statement 
• Current resume/C.V., clearly indicating work experience including dates and positions held, noting full-time or part-time employment. Management, business and leadership experience should also be clearly detailed.
• Letters of recommendation: Two (2) letters of recommendation from employers or former college professors that speak specifically to the applicant’s ability to successfully complete the MBA program (submitted by the recommenders in the online application).
• Florida Residency Declaration if applicable
• Nonrefundable application fee of $30.00 (see University Application or go to fees.fsu.edu)

II. The following items should be sent to the Graduate Admissions Office, 222 S. Copeland St./314 Westcott Building, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-1410 or to graduateadmissions@fsu.edu:

• One (1) official transcript from all colleges and universities attended (FSU transcripts are not necessary for FSU alumni, students). International applicants are required to submit an official NACES course-by-course transcript evaluation.
• Official test scores, if applicable:
  • GMAT or GRE scores are optional and should be submitted if they will enhance the application. Any submitted test scores become part of the application. The code to send GMAT scores to Florida State is PN8K567, and the code to send GRE scores is 5219.
  • English Language Proficiency scores are an FSU requirement for international applicants whose native language is not English or who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from a U.S. institution or other institution where English is the required language of instruction; therefore, it cannot be waived). The code to send TOEFL scores to Florida State is 5219.

International applicants

International applicants whose native language is not English or who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree in an English-speaking country are required to take an English Language Proficiency exam and submit official test results in order to be admitted to Florida State University. The College of Business accepts all of the following examinations taken within the past two (2) years:

•    Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): a minimum score of 600 on the paper-based test and 100 on the internet-based test 
•    International English Language Testing System (Academic IELTS): minimum score of 7 
•    Pearson Test of English (PTE): minimum score of 66 
•    Duolingo: minimum score of 120 
•    Cambridge C1 Advanced Level: minimum score of 180 
•    Michigan Language Assessment: minimum score of 55 

For more international applicant information, including financial responsibilities, degree equivalency, etc., visit gradschool.fsu.edu/admissions/international-admissions.

Estimated program costs

The cost of an FSU MBA varies depending on an applicant’s format choice. To learn more, visit our Program Costs page.

Financial resources

The FSU Office of Financial Aid website is the best source for more information including financial aid application forms.

National Scholarships and Fellowships
For information on national fellowships and scholarships, visit the Office of National Fellowships for assistance.

MBA LOANS program

The MBA LOANS® program is the only loan program endorsed by the Graduate Management Admission Council® (GMAC®) as part of the mission to promote access to graduate management education. The MBA LOANS program is offered by Sallie Mae®, the largest student loan provider in the United States. MBA LOANS® has loaned over $2 billion to MBA students over the life of the program, and it is the largest loan program in the world for MBAs.

Additional financial aid and scholarship resources are available at mba.com.