Program Handbook

Admission Process

The recruitment of highly talented and motivated professionals is at the forefront of the FIU Business DBA program admissions process. The Chapman Graduate School Office of Doctoral Programs, in cooperation with the university registrar and admissions office, have set high standards with regard to education and professional experience to ensure that each DBA class represents the highest quality representatives of the global business community.

Basic Admission Requirements

We review each application holistically and consider all applicants based on individual professional achievements, experiences, and skills. The admissions process for the DBA program is necessarily very selective. As such, there are no guaranteed admissions even if the minimum requirements are met.

To be eligible for consideration to our Doctorate in Business Administration program you must:

• Have a minimum of 10 years of work experience, seven of which must have been in a documented managerial role (managing people, budgets and projects).
• Be in good standing with all previously attended colleges and universities.
• Have a post-baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
• Students seeking admission to the FIU Business DBA program must submit an application and attach their resume in order for admissions to determine whether applicants have the skills and interests essential to succeed in the DBA program.
• Upon receipt of all documents, a formal interview with the director of the FIU Business Office of Doctoral Programs will be scheduled by the DBA program recruiter.
• The DBA program begins in January and August of each year.
• The Hospitality concentration will only admit once a year during the Spring terms.
• To allow for application review and approval along with submission of all required materials, we highly recommend you submit your completed application no later than November 1 for the Spring term, and June 1 for the Fall term of each year, however, applications will be considered on a rolling basis as space remains available in the program.
• Each incoming cohort is capped at 25 students maximum and is generally fully subscribed by December 1 and July 1. If cohort limits are met before a formal admission decision is rendered, successful applicants will be offered deferred admission for the following year’s DBA program intake.
• Only those applicants who have submitted complete application packets will be considered for admission to the DBA program.
• Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and/or universities. Transcripts must be sent directly to:
  • FIU - DBA Program
    Chapman Graduate School of Business
    Florida International University
    11200 SW 8th Street, CBC 200
    Miami, Florida 33199
  • 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.
• Current Resume - should detail your chronological professional experience, reflect 7 years of management experience and degrees earned.
• Statement of Purpose - document of no more than two pages outlining your objectives for pursuing this graduate degree program.
• Two Recommendation Letters from employers, faculty or professional associates.
• Formal interview with executive leadership
• Applicants who hold an undergraduate or graduate degree from non-English speaking countries must demonstrate English proficiency by taking either:
  • Duolingo (minimum score is 110)
  • TOEFL (minimum scores are: 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, and 80 internet-based)
  • IELTS (minimum score is 6.5)
  • FIU’s English Language Institute Level Six course and successfully completing it with passing grades for all content areas
• Test scores are considered official when sent by the testing center directly to our school. When requesting the official scores, please refer to the Florida International University Institution code 5206.
  
  

International Students

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 Tuesday 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.
   • 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.
   • 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.
   • Engaging in unauthorized employment is a serious violation of F-1 status.
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/

International applications who require an F-1 visa will be required to submit these additional documents to complete their application package:

• Bank Letter
• Sponsor Letter (waived if applicant is sponsoring self)
• DCF Declaration and Certification of Finances form must be completed and returned to Graduate Admissions.
• Students with Internet access can complete the DCF form online. Once completed, please print and submit it.
• F1 Transfer Form (if needed) F-1 students transferring from another institution within the United States must provide a copy of the F-1 Student Transfer Form with a suitable release date from his/her current institution.
• Proof of Medical Insurance By Board of Trustees and University rule, all international students at FIU in F-1 or 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.

Insurance Information for International Students

• All international students with F and J status are required to have medical insurance that meets the standards set forth by the Florida Board of Governors before registering for classes.
• Please contact the Health Compliance office via email (insure@fiu.edu) and/or by phone 305-348-2688 if you have questions regarding the insurance policy requirements.

Policy

• According to the Florida Board of Governors and FIU policy, all international students with F and J visas statuses are required to have medical insurance before registration. Documentation must be submitted to the Health Compliance Office via email to insure@fiu.edu.
• Students will receive an "IMI" insurance hold on their student account. Students will not be allowed to register for classes or continue enrollment without complying with the medical insurance requirement. Temporary hold removals will not be granted by our office. There are no exceptions to this rule.

Complete the medical insurance requirement in one of two ways:

• By purchasing the FIU Sponsored Health Insurance Plan.
• By submitting proof of alternative insurance that is compliant with all the Florida Board of Governor’s requirements

Please be aware that there is 24-48 hours processing time during weekdays for all incoming documents. To check the status of your hold, you may log on to your my.fiu.edu account.