MBA & Master in Public Policy

Positive Change Through Social Impact

The combination of a Master's in Public Policy from the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs and a Master's in Business Administration from Minnesota Carlson is designed for students interested in careers that require expertise in policymaking and management, and graduates will find career opportunities in public service, nonprofit, and the private sector

Both located on the Minneapolis campus, the MPP-MBA allows students to complete both degrees in three years. To complete in this time frame, students will carry a very demanding course load. After acceptance into the dual degree program, students meet with both their MPP and MBA advisors to ensure that their study plan satisfies the requirements of both degrees. 

 

More Information About MPP-MBA

Candidates must apply for both programs and be admitted separately in order to pursue the dual degree.  

MBA Application Dates - Fall Start

RoundSubmission DeadlinesDecision Notification
Round 1October 1November 15
Round 2December 1February 1
Round 3February 1March 15
Round 4 April 1May 15

Deadlines that occur on a weekend or holiday are extended through the next business day. We will review applications beyond our final round deadline on a case by case basis.

GRE/GMAT: Students who are applying concurrently for a Full-time MBA/dual degree program in which the respective partner program does not require a standardized test this year can apply for a GMAT/GRE waiver. Applying for the waiver does not guarantee it will be granted and the Admissions Committee may still require the applicant to complete MBA Math, submit additional materials or take the GMAT/GRE. Receiving a waiver does not guarantee admission.

MBA Admissions Requirements MPP Admissions Requirements

Both the MBA and MPP offer career services that help you achieve your career goal. Careers of MPP-MBA graduates are as wide-ranging as the industries represented here in the Twin Cities. This includes financial services, healthcare, energy, food agriculture, consulting, public services and non-profit space.

Learn More About MBA Career Services

MPP-MBA students pay the tuition and fees at the school through which they are registered each semester. Scholarships are awarded separately by each program and are applied when a student is enrolled in that designated program.

All applicants admitted to Carlson are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships. 

MBA Tuition & Financial Aid MPP Tuition & Financial Aid

Program Structure

Fall Semester

Register as MPP.

Fall Semester Required Courses
Course NumberTitleRequired or ElectiveCredits
PA 5011Dynamics of OrganizationsRequired3
PA 5021Microeconomics for Policy AnalysisRequired3
PA 5031Statistics for Public Affairs*Required4
VariousSelect 3 credits from the following:
- PA 5002 – Intro to Policy Analysis (1.5)
- PA 5003 – Intro to Fin Analysis & Mgmt (1.5)
- PA 5012 – Politics of Public Affairs (3)
Required3

Total Credits: 13 (MPP tuition band 6-15)
 

Spring Semester

Register as MPP.

Spring Semester Required and Elective Courses
Course NumberTitleRequired or ElectiveCredits
N/AFulfill Economics RequirementRequired3
VariousSelect one of the following combinations:
- PA 5046 Econometrics for Public Policy (4 cr) and two additional methods credits (2)
- PA 5032 Regression Analysis (2) and PA 5041 Qualitative Methods for Policy Analysts (4)
- PA 5032 Regression Analysis (2) and four additional methods credits (4)
- PA 5041 Qualitative Methods for Policy Analysts (4) and two additional methods credits (2)
Required4
VariousSelect 3 credits not taken in fall:
- PA 5002 – Intro to Policy Analysis (1.5)
- PA 5003 – Intro to Fin Analysis & Mgmt (1.5)
- PA 5012 – Politics of Public Affairs (3)
Required3

Total Credits: 12 (MPP tuition band 6-15)
 

Summer

MPP Internship


Minimum Credits Completed: 25

Fall Semester

Register as MBA. MBA Orientation (mandatory) last 2 weeks of August.

Fall Semester Required Courses
Course NumberTitleRequired or ElectiveCredits
MBA 6031 Financial Accounting Required3
MBA 6211 Marketing Management Required3
MBA 6221 Supply Chain & Operations  Required3
MBA 6231 Financial Management Required3
MBA 6301 Strategic Management Required3
MBA 6141 Managerial Economics *Waived if PA 5021 sucessfully completed.
Replace with elective credits.
2
MBA 6121 Data Analysis & StatisticsWaived if PA 5031 or PA 5045 sucessfully completed.
Replace with elective credits.
3
VariousElectives - recommendedElective2-4

* Students with an interest in marketing, strategy, or pricing are encouraged to take MBA 6141. If the course is waived, replace with elective credits.

Total Credits: 15 min., 17-19 recommended (MBA tuition band 12-20)
 

Spring Semester

Register as MBA.

Spring Semester Required and Elective Courses
Course NumberTitleRequired or ElectiveCredits
MBA 6111Organizational Behavior - A-termRequired2
MBA 6241Competing in Data-Driven Age - B-termRequired2
VariousEnterpriseRequired3
VariousElectives/Other Requirements (timing at student's choosing):
- MBA Global Experience (4) ‡
- MBA Electives 
- MBA 6315 – Business Ethics (2)•
- MGMT 6465 – Leadership Development (2)•
Various 

‡ The international requirement can be fulfilled by participating in specified travel programs or glocal courses
• MBA 6315 and MGMT 6465 may be completed during any semester of the MBA other than fall year 2, but we recommend taking at least one with the FTMBA cohort in fall year 3 to maintain connections with peers if aligns with fall MPP schedule. 

