Many graduate students are looking for programs which will offer training and education that will set them apart from the competition. But what about students who lack previous academic experience in business? While many reputable business schools maintain high admission-standards based on a student's previous business coursework and professional experience, some potential candidates will struggle to get ahead without being able to get started in a quality business program. Students still have to weed through numerous prospective business schools based on their top priorities in location, focus, accreditation, and prestige. Location always plays an important role to prospective students. For on-campus programs, the proximity of the schools weighs heavily in the area of time management and commuting costs, but even if a program is offered online, some public colleges and universities offer a much lower tuition rate for in-state residents. Thus, considering a school within a student's resident state can offer a great impact on ROI.
The Master's in Management is a great option for many non-business majors seeking exposure to a diverse curriculum offering the full spectrum of quality education and relevant experience. Many of these programs deliver coursework through innovative platforms including cohort groups, interdisciplinary case studies, and internship opportunities. All the programs within our top 10 are focused on management and leadership, and feature 30-36-credit hour degrees while over half only require 10 courses to complete. Some business schools design their programs to be completed in as little as one calendar year utilizing an accelerated rate based on a full schedule of courses over a fall, spring, and summer semester. This management and leadership focused degree will prove itself to be helpful in preparing students for many careers as advisors, coordinators, and administrators of corporations, non-profits, and global entities among others.
Let this ranking help you find the highest quality Master's degrees in Management in the state of Florida!
Also, check out our Top 25 Undergraduate Business Schools in Florida and our Top 25 Master's of Business Administration programs in Florida.
Methodology
In the state of Florida, there are over 420 educational institutions listed with the U.S. Department of Education and the Institute of Education Sciences' National Center for Educational Statistics. There are multiple colleges that offer advanced degrees in the area of management and leadership. Programs within this ranking were vetted based on their location, focus in management and leadership, and the following six factors:
Accreditation: As in all business programs, accreditation plays a significant part in choosing a prospective management master's degree. Accreditations directly affect program value, brand recognition, and thus and alumnus competitive advantage. Each master's program in this list is accredited by one of the six regional accrediting organizations recognized by the US Department of Education, specifically the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Additionally, each program was ranked on whether it obtained a third party business accreditation from one of the top business school accrediting institutions: IACBE, ACBSP, and AACSB. AACSB is widely regarded as the gold-star standard of business accrediting, thus the schools that hold this accreditation were given the highest scores.
Affordability: Each MiM program was vetted based on the estimated total base tuition for the master's program. This data directly affects each student's return on investment, and thus is an important factor to take into account. The tuition cost was gathered from the most recent data given on each program or school website. The lowest tuition in this ranking is $10,632, the highest came in at $57,000, with the average resting at $21,899.
Average salary: The other important factor to consider while looking at a degree program's ROI is the possible salary for graduates. This data was collected from PayScale's Graduate School Salary Report, which shows the average early-career salary reported by recent master's graduates from each institution. The highest early-career salary reported for this ranking is $67,200. Any program without a recorded PayScale early-career salary was calculated at zero because of no available third-party data.
Prestige: This data was collected from two of the most prestigious sources in educational rankings, US News and World Report and The Princeton Review. Schools were ranked based on their score within the US News and World Report's Top Graduate Business School Ranking, as well as whether they were included in the Princeton Review's Best Southeastern Colleges Ranking.
All data was collected, weighted equally, and then averaged for this ranking. Here is our list of the Top 10 Master's in Management Programs in Florida.
#10 Florida Institute of Technology Nathan M. Bisk College of Business – Melbourne, Florida
A Master's in Management degree program is offered at the Nathan M. Bisk College of Business at the Florida Institute of Technology. This 33-credit hour program is offered both as an on-campus experience and through distance learning online. The price per hour for students taking coursework on campus is $1,241 while the online price is $777. The total tuition price for online students is $25,641. An early career salary of up to $67,200 has been reported by some students upon completing this degree revealing a positive return on the investment for this degree. One exciting feature of this program is the Capstone Project which takes place during the final year of coursework which allows students to experience real-world business dynamics working with organizations in need of advanced management know-how. The Capstone Project takes the place of a traditional research thesis or end of term exam. Areas of specialization within this program include: Acquisition and Contract Management, Human Resources Management, Logistics Management, Information Systems Management, and Transportation Management. The Nathan M. Bisk College of Business receives its business accreditation through the IACBE.
Established in 1958 under the name of Brevard Engineering College, The Florida Institute of Technology was renamed in 1966. The main campus in Melbourne, Florida covers 130 acres of what is called the Space Coast along the Atlantic Ocean. This four-year, private, not-for-profit university offers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 6,631 students currently enrolled. Florida Tech, which receives its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, has reported a male student to female student ratio of 7:3 in recent years. Listed as a tier one school by US News and World Report, the ranking organization has also recognized Florida Institute of Technology as the 171st best university in the nation.
