MBA Essentials

To better meet our specific mission at the USF St. Petersburg College of Business, we have designed an efficient method to convey basic business concepts and to begin a team-building process among new students. We call this “MBA Essentials” — an intensive, one semester non-credit experience that mixes internet and in-class learning of basic concepts and terminology.  

After this “essential” experience, students who were not undergraduate business majors or those who graduated more than seven years ago will be ready to pursue their concentrations.  

MBA Essentials consists of seven modules scheduled for sequential two-week periods.  MBA Essentials modules include Economics, Accounting, Finance, Management Information Systems, Operations Management, Marketing, and Management.

Undergraduate Business majors who have completed their degree within the past seven years from an AACSB accredited university may be eligible to waive some or all of the MBA Essentials.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will I know if I will need to take any of these Modules?

If you took these courses listed in the panel to the right or their equivalent at an AACSB accredited business school within the past 7 years and made a grade of B or higher, you may be able to waive out of these requirements.

What is the cost involved?

All books, software, and other materials needed for MBA Essentials classes are provided.  Cost for each Essentials module is $500 or $2,500 for five or more modules (there are seven in total). There is also a required graduate level Statistics course that is a sixteen-week 2 credit hour course (tuition and materials paid for separately).

When and where are classes held?

Classes are held online during the week with face to face lessons every Saturday morning at the College of Business. Breakfast is provided.

Is there an alternative to taking the Essentials?

Yes, you can take the undergraduate three credit hour courses that are equivalent to the requirements - each of these classes is a normal semester in length and can be taken at any of the USF campuses.

How long will it take to complete all of the Essentials?

The Essentials program is designed to be completed in full, in one semester. The classes run back to back and are offered every Fall and Spring.

What about Statistics?

The statistics class - QMB 6305, is taken as a full 2 credit hour class. You will register for this class as you would any other and although materials are provided for you, there will be a separate charge.

I only need a couple of the Essentials classes, can I just take the modules that I need?

Yes.  Generally speaking if you need to take four or more classes we would advise you to spend your first semester doing just that. If you need to take three classes or less you are able to enroll in graduate level classes simultaneously.