Total Credits: 18 recommended min (MBA tuition band 12-20)
 

Summer

MBA Internship

Choose one registration track:
 

January Global Program

 

Fall Semester

Register as MBA. 

Fall Semester Required Courses
Course NumberTitleRequired or ElectiveCredits
VariousMPP Concentration or ElectivesVarious6 min
VariousEnterpriseRequired4
VariousElectives/Other Requirements (timing at student's choosing):
- MBA Global Experience (4) ‡
- MBA Electives 
- MBA 6315 – Business Ethics (2)• - recommend in this semester
- MGMT 6465 – Leadership Development (2)•  - recommend in this semester
VariousCredits Vary

• MBA 6315 and MGMT 6465 may be completed during any semester of the MBA other than fall year 2, but we recommend taking at least one with the FTMBA cohort in fall year 3 to maintain connections with peers if aligns with fall MPP schedule. 

Total Credits: 16 credits min: 6 MPP, 10-12 MBA (MBA band 12-18)
 

Spring Semester

Register as MPP.

Spring Semester Required and Elective Courses
Course NumberTitleRequired or ElectiveCredits
VariousMPP concentration or electives Required4 min
VariousMPP paper/capstone or electives to be complete by this termRequiredN/A
MGMT 6465 Leadership Development  •Required2
MBA 6315 Business Ethics •Various2
VariousMBA ElectivesVariousCredits Vary

• MBA 6315 and MGMT 6465 may be completed during any semester of the MBA other than fall year 2, but we recommend taking at least one with the FTMBA cohort in fall year 3 to maintain connections with peers if aligns with fall MPP schedule. 

Total Credits: 11 credits min: 4 MPP, 7 MBA (MPP band 6-15)


May Global Program

 

Fall Semester

Register as MPP. 

Fall Semester Required Courses
Course NumberTitleRequired or ElectiveCredits
VariousMPP Concentration or ElectivesVarious6 min
VariousEnterpriseRequired4

Total Credits: 10 credits min: 6 MPP, 4 MBA (MPP band 6-15)
 

Spring Semester

Register as MBA.

Spring Semester Required and Elective Courses
Course NumberTitleRequired or ElectiveCredits
VariousMPP paper/capstone or electives to be complete by this termRequiredN/A
VariousElectives/Other Requirements (timing at student's choosing):
- MBA Global Experience (4) ‡
- MBA Electives 
- MBA 6315 – Business Ethics (2)• 
- MGMT 6465 – Leadership Development (2)• 
VariousCredits Vary

• MBA 6315 and MGMT 6465 may be completed during any semester of the MBA other than fall year 2, but we recommend taking at least one with the FTMBA cohort in fall year 3 to maintain connections with peers if aligns with fall MPP schedule. 

Total Credits: 17 cr min: 13 MBA, 4 MPP  (MBA band 12-18)
 

Fall Semester

Register as MPP.

Fall Semester Required Courses
Course NumberTitleRequired or ElectiveCredits
PA 5011Dynamics of OrganizationsRequired3
PA 5021Microeconomics for Policy AnalysisRequired3
PA 5031Statistics for Public Affairs*Required4
VariousSelect 3 credits from the following:
- PA 5002 – Intro to Policy Analysis (1.5)
- PA 5003 – Intro to Fin Analysis & Mgmt (1.5)
- PA 5012 – Politics of Public Affairs (3)
Required3

Total Credits: 13 (MPP tuition band 6-15)
 

Spring Semester

Register as MPP.

Spring Semester Required and Elective Courses
Course NumberTitleRequired or ElectiveCredits
N/AFulfill Economics RequirementRequired3
VariousSelect one of the following combinations:
- PA 5046 Econometrics for Public Policy (4 cr) and two additional methods credits (2)
- PA 5032 Regression Analysis (2) and PA 5041 Qualitative Methods for Policy Analysts (4)
- PA 5032 Regression Analysis (2) and four additional methods credits (4)
- PA 5041 Qualitative Methods for Policy Analysts (4) and two additional methods credits (2)
Required4
VariousSelect 3 credits not taken in fall:
- PA 5002 – Intro to Policy Analysis (1.5)
- PA 5003 – Intro to Fin Analysis & Mgmt (1.5)
- PA 5012 – Politics of Public Affairs (3)
Required3

Total Credits: 12 (MPP tuition band 6-15)
 

Summer

MPP Internship


Minimum Credits Completed: 25

Fall Semester

Register as MBA. MBA Orientation (mandatory) last 2 weeks of August.

