A business professor with the text, "One great program. Two great degrees."

THE MBA AT FMU

Francis Marion University’s School of Business offers students an MBA program that is affordable, convenient, and superbly crafted. It’s a great choice for the aspiring executive and entrepreneur ready to take the next step. In 30 credit hours or just 10 courses, most students can finish in two years or less, while continuing their career.

FLEXIBLE

The FMU instructional model is tailored to the working professional. All courses are online with the on-campus requirement of two on-campus Saturday meetings per semester. The program allows for flexibility of one to four courses per semester.

GREAT FACULTY

Professors in the MBA program are experts in their fields of study, who bring real world experience to the classroom.

COMMUNITY

Great opportunity to work closely with faculty and other students and network with growing companies in the community.

AFFORDABLE

A MBA from Francis Marion University is one of the most affordable in the state. Completely customizable take as many or as few classes as you need to accomplish your goals on budget.

HIGH STANDARDS

Less than five percent of the 13,000+ business schools worldwide hold the AACSB’s. prestigious International Accreditation.

CAREER GROWTH

Graduates of FMU’s MBA program have furthered their careers locally, nationally, and internationally.

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

If you are beginning your career, the FMU MBA program provides the necessary management and leadership skills to expand your career opportunities. If you are an experienced professional, the FMU MBA enhances your ability to identify, analyze and solve executive issues within your organization. Students with diverse undergraduate degrees such as; math, nursing, biology, engineering, and sociology will expand their knowledge and understanding of business concepts and the application of these concepts for executive decision making. With the goal of stimulating interactive learning and relationship-building, each course is designed by professors who are committed to providing you with an excellent learning experience. All courses are hybrid.

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MBA HEALTHCARE EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT

A student and professor look through a folder.

The Francis Marion University Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Executive Management offers the foundation for the healthcare career. This 30-hour program provides an excellent foundation for those who want to enter the field of hospital administration and for those who are currently working in the healthcare field.Students are required to come to campus for no more than three Saturdays each semester for MBA classes. This allows for more opportunities for interactive learning and relationship building among students and faculty. All APRN courses are online and do not require classroom instructions.

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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 on-line or by print. The on-line application process is available by using the appropriate links.

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.

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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. Click for on-line submission of information: Electronic request for recommendation
A personal statement, 500 to 700 words in length, indicating one’s career goals and reasons for seeking admission to the MBA program. Click for on-line submission of information: Electronic submission of personal statement
Resumé Click for on-line submission of information: Electronic submission of 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. Click for on-line submission of information: Certificate of Financial Support

FINANCIAL SUPPORT FORM

“Everything was geared toward me as a working professional. It was awesome because there were a lot of people in the same boat I was in. … We all had jobs and families, but we were trying to get through this program. If I would’ve known I would have had that much support, I probably would’ve done it a long, long time ago.”

Eddie Vergara

MBA Graduate, 2017

“I have cousins who went to the business school at Stanford and friends who went to Northwestern and so I compared notes with them. It’s the same books and basically the same courses, and I can’t imagine the faculty is any better. I just can’t stop raving about them. They have to be right at the top. I hit a real homerun at FMU.”

Frank Steinkruger

MBA Graduate, 2021

“FMU’s MBA program helped me so much in my job. I wanted to get my MBA early in my career, and I knew it would open up opportunities for me in the future. It’s been very helpful in that regard, and it taught me a myriad of useful skills that have given me the tools I needed to succeed.”

Dawn Bailey

MBA Graduate, 2012

AACSB International (AACSB), a global nonprofit association, connects educators, students, and business to achieve a common goal: to create the next generation of great leaders.

30-hour program

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.

Outstanding faculty

Our faculty members have both work experience and Ph.D.’s in their fields.

Lower cost

Our M.B.A. program costs less than comparable programs in the region.

Options for instruction

Our program is designed for the working professional that includes both online instruction at your own pace and in-person instruction.

Accredited

Nationally accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) — Same accreditation as much larger universities in our region.

Master of Business Administration

Your Path. Your Future. Your Success.

For the student with a business undergraduate degree, the program’s focus upon the application of analytics, ethics, innovation and global awareness will improve your executive management expertise.

Students with diverse undergraduate degrees such as; math, nursing, biology, engineering, and sociology will expand their knowledge and understanding of business concepts and the application of these concepts for executive decision making.

With the goal of stimulating interactive learning and relationship-building, each course is designed by professors who are committed to providing you with an excellent learning experience. All courses are hybrid.

The program is 30 hours and you may start in the spring, summer or fall.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

REQUIRED COURSES

TESTIMONIALS

Testimonials

Class of 2013, School of Business, M.B.A.

No matter what profession one had prior to the MBA, you develop a more holistic approach. You are able to discern and pick up on key facts that would have never even entered your thoughts before. It truly is an entirely different mindset. You shift to a broader approach for problem solving.

Class of 2013, School of Business, M.B.A.

[FMU's M.B.A. program] has provided a new perspective/broad view on how my individual decision, in my “department” will affect the business as a whole. In other words, it provides the knowledge you need to understand the links between departments and the cause and effect relationship of each decision.

M.B.A. Requirements

To receive a Master of Business Administration Degree from FMU, a student must fulfill the following requirements:

Complete the foundation course, BUSI 605, or appropriate undergraduate course(s) with a grade of C or better. This requirement may be waived at the discretion of the M.B.A. Admission Committee.
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.
The student must maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average on all graduate courses applicable to the particular program and a 3.0 grade point average for all graduate courses.
The student must successfully complete all steps and meet all requirements as outlined for graduate students.
The student should make application for graduation at the beginning of the semester in which the last course(s) will be taken.

M.B.A. in Healthcare Executive Management

The Francis Marion University Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Executive Management offers the foundation for the healthcare career. This 30-hour program provides an excellent foundation for those who want to enter the field of hospital administration and for those who are currently working in the healthcare field. The AACSB-International accredited Francis Marion University School of Business and the ACEN accredited FMU Department of Nursing provides the skills and knowledge needed to meet the challenges of healthcare management.

This program has the same admissions requirements as the regular Master of Business Administration program and requires 30 hours of graduate courses. 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.

The FMU MBA-HEM program is structured for the working professional. Online instruction gives you the flexibility to balance your career, personal life, and an advanced degree program. Students are required to come to campus for no more than three Saturdays each semester for MBA classes. This allows for more opportunities for interactive learning and relationship building among students and faculty. All APRN courses are online and do not require classroom instructions.

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

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.

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.