Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
For your convenience, we have grouped frequently asked questions (FAQ) by subject. Please click on the appropriate subject below or use the search feature at the bottom of the page to search through the entire section.
Admission questions
What are the criteria for being admitted to the College of Business Administration?
Please refer to the detailed admission information in the FIU Undergraduate Catalog. General admission criteria are completed 60 semester hours or an AA degree, or its equivalent, 3.0 non-business GPA (effective Fall 2011) for all majors, completion of all lower division requirements including CLAS, and completion of all seven business pre-core courses with grade of C or better.
What are the University's admission requirements?
Please refer to the FIU Undergraduate Catalog for a detailed description of general admission requirements. Note that the College of Business Administration has a higher standard for admission. Transfer students must submit official transcripts from each institution attended. Thus, if you attended three universities/colleges, you will need to submit three separate official transcripts, not just one transcript with courses from all schools listed. Students transferring with fewer than 60 credit hours may need to submit ACT/SAT scores and official high school transcripts. All international students are required to meet certain deadline dates and to take the TOEFL exam if they are from non-English-speaking countries.
What is the CLAS requirement and how can I complete it?
The College Level Academic Skills requirement state-mandated that intends to ensure attainment of the college-level communication and mathematics skills that have been identified by the faculties of the State of Florida's community colleges and universities. All students must satisfy this requirement for full admission to the college.
For detailed information on the CLAS, visit the Testing Center.
When should I apply for admission?
You should apply for admission as soon as you meet the current admission criteria. A delay in applying for admission to the college could affect your graduation requirements.
How do I apply for admission?
A student currently enrolled at FIU as a degree-seeking student will need to complete a Change of Major/Admission to Upper Division form and submit it to an undergraduate advisor.
Students not admitted to the university will need to go through the following admission process:
- Complete the full admission application. Submit the application fee, and
- Have all transcripts sent to the university for review. Please note that this process can take 6-8 weeks. Applications may be submitted up to a year in advance.
How can I check on my admission status?
Students who submitted a Change of Major/Admission to Upper Division form can check their Panther Degree audit or contact an undergraduate advisor.
Students who have applied for full admission should contact the FIU Admissions Office.
What is an pre-major?
The FIU Undergraduate Advising Office initially advises freshmen on selecting a major.
After completing a basic number of requirements, students may ask to have their records forwarded to the office of their major. Their major department advises intended majors even though they have not been fully admitted to the major. All students pursuing a BBA degree, regardless of major, are advised by CBA Undergraduate Academic Advising.
Transfer students who are not fully admissible to their majors but are admitted to the university also are classified as intended majors.
How do I change my major within the college?
A student who has been fully admitted to the College and who wishes to change majors within the College must complete the Change of Major/Admission to Upper Division form. This form must be submitted to a CBA advisor.
What majors/minors can I select?
Business majors may choose to minor in a discipline outside the college. Students interested in such programs should refer to the FIU Undergraduate Catalog for available non-business minors. Business majors may not have a minor in business. Business majors who wish to pursue more than one area in business must double major. Students are allowed a total of three majors and three minors.
Students with a non-business major may choose either a major or a minor in one of the approved business disciplines.
To declare a second major or a minor, students will need to submit a Request to Add a Second Major or Minor form to an undergraduate advisor.
Who can help me decide on a major?
There are many people who can help you decide on a major. First, Career Services has counselors who can work with you on choosing a major and on making good career decisions. Also, they offer workshops and interest inventories that can assist you in selecting a major. Your academic advisor can give you input regarding the courses required for a particular major. Faculty members can give you insight into career opportunities for particular majors.
Who must apply for readmission and how do I do it?
Previously admitted students who have not attended FIU for four consecutive semesters must apply for readmission. There is no fee for doing so. The readmission form is available at the FIU Admission's Office. Please allow 6 weeks for processing of this application. Business majors who are readmitted are subject to the University's and the Colleges requirements in effect at the time of readmission.
How can I find out what credits will transfer?
The college keeps a list of evaluated transfer courses, called the Equivalency List. This list is available to students. Students may consult this list to gain an idea of what courses may transfer. An official determination will be made at the time a student meets with an advisor. If an institution or course is not in the Equivalency List, the advisor will need a detailed course syllabus (in English, provided by the student) to submit to the academic department for evaluation. Please note that this process takes at least two weeks from the time of submission.
If I took business courses at my previous institution, will they transfer?
Students transferring from an accredited four-year institution may be able to transfer third- and fourth-year business courses. Please consult the Equivalency List to see if the courses have been evaluated. Business courses taken at two-year institutions will not meet third- and fourth-year requirements.
Questions about grades
How do I compute my grade point average (GPA)?
