Executive MBA Curriculum
20-Month Executive MBA Program: A Transformative Experience
The Carlson School's top-ranked Executive MBA is a 20-month program designed for ambitious professionals looking to elevate their careers without stepping away from work. This EMBA program will help enhance business acumen, hone leadership skills, and connect you with a powerful professional network.
Located in Minnesota’s thriving business ecosystem, home to Fortune 500 companies, a dynamic entrepreneurial community, and cross-industry collaboration, the Executive MBA degree program offers a strategic advantage for career growth.
Starting in September, your Executive MBA program follows a structured schedule, including a summer break with no classes, allowing you to balance education with your professional and personal commitments.
Class Schedule
Fridays & Saturday;
7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
(every other weekend)
Duration
20 months
Format
In-person or synchronously online
Total Credits
52.5
What You’ll Learn in Executive MBA Courses
With a total of 52.5 credits, the Carlson Executive MBA curriculum is tailored specifically for experienced professionals to give you the knowledge and skills needed to lead in pivotal areas such as strategic leadership and talent and team development. Executive MBA courses are focused in the following areas:
- Foundation Competencies
- Core Function of the Organization
- Leading Through People
- The Executive Experience
- Experiential Learning, which includes our unique Global Team Project
Year 1: Complete a comprehensive study of core EMBA courses that cover the basic functions and tools of business.
Year 2: Explore a broader business context, develop the ability to deal with complex management challenges, and gain a deeper global perspective.
Get all the program logistics sorted and get to know your cohort during EMBA orientation. You’ll learn about the services available and receive all the essential information you need to start the year, such as picking up your laptop and first-semester course materials.
- DEI Workshop - Year 1 & 2
- Financial Accounting Prep - Year 1
- Statistics Prep - Year 1
- Carlson Business Career Center Orientation - Year 1
Kick-off each new academic year with 4 days of classes, workshops, and social events while lodging near campus with your classmates and truly immersing yourself in the Executive MBA program.
- Managing Across Cultures Workshop - Year 1
- Executive Perspectives Session - Year 1 & 2
Fall Semester
| Course Number | Title | Required or Elective | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMBA 5838 | Financial Accounting | Required | 1.5 |
| CMBA 5844 | Organizational Behavior | Required | 3 |
| CMBA 5839 | Management of Teams | Required | 1.5 |
| CMBA 5842 | Marketing Management | Required | 3 |
| CMBA 5843 | Data Driven Decision Making | Required | 3 |
| CMBA 5845 | Executive Perspectives | Required | 0.375 |
| CMBA 5846 | Executive Leadership Insights | Required | 0.75 |
Spring Semester
| Course Number | Title | Required or Elective | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMBA 5847 | Strategic Management | Required | 3 |
| CMBA 5848 | Financial Management | Required | 3 |
| CMBA 5849 | Supply Chain & Operations | Required | 3 |
| CMBA 5851 | Economics | Required | 1.5 |
| CMBA 5852 | Human Capital Management | Required | 1.5 |
| CMBA 5845 | Executive Perspectives | Required | 0.375 |
| CMBA 5846 | Executive Leadership Insights | Required | 0.75 |
Fall Semester
| Course Number | Title | Required or Elective | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMBA 5856 | Ethics & Corporate Responsibility | Required | 1.5 |
| CMBA 5853 | Negotiation Strategies | Required | 3 |
| CMBA 5854 | Managerial Accounting | Required | 3 |
| CMBA 5855 | Competing Globally | Required | 1.5 |
| CMBA 5861 | Customer Centric Marketing | Required | 3 |
| CMBA 5845 | Executive Perspectives | Required | 0.375 |
| CMBA 5846 | Executive Leadership Insights | Required | 0.75 |
Spring Semester
| Course Number | Title | Required or Elective | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMBA 5857 | Corporate Strategy | Required | 3 |
| CMBA 5862 | Competing in the Digital Age | Required | 1.5 |
| CMBA 5863 | Entrepreneurship & Innovation | Required | 1.5 |
| CMBA 5864 | Power & Influence | Required | 1.5 |
| CMBA 5865 | Business Law | Required | 1.5 |
| CMBA 5845 | Executive Perspectives | Required | 0.375 |
| CMBA 5846 | Executive Leadership Insights | Required | 0.75 |
| CMBA 5866 | International Residency | Required | 1.5 |
| CMBA 5867 | Global Team Project (GTP) | Required | 1.5 |
Executive MBA Curriculum & Faculty
The Carlson School Executive MBA (EMBA) faculty and curriculum prepare students to succeed and lead in their careers.
Sit in on a class to experience the EMBA program for yourself. Learn more and sign up for a visit.
How You'll Learn
Move through the Carlson School Executive MBA degree with a diverse cohort, gaining rich insights from professionals across industries while fostering collaboration and teamwork—critical skills for today’s dynamic workplace.
- Alternate weekend classes – Attend Executive MBA classes Fridays and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., primarily on alternate weekends, with some back-to-back sessions each semester. Plus, enjoy complimentary breakfast, lunch, and snacks to keep you energized throughout the day.
- HyFlex learning – Experience the best of both worlds with the option to attend in-person classes or join live online sessions, ensuring flexibility for travel, illness, or unexpected conflicts.
- Collaborative study teams – Each year, you’ll join a new study group designed to broaden your perspective and expand your network. These teams bring together diverse backgrounds, industries, and global experiences, enriching your learning journey.
Balancing Work, School, and Life
The Carlson School Executive MBA provides unmatched flexibility, offering both in-person and live online classes. This hybrid format of Executive MBA courses allows you to adapt your learning experience to fit your lifestyle—without compromising on engagement or quality.
