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Executive MBA Admissions - Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any prerequisites for admission to the Carlson Executive MBA program?
The prerequisites for applying to the Carlson Executive MBA program are a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (regardless of major and 4 - year or equivalent), a minimum of six years of full-time, professional work experience. We also suggest that you be currently employed. Some foreign students may need to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), Pearson Test of English, or the IELTS, as well.
 
Does my work experience need to be management experience?
The Executive MBA program will look at the type and quality of experience that you have achieved. We are looking to see that applicants have successfully managed new and diverse challenges, while progressing in their chosen profession. Management experience can be both people management and project or product management.
 
Is the degree from the Executive MBA program different from one that is received in the Full-Time or Part-Time MBA program?
No. All graduates of the MBA programs from the Carlson School of Management receive a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Minnesota. The Executive MBA program is designed for more experienced professionals who wish to complete their program in a format convenient for them and their career. The curriculum and faculty are the same as our other MBA programs at the Carlson School. To learn more about executive MBA degrees in general, you may want to visit the website of the Executive MBA Council at: www.executivemba.org.
 
Is the GMAT or GRE required for admission?
The Carlson Executive MBA does not require the GMAT or GRE for admission. We do, however, recommend it for those applicants who do not have a strong academic record or who have concerns about the overall strength of their application.
 
What is the application process for the Executive MBA program?
The Carlson Executive MBA accepts applications on a rolling basis and admissions decisions are made once your application is complete. The Carlson Executive MBA's priority deadline is April 1. Applications that are not complete by this deadline (that includes completing the admission interview) will be held and processed in a batch admission procedure to fill any remaining seats.
 
What if I apply after the deadline?
The Carlson Executive MBA program reviews all applications that are received. For any applications received after our deadline, admissions decisions are made on a space - available basis. If the class is full, we will make a decision on your application for the following year and place you on a waitlist for the current admission period.
 
When will I receive an admission decision?
You will receive an admission decision via email, with a hard copy following in the US Mail, typically within one week of completing your application. We do not give admission decisions over the phone.
 
Can I defer my admission?
Occasionally, students defer admission due to family or work situations. We will transfer your decision to the following year and get a new admission letter out to you the following year.
 
How can I get an application to the Carlson Executive MBA program?
The online application can be accessed on our website.
 
Does my undergraduate degree need to be in business? Does my work experience need to be in business?
You are not required to have an undergraduate degree or work experience in business. The Carlson School of Management recruits and admits individuals from a broad range of academic and professional backgrounds. We are looking to see that applicants have successfully managed new and diverse challenges while progressing in their chosen professions.
 
Do applicants with foreign credentials need to meet special requirements?
A foreign credentialing check is required to determine that the undergraduate degree is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree. Additionally, students who are not native English speakers from the following countries (United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, Canada, or New Zealand) must take one of the following English language proficiency tests: the TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson Test of English. If the applicant has completed the last two years of their baccalaureate degree or one year of graduate school in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, Canada, or New Zealand they are exempt from the TOEFL, IELTS, and Pearson exams.
 
How many credits need to be completed to earn an MBA through the Executive MBA program?
A total of 48 credits is required to complete the MBA degree through the Executive MBA program. The curriculum is lock-step, meaning that we've created the curriculum for you and all students in the cohort take the same classes together for the entirety of the program. The curriculum is a general management curriculum with a strong global focus.
 
Is it possible for me to register for some MBA courses before being admitted to the program?
No. The Carlson School's MBA classes are not open to the general public. We guarantee our current students that everyone in class with them went through the same application process that they did, thereby ensuring the quality of class discussions, group work, etc. You may want to join us for a class visit to experience the program first hand, before you apply. If you are interested in a class visit, please contact our office to set this up at: cemba@umn.edu
 
What are the tuition costs for the Executive MBA program? Is financial aid available?
Tuition for the program is set by the UMN Regents in approximately July of each year. The current program fee for the class beginning in Fall 2012 is $96,900 for the entire program. We anticipate Fall 2013 tuition to be $105,000. Please check our website for updates. The program fee covers tuition and books, other class materials, meals, parking, lodging, parking and meal costs for the two immersion weeks, and most costs for the international residency. Costs of the international residency that are covered include lodging, ground transportation to and from all official visits and some meals. Airfare is NOT covered. Employers may support the education of employees who attend the Carlson Executive MBA program through corporate reimbursement. For educational expenses beyond corporate reimbursement plans, the University of Minnesota's Office of Student Financial Aid makes available financial assistance in the form of University, Federal and Private educational loan programs. Executive MBA students are not eligible for fellowships or scholarships from the University of Minnesota. For more information on financial aid, please visit: onestop.umn.edu or contact James Parker at: j-park1@umn.edu.
 
Is corporate support required to participate in the Executive MBA program?
There are two types of corporate support: time and financial sponsorship. Organizational support in the form of time off to attend class is the only corporate support required by the Carlson Executive MBA program. There is no required level of financial sponsorship required and we do not consider financial sponsorship in the admission decision process.

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