Overview
The Master of Science in Business and Government Leadership is an interdisciplinary graduate degree program for seasoned leaders and talented aspiring leaders to examine the challenges of leadership in free-market societies. The degree provides students with advanced practical and theoretical tools to make informed leadership decisions guided by principles of economic and individual freedom. Students explore the science and art of leadership through graduate-level case studies and academic exercises, guided by experienced faculty.
Application Deadlines: June 1st
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Program at a Glance
Degree
Master of Science in Business and Government Leadership
Courses
The degree consists of 30 credits of required coursework, including 18 credits at the Adam Smith Center, 6 credits in the College of Business, 3 credits in the Economics Department (most relevant to the student’s career objectives), and 3 credits from an Independent Project course (1 credit per semester).
We are currently accepting applications.
We are currently accepting applications.
*All students who are or will soon be high school graduates or transfer students
All students who are or will soon be high school graduates or transfer students:
- Allow 20-30 minutes to complete your application. You can save your application and come back to it later.
- There is a non-refundable application fee of $30.
- Make sure to have your high school and previous college information readily available. You can also upload your residency documents.
- To begin your application, you must create a user account. To do so, please click on “ Begin your Application” and then select the “Create User Account” link.
- If you already have an account and user login, proceed directly to your application at “ Begin your Application.”
We are currently accepting applications
*All students who are or will soon be high school graduates or transfer students, click here
All students who are or will soon be high school graduates or transfer students:
- Allow 20-30 minutes to complete your application. You can save your application and come back to it later.
- There is a non-refundable application fee of $30.
- Make sure to have your high school and previous college information readily available. You can also upload your residency documents.
- To begin your application, you must create a user account. To do so, please click on “ Begin your Application” and then select the “Create User Account” link.
- If you already have an account and user login, proceed directly to your application at “ Begin your Application.”
*Existing FIU students looking to switch major, click here
Existing FIU students looking to switch major:
- Email us at freedom@fiu.edu to speak to an advisor with more details
Requirements
The following requirements outline the qualifications needed for admission into the program, as well as the academic benchmarks students must meet in order to graduate and earn their degree.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for admission to the program, students must:
GRE
Required (Students with more than five year’s of relevant work experience may petition for a waiver by submitting with their completed application a one page statement detailing their background and proficiency in both quantitative skills and analytic skills)
Applicant Statement / Letter of Intent
Required. Provide a personal statement regarding your (1) Motivation to attend the Adam Smith Center’s leadership degree program, (2) Personal and career goals, and (3) Potential contributions to your fellow students and colleagues at FIU.
Letters of Recommendation
Required. Provide two letters of recommendation from professional supervisors and/or former faculty instructors attesting to your (1) Analytical skills, (2) Motivation and (3) Educational/Work performance.
Additional Requirements
(1) Hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from an accredited college or university. (2) Have a GPA of 3.0 (on a 4-point scale) established through the overall undergraduate degree GPA or the last 60 credits of the degree GPA; or have earned a graduate degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. (3) If requested, complete an interview with faculty/staff of the Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom. (4) Demonstrate proficiency in the English language per FIU’s Graduate Admission requirements when the applicant’s studies were completed outside the USA. (5) Be in good standing at all previously attended colleges and universities.
Admissions at the graduate level are competitive and meeting the minimum program requirements does not guarantee admission.
Graduation Requirements
To be eligible for a Master’s degree, a student must:
- Satisfy all university requirements for a master’s degree (minimum 30 graduate credits);
- Satisfy any required prerequisites;
- Complete required courses in the enrolled graduate program;
- Earn a minimum average of “B” (3.0) in all approved courses in the student’s approved course of graduate study.
Grades below “C” will not be counted toward the master’s degree program.
Key Benefits
- Provides rigorous training relevant to both business and government sectors.
- Equips students to make data-driven decisions across various industries.
- Encourages collaborative engagement with local, state, national, and international communities.
- Develops leadership skills for navigating challenges in complex environments.
Courses
30 credits of required coursework, including:
- 18 credits at the Adam Smith Center
- 6 credits in the College of Business
- 3 credits in the Economics Department (most relevant to the student’s career objectives)
- 3 credits from an Independent Project course (1 credit per semester)
Students must complete 1 credit of ISS6959 Independent Project each semester of enrollment until the project is completed and at least three credits have been earned.
