To succeed in the program, students need ambition, creativity, strong motivation, and a high energy level—the same characteristics needed for success in business. Of course, to be accepted into the program, students also need a strong academic record that demonstrates potential for classroom success.

Both the Graduate School and the MBT program office review applications. The entire process takes about four to six weeks once all of the required materials are received.

All applicants must have GMAT test results and the equivalent of an accredited United States bachelor's degree. In general, first degrees requiring less than four years of education are not considered equivalent, and holders of these degrees must complete an additional higher degree to be considered for admission.

Although applicants don’t need an accounting undergraduate degree, an applicant needs the following prerequisite coursework before taking any MBT courses:

Prerequisite courses: Before enrolling in MBT courses, all students must take ACCT 2050 Intro to Financial Accounting and ACCT 5135 Fundamentals of Federal Income Tax (or their equivalents). Before graduating all MBT students must have completed BLAW 3058 Business Law: Law of Contracts & Agency.

• Academic record as evidenced by transcripts
• Aptitude test scores (GMAT or LSAT)
• Additional factors, such as special circumstances, work experience, and certification (CPA, CMA, CIA)

You can register for the GMAT online or by phone and pay the test fee by credit card, or you can register through the mail and pay by check.

When you take the test, request that your GMAT scores be sent to the Carlson School MBT program. The program code is D2N-VJ-88. You only need to use the code if you make a request by mail after testing. Otherwise, you may send your scores electronically without using a code.

The College of Continuing Education (CCE) offers GMAT preparation courses and self-directed online instruction. For more information, call 612-624-4000 or visit their website.

We look at every aspect of your application. The GPA and GMAT score indicate your academic abilities. If your GPA is lower, a higher GMAT score will help give us an indication of how well you might perform in the program. If you take the GMAT again to improve the score, we will consider the highest score. Your work experience is also very important in the admission decision.

We do not have minimum scores and do not use formulas. We look at and evaluate all parts of the application.

Although an applicant does not need to have work experience, on average, our incoming students have a few years of work experience.

It's not a requirement, but we do recommend that students ultimately obtain a CPA certification along with the MBT degree, since it opens opportunities and can help you grasp tax concepts covered in the program.

The deadline for fall admission is June 15; deadline for spring admission is October 15; deadline for Summer admission is March 15. International applicants should plan to submit their applications earlier because of visa requirements.

Yes. A deferral can be requested for one year from the student's original term of acceptance.

If your native language is not English, you must take one of the following tests: the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB), or the International English Language Testing System exam (IELTS). Otherwise, there are no special requirements for international students.

The University of Minnesota's International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) provides information and resources for new and prospective international students.

MBT courses can be taken before being admitted to the MBT program. However, these courses will count as transfer credits. According to Graduate School policy, you can apply up to 12 credits (we recommend 6 credits) that you completed before becoming an official degree candidate toward your MBT degree. This includes both transfer credits that you received from another institution and any MBT courses you took prior to being admitted to the program.