Executive MBA Requirements & Deadlines

You must complete the application online.

Provide the name of each institution you attended with complete information.

Unofficial transcripts can be submitted through the online application or emailed to [email protected] for attachment to your application file. 

Official copies may be sent to the above email address or via mail to:

Carlson MBA & MS Office
321 19th Ave S #1-110
Minneapolis, MN  55455

Submit a current resume that includes job responsibilities and accomplishments and that clearly shows where you worked and when.

We require two professional recommendations to complete the application to the Executive MBA program. One must be from your current supervisor.

Please note that you do not need to solicit letters of recommendation from your recommenders. We partner with GMAC for the Common Letter of Recommendation, so you simply need to provide contact information for your recommenders, and the form will be automatically routed to them via email for completion. The form does include an optional section to attach a letter of recommendation if your recommender chooses to add that component.

We recommend getting started on your application early so you can enter the recommender's contact information right away before continuing to work on your application. Both recommenders must complete the GMAC form before your submitted application is considered complete. 

We require a personal statement of career goals and your objectives in pursuing an MBA degree. We also require a second essay regarding feedback. Guidelines for each can be found in the online application. 

We will contact candidates who present strong credentials to set up an interview with a member of the admissions committee. We strongly encourage candidates who are interested in an interview to submit their application early.

If English is not your first language, you must submit scores from the one of the following tests. Scores must be less than 2 years old when you apply.

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• International English Language Testing System exam (IELTS)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE)

You do not need to take an English test if:

• You have completed your previous education solely in English in a country where English is not an official language. Your transcript must indicate that English was the language of instruction, or you must provide a statement from the university indicating that English was the sole language of instruction in order to be exempt from the testing requirement.

  or

• You have completed the last 2 years of a bachelor's degree or 1 year of a graduate school (full-time) in the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand.

You are not exempt if you have lived in an English-speaking country for several years, unless you meet one of the above requirements.

TOEFL scores must be sent to institution code 6874 (U OF MINNESOTA MNNPLS). 

IELTS scores may be sent to us by completing a Test Report Form indicating us as a receiving organization:

Carlson MBA & MS Admissions
321 19th Avenue South, Room 1-110
Minneapolis, MN 55455

PTE Academic scores may be sent to the Carlson MBA Programs office using program code JP3-5T-48.

The application fee is $75 (non-refundable) for all applicants. Your application fee will be automatically waived if you apply by December 31, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Central, or if you have been on active duty in the U.S. military within 3 years of submitting your MBA application.

While these tests are not required for admission to the Executive MBA program, you may consider including previous test scores or taking the Executive Assessment, which was designed specifically for Executive MBA programs, if your academic record is weak or contains gaps.  There are also several preparation courses on the site that can be beneficial for students entering the program, regardless of taking the test. 

Explore the Executive Assessment Test