Adam Smith Center Core Requirements
• ISS6149 – Advanced Political Leadership in the United States
Advanced Political Leadership in the United States
Adam Smith Center core course exploring leadership challenges faced by elected officials and public servants in the United States. Explores the workings of American political institutions and considers how political leaders engage public officials and government agencies, and how to effectively propose legislative and regulatory changes. Prerequisite: Admission to MS in Business & Government Leadership Degree required.
• ISS6366 – Data Analysis for Leaders
Data Analysis for Leaders
Core course that introduces aspiring leaders to data analysis tools (both quantitative and qualitative) to address various managerial challenges in public, private and nonprofit organizations. Students learn how to make data-driven decisions by identifying problems that require data, by collecting and organizing data according to best practices, and analyzing and presenting data thoughtfully and compellingly. Prereq: Admission to MS in Business & Government Leadership Degree required.
• ISS6136 – National Security and Economic Freedom
National Security and Economic Freedom
Adam Smith Center core course examining the synergies and tensions between national security and economic freedom. Students examine case studies and readings covering topics involving homeland security, cybersecurity, border protection, artificial intelligence and arms proliferation, among others. Prerequisites: Admission to MS in Business & Government Leadership Degree required.
• ISS6190 – Leadership, Law, and Ethics
Leadership, Law, and Ethics
Adam Smith Center core course examining the legal and ethical dimensions of leading teams and organizations in free market economies. Students learn how laws and regulations support and limit leadership decisions and organizational strategies. Students learn how to effectively engage advisory boards, board of directors, internal and outside counsel. The course also explores what it means to lead ethically and responsibly. Prereq: Admission to MS in Business & Government Leadership Degree required.
• ISS6415 – Advanced Negotiations & Conflict Resolution for Leaders
Advanced Negotiations & Conflict Resolution for Leaders
Core course examining executive leadership through case studies in negotiation and managing conflicts. The course introduces advanced skills to constructively address disputes and manage them effectively. The course also explores the art of negotiation for leaders, whether within an organization or externally, and discusses the skills necessary to confidently and successfully negotiate in free market societies. Prereq: Admission to MS in Business & Government Leadership Degree required.
• ISS6389 – Advanced Communications for Leaders
Advanced Communications for Leaders
Adam Smith Center core course exploring how leaders manage organizational crises internally and externally. Special emphasis is placed on how leaders manage communications and public relations, as well as journalists and the media. Case studies are examined where communications, public relations, marketing strategies, and journalism impact executive management in free market societies. Prerequisite: Admission to MS in Business & Government Leadership Degree required.
• ISS6959 – Independent Project
Independent Project
Independent project under the supervision of an Adam Smith Faculty Advisor, addressing a real-life leadership challenge while applying advanced skills and theories from the degree program. Project may involve work with an outside organization or agency. The final project may take the form of a final paper and/or presentation, and may be completed in groups or individually (academic advisor approval required). (Repeatable) P: Admission to MS in Business & Government Leadership Degree required.
Undergraduate Degree Map
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Careers in Business and Government
Every thriving business and government agency depends on effective leadership, leaders who understand both strategic management and public policy. The Bachelor of Science in Business and Government Leadership prepares students to become those leaders by combining the best of business education with a deep understanding of governance, economics, and ethical decision-making in free-market societies.
There are many career opportunities for graduates of this program, including roles in corporate leadership, consulting, government service, and the nonprofit sector. Students develop essential skills in management, policy analysis, communication, and strategic planning, skills that are in demand across industries.
Corporate Leadership and Management
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- Business Development Manager
- Management Consultant
- Leadership Development Coordinator
- Strategy Consultant
- Leadership Development Consultant
- Business Analyst
- Strategy Consultant
Government and Policy
- Policy Analyst
- Policy Consultant
- Public Affairs Specialist
- Legislative Assistant
- Government Relations Manager
- Lobbyist or Policy Advocate
Nonprofit Sector
- Nonprofit Executive Director
- Program Manager
- Community Outreach Coordinator
Future Pathways
These future pathways build upon work experience and further advanced degrees:
- Chief Executive Roles (in the government or private sectors)
- Senior Policy Advisor
- Political Campaign Strategist
- Director of Strategic Initiatives
Apply Now!