Estimated Program Tuition: $25,641
#9 Barry University D. Inez Andreas School of Business – Miami, Florida
Barry University's D. Inez Andreas School of Business features a Master's of Science in Entrepreneurial Management. This AACSB-accredited, 30-credit hour MS program is priced at $990 per credit hour making the total cost of tuition $29,700. Some students have reported an early career salary of up to $46,900 upon completing this degree, revealing a strong return on the investment for this degree. All requirements for this degree are designed to be satisfied in three full-time semesters of coursework. The first two semesters contain four courses each including Research in Management, Social, Legal and Ethical Aspects of Business, Human Resource Management, Cross Cultural Management, and New Venture Strategies. Admission requirements into this degree include submitting transcripts reflecting an undergraduate awarded from an accredited university, an updated professional resume, and a statement of purpose in essay form. The Admission Committee at the D. Inez Andreas School of Business may also require an interview for admission and additional preparation workshops for applicants who lack a bachelor's degree in management.
Home of the Buccaneers, the athletic program at Barry University supports 14 varsity sports teams of both men and women, competes at the NCAA Division II level, and is a member of the Sunshine State Conference. This four-year, private, not-for-profit, Catholic institute of higher learning offers its student body of nearly 8,000 degree plans at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. The university, which consists of six schools and two colleges, receives its excellent regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. With a main campus in the suburban area of Miami known as Miami Shores, the university was established by the Adrian Dominican Sisters in 1940.
Estimated Program Tuition: $29,700
#8 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide College of Business – Daytona Beach, Florida
The College of Business at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide features a Master's of Science in Management and a Master's of Science in Leadership. Admission requirements include official transcripts from accredited institutions from all past academic experience. The 30-credit hour MS in Management integrates theoretical and practical knowledge and training for a management career. In addition to the core curriculum, this MSM offers specializations in Human Resources Management, Global Management, Leadership, Operations Management, and Project Management. With a price tag of $620 per credit hour, this 30-hour degree features a total tuition cost of $18,600. The MS in leadership is a 36-credit hour program that is focused on effective leadership techniques and preparing students to lead in global business operations. Core courses within this program include Management Skills for Leaders, Leadership Communication, Decision Making for Leaders, and Leadership Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility. An early career salary of $60,900 has been reported by some students upon completing master's degrees at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide. The College of Business is accredited by the ACBSP.
The Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide campus was founded by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 1970 and became a global network for 130+ centers for learning across the globe. The school features a virtual campus for distance learning with 40+ programs offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels. With a healthy online presence, today there are now over 22,000 students seeking degrees through the Worldwide campus. US News and World Report awarded Emery-Riddle as the #1 Online Undergraduate Degree in 2016. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's main campus is situated in the coastal city of Daytona Beach, Florida, and is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
Estimated Program Tuition: $18,600
#7 Palm Beach Atlantic University MacArthur School of Leadership – West Palm Beach, Florida
The MacArthur School of Leadership at Palm Beach Atlantic University offers a Master of Science in Leadership. This degree consists of 36-graduate credits and is priced at $600 per credit making the total cost of tuition $21,600. Admission requirements for this program include the submission of official transcripts including an undergraduate degree from an accredited university including a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, a completed online application including a $45 fee, two confidential leadership recommendations, two essay responses, and a current resume. This program has been designed to be completed in 24 months and features specialization tracks in Corporate, Non-profit, and Organizational Leadership. For working professionals, courses for this degree are offered on weeknights at Palm Beach Atlantic University's campuses in Orlando, Wellington, West Palm Beach, and online. Once accepted, students are required to pay a $100 deposit at least 30 days before classes begin to secure a spot in the program. Princeton Review has highlighted Palm Beach Atlantic University as one of the best colleges in the southeastern region, one of only 18 colleges awarded from the state of Florida.
Located in sunny West Palm Beach, Florida, Palm Beach Atlantic University is a four-year, private, not-for-profit Christian university which offers degree plans at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. With a current enrollment of 3,918 students, PBA receives its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The school reports an interactive student-to-faculty ratio of 12 to one and features a faculty of 174. Established by Pastor Jess C. Moody in 1968, he would serve as the first president of the school for the first four years before passing leadership off to two laymen so he could focus on the duties of his leadership at First Baptist Church of West Palm Beach. The West Palm Beach campus was completed in 1982, while the Orlando campus was established in 2002, and Wellington five years later in 2007. Today PBA offers over 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs within nine schools. One requirement for on-campus students is attendance to chapel service 24 times each year, while mission trips are offered on a volunteer basis throughout the summer and on Spring Break.
