Weekend Professional MBA: One-Year The Student Experience

The 16-month format is accelerated for those who have an undergraduate degree in business and graduated within the last seven years. Students enrolled in UF’s Outreach Engineering Management (OEM) program are also eligible.

The format operates on a lock-step, cohort based system. You start with a group of classmates and go through the entire program with this same group of classmates, allowing you to build strong relationships and a powerful network that will last far beyond graduation. To facilitate your relationship and network building opportunities, we regularly host local social events allowing you to interact with other MBA cohorts.

Timeline

  • 16 months
  • 32 credits
  • On-Campus Visits:
    • One weekend a month (Saturday & Sunday)
    • Foundations Review completed before orientation
  • Electives: one week in fall or spring, on-campus or international
  • Begins: spring semester (January)

Format

Students enrolled in a Weekend Professional format are advised to dedicate 15-20 hours per week towards their MBA studies. This range may vary depending upon specific courses and a student’s strengths and experiences.

Class weekends allow you to get all of your lectures live from your professors. Once every four months you will begin a new term. During your Saturday and Sunday you can expect a variety of activities. From regular lectures, to small group activities, presentations, demonstrations, case studies, tests, quizzes and finals. You can also expect social activities and study groups after classes.

The one weekend a month format offers you the best of both worlds – the ability to maintain your job and also the experience of campus life and camaraderie.

Electives

All students in the Weekend Professional One-Year are required to take a one week elective. The elective is completed in a one-week format either on campus or an international location. These electives are offered twice a year during fall break (a week in October) and spring break (a week in March).

  • On Campus: These elective classes allow students to immerse themselves on campus in Gainesville for one week to complete a course. Visit the On Campus Electives page for more details.
  • Global Immersion Experience (GIE): Students can also participate in a one week international study trip as part of their MBA experience. Students that choose the international focus are required to take a GIE trip. Visit the GIE page for more details.

Orientation

Orientation is mandatory, so please review class dates for the orientation schedule. The planned activities for orientation weekend include a welcoming from staff and faculty, reception, program details, Ropes and Challenge course, and Team Development.

Additionally, for our one-year options, a one week review course is conducted following orientation. Foundations Review is a mandatory review of core business concepts and is a requirement prior to beginning the 32 credit accelerated program. Please note that Foundations Review is not required for concurrent OEM/MBA students.

UF Athletic Events

All Weekend Professional students are eligible for student tickets to UF athletic events. For football games, there is a UF MBA student block that you can join and spouses are eligible for spouse tickets. The student services staff will provide football information to currently enrolled students as needed. GatorZone is the clearinghouse for all student ticket information. Check GatorZone often for the most up-to-date athletic information.

Graduation

At the end of your program, you and your family will celebrate your accomplishment at a small, intimate graduation ceremony. UF MBA graduation ceremonies are just for UF MBA students. Ceremonies take place in the spring and winter and consist of only three or four cohorts—keeping it a personal experience you will enjoy with your family and classmates.