Frequently Asked Questions

Many factors are considered and each applicant is judged on his or her own merit and accomplishments. Generally speaking, an applicant’s work and management experience, their educational background, the content of their application materials and personal statement, and the results of the personal interview are used in the determination process. The success of our program comes from the diversity of experience and perspective of our students. As such, we look for evidence of success from every angle.

We accept applications from prospective students on a rolling basis for admission each Fall. We highly recommend you get your application in as early as possible so that your materials can be received and reviewed and a slot reserved for you in the Fall cohort. We accept applications for Fall admission through Aug 1 of each year.

Submit your completed application and all supporting documentation to:

FIU – DBA Program
Chapman Graduate School of Business
Florida International University
11200 SW 8th Street, CBC 200
Miami, Florida 33199

• Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and/or universities. Transcripts must be sent directly to: 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.
• Official proof of degree: A notarized copy of the original diploma is required if the degree is not posted on the official transcript
• Current Resume - detailing your chronological professional experience, and dates of earned degrees.
• Statement of Purpose - document of no more than two pages outlining your objectives for pursuing the DBA degree program
• Two Letters of Recommendation from employers, faculty or professional associates
• A formal interview with the DBA Academic Director will be scheduled by program manager. This interview will be conducted online. Instructions for access will be sent to you prior to the scheduled date.
• Applicants do not need to take either the GMAT or GRE exams as they have already demonstrated proficiency via completion of their Master’s-level degree.
• Citizenship and immigration document as outlined in the Application & Requirements section of this website.

To apply for the program:

1. Please click here to initiate your graduate application. Select “Create User Account”
2. Attach your resume.

Since we accept applications on a rolling basis for admission each Fall, we strongly recommend you get your application in as early as possible so that your materials can be received and reviewed and a slot reserved for you in the Fall cohort.

Cohorts for the Fall intake are generally fully subscribed on or before July 1 of each year.

No. Application materials such as transcripts, etc. can be submitted to us as they are received.

No. Most applicants already will have taken the exam to complete their MBA, M.S. or other graduate program. We do not require a standardized admission test.

Yes. If after review of your application materials it is determined that you are a good candidate for the DBA degree, an interview with our Academic Director and Program Manager will be scheduled.

Yes. Information regarding visa and citizenship document requirements can be found on the Application & Requirements page.

Yes. Information regarding visa and citizenship document requirements can be found on the Application & Requirements page.

Expectations for International Students in the DBA Program (F-1 Visa)

International students admitted to the DBA Program under F-1 visa status are required to relocate to the Miami area for the entirety of the program and comply with all academic and immigration requirements. Merely residing in the Miami area is not sufficient to maintain F-1 status; students must also meet the on-campus and enrollment obligations outlined below.

This option is designed to provide direct engagement with faculty and peers while fully meeting U.S. visa requirements for on-campus study.

1. Full-Time Enrollment Requirement
   
   You must maintain full-time student status throughout the program. For graduate students, this typically requires enrollment in at least 9 credit hours per semester, which will be satisfied through your regular DBA course enrollment. Falling below full-time status without prior authorization may result in a violation of your F-1 status. Note, as the DBA Program is a lock step program, during the Fall and Spring terms of the first two years, students will be enrolled in 12 credit hours, and 3 credit hours during the Summer term. Once a student advances to candidacy, students will be enrolled in 9 credit hours during the Fall and Spring terms, and 3 credit hours during the Summer terms.
   
   
2. Physical Presence and Residency
   
   You are required to reside in the Miami area for the duration of the DBA program. Physical presence is a core requirement of maintaining F-1 status and participating in the program. Online participation alone does not satisfy visa requirements.
   
   
3. In-Person Class Attendance
   
   You must attend required classes in person as follows:
   
   
   • You must attend an in-person course every week at FIU’s Modesto A. Maidique Campus during non-residency weeks. During residency weeks, the Friday/ Saturday residency requirement will satisfy the in-person attendance.
     
     
     • The in-person course will fall on a Tuesday or Thursday
       
       
   • Failure to meet in-person attendance requirements may impact both academic standing and visa compliance.
     
     
4. Residency Weeks Attendance
   
   
   • During designated residency weeks, you are required to attend classes in person on both Friday and Saturday at FIU’s Modesto A. Maidique Campus. Attendance during residency weeks is mandatory and cannot be substituted with virtual participation.
     
     
   • Failure to meet in-person attendance requirements may impact both academic standing and visa compliance.
     
     
5. Employment Restrictions
   
   As an F-1 visa holder:
   
   
   • You may work on campus only, for up to 20 hours per week during the semester with ISSS approval. Engaging in unauthorized employment is a serious violation of F-1 status.
     
     
   • Off-campus, outside, or unauthorized employment is strictly prohibited.
     
     
   • You may be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) upon program completion, subject to federal regulations and university approval.
     
     
6. Visa and Immigration Compliance
   
   You are responsible for maintaining lawful F-1 status at all times. This includes:
   
   
   • Reporting any change of address in a timely manner
     
     
   • Complying with all Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and SEVIS requirements
     
     
   • Following guidance from FIU’s International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS)
     Detailed and up-to-date information can be found through FIU ISSS: https://isss.fiu.edu/international-students/current-f-1-students/

Yes. A $30.00 non-refundable application fee will be paid when you start the application process.

Yes, we can defer acceptance if necessary.

No. While the MBA degree is the most common advanced degree for applicants to a DBA program, any relevant advanced degree will be considered for application to the DBA program.

Approximately 75,013.40 (Fall Term Admission) and 75,023.40 (Spring Term Admission)

Currently, all financial aid must be obtained through student loans. To find out more about financial aid, email cobfa@fiu.edu. However, many of our current students receive some form of financial aid through their employers or veterans benefits packages.

No. Currently, there are no such programs available. All financial aid must be obtained through student loans. To find out more about financial aid, email cobfa@fiu.edu. However, many of our current students receive some form of financial aid through their employers or government benefits packages.

The tuition and program fees does not include personal expenses related to travel, accommodations, meals during residency, or the Professional Development Seminar. Costs related to required course materials or books are also not included in the tuition costs.

No. Information regarding accommodations and hotel discounts available to program participants will be made available to you upon program acceptance and enrollment.

Following acceptance into the DBA program, arrangements can be made with FIU for billing and payment of all tuition and other program costs.

Yes. The tuition for the DBA program is the same regardless of where you reside.