Estimated Program Tuition: $21,600
#6 University of Miami School of Business Administration – Coral Gables, Florida
The University of Miami features a Master's of Science in Management Studies with a Specialization in Leadership at the School of Business Administration. This 30-credit program is priced at $1,900 per credit making the total cost of tuition $57,000. Upon completing a master's degree from the University of Miami, students have reported an average early career salary $52,400. This program begins each year in August and has been designed to be completed in just 10 months. The School of Business Administration recommends this program be sought by those in leadership as managers and those seeking professional development in a variety of sectors but not needing the in-depth training associated with a traditional Master of Business Administration program. Courses for this degree include High Performance Leadership, Business Analytics and Operational Excellence, Individual Assessment & Coaching in Leadership Skills, Business Plan Fundamentals & Communications, and Leading Across Cultures. The School of Business Administration considers a complete application to include a current resume of no more than two pages, official transcripts from all previous academic experience, one letter of recommendation, current GMAT score, and a possible admission interview if applicable. This School of Business Administration has been recognized by US News and World Report as the 68th best business school in the nation, and the university is listed among the best colleges in the southeast by the Princeton Review.
Consisting of 12 separate colleges and schools and offering 116 undergraduate, 105 graduate, and 63 doctoral degree programs, the University of Miami is a four-year, private, not-for-profit university featuring a student body of 16,825. Research is a top academic priority of the school revealed in the almost $350 million the school attracts each year in sponsored grants. Widely respected for its vast collection of Cuban culture resources, the library system at "The U" houses over 3 million volumes of resources. Miami receives its stellar national accreditation through the AACSB and is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The athletic program at Miami University has been widely successful winning five national championships on football and four national championships on baseball since the early 1980's.
Estimated Program Tuition: $57,000
#5 University of West Florida College of Education and Professional Studies – Pensacola, Florida
The College of Education and Professional Studies at the University of West Florida offers a Master's of Science in Administration – Leadership. Admission requirements for this degree include the submission of a graduate application with processing fee, official transcripts reflecting all previous academic experience, GRE/GMAT/MAT scores within the top 50th percentile, an undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, a letter of intent reflecting career goals and study motivations, and three references. This 36-credit hour program is priced at $295 per credit hour making the total cost of tuition $10,632. This tuition rate is the lowest on our list, making it highly accessible for master's students. Couple this benefit with an early career salary of up to $49,300 reported by some students upon completing this master's degrees from West Florida and it is easy to see this program as a sound investment. Courses within this program include Project Leadership and Administration, Conflict Management & Resolution, The Nonprofit Profession, Public Administration Research Methods, and a capstone course.
Founded in 1963 as a member of the State University System of Florida, the University of West Florida is a four-year, public institution of higher learning featuring a main campus of over 1,500 acres nestled in a heavily wooded natural preserve of rolling hills along the Escambia River. Today the university houses six colleges and offers degree plans at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 12,763 students currently enrolled. The athletic program at UWF supports seven men's varsity teams and eight women's varsity teams competing at the NCAA Division II level within the Gulf South Conference. The University of West Florida is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
Estimated Program Tuition: $10,632
#4 University of North Florida Coggin College of Business – Jacksonville, Florida
A Master's of Science in Management is featured at the Coggin College of Business at the University of North Florida. This 30-credit hour, AACSB-accredited program is priced at $493 per hour making the total cost of tuition $14,810. Some students have reported an early career salary of up to $49,300 upon completing this degree, revealing a positive return on investment for their advanced education. This college has been recognized among the top business schools in the nation by US News and World Report, and the university is listed as one of the best southeastern colleges by the Princeton Review. Admission requirements for this Master's of Science in Management include transcripts of all previous academic experience including an undergraduate degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and a resume submitted to the Coggin College of Business. Students unable to produce the GPA minimum may still be accepted on an exception basis per a review of two letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose. This 30-credit hour program is divided between 24 credits of core business curriculum and six credits of elective courses and extracurricular activities.
Home of the North Florida Ospreys, the athletic department at the University of North Florida supports 17 men's and women's varsity sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division I level and are members of the Atlantic Sun Conference. A recent success for the school's athletic department includes a bid to the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament for the first time in the school's history in 2015. With excellent regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, the University of North Florida is a four-year, public school located on 1,000 acres of land between downtown Jacksonville, Florida and the Jacksonville beaches. Established in 1969, today the university offers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 15,675 students currently enrolled.
