When University of West Florida graduate Tyler Fezzey began researching master’s programs, she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do with her career. What she did know was that a Master of Business Administration degree would give her a competitive edge in the job market and that the program had to be high quality, affordable and flexible enough to allow her to continue working. She ultimately chose UWF’s online MBA program since it offered all of that—and much more.
“In addition to the flexibility to study 100% online, the fact that UWF’s MBA programs are AACSB accredited, and the school has some high rankings, definitely influenced my decision,” explained Tyler. “I think there’s a signaling effect when hiring managers see AACSB accreditation on your resume. It says you were serious about earning your MBA at a business school that has certain measures in place for quality.”
While UWF offers several emphasis options, Tyler chose the Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Business Analytics online program since she knew it was a growing field with great job prospects. The 24/7 access to coursework allowed her to study on a flexible schedule while she continued to work as a graduate assistant at the business school, coach youth volleyball and play on UWF’s women’s volleyball team.
“Once I started the program, what kept me going were the people,” she added. “The faculty, staff and other students in the program were really supportive. The class size was small and there was a good mix of students: recent undergrads like myself as well as practitioners with industry experience. It was great to collaborate with classmates who have been working in the business world for years. They would share their experiences and a lot of it was eye opening.”
Surprise Twist
During the course of her studies, however, things took an unexpected turn for Tyler—in a good way.
“A great part of UWF’s online MBA program is that the core coursework introduces you to different areas of business. To my surprise, the organizational behavior class ended up being my favorite, as opposed to finance or tech which I had been studying,” she explained. “It helped me see a way to tangibly impact people through management. That there are lots of factors that influence how organizations are run. That it’s not just about the numbers. I found the psychology side of things really interesting.”
That newfound inspiration led Tyler to set her sights on pursuing a PhD in organizational behavior after finishing the MBA program.
Looking Back, Forging Ahead
Reflecting on her decision to earn her MBA online at UWF, Tyler said she is certain she made the right move, no matter which emphasis she chose.
“There’s so much potential for value in an MBA that can be applied to any industry. Whether you’re coming from the workforce or you’re not sure what to do following your undergraduate degree, it’s a great option,” she said. “And earning my MBA online at UWF checked all my boxes. Affordable, flexible and accredited, with the added bonus of helping me get on the right path. I’m really looking forward to what’s next. Now that I know what I want to do with my career, I have no doubt I will experience a lot of job satisfaction.”
Prepare for In-Demand Roles With an Online MBA – Business Analytics Program
UWF’s career-boosting MBA with an emphasis in Business Analytics online program will prepare you to meet the high demand for specialized leaders who excel at driving organizational growth by strategically using data to analyze and solve business problems. Complete the program qualified for upper management roles such as data scientist, project management analyst, financial analyst or logistics systems analyst.
Choose From Multiple MBA Program Options
Ranked among the best online MBA programs in Florida, the Master of Business Administration program at UWF offers you an affordable and flexible pathway to qualifying for in-demand leadership roles in your chosen industry. Our multiple program options cultivate your critical thinking and team management skills, which you can quickly apply in real-world scenarios. Learn from experienced, invested faculty who introduce you to a wide range of business areas through broad-based curriculum. Graduate with an integrated portfolio highlighting your ability to devise strategic solutions to modern business challenges.
Key Benefits of UWF Online MBA Programs
• AACSB-accredited
• No GMAT required
• 100% online coursework
• Multiple start dates per year
• Affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition
• Supportive, engaged faculty and extensive alumni network
• Asynchronous, career-focused coursework
Why Choose UWF?
The College of Business at the University of West Florida is accredited by AACSB International (AACSB), and the University of West Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Among many other distinctions, UWF is Ranked #10 among the “Top Public Schools” in the South by U.S. News & World Report (2025); Ranked No. 21 in the “Best Online MBA Program for Veterans” by U.S. News & World Report (2023) and named a Military Spouse Friendly® School in the large public school category (2024). We maintain policies and pursue initiatives congruent with our core institutional values—integrity, innovation, caring, engaging, equity and diversity—making UWF an exceptional place to learn and work.