Fall Semester Required Courses
Course NumberTitleRequired or ElectiveCredits
MBA 6031 Financial Accounting Required3
MBA 6211 Marketing Management Required3
MBA 6221 Supply Chain & Operations  Required3
MBA 6231 Financial Management Required3
MBA 6301 Strategic Management Required3
MBA 6141 Managerial Economics *Waived if PA 5021 sucessfully completed.
Replace with elective credits.
2
MBA 6121 Data Analysis & StatisticsWaived if PA 5031 or PA 5045 sucessfully completed.
Replace with elective credits.
3
VariousElectives - recommendedElective2-4

* Students with an interest in marketing, strategy, or pricing are encouraged to take MBA 6141. If the course is waived, replace with elective credits.

Total Credits: 15 min., 17-19 recommended (MBA tuition band 12-20)
 

Spring Semester

Register as MBA.

Spring Semester Required and Elective Courses
Course NumberTitleRequired or ElectiveCredits
MBA 6111Organizational Behavior - A-termRequired2
MBA 6241Competing in Data-Driven Age - B-termRequired2
VariousEnterpriseRequired3
VariousElectives/Other Requirements (timing at student's choosing):
- MBA Global Experience (4) ‡
- MBA Electives 
- MBA 6315 – Business Ethics (2)•
- MGMT 6465 – Leadership Development (2)•
Various 

‡ The international requirement can be fulfilled by participating in specified travel programs or glocal courses
• MBA 6315 and MGMT 6465 may be completed during any semester of the MBA other than fall year 2, but we recommend taking at least one with the FTMBA cohort in fall year 3 to maintain connections with peers if aligns with fall MPP schedule. 

Total Credits: 18 recommended min (MBA tuition band 12-20)
 

Summer

MBA Internship

Choose one registration track:
 

January Global Program

 

Fall Semester

Register as MBA. 

Fall Semester Required Courses
Course NumberTitleRequired or ElectiveCredits
VariousMPP Concentration or ElectivesVarious6 min
VariousEnterpriseRequired4
VariousElectives/Other Requirements (timing at student's choosing):
- MBA Global Experience (4) ‡
- MBA Electives 
- MBA 6315 – Business Ethics (2)• - recommend in this semester
- MGMT 6465 – Leadership Development (2)•  - recommend in this semester
VariousCredits Vary

• MBA 6315 and MGMT 6465 may be completed during any semester of the MBA other than fall year 2, but we recommend taking at least one with the FTMBA cohort in fall year 3 to maintain connections with peers if aligns with fall MPP schedule. 

Total Credits: 16 credits min: 6 MPP, 10-12 MBA (MBA band 12-18)
 

Spring Semester

Register as MPP.

Spring Semester Required and Elective Courses
Course NumberTitleRequired or ElectiveCredits
VariousMPP concentration or electives Required4 min
VariousMPP paper/capstone or electives to be complete by this termRequiredN/A
MGMT 6465 Leadership Development  •Required2
MBA 6315 Business Ethics •Various2
VariousMBA ElectivesVariousCredits Vary

• MBA 6315 and MGMT 6465 may be completed during any semester of the MBA other than fall year 2, but we recommend taking at least one with the FTMBA cohort in fall year 3 to maintain connections with peers if aligns with fall MPP schedule. 

Total Credits: 11 credits min: 4 MPP, 7 MBA (MPP band 6-15)


May Global Program

 

Fall Semester

Register as MPP. 

Fall Semester Required Courses
Course NumberTitleRequired or ElectiveCredits
VariousMPP Concentration or ElectivesVarious6 min
VariousEnterpriseRequired4

Total Credits: 10 credits min: 6 MPP, 4 MBA (MPP band 6-15)
 

Spring Semester

Register as MBA.

Spring Semester Required and Elective Courses
Course NumberTitleRequired or ElectiveCredits
VariousMPP paper/capstone or electives to be complete by this termRequiredN/A
VariousElectives/Other Requirements (timing at student's choosing):
- MBA Global Experience (4) ‡
- MBA Electives 
- MBA 6315 – Business Ethics (2)• 
- MGMT 6465 – Leadership Development (2)• 
VariousCredits Vary

• MBA 6315 and MGMT 6465 may be completed during any semester of the MBA other than fall year 2, but we recommend taking at least one with the FTMBA cohort in fall year 3 to maintain connections with peers if aligns with fall MPP schedule. 

Total Credits: 17 cr min: 13 MBA, 4 MPP  (MBA band 12-18)
 


Credit Distribution

Carlson MBA credits = 52 + 12 transfer credits = 64 credits
Public Policy credits = 33 + 12 transfer credits = 45 credits
Transfer credits = 12 per program

Transfer MPP to MBA 12 credits from 5000-level courses. 

Recommended courses: PA 5022, 5038, 5101, 5102, 5103, 5104, 5111, 5190 (depends on topic), 5251, 5920, 5941, 8190 (depends on topic); also PA 5711,  5721, 5722, 5790, 5801, 8790 for students interested in Corporate Social Responsibility

Transfer MBA to MPP: Any graduate-level
MBA course taught by graduate faculty

Total Credits Completed: 85 minimum


 

Full-Time & Part-Time MBA Programs

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 612-625-5555

MPP Program

Phone: 612-624-3800
Email: [email protected]