To compute your GPA, total up the number of graded credit hours (including failing grades) you have taken. Determine the number of grade points by multiplying the credit hours by the points per grade. See the FIU Undergraduate Catalog for point values. Add the grade points and divide this number by the total credit hours. FIU students can obtain these two sets of numbers from their unofficial transcript, available through SIS. Refer to the line titled INST (institution) and the columns titled FOR-GPA and GRDPTS. You may also use the GPA calculator to assist you in this process.
What is the difference between the Overall GPA, Admission GPA, Major GPA and Institutional GPA?
Overall GPA is the GPA derived from all courses taken, regardless of institution. Many graduate programs use this GPA. FIU does not maintain this GPA.
Admission GPA for the College of Business is comprised of all lower division and/or coursework taken outside of the College. Upper level business courses taken are not included in this GPA computation. To find out your admit GPA, you can contact one of our Academic Advisors. Effective Fall 2011, applicants must achieve a GPA of 3.0 or higher for admission to the College of Business Administration.
Future employers may request Major GPA. FIU does not maintain this GPA. Students can use all business courses taken to calculate this average or just those courses relevant to their major. We suggest students use the average they are most comfortable presenting to an employer, given that most employers will ask for an official transcript at some point.
Institutional GPA is the average given on the official FIU transcript. This is the official GPA to determine a student's academic standing. This average is based on every course taken at the university.
What is the forgiveness policy and how does it work?
The forgiveness policy is a method by which students may repeat courses up to three times to improve their GPA at FIU. Students must file a Repeated Course Form with the Registrar's Office to have the initial grade removed from the GPA calculation. Once this form is submitted, it cannot be changed. There is no time limit on the use of forgiveness but a form cannot be filed once a student has been awarded a degree.
What GPA must I keep to remain in good standing?
The institutional GPA must remain at a 2.0 or higher for you to be considered in good academic standing.
What are the academic warning/probation/dismissal policies?
Students who have below a 2.0 institutional GPA will initially be placed on academic warning. If the GPA remains below a 2.0 for the following term, the student will be placed on academic probation. Students on academic probation must maintain a minimum term GPA of 2.0 to avoid dismissal. Students will remain on academic probation until they are back in good academic standing.
What are my options if I am dismissed?
Students who are dismissed may not take classes for one academic year. After a year, students may apply for readmission. In exceptional cases, students can petition for reconsideration of the dismissal. A written request must be submitted, including any documentation to be reviewed by the major department chairman and the Director of Undergraduate Advising. If both agree to a reinstatement, the student will receive one more chance to return to good academic standing.
What is the difference between an incomplete grade (IF, IC, ID, etc), NR, and a standard grade?
An incomplete grade (IF, IC, ID, etc.) is given at the discretion of the professor. Students have two semesters, including summer, to make up the missing work before the grade defaults to the indicated grade—the IF becomes an F, the ID becomes a D, etc. A student cannot graduate with incomplete grades on the record.
An NR grade means, "not reported." The professor did not submit a grade. A student cannot graduate with an NR on his/her record. It is imperative that students contact the professor immediately to have this problem corrected, even if it means earning a failing grade.
What must I do if I receive an incomplete grade?
Students should contact their professors immediately to determine what needs to be done to earn a final grade. Students have two terms, including summer, to make up the missing work. After one calendar year, the professor can no longer change a student's grade without permission from the vice president of the university.
Can I have a grade changed if a mistake was made?
If an error was made with a grade, a student should contact the professor immediately so that the correct grade can be given. After one calendar year, the professor can no longer change a student's grade without permission from the vice president of the university.
Registration Questions
How do I register for classes?
Typically, fall registration is in August; spring registration is in November; summer registration is in April. See the Academic Calendar for specific dates. Students may register by phone, web, or in person. Students who wish to register in person must wait until the "Open Registration" period to do so. All students should check their registration information to determine if there are any holds that may delay their registration.
What is a PIN and how do I get one?
A PIN (personal identification number) is a four-digit number that is used in combination with the student number to obtain private information at the University. PINs are available through the Registrar's Office. A student will need to show photo identification to obtain his/her PIN.
What is a hold and how can I find out if I have one?
A hold prevents students from registering for courses. Various university offices have holds to ensure that students comply with their rules and regulations. Students should always check their records on the MyFIU Web site, at a kiosk, or the phone to check on any holds before their registration appointment time.
Am I required to see an academic advisor before registration?
Students are strongly encouraged to speak to an academic advisor at least once a year. However, in many cases business students are not required to see an advisor prior to registration. Students who have been fully admitted to the college do not have mandatory advising. Students with junior standing who are not fully admitted will be required to see an advisor every semester until they are admitted.
Can I take classes if I am not admitted to the university/college?
