Master of Business Administration | Francis Marion University

Business Masters Programs

Your Path. Your Future. Your Success.

FMU offers two 30-hour online graduate programs: Masters in Business Administration and the MBA-Healthcare Executive Management. Whether you are launching your career or already an experienced professional, the FMU graduate programs equip you with the management and leadership skills necessary for successful executive decision-making.

Both programs are online with on-campus engagement two Saturdays per semester. On-line offers the flexibility to balance your career, personal life, and the advanced degree program. The added benefit of on-campus engagement allows for interactive learning and relationship-building among students and faculty.

Guarantee of Quality
At FMU School of Business, we take pride in our prestigious AACSB-International accreditation, a distinction held by less than 5% of the world’s 13,000 Schools of Business. This accreditation guarantees that you will be exposed to the highest quality faculty, a well-rounded curriculum, and unique learning opportunities.

Experience Personalized Attention and Guidance
With small class sizes of fewer than 25 students, you can expect personalized attention and guidance from our accomplished faculty members. They bring a wealth of practical experience and hold Ph.D.s in their respective fields, ensuring you receive the best mentorship and expertise available.

Engaging Learning Experience
Our professors are committed to delivering an exceptional learning experience by employing interactive teaching methods and fostering strong relationships. Through faculty-guided, project-based learning, you will gain hands-on experience applying business concepts and honing your decision-making skills. Online instruction gives you the flexibility to balance your career, personal life, and this advanced degree program.

Programs for Diverse Backgrounds
For students with an undergraduate business foundation and for those with a diverse field such as math, nursing, biology, engineering, or sociology, our program emphasizes the application of analytics, ethics, innovation, and sustainability-awareness, enhancing your executive management expertise.

Provides Value
The FMU graduate degrees offer you:

Updated and deepened knowledge in areas such as strategy, finance, marketing, leadership, and operations. This expanded skill set can help you tackle complex business challenges more effectively.
Frameworks, strategies, and insights into effective leadership and management practices. This helps you assume higher-level leadership roles, inspire and motivate teams, and drive organizational growth.
A strategic perspective allowing you to analyze business situations from a broader viewpoint, considering long-term goals, market dynamics, and competitive landscapes. This skill becomes increasingly important as professionals progress to higher managerial positions.
Enhanced professional credibility and signals to employers that you have the skills for leadership positions, higher-level roles within their current organization, and new job opportunities.

Time Commitment
Both degree programs can be completed at your pace. Some choose the accelerated pace for completion within two semesters and a summer. Most choose to take two courses per semester for a two-year completion plan.

Masters Programs FAQs

M.B.A. Course Requirements

Required courses – 30 hours
- MBA 700 – Accounting Analysis
- MBA 705 – Economic Analysis
- MBA 710 – Business Analytics
- MBA 715 – Systems Design
- MBA 720 – Contemporary Issues in Business
- MBA 725 – Applied Marketing
- MBA 730 – Leadership and Management
- MBA 735 – Operations Management
- MBA 740 – Applied Corporate Finance
- MBA 745 – Strategic Planning
Although there is no specified order for these courses, there is a strongly recommended course sequence that students should follow to ensure that they possess the entry-level knowledge and understanding assumed by certain M.B.A. courses.

Course descriptions

M.B.A. in Healthcare Executive Management

The AACSB-International accredited Francis Marion University School of Business and the ACEN accredited FMU Department of Nursing collaborate to offer this 30-hour program provides an excellent foundation for those interested in entering the field of hospital administration or advancing their careers in the healthcare industry.

Combining business and healthcare expertise in a comprehensive curriculum, you will gain the skills and knowledge needed to meet the challenges of healthcare management. The 18 hours required in business subjects are taught by graduate faculty of the FMU School of Business. The 12 hours of healthcare courses are taught by the graduate faculty of the FMU Master of Science in Nursing.
If you have a MBA degree from an AACSB-accredited institution, with just 12 hours more you can receive the Certificate of Healthcare Executive Management.

Start Your Journey
Take the next step and join us in building a solid foundation for your career growth and personal development. Apply today and unlock your potential for excellence in the dynamic world of business.

