Professional MBA Flex

Students complete twelve (12) core classes in progressive sequence. Each class builds and prepares students for the next set of courses. To complete the required 42 credits, The Professional MBA Flex now allows students to select a specialization and tailor their MBA experience by choosing two (2) classes/ six (6) credits from a breadth of electives to complement their professional careers. Students may choose electives from one of the following disciplines: Marketing, International Business, Leadership & Entrepreneurship, Finance, Human Resource Management, Management Information Systems, Real Estate and others. In addition, students can augment their specialty, by choosing an extra two (2) classes for a total of four (4) electives to complete a concentration.

Core Classes

Accounting for Managers
Business Analysis and Decision Making
Competitive Strategy
Corporate Finance
Corporate Simulation
Financial Reporting and Analysis
Legal Environment of Business
Marketing Management
Operations Management
Organizational Behavior
Organization Information Systems
Professional Development Seminars
Strategic Management

Elective Courses

Two elective courses are required.  They can be taken from any of the Chapman School academic disciplines. For a concentration, four elective courses are required.

The Professional MBA Flex provides a schedule to suit your academic and career needs.  The program gives you the opportunity to complete a specialization or concentration in one of the following disciplines: Marketing, International Business, Leadership & Entrepreneurship, Finance, Human Resource Management, Management Information Systems, Real Estate and others.

Classes will be offered in a "blended-learning" format, where half of each course is taught face-to-face in a classroom setting, and half is taught online, allowing for an engaging learning experience, applying theory to practice with peers.

Taught at the new academic center, FIU Downtown on Brickell, a state of the art facility, in the financial district.

Our Professional MBA Flex features a high level of personal service, including course registration, course materials, light meals and parking. 

• Program requires 42 credit hours of coursework (48 for the concentration)
• Classes begin in the Fall and Spring semesters, with core classes meeting once per weeknight
• Classes will be delivered in a “blended learning” format. Online time is required
• Option to take two or three classes per semester
• Professional Development Seminars are held Saturdays
• Completion time is approximately 24 months

To be eligible for admission to the Professional MBA Flex Program, prospective students must:

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and be in good standing with all previously attended colleges and universities
• Have four years of demonstrated professional work experience OR two years of demonstrated professional work experience AND
• A minimum score of 500 on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or 1000 a combination of verbal and quantitative on the GRE score.
• A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
• If applicant is an international student whose native language is other than English, he/she also must achieve a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based TOEFL or 213 on the computer-based TOEFL, or an equivalent score on a comparable examination

Application Deadline

The program admits students every fall and spring. Applications and supporting documents should be sent as early as possible to allow enough time for processing. We will evaluate Fall applications on the following schedule:

March 1 – notified by March 31
June 1 – notified by June 30
After June 1 – on a space available basis

To be considered for either round, you must submit an online application, have completed all supporting credentials and appropriate test scores, and have attended an information session by that date.  After June 1, applications will be considered on a space-available basis. Applications submitted between the first and second round will be reviewed on a rolling basis -- we will continue to evaluate completed files as they are submitted, and return admissions decisions as available.

Application Procedures

To apply for the program:

1. Please visit our website at: https://app.applyyourself.com/?id=fiu-g, click on “Create Account”
2. Enter the program name FLEX:MBA in the text box for Academic Plan (Major) in the online admission form. 
3. There is a non refundable application fee of US$30.00.

Only those applicants who have submitted complete application packets will be considered.  Meeting the minimum requirements is not a guarantee of admissions.  Students do not need to wait until they have all of the materials together to apply.  Submit your online application now and the rest of the materials as you complete them.

Requirements/Required Documents:

1. Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and/or universities.  Transcripts must be sent directly to:
   
   FIU – Professional MBA Flex Program
   Florida International University
   1101 Brickell Avenue
   Suite S-300
   Miami, FL 33131 
   
   If the official transcripts are not in English, a second copy of the transcript must be evaluated by an official translation agency and sent to our mailing address above. Visit the University Graduate School’s website for more information.
   Official proof of degree: A notarized copy of the original diploma is required if the degree is not posted on the official transcript
2. Current Resume: detailing your chronological professional experience, and dates of earned degrees.
3. Statement of Purpose:  A document of no more than two pages outlining your objectives for pursuing this graduate degree program
4. Two Recommendation Letters from employers, faculty or professional associates
5. Employment verification letters must be sent if applicant is claiming four or more years of professional experience.
6. Official GMAT must be sent by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) if applicant has less than four years of professional experience.  FIU’s University code is 5206
7. Official TOEFL scores should be sent to directly to us by the Educational Testing Service, (ETS).  FIU’s University code is 5206.
8. Applicants must attend an MBA information session prior to Admissions consideration.
9.  Please submit citizenship and immigration document to our offices as outlined below:
   