Students not admitted to the university may take up to 15 credit hours. Students admitted to the university, but not the college, may also take business courses. However, with both groups of students, prerequisites are enforced for all courses and there is no guarantee these business courses will remain part of the degree program. The college does discourage students who are planning to major in business from taking third- and fourth-year courses until they gain full admission to the college.
What is the difference between a special student and an affiliated student?
Special students are individuals who are not fully admitted to the university. This group may take up to 15 credit hours. Special students also may be called non-degree-seeking students.
Affiliated students are special students who have attempted 15 credit hours. To become affiliated, students are required to sign an agreement that, in part, clarifies that credits earned under their affiliated status may not be used towards their degree requirements. It is at the discretion of the student's department whether or not to apply these courses towards their degree requirements.
Can I take courses at another school after starting at FIU?
In special cases, students may attend another institution after enrolling at FIU. However, students must obtain permission (i.e. Transient Student Form) from an academic advisor before enrolling at any other institution.
What are prerequisites and are they enforced?
Prerequisites are courses/requirements that must be met before enrolling in a specific course. Prerequisites can change from one semester to the next. Students should consult the prerequisite database before enrolling in courses. Prerequisites are strictly enforced for all students enrolled in any business course. Students lacking the proper prerequisites or documentation will be administratively dropped and receive a full refund. Students will be notified of the administrative drop via their FIU email account only.
What can I do if I am administratively dropped from a course?
Students who were dropped in error should see an advisor immediately. In many cases, FIU does not have a final transcript or grades if these were not posted in time. Students must attend to this problem before the end of the first week of class.
Students who do not have the stated prerequisites will not be allowed to remain in class. Instead, students should plan to take the appropriate prerequisite course(s) first.
Where do you offer courses?
Business courses are offered at the Modesto A. Maidique Campus, Biscayne Bay campus, Pines Center, and online.
When are classes offered?
Classes are offered at various times of the day and evening. Most courses do not meet on Fridays.
Do you offer online courses?
Yes. However, course offerings vary term to term. Students should visit the FIU Online website for details.
What can I do if a course I want to take is closed?
In some cases, a professor will issue overrides. This means he or she is allowing a certain number of students to enroll in the course even though the capacity has been met. Professors are not required to give overrides.
Students attempting to gain an override should speak to the Program Office as soon as possible, but no later than the first day of class. Override forms are only available from the professor. Please note that students must still meet any prerequisite requirements for the course. An override does not waive the student from completing the prerequisites.
What does it mean when a course requires a permit?
Some courses require students to speak to an advisor or Program Office before they can enroll in them. In order to register for these courses, the respective Program Office will give the student a permission number to take to the Registrar's Office in PC 130 to register.
How much is tuition?
There are two categories for undergraduate tuition: in-state and out-of-state rates. Please consult the Registrar’s Office for current tuition and fees information. To be eligible for in-state tuition, students must document that they have been legal, Florida residents for a year from the first day of class. Most students should document this fact at the time of admission to the University. Otherwise, students will need to see the Registrar’s Office about changing their residency status after they have been admitted.
Degree program questions
What is the difference between a major and a minor?
An integral part of the bachelor's degree is a major concentration of coursework in an approved academic discipline or area. A minor program is an arrangement of courses that enable students to develop some degree of expertise in one area of study. A minor is awarded upon completion of the bachelor's degree (major) and is not interdisciplinary in nature.
Students cannot major and minor in business. They can however, elect to pursue two business majors instead.
Am I required to have a minor?
Minors are not required. Students are required only to have one major.
How do I declare a minor?
Once they have obtained full admission to the college, students may declare a minor by completing the Request to Add a Second Major or a Minor form available in PC 130 or the college's Undergraduate Advising office. Students may begin taking courses before formally declare a minor.
What is a double major?
A double major is when a student pursues two major fields of study. These fields can be from the same college (finance and marketing) or from two different colleges (finance and economics.) Students must complete all degree requirements for both fields to graduate with a double major.
How can I find out the requirements for my major/minor?
Students should see an undergraduate advisor for exact requirements for any major or minor. However, for general information, students can refer to the university catalog.
Besides the majors and minors, what other programs does the college offer?
The College of Business Administration also offers a variety of undergraduate certificate programs separate from the degree programs. Also, some majors offer tracks, such as entrepreneurship.
Where can I find out about scholarships?
The college has its own pool of scholarship money to disperse among its students. Each spring, applications are available for the next academic year. Students are encouraged to visit the scholarship page for specific information.
Where can I find out about internships?
Students should visit Career Services about internship information. Additionally, some of the departments in business have a faculty member who can assist students in obtaining information about internships. Note that each department has its own requirements for earning credit for internships.
What is the FLENT/FLEX requirement and how do I meet it?