MBA-HEM Course Requirements

Required courses – 30 hours

MBA 700 – Accounting Analysis
MBA 705 – Economic Analysis
MBA 710 – Business Analytics
MBA 720 – Contemporary Issues in Business
MBA 730 – Leadership and Management
MBA 740 – Applied Corporate Finance
APRN 503 – Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Practice
APRN 504 – Health Policy and Leadership
APRN 506 – Health Systems and Risk Management
APRN 713 – Executive Practicum

To receive a Certificate of Healthcare Executive Management from FMU, a student must:

Have completed a MBA degree from an AACSB-accredited institution
Achieve a minimum average of 3.0 in the following courses:
- APRN 503
- APRN 504
- APRN 506
- APRN 713

Course descriptions

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applications are accepted throughout the year. However, it is recommended that all information be submitted at least two weeks prior to the start of a semester.It is the applicant’s responsibility to gather all materials to compete his/her application. Only those completed (with all materials) will be reviewed by the School of Business MBA Admission Committee.
The applicant must submit specific information to the FMU School of Business Office. The information may be submitted online or by print. An online application process is available.
The MBA Admission Committee reviews all application material for evidence of preparation for graduate education in business and for promise of success as a graduate student. Personal interviews with the Director and/or the MBA Admissions Committee may also be required.
The MBA Admission Committee will review each applicant’s admission material for evidence of competency in the areas of foundational accounting, applied statistics, finance, and business software applications. Competency is typically demonstrated by academic course(s) or professional certificates. Upon review of the student’s admission material, the MBA Admission Committee may require the graduate foundation course (BUS 605) or appropriate undergraduate course(s) to be completed.

Required Documents

Official transcript(s) of all undergraduate and graduate work from accredited institutions indicating having received a baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited institution.
An official Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or Graduate Records Examination (GRE) score. At the discretion of the MBA Admission Committee, this GMAT/GRE requirement may be waived for applicants with advanced degrees and/or professional qualifications/certifications (such as CPA, RN). You must contact the Director of the MBA program to request the waiver process. Waivers are not typically provided for work experience.
At least one, but preferably two or more, letters of recommendation. One letter should discuss your academic abilities.
A personal statement, 500 to 700 words in length, indicating one’s career goals and reasons for seeking admission to the MBA program.
Resumé.
A Test on English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score for all international applicants for whom English is not their native language. International students must complete the Certificate of Financial Support.

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CERTIFICATE OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT

All application materials may be submitted to:

MBA Program
School of Business
Francis Marion University
PO Box 100547
Florence, SC 29502-0547

FAQs

Is the FMU M.B.A. program accredited?

Yes! The FMU School of Business holds the AACSB-International accreditation which less than 5% of the over 13,000 schools of business in the world have. AACSB accreditation ensures you have the highest quality faculty, curriculum, and unique learning opportunities.

How are the courses taught?

The professor’s use of technology to deliver content and manage the course allows the student flexibility in balancing work demands, personal life, and the academic requirements. With the goal of stimulating inter-active learning and relationship-building, each professor designs a program of study for the best delivery of the course. Each class has a minimum of two on-campus Saturday meetings. Some classes require three on-campus Saturday meetings.

How long will it take to earn the FMU M.B.A. degree?

The MBA program consist of 10 courses/30 credit hours. Students typically take two courses each semester for four consecutive semesters, including two summer terms. No electives are required, and no concentrations are provided.

For some students, the FMU Accelerated MBA schedule is an option. This program allows for four courses per semester and completion of the program within 15 months. Permission must be received from the MBA Admission Committee for the accelerated option.

How does the M.B.A. Admission Committee evaluate applications?

The MBA Admission Committee reviews all application material for evidence of preparation for graduate education in business and for promise of success as a graduate student. After a review of the student’s admission material, the MBA Admission Committee may require a personal interview with the Director and/or the MBA Admission Committee. Applicants are not evaluated until all application material has been submitted.

What business foundation courses do I need to start the program?

The MBA Admission Committee will review each applicant’s admission material for evidence of competency in the areas of foundational accounting, applied statistics, finance, and business software applications. Competency is typically demonstrated by academic course(s) or professional certificates. Upon review of the student’s admission material, the MBA Admission Committee may require the graduate foundation course, BUS 605, or appropriate undergraduate course(s) to be completed.

Is on-campus attendance required?

YES! Each class has a minimum of two on-campus Saturday meetings. Some classes require three on-campus Saturday meetings.

The typical schedule for on-campus Saturday meetings for the Fall Semester:

First Saturday of the semester
Second Saturday of October
Last Saturday of the Semester

The typical schedule for the on-campus meetings for the Spring Semester:

First Saturday after FM classes begin
Second Saturday of March
Last Saturday of the semester

The typical schedule for the on-campus Saturday meetings for the Late Spring-Summer 1 semester:

Second Saturday of May

Please consult the University calendar for specific dates. The specific times and dates are available from the MBA Director.

