Executive MBA FAQs
The Executive MBA is built for professionals who are ready to grow without stepping away from their careers. This page covers the questions we hear most, from program structure and scheduling to admissions requirements and what to expect from the cohort experience.
Have a question not answered here? Feel free to email us anytime at [email protected].
Overview
The Carlson Executive MBA (EMBA) is a 20-month, cohort-based program specifically designed for experienced leaders, providing advanced training in strategy, executive leadership and global business while participants continue to work full-time.
The Carlson Executive MBA program is designed for working professionals looking to advance their careers and stay competitive in the business world. Seasoned professionals with a minimum of six years of full-time, professional work experience, and you must be currently employed. A typical candidate is a mid-to-senior level manager, director, or VP and higher level roles, as the program is designed to provide strategic, executive leadership training alongside a highly experienced peer group. View the EMBA class profile.
The EMBA program is a 20-month, lockstep, full-time program. The format consists of in-person classes held every other Friday and Saturday on the Minneapolis campus, with a hybrid option available for students to join synchronously online when necessary making this program ideal for students with multiple commitments while working full-time. The Carlson Executive MBA program is delivered as a cohort program, which means your schedule of courses is predetermined and you go through the entire program with the same group of students (your cohort).
The EMBA program offers one annual intake each fall, beginning in August.
The EMBA is explicitly designed for experienced/seasoned professionals with a minimum of six years of full-time, professional work experience, and you must be currently employed. Admitted students average 15 years of work experience and 10 years of management experience. The minimum is six years of full-time work with at least two years of management (people, budgets, projects, etc.) View the EMBA class profile.
No. The EMBA program does not offer F-1 visa sponsorship or OPT eligibility. However, international students are welcome to apply and should verify their visa status to ensure eligibility for the program’s duration.
Yes, an international experience is required. EMBA students complete a nine-day international residency focused on emerging and mature global markets. Students also engage in a virtual Global Team Project (GTP), collaborating with students from Carlson’s Global EMBA programs in Vienna.
The Executive MBA program considers applicants with a minimum of 6 years of work experience and 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. We prefer a minimum of 2 years of management experience, and the average is 10 years. The EMBA is designed for experienced professionals in a lockstep, cohort-based format emphasizing executive-level leadership and strategic decision-making. It meets on alternating weekends and includes a required global residency. Full-Time and Part-Time MBAs are more flexible, serve students earlier in their careersand offer a different curriculum structure.
Admissions
It is distinguished by its lockstep cohort model for experienced professionals, featuring a dedicated leadership development track, a required nine-day international residency, and the Global Team Project (GTP), which involves a virtual semester collaboration with global EMBA cohorts.
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from any field, a minimum of six years of full-time, professional work experience, including a minimum of 2 years of management (people budgets, projects, etc.), and must be currently employed at the time of application. The program is test-optional, meaning GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment scores are not required for admission. They are only recommended for applicants who may have concerns about the overall strength of their application. View all admission requirements.
Work experience is required, with a minimum of six years of full-time professional experience with at least two yers of management (people, budgets, projects, etc.). The average admitted student profile boasts 15 years of total work experience and 10 years of management experience.
The program is test-optional, meaning GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment scores are not required for admission. They are only recommended for applicants who may have concerns about the overall strength of their application. No waivers needed.
Applications are reviewed year-round on a rolling basis. Priority deadlines are typically set for December 31, March 31, May 15 and July 1. View requirements & deadlines.
Applicants must have an equivalent to a 4-year U.S. bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. A degree from any field is fully acceptable, as the program actively recruits individuals from a broad range of academic and professional backgrounds.
Employer support is strongly encouraged but not required for admission, especially concerning time accommodations. Many students receive full or partial tuition assistance or scheduling flexibility from their employers.
Applications are reviewed year-round on a rolling basis. Target deadlines are typically December 31 (priority), March 31, May 15 , and July 1 (final). Most admissions decisions are issued within two weeks of receiving a completed application (includes interview). View requirements & deadlines.
The prerequisites for applying to the Carlson Executive MBA program are a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (regardless of major), a minimum of six years of full-time, professional work experience and you must be currently employed. Some foreign students may need to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), Pearson Test of English, Duo Lingo Test, or the IELTS, as well. No prerequisite courses are required. Applicants must demonstrate strong professional experience, leadership capacity and academic readiness. Foundational business knowledge is integrated into the EMBA curriculum.
While there is no stated role requirement, the program is intended for seasoned leaders with significant professional responsibility. Admitted students average 15 years of work experience and 10 years in management. A minimum of six years of full-time, professional work experienceand you must be currently employed at time of application.
A minimum of six years of full-time, professional work experience and you must be currently employed at time of application is required. Most EMBA students hold managerial or executive-level roles. A specific title is not required, but applicants must demonstrate proven leadership experience, strategic responsibilities and a clear trajectory toward senior leadership.
No, the GMAT/GRE test is optional and not required for admission. GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment scores may be submitted but are not required for the application review. We do, however, recommend either GMAT, GRE or the Executive Assessment test for those applicants who do not have a strong academic record or who have concerns about the overall strength of their application or are also considering the part-time program.
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 Carlson MBA degrees in general, you may want to visit our MBA programs: https://carlsonschool.umn.edu/graduate/mba .
The Carlson Executive MBA accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the year prior to the fall start in August. Admission decisions are made within a week of your interview. The Executive MBA admissions staff will contact you to schedule your admissions interview upon submission of your application.