The FLENT/FLEX is a state-mandated requirement for the study of a foreign language. There are a variety of ways to meet this requirement. Most often, students have taken two years of a foreign language during their four years of high school and can meet the FLENT/FLEX requirement by providing an official high school transcript. Students should speak to an advisor regarding their options if they need to meet this requirement.
What are business electives and which ones can I take?
Business electives are courses required for graduation that are not part of the core or major requirements. Students are encouraged to consult with an advisor about satisfying this requirement.
What is a Panther Degree Audit (PDA) and how do I find mine?
PDA stands for Panther Degree Audit and is available at my.fiu.edu. The PDA provides a record of the studen'ts academic progress toward completion of their degree program. It allows the student to review the courses they have taken, including in progress courses, and how many courses they need to complete their degree. Students should check their PDA frequently to verify completion of degree requirements. Any errors should be reported to an advisor for review.
Graduation questions
How many credits do I need to graduate?
Students need a minimum of 120 credit hours to be eligible for a bachelor’s degree. However, in some instances a student may need to complete additional hours before meeting all degree requirements.
Is there a minimum GPA for graduation?
Students must have at least a 2.0 FIU grade point average to be eligible for graduation.
How can I graduate with honors?
There are three levels of honors based on the FIU institutional GPA:
3.5 to 3.699 - Cum Laude
3.7 to 3.899 - Magna Cum Laude
3.9 to 4.0 - Summa Cum Laude
For commencement, honors status is based on the FIU institutional GPA as of the previous semester, since final grades are not available when the ceremony takes place. However, the GPA notation on the official transcript and diploma is based on final grades.
What is the procedure to apply for graduation?
Students need to apply for graduation at my.fiu.edu. A student must complete a form that details the proper spelling of the name, address of record, and all majors and minors. This process should be completed when the student registers for the final semester. Students are encouraged to have a graduation "check" done before applying for graduation.
What is a graduation "check" and how do I get one?
A graduation check is simply a meeting with an academic advisor to review whether all requirements for graduation have been met. Students should schedule an appointment with an advisor some time during their final year at FIU. They should not wait for the final semester to begin this process. Should there be a problem, students should give themselves ample time to correct it.
Is there a fee to apply for graduation?
There is no fee for graduation or for the original diploma. A small fee is charged for official transcripts.
What degree will I receive?
All non-accounting, business majors will receive a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree. Accounting majors will receive a Bachelor of Accounting (B. Acc) degree.
Will my major(s)/minor(s) be on my diploma?
Majors and minors are not listed on the diploma. They are listed on the official transcript.
What is the difference between a double major and dual degree?
A double major means that a student receives one diploma that covers two majors. Students who choose two majors in business, such as finance and management, will receive only one diploma but both major fields of study will be noted on the transcript.
A dual degree means that a student receives two diplomas for two majors. Students must earn a minimum of 150 credit hours, 90 of which are junior/senior-level, to meet dual degree requirements. Students who major in management and psychology will receive two diplomas (one for business and one for arts and science) and have both degrees, with the majors, noted on their transcripts.
How can I find a job with my degree?
The Career Services office helps students with the job search process. They sponsor the Career Fair, which takes place each fall and spring semester. In addition, they provide a variety of services that can help students locate jobs.
How can I find out about graduate (master's) programs?
There are a variety of graduate programs offered at FIU. Students should consult the Chapman Graduate School website for details on the various programs and contact the appropriate offices.
Advising questions
Is advising mandatory?
Advising is not mandatory for students fully admitted to the college. Students with junior- or senior-standing who are not admitted must see a College of Business Administration undergraduate advisor before registration. A hold will be placed on their records to ensure that they do so. The advisor will work with the student to develop a plan to gain full admission to the college before they have earned 90 credit hours. Student with more than 90 credit hours earned may be prohibited from continuing to study in the CBA. Students with fewer than 60 credit hours may be required to see an advisor at least once every year.
The college encourages students to speak to an advisor on a regular basis. Policies, rules, and regulations are subject to change. The best way to keep informed about any changes is to keep in touch with Undergraduate Academic Advising.
How often should I see an advisor?
Students should see an advisor no less than once a year since advising is not mandatory.
Am I assigned an advisor?
During non-registration periods, both office see students on an appointment and walk-in basis. Students should visit our website to schedule an appointment. Generally, appointments are made available one week in advance.
Where should I go to be advised?
Students may be advised at either campus, Modesto A. Maidique Campus or Biscayne Bay. Advising hours vary at the two campuses, so students should contact the office of their choice directly to inquiry about office hours.
How can I make an appointment to see a advisor?
Appointments can only be made online. During non-registration periods, both offices see students on an appointment and walk-in basis. Students can schedule an appointment by selecting this link. Generally, appointments are made available one week in advance.