Are all courses offered every semester?

No. All courses are not offered every semester. It is very important that you consult with the MBA Director concerning your schedule. The following courses are scheduled.

Fall

MBA 700 – Accounting Analysis
MBA 705 – Economic Analysis
MBA 735 – Operations Management
MBA 740 – Applied Corporate Finance
APRN 504 – Health Policy and Leadership

Spring

MBA 710 – Business Analytics
MBA 715 – Systems Design
MBA 730 – Leadership and Management
MBA 745 – Strategic Planning
APRN 713 – Executive Practicum

Summer

BUS 605 – Business Tools for MBA

MBA 725 – Applied Marketing
MBA 720 – Contemporary Issues in Business

Summer I

APRN 503 – Advanced Research and Evidence-based Practice

Summer II

APRN 506 – Health Systems and Risk Management

How is the process for obtaining a waiver for the GMAT or GRE?

Please contact the Director of the MBA program. The GMAT may be waived if you have another graduate degree or professional certificates.

How and when do register for my classes?

Registration occurs 4-6 weeks prior to the new semester. The MBA Office emails students at their FMU email address with information concerning registration and payment.

What technology do I need for the program?

The School of Business continues to integrate interactive technology into the business curriculum and therefore requires the use of a laptop computer by full-time MBA students at Francis Marion University.

Specifications

We do not recommend a specific laptop for our students. However, we do recommend a PC rather than a Mac. Some courses require the use of Microsoft Excel for Windows. The add-ins used for these courses will NOT work in Microsoft Excel for Mac.

Note: If you are a MAC user, due to compatibility issues, you will need to purchase additional software so you can run the PC version of Microsoft Excel 2010 or higher. The easiest way to run Microsoft Excel 2010 or higher for the PC on your Mac is to purchase and install VMware Fusion for the Mac OS/X. VMware Fusion 4 will allow you to run a dual boot setup on your Mac computer. Thus, you will be able to choose to boot into your Mac OS/X or Windows OS. Thus, once you have installed VMware Fusion 4, you will be able to install Windows 7 and then install Office 2010 for the PC.

The following laptop specifications are recommended for 2014-2015 academic year:

Windows 7 or later version
CPU – Core i3 or equivalent, minimum, Core i5 or equivalent, recommended
RAM- 4GB minimum, 8GB recommended
Hard Drive – 7200RPM SATA or SSD hard drive (with at least 30GB of free space available)
External Storage – Flash Drive internal or external USB
Ethernet – Integrated Gigabit Ethernet (a wired connection to the Internet is still faster and more stable)
Wireless – 802.11 b,g,n
USB 2.0 or 3.0
Ability to run Microsoft Office 2010 Professional or higher
Anti-virus software
2 year on-site warranty service (this is critical)
Insurance coverage for both damage and theft (suggested)
Must have high speed connection.
Must have a headset with noise cancelling microphones

Can I transfer graduate course credits into the FMU M.B.A. program?

Yes, but no more than two 3-credit hour courses may be transferred. All transient credit must be from a regionally accredited institution and must be verified by an official transcript from the institution at which the graduate study was undertaken. Only courses from AACSB-accredited schools will be considered. Courses must match our curriculum.

What are the learning goals for the FMU M.B.A. program?

MBA graduates will demonstrate knowledge of the core concepts in business and the application of these concepts for executive decision making.
Learning outcome: MBA graduates will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of business concepts and the application of these concepts for executive decision making.

MBA graduates will demonstrate skills in identifying, analyzing and solving of executive issues.

Learning outcome: MBA graduates will demonstrate the ability to:

identify and understand the managerial question/issue/problem,
select the appropriate methodology for understanding and analyzing alternative solutions, and
provide a viable solution.

MBA graduates will demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate to appropriate audiences.

Learning outcome:

MBA graduates will demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate executive managerial issues verbally to the appropriate audience.
MBA graduates will demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate executive managerial issues in written form to the appropriate audience.

MBA graduates will demonstrate innovation in the executive decision making process.

Learning outcome: Within executive decision making, MBA graduates will demonstrate innovative thought in identifying issues, analyzing situations and developing of viable solutions.

MBA graduates will demonstrate awareness of ethical issues and incorporate ethical perspectives within the executive decision making process.

Learning outcome: MBA graduates will be able to identify ethical issues, understand the ethical implications of decisions upon stakeholders and utilize ethical standards within managerial decision making.

MBA graduates will demonstrate comprehension of global influences upon executive business decisions.