Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between MSM and MBA and why should I do MSM instead of MBA?

MBA programs generally require at least two years of work experience. MSM does not require work experience but offers students flexibility in tailoring their program with elective choices, study abroad options and internship availability.. Here are some things you should think about when comparing MSM to MBA:

• If you get your MBA right after the MSM degree, you use up an opportunity that you can never use again. If you want to change industries or acquire another specialization later on in your life, you will not be able to get another MBA in order to do so. Getting an MSM now does not eliminate the future MBA opportunity but enhances it. In the future, you would be able to look at a one-year MBA program because you would already have a business degree.
• How long is the MBA program? If it is 1 ½ or two years, is the extra cost worth it as compared to the one-year MSM? Is there a difference in the return on investment?
• What is the research, organizational, and international activity of the majority of professors teaching in that MBA program? Are they recognized in their fields?
• What will my peer group be like? Things to consider: age of students, undergraduate backgrounds, diversity, motivation, ability to unite and work in teams effectively.
• Is this Business School and University world-renowned and respected by higher education and the corporate world alike?
• Will graduate studies, international study or travel be more difficult later in life when you are more settled and have more obligations?
• Will you want to take time off from your career once you have started working to go back to school?

What are the MSM classes like? What is my weekly time commitment for schoolwork?

The MSM classes are intense, fast moving and taught in shortened modules. A 2-credit course meets two times per week for 100 minutes each meeting time. And, because courses are offered in 8-week periods, it is possible to have a quiz or project due during the second week of class. In addition, time spent outside of the classroom will be critical to positive performance. MSM is also different in the fact students are obtaining a master’s degree in a field they are totally unfamiliar with, therefore the work can be particularly challenging. This makes time management and commitment extremely important. Most of the courses require teamwork and group projects, so the ability to work well and communicate with others is a key to success in the program. Students looking for an individualized or solitary work environment will not find it in the MSM program. The teamwork structure presents a microcosm of the workplace and allows students to practice their interpersonal skills along with their newly found knowledge in a hands-on fashion.

The typical equation is for every hour spent in class, there should be 3 hours of study time and depending on the individual student it may be higher. The schoolwork commitment for MSM’s is too high for full time students to maintain full time employment. Some students are able to maintain limited part-time work.

Can I participate in a study abroad when I am in the MSM program?

MSM students who wish to do a study abroad within the one year are limited to short term summer options during a time when you can avoid interfering with core courses. If an MSM wishes to do a longer study abroad, they may do so but will need to work with an advisor to come up with a program of study as to how they will complete the MSM program. This option may require you to graduate a term later than just in the typical one-year. Details can be discussed with Ana Portocarrero, the Director of the MSM and MIB programs.

Can I participate in an internship when I am in the MSM program?

Since most MSM’s have little to no work experience, it is valuable to have an internship to include on your resume. Unlike a study abroad, there are usually no short-term options and typical internships last from 8-10 weeks or possibly longer depending on the organization. MSM’s who elect to participate in an internship must be prepared to graduate later than their peers. The student is responsible for procuring his/her own internship with guidance from our Business Career Service office or the UF Career Resource Center. The MSM program does not arrange internships for students

If an internship requires students to be enrolled in school and if this is the case, we would assign you to an “internship” credit class so you could participate. However, these credits will not be counted toward MSM credit and would be additional credits/cost beyond the required 32 credits.

How does this program compare to other Master of Science in Management programs?

The UF MSM program is one of the first and still fairly unique in the United States. If you research various master’s programs that offer a Master of Science in Management, you will find few exactly like the UF MSM program. Our MSM students receive a high-quality classroom education from world-renowned University of Florida professors who are also teaching the UFMBA program students. There are more MSM degrees popping up at other universities but many of them require a business background or they tend to specialize in a particular area, such as Information Systems Management or Human Resources. MSM at UF is unique in that it offers students from backgrounds other than business the opportunity to obtain a graduate degree in the field of business from a highly ranked College of Business without a minimum requirement of work experience.

Our own students typically comment positively on two aspects of the program more than any other: diversity and personality of the students, and the ability to create their own unique experiences within MSM based on their personal needs and interests. The program’s group and teamwork offers many opportunities for students to get to know each other and form long-lasting friendships as well as practice interpersonal skills in an experiential setting. We have heard frequently from former students that this was one of the best decisions they ever made. MSM is a challenge; you will work hard and must manage your time effectively, but you will also have a lot of fun and you will expand your mind in ways you never thought possible.

Since my registration appointment will always be on the first day of classes, will I be guaranteed a seat in the classes?

Yes and No. As an MSM student you will likely be able to get into the required courses without a problem but if there are two sections of a course, you may not get your first choice. The difficulty usually lies with elective courses because of popularity but typically EEP students are able to get into elective courses they like and finish the degree.