   

   Type of Citizenship/Residency Status	Documentation Required
   Native-born U.S. Citizen	No residency documents required
   Naturalized U.S. Citizen	Copy of passport
   Lawful Permanent U.S. Resident	Copy of permanent resident card
   Resident or Citizen of any other Country	Please see our international students section below, and the International Student Services office (ISSS)

10. Prospective students claiming Florida residency for the purposes of tuition must complete the Florida Residency form/Affidavit and submit appropriate supporting documents prior to an admissions decision. If you have not submitted valid and complete documentation prior to admission, you will be classified as out-of-state during the admissions process.
    
    Prospective students claiming residency must submit two (2) forms of evidence to substantiate the Florida Residency form/Affidavit. Each form must not be expired, and must demonstrate one full year of Florida residency prior to the beginning of your intended first term.
    
    Accepted documents include:
    
    
    • Florida driver’s license
    • Florida vehicle registration
    • Florida vehicle title
    • Florida voter registration card
    • Declaration of domicile in Florida
    • Proof of purchase of a permanent home in Florida
    • Transcripts from a Florida high school for multiple years
    • Proof of permanent full-time employment in Florida (via employee letter)
    • Benefit histories from Florida agencies or public assistance programs

    If you do not have two of the listed items, please visit the FIU registrar's website to find alternate forms of accepted evidence: http://registrar.fiu.edu/index.php?id=86. Please contact the office of Graduate Admissions for any alternate documentation inquiries:

    Modesto Maidique Campus
    Office of Graduate Admissions
    Location: PC 231
    305-348-7442

Please familiarize yourself with the requirements of the University Graduate School and the Office of International Students and Scholar Services. You are responsible for compliance with any and all University requirements. For more information on studying in the United States as an International or Foreign student, please visit the State Department website.

Academic Records

Your academic records must be sent directly to us by your previous educational institution(s). Required academic records include:

• Transcripts: Yearly or semester records that indicate the number of lecture and/or laboratory hours and the grade or mark received in each course.
• Diplomas: for all degrees you have received, with the title of degree and date conferred.

If the language of instruction at your institution was not English, then you must provide the original-language copies of all transcripts and diplomas as described above AND:

• A separate English-language translation of all academic records. The translation should either come from a professional, certified translator. It must contain all information shown on the original-language documents and “mirror” them as precisely as possible.

Please note that FIU accepts transcript and diploma translations only, and all evaluations of official academic records are to be performed by FIU staff only. Some suggested agencies are found on the University Graduate School website.

Demonstration of English Proficiency

The TOEFL or IELTS is required of all applicants whose native language is not English – a University list of exemptions is available here. These tests are given worldwide. There is a fee for the examination. The minimum scores for all accepted exams are as follows:

• IELTS: 6.5
• TOEFL (Institution code: 5206):
  • Paper-based: 550
  • Computer-based: 213
  • Internet-based(iBT): 80

Applicants who hold an undergraduate or graduate degree from an institution within the United States or other English-speaking countries do not need to take an exam to demonstrate proficiency.

Declaration and Certification of Finances & Required Documentation

International applications who require an F-1 Visa will be required to submit the following documents to complete their application package:

• Bank Letter
• Sponsor Letter (Waived if applicant is sponsoring self)
• DCF form
• F1 Transfer Form (If needed)

The Declaration and Certification of Finances must be completed and returned to Graduate Admissions. Students with Internet access can complete the DCF form online. Once completed please print it and return it. 
A Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Students (Form I-20) will be issued once the applicant has been found admissible to the University and the Declaration and Certification of Finances has been approved. The University is required by immigration authorities to check carefully the financial resources of each applicant prior to issuing the Form I-20.  Therefore, it is important that you be aware of the cost of participating in the program and have the necessary support and funding for your period of enrollment. The total funds available for the entire program must equal the total estimate of institutional costs and living expenses for the duration of the program (Estimate of $67,676 for 2011-2012 academic year). Please make sure that you provide us with sufficient proof of funds for at least this amount.
International students must have an I-20 in order to secure F-1 status and participate in the program. Students must secure an F-1 Visa from the U.S. consular in their home country in order to enter the U.S.