Estimated Program Tuition: $14,810
#3 University of South Florida Muma College of Business – Tampa, Florida
The University of South Florida offers a Master's of Science in Management at the Muma College of Business. Applicants will be pleased to know the Muma College of Business requires no previous work experience for its incoming students and there are no course-specific prerequisites required. All coursework for this Master's of Science in Management can be completed at an accelerated pace of just one year, enabling students to reenter the workforce quickly. This degree features 30 hours of required coursework – 11 of which are Management Core courses. General Elective courses for this program include Leadership Concepts, Managing International Cultural Differences, Information Security and Risk Management, Accounting Concepts for Managers, and Ethics, Law, & Sustainable Business Practices. This 30-hour MS in Management is priced at $431 per hour making the total cost of tuition $12,942 – the third lowest tuition rate in our ranking. Some students of this program have reported an early career salary of up to $53,300 after graduating with a master's degree from USF. The university is featured among the best colleges in the southeastern region by the Princeton Review, and the Muma COB is listed among the top business schools by US News and World Report.
Enjoying stellar business accreditation through the AACSB and with regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, the University of South Florida was established in 1956 and holds the distinction of being the fourth-largest public university in the state of Florida. USF, classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as a top-tier research university, currently oversees just over 42,000 students seeking degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. US News and World Report named the university as one of the top 10 programs in the country among public school in 2014. Though founded in 1956, classes did not begin meeting until 1960 when buildings were erected on the previous site of Henderson Air Field. Home of the Bulls, the athletic department at USF competes at the NCAA Division I level and is a member of the American Athletic Conference.
Estimated Program Tuition: $12,942
#2 University of Central Florida College of Business Administration – Orlando, Florida
The College of Business Administration at the University of Central Florida features a Professional Master's of Science in Management. This 30-credit hour program is priced at $369 per credit hour making the total cost of tuition an attractive $11,089 – the second lowest tuition rate of our ranking. Couple that value with an early career salary averaging $56,100 reported by graduated master's students, and it is easy to see this program as a sound investment. The Professional Master's of Science in Management program offers two specializations: a Business Analytics focus and a Human Resources/Change Management emphasis. Each track is delivered as a 20-month cohort-based schedule with classes meeting two nights per week at the UCF campus in downtown Orlando. Applicants interested in this degree are required to submit all transcripts, essays, resumes, and test scores into the College of Business Administration by predetermined dates to be accepted into this program. Specialization courses for the Human Resources/Change management track include Conflict Resolution and Negotiation, Ethical Leadership and Strategic Innovation. Specialization courses for the Business Analytics track include Advanced Computer Processing of Statistical Data, Data Preparation, and Marketing Analytics for Strategic Decision Making.
The University of Central Florida was established in Orlando in 1963 as a four-year, public school with "the mission of educating students for promising space-age careers in engineering and other technological professions." Featuring a current student enrollment of 62,953, UCF is one of the largest universities in the nation. The school receives its excellent business accreditation through the AACSB and is regionally accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. US News and World Report has named the University of Central Florida as the #3 best up and coming public university in 2015 while USA Today and the Princeton Review have both named it as one of the top 50 best values for public education in the nation in recent years.
Estimated Program Tuition: $11,089
#1 University of Florida Warrington College of Business – Gainesville, Florida
A Master's of Science in Management is featured at the Warrington College of Business at the University of Florida. Recognized by US News and World Report as the 37th best business school in the nation, and with a regional recognition from the Princeton Review, this best-of-the-best management degree features 32 credits priced at $530 per hour making the total cost of tuition $16,982. Some students have reported an early career salary averaging $63,300 upon completing a master's degree fromUF, revealing a positive return on the investment of education. This program has been specifically designed for students with non-business academic backgrounds, however students with business minors may apply. There are full and part-time options and all coursework can be completed within one year. The 32 credits of this MSM are divided between 22 hours of core courses including Professional Communication, Global Strategic Management, Organizational Behavior, and Managers & Legal Environment and 10 hours of Management-focused courses. Students interested in this Master's of Science in Management are required to have completed an undergraduate degree from an accredited university while maintaining a 3.0 GPA and possess a strong GMAT or GRE score. No professional work experience is required for acceptance into this program.
Receiving excellent business accreditation through the AACSB and regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, the University of Florida is a four-year, public university with a campus in Gainesville, Florida. Featuring a vast student body of 50,645, the school offers degree plans at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. The origins of the university date back to 1853 with the establishment of East Florida Seminary. The school would later be named the University of the State of Florida before being shortened to the University of Florida in 1909. UF carries the distinction of being the third largest school in the state of Florida and the eighth largest university in the nation.
Estimated Program Tuition: $16,982