Frequently Asked Questions

I want to apply to the combination option. Do the grades from the graduate business courses count towards my undergraduate GPA?

Yes. All graduate business coursework grades taken while an undergraduate will count in your undergraduate GPA. This includes ‘double-counted’ courses taken toward both the bachelor’s/master’s degree as well as courses that are only counting toward the master’s degree.

If I have more than 2 years of work experience, may I still apply to MSM?

Yes. The classroom curriculum, discussions, assignments, and career workshops within the program are tailored to students who have received their Bachelor degrees within the past two years. However, if you have more than 2-3 years of post-bachelor’s degree work experience, we suggest you also research the UF MBA programs. Each application package is reviewed individually and in some cases, MSM is a better fit than MBA. Where the average age of the MSM student is 22-23 years and they have an average of .2 years full-time work experience, the MBA students are, on average, 27 years old and have 3.5 years of significant, full-time, post-bachelor’s degree work experience. The MSM program provides outstanding experiences and a high quality education with the same faculty members who teach in our MBA programs, but the class peer group is distinct from MBA. Also, recruiters who come to UF know that the MBA students have professional experience, so they intentionally target those students for the more advanced, higher-paying jobs.

My GMAT/GRE is low, but I have a strong GPA and other experiences (or a low GPA /high test score). Do I still have a chance for admission?

Yes, we review applications in a holistic manner. The admissions committee will be looking for evidence of strong academic ability and the applicant’s potential for success in the program.

What if I am not accepted? Can I re-apply?

Yes, you can re-apply. Unless there is a significant change in your application file (e.g. new test scores, updated transcripts, updated resume with additional relevant experience, etc.), the original admission decision will likely be the same.

What is the difference between MSM and MBA programs?

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?
• If you have significant work experience, how will you feel about pursuing a degree designed for little to no work experience with students who may just out of college?