Proof of Medical Insurance

By Board of Trustees and university rule, all international students at FIU in F-1 and J-1 status are required to have medical insurance prior to registration. Proof must be submitted to the Health Compliance Office at University Health Services. Students will NOT be allowed to register for classes without complying with the medical insurance requirement, and will receive a hold on their registration. 
The medical insurance requirement can be met in one of two ways:

• By purchasing the University-approved policy
• By submitting an International Student Health Insurance Compliance Form completed by your current insurance company and approved by UHS

The cost of this insurance is not covered by the program’s tuition and fees. For information on program coverage and alternate compliance, please visit the University Health Services Medical Insurance Policy for International Students page.

Transfer students

F-1 students transferring from another institution in the United States must provide a copy of the F-1 Student Transfer Form with a suitable release date from his/her current institution.

Tuition for the Professional MBA Flex program that starts in August 2011 is $45,000 for Florida residents and $49,000 for non-residents.

Students pay for courses at the beginning of each semester. All fees are subject to change. A $500 nonrefundable professional development seminar fee is due upon acceptance into the program. The remaining balance is payable on a semester basis. Payments are due the first class day of each semester. Those who leave the program receive no refunds.

Professional MBA Flex tuition covers:

• tuition
• all books and materials
• university fees
• parking decal
• meals on class days
• professional development seminars
• special events

Because state law prohibits the university from extending credit, fee payment cannot be delayed beyond the start of classes or financed by the Professional MBA Flex program or the university. An exception to the advance payment policy will be made only for those who have been awarded financial aid by the university (scholarship, fellowship, loan) and granted a deferment.  To find information on scholarships and aid, please visit our financial aid page.

If you expect to receive aid from other sources, for all or part of the program, but will not receive aid in time to meet the advance payment deadline, you should arrange for financing through a bank or other financial institution to ensure that your program fees are paid on a timely basis.

All fees are subject to change.

GENERAL APPLICATION PROCEDURES

To receive financial assistance you must be fully admitted to an FIU degree program or be enrolled in a qualified certificate program.

To receive need-based assistance you must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.  Completing the FAFSA correctly and submitting any requested document(s) by the annual priority deadline date, March 1st, increases your potential to receive the maximum financial aid for which you are eligible.

FIU's INSTITUTION CODE: 009635

Calculate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) – EFC Calculator

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

The financial assistance offered through the University requires USA citizenship or permanent USA residency to qualify for any federal or state aid.  Need-based federal and state assistance is not available to international or ineligible non-citizens.

LOAN ELIGIBILITY

Eligibility/Requirements 

Recipients of federal loans must meet the following criteria:

• Completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Application for each academic year
• Demonstrate financial need;
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen;
• Be registered with Selective Service, if required;
• Admitted to a degree seeking program or an eligible certificate program;
• Be enrolled at least half time (6 credits/undergraduates-5 credits/graduates) when loan proceeds are received;
• Not be in default on a previous student loan or owe a repayment on a previous federal financial aid award received at any institution;
• Applicant cannot have an adverse credit history (for Graduate Plus loans only).

Additional requirements may apply depending on the aid programs awarded to you.  

LOAN OPTIONS

Loan Types:

Subsidized – is awarded to student’s demonstrating a financial need as determined by the federal processor as a result of your FAFSA application.  Your loan eligibility is also based on your academic level (see chart below).  Interest payments on this loan is subsidized (you are not charged interest) by the federal government while you are in school or during authorized periods of deferments.  You begin repayment six months after you graduate or stop attending at least half-time.

Unsubsidized – a student does not have to demonstrate financial need to receive this loan.  You may borrow the cost of attendance minus all financial aid awarded and based on your academic level (see chart below).  Interest payments on this loan are not subsidized by the government. You can choose to pay the interest while you are enrolled fulltime or it can be accrued and added to the part of the principal of the loan that you owe.  You begin repayment six months after you graduate or stop attending at least half-time.

Graduate Plus - Graduate students are now eligible to borrow under the PLUS loan program up to their cost of attendance minus other estimated financial assistance.  Students need to first apply with the Department of Education to initiate the loan application process; the terms and conditions applicable to Parent Plus Loans also apply to Graduate Plus Loans.  All Graduate Plus Loans are awarded to all graduate students who meet the eligibility requirement upon receipt of your financial aid award letter for each academic year.  This loan is a credit-worthiness loan which will require a credit history approval.  Interest Payments on this loan are not subsidized by the government.

Graduate Need Grant - awards based on financial need which do not have to be repaid.

• To be eligible applicant must have an EFC between 0 – 7500
• Must complete FAFSA by March 1st priority deadline
• Must be enrolled for at least 9 credits per semester for disbursement (Fall & Spring)