The Carlson Executive MBA has four priority deadlines: December 31, March 31, May 15 and July 1. Applications that are not complete by this deadline (that includes completion of the admission interview) will be held and processed in a batch admission procedure to fill any remaining seats.
Our application and directions to apply are here: https://choose.umn.edu/portal/grad_app
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 if you applied prior to July 1.
You will receive an admission decision via email, within 1-2 weeks of completing your application which includes your interview. We do not give admission decisions over the phone.
Occasionally, students defer admission due to family or work situations. We will transfer your decision to the following year and send you a new admission letter for the new year.
You are not required to have an undergraduate degree 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.
Yes, international applicants may apply but as this is a working professional program, the applicant must be living and working in the U.S. to enroll. The Carlson EMBA program does not provide visas.
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, or Duo Lingo. 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.
A total of 52.5 credits is required to complete the MBA degree through the Executive MBA program.
If you have the necessary work experience, the executive MBA program may be a richer experience for you by allowing you to study amongst your professional peers, as well as complete the degree through a program that provides the appropriate level of services and networking opportunities for experienced professionals. This program will focus on the strategic decision making and leadership skills needed for leadership roles.
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 (October through April only) to experience the program first hand, before you apply.
Certainly! We would be happy to connect you with one of our many Carlson Executive MBA Alumni Ambassadors who look forward to sharing their experiences with you. Email Jacquelyn Wingfield, Associate Director of Admissions and Recruiting at [email protected].
The best way to learn more about the Executive MBA program is to attend an information session or lunch and class visit opportunity where you can meet our admissions staff, hear the perspectives of current students, experience the classes first hand and find answers to your questions. Contact Jacquelyn Wingfield [email protected] or 612-626-8129. You can also set up time on her calendar for a meeting.
Tuition & Aid
Tuition for the Fall 2026 intake is $70,200.00 per year, which is a comprehensive program fee covering tuition, fees, books, course materials, meals and parking on class days, lodging for immersion weeks and a portion of the international residency costs. View tuition & aid.
Yes, Executive MBA applicants can be considered for a limited number of 15% and 25% merit-based scholarships. Additionally, a very limited number of 50% merit-based scholarships are available. These are applied to tuition-only and do not cover fees.
U.S. military members/veterans, and employees from our Corporate Partner Program members are automatically eligible for a 15% tuition discount or are welcome to apply for the limited 25% or 50% merit-based scholarships. These scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. We strongly recommend applying early in the cycle for consideration.
UMN Employees who are admitted to the Carlson Executive MBA Program are eligible for the Regents Tuition Benefit Program .
Scholarships are not transferable to other degree programs and may not be "stacked" with other scholarships or discounts.
No. The Executive MBA program does not offer traditional teaching or research assistantships, as it’s designed for working professionals who continue their careers while pursuing the degree.
Yes, employer tuition support is a common form of financing for EMBA students. Eligible U.S. students may also utilize federal and private educational loans.
Since the comprehensive tuition fee covers many expenses associated with class attendance (such as meals, parking and lodging for immersions), students continue to manage their own daily cost of living in their home location.
Yes. Eligible U.S. students can utilize federal and private educational loans and may combine these with employer tuition benefits.
Employer tuition assistance may reduce eligibility for need-based aid but does not impact merit scholarships. Federal loan eligibility may be adjusted based on the total educational assistance received.
Tuition is billed on a program-based schedule set by the University of Minnesota, typically per semester. The EMBA has four semesters. For specific billing due dates and payment plan options, students should refer to the University's One Stop Student Services.
Students may utilize employer support, personal funds, scholarships and/or financial aid through university, federal and private educational loans.
Tuition for students entering the program in Fall 2026 is $70,200.00/year. The program fee covers tuition and fees, books, digital case library, software for the program, meals and parking on class days, lodging for the two immersion weeks, and some costs of the international residency. Tuition is set by the Regents of the University of Minnesota in late Spring of each year. The EMBA tuition is charged as a flat program fee (not per credit) and is billed per semester (4 total). For the specific annual rate including fees, please refer to the current Tuition & Financial Aid page.
Yes. The University of Minnesota's Office of Student Financial Aid makes available financial assistance in the form of Federal and Private educational loan programs. We have a limited number of merit based scholarships available to support building a diverse cohort of students. Most of our students utilize some combination of financial aid, employer support and personal funds. Refer to the current Tuition & Aid page.
Yes, you may use your military and veterans' education benefits for the Carlson Executive MBA program. Under the Yellow Ribbon Program, you may also qualify for full Minnesota Carlson tuition and fees covered, depending on the program. To learn more, visit our Military Community webpage about using your education benefits.
Scholarships are limited and are awarded based on merit. Candidates seeking scholarship consideration are strongly encouraged to apply by the December 31 priority deadline. Employer tuition support is also a common funding source. The University of Minnesota's Office of Student Financial Aid makes available financial assistance in the form of Federal and Private educational loan programs. We have a limited number of merit based scholarships available to support building a diverse cohort of students. Most of our students utilize some combination of financial aid, employer support and personal funds.
There are two types of corporate support: time off 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. Minnesota Carlson does have a Corporate Discount program with several companies.
Curriculum
A total of 52.5 credits is required. The curriculum follows a fixed, lockstep (set sequence) curriculum that emphasizes core business fundamentals, executive leadership and advanced global strategy.
No. The EMBA follows a fixed, lockstep curriculum with a carefully designed course sequence that emphasizes integrated leadership development and maximizes cohort-based learning, rather than elective specialization