Graduate Dual Degree

The Dual Degree Program has many advantages over conventional exchange programs:

• Students will experience a deeper exposure to international business by living and studying in a different culture and business environment for at least 8-9 months;
• By earning two complementary degrees in two different locales, students gain access to two networks of business contacts and colleagues along with exposure to two sets of potential employers;
• These programs are faster and less expensive than pursuing two separate degrees sequentially;
• Students can tailor their educational experience to specific career objectives.

With the Chapman Graduate School’s extraordinary reputation for excellence in international business education, a Master’s in International Business (MIB) degree from the Florida International University is a widely-recognized and valuable professional credential. In addition, the Dual Degree Program offers:

• A multinational learning environment. Leveraging the diverse international backgrounds of the Dual Degree Program’s students, the MIB’s international faculty in the Chapman School, and the international faculty at our partner institutions, the Dual Degree Program offers you a truly international educational experience.

• A cohesive curriculum. Curricula between the two schools is integrated to include the “home institutions” degree requirements with those of the Chapman School to ensure students will earn both degrees while taking complimentary courses.

• The option, as an international student, to apply for a twelve-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) at a U.S.-based corporation once the student has earned both degrees.

How does the dual degree program work? 

Applicants from partner schools would first complete one year towards their MBA degree at their home institutions and then attend the MIB program at the Chapman School for two semesters to complete both degrees.  Chapman School students begin their studies in our MIB program and then transfer to a partner institution to complete their requirements for the MBA degree. At the conclusion of the program, a participating student receives an MBA from their “home” business school and a Master of International Business (MIB) degree from Florida International University’s Chapman School. The reciprocal agreements between partner schools recognizes credits earned by students at both institutions and provides an integrated structure so that students can seamlessly transition and acquire the second degree.

How long do students have to spend at FIU?

The diagram below illustrates how the program works for students starting at one of our partner schools prior to transferring to the Chapman School’s MIB program.  Students need to only complete the solid segments of the respective programs, as indicated by the red arrows. Students must complete 24 credits at FIU which can easily be accomplished in two academic semesters (1 three-credit seminar course and 7 additional three-credit courses – including the Master’s project).

What schools are currently in the network? 

We currently have over 30 schools in the network. The majority of the schools offer MBA programs in English.  Additional partners are being developed in Asia and Europe to be added within one to two years.

When can I start the program?

Students coming to FIU from partnering institutions may start their studies at the Chapman School at any of our three terms: fall (late August), spring (early January) or summer (early May).

What are the admissions requirements for students at partnering institutions? 

Under the Dual Degree Program, the Chapman Graduate School of Business accepts MBA students into its MIB program after they have completed the core courses portion of their studies at the partner school. In addition, the Chapman School welcomes applicants who have completed the partner school's MBA program within the last two years. 

The general admission requirements are:

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited university. 
• Minimum 3.0/4.0 grade point average or better on upper division coursework.
• Official TOEFL score (minimum score required 550 on paper-based or 213 on computer-based or 80 on the internet-based test (IBT)).  Applicants may also submit the IELTS exam (minimum required score is 6.5). The official TOEFL score must be sent directly by Educational Testing Service (ETS). FIU's university code is:  5206.  Official scores for the IELTS exam must also be sent directly to FIU.
• Successful completion of the first year of the MBA or equivalent program at the partner school, including a GPA (cumulative grade point average) of 3.25 out of 4, or its equivalent value, in these courses, or as otherwise established in the dual degree agreement with the partner university.
• A command of all basic business subjects, such as accounting, finance, marketing, statistics, computer skills, human resource management, etc., is necessary prior to attending the program.

What is the application procedure?

• Follow the link to the Graduate Application* for Admission: http://gradschool.fiu.edu and click on "Graduate Admissions". Note:* Application will be submitted on line.
• Official transcripts of all previously attended universities (undergraduate and graduate) in an envelope sealed by the degree granting institution.  Official proof of degree: a notarized copy of the original diploma is required if the degree is not posted on the official transcripts.   International documentation must be translated into English by an official translation agency. 
  
  If transcripts need to be translated, student must request two sets of transcripts: one for the translation agency and another one to be submitted to FIU.  An official translation of the Proof of degree is also required if not in English.
• A current resume of past professional experience.
• A letter of recommendation from the Dean or the Director of the MBA program at the partner school.
• Financial documents are also required for international students needing an F-1 visa.
• Declaration of Finances Form
• Official Bank Letter. Please contact the MIB program office for the details on the amount that needs to be reflected on the letter at 305-348-3279.
  
  Please note that these funds must be in a checking or savings account.  Also, if not denoted in US dollars, the document must indicate the exchange rate amount.  If the letter is not in English, it needs to be officially translated into English and must be on the bank letterhead and envelope.
• Sponsor Letter (if applicable).  If the bank account holder is not the student, a signed sponsor letter must be submitted indicating that the bank account funds are available for the student’s studies.

Additional requirements may apply depending on the Dual Degree Agreement.

What are the requirements to obtain MBA-MIB degree?

Participants in the Dual Degree (MBA-MIB) Program need to complete 24 credit-hours of graduate coursework in the Chapman Graduate School of Business to earn the MIB degree. The curriculum includes at least seven courses of three credits each and one three-credit seminar course. The Chapman School grants each participant a maximum of twelve credit-hours towards the completion of the MIB degree for work done at the partner school where they have completed the core required MBA courses. Similarly, the partner school is expected to approve credit for the work done at Chapman School towards its own MBA degree.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an opportunity for international students to apply knowledge gained in the classroom in an actual work situation off campus. 
The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) authorizes such OPT experience for foreign students in U.S. graduate degree programs. This authorization, which can take up to 90 days to obtain, allows a maximum of twelve months of work experience for at least nine consecutive months for holders of a valid F-1 visa.

The employment must be directly related to a student’s major area of study and must be equivalent to his or her educational level. Students are allowed to change jobs during the 12-month period.

What are the fees and tuition? 

For the purposes of this Dual Degree Program, the partner school's students will be assessed a tuition fee at a rate arranged bilaterally between both institutions. A contract to this effect has been established between each partner school and the College of Business Administration's Chapman Graduate School of Business.

An estimate of cost-of-living expenses, including housing, food, transportation, books and materials, and personal expenses is approximately $1,683 per month, or $15,144 for the eight to nine-month duration of the academic program in Miami. As expected, this amount will vary according to each individual's preferences and circumstances. Please note that university approved Health insurance is required for international students.