Ready to take the next step?
Applications are now open. Click the button below to apply.
Should you have any questions, please email freedom@fiu.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Program Design
What courses and capstone projects are included in the degree?
Degree program and curricular information is available on our website. Candidates are also encouraged to check the site for online and in-person information sessions held throughout the year.
How long is the full-time program?
Students in the full-time program spend the Fall, Spring and Summer terms on the Miami campus, and students graduate after one year of study.
How long is the part-time program?
Students in the part-time program spend two years completing the degree requirements on the Miami campus, and students graduate after two years of study.
Is the degree offered online?
The full-time and part-time leadership degrees are designed as in-person programs; however, some individual courses, events and other programming/advising may be provided online.
Can credits be transferred from previous graduate work, can I waive out of certain courses, and can I combine this degree with another degree?
Due to the condensed and specialized nature of the pedagogical design, no transfer credit, course waivers, “advanced standing” or dual degrees/joint degrees are possible.
What academic advising and mentoring is available?
All students are assigned Faculty Advisors who can assist with course selection, academic advice and general professional guidance. In addition, FIU’s Office of Career & Talent Development has professional resources for students and alums.
Admissions
How do I apply?
Please click here, scroll to the bottom of the page and click the degree program link, and then follow the steps to create an account and to complete your application.
Are admissions criteria the same for the full-time and part-time programs?
Yes.
Is there a minimum GPA in order to be considered for admission?
While a candidate’s entire admissions file is considered holistically, there is a required minimum GPA, which must be the equivalent to a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Further information is available through FIU’s Graduate Admissions Office.
Is there a minimum GRE score necessary for admissions consideration?
There is no minimum score required for admissions consideration.
I have significant quantitative and analytical professional experience, so may I apply for a GRE waiver?
Students with more than five years’ of relevant work experience may petition for a waiver by submitting—along with their completed application—a one-page statement detailing their background and proficiency in both (1) quantitative skills and (2) analytical skills. The Adam Smith Center will then review the one-page petition, academic transcript(s) and professional background and render a decision. Please note that all other admissions materials must be submitted prior to waiver consideration, and that all decisions are final and not subject to appeal.
Are GMAT and LSAT scores accepted?
GMAT scores are acceptable in lieu of the GRE. While the LSAT is not accepted in lieu of the GRE, applicants with LSAT scores are invited to share those results in their application materials, along with their GRE scores.
Who should write my two letters of recommendation?
Ideally: (1) one faculty member with direct knowledge of your academic skills, and (2) one work supervisor with direct knowledge of your leadership skills/potential. Whoever you choose, they should know you well and write a letter with specific examples about you.
Is there a work experience requirement?
No, but professional experience is strongly encouraged. The most successful candidates (and students) will have had professional experience. Nevertheless, there will be some undergraduate candidates with extraordinary leadership potential that are encouraged to apply.
Are interviews required as part of the admissions process?
Some applicants may be invited to interview with Adam Smith Center faculty or staff, and these short interviews most often take place via video teleconferencing.
What does it mean if my admissions status is “initiated,” and what if I have other admissions questions?
A status of “initiated” means that an admission file has been created under your name but the file is incomplete. The Adam Smith Center receives your file from FIU’s Office of Admissions only after you have submitted all materials; as a result, please work directly with the Office of Admissions as you complete your admissions file.
Scholarship and Support
What is the total cost of the program, including tuition and fees?
We are pleased that tuition and fees for the Adam Smith Center’s leadership degrees are comparatively low and therefore highly competitive among professional degrees. Updated information is available on FIU’s Admissions website.
Are scholarships, financial aid, or assistantships available?
Limited merit-based scholarships may be offered by the Adam Smith Center when funds are available, and these scholarships are always in conjunction with assistantships (teaching fellowships) or other service/work requirements. Scholarship opportunities, when available, will be listed on the Adam Smith Center website. Please note that Adam Smith Center scholarship decisions are final and not subject to appeal. FIU provides general advice regarding funding graduate degrees, and you can contact them and review helpful online resources.
Who can I contact if I am an international student and have questions about student visas, immigration regulations and other issues relating to international applicants?
International candidates should consult with FIU’s Office of International Students & Scholars (OISS).