To better meet our specific mission at the USF St. Petersburg College of Business, we have designed an efficient method to convey basic business concepts and to begin a team-building process among new students. We call this “MBA Essentials” — an intensive, one-semester, non-credit experience that mixes Internet and in-class learning of basic concepts and terminology.  

After this “essential” experience, students who were not undergraduate business majors or those who completed their undergraduate degrees more than seven years ago will be ready to pursue their concentrations.  

MBA Essentials consists of eight modules scheduled for sequential two-week periods.  MBA Essentials modules include Economics, Accounting, Finance, Management Information Systems, Operations Management, Marketing, Management, and Statistics. Students without an undergraduate degree in business must complete all of the Essentials modules during their first semester in the program.

Students who have completed the prerequisite courses within the past seven years from an AACSB-accredited institution might be eligible to receive a waiver of some or all of the MBA Essentials.

How will I know if I will need to take any of these Modules?

If you took these courses listed in the panel to the right or their equivalent at an AACSB-accredited business school within the past 7 years and earned a grade of B or higher, you might be able to receive a waiver of these requirements.

What is the cost involved?

The cost for each Essentials module is $500 or a maximum of $3,000 for six or more modules (eight in total). All books, software, and other materials needed for MBA Essentials classes are included. 

When and where are classes held?

Classes are held online during the week. Some classes meet face to face on Saturday mornings at the College of Business; others are entirely online. Breakfast is provided for face-to-face classes.

Is there an alternative to taking the Essentials?

Yes. You may take the undergraduate three-credit-hour courses that are equivalent to the requirements; each of these classes is a normal semester in length and can be taken at any of the USF locations offering the courses.

May I take MBA Essentials prior to being admitted into the program?

No. Essentials modules are pass/fail, non-credit courses. All students are required to be admitted into the program before enrolling in Essentials.

How long will it take to complete all of the Essentials?

The Essentials program is designed to be completed in full in one semester. The classes run back to back in two-week segments and are offered every Fall and Spring.

I only need a couple of the Essentials classes; may I just take the modules that I need?

Yes.  Generally speaking, if you need to take four or more classes, we would advise you to spend your first semester doing just that. If you need to take three classes or less, you may enroll in graduate-level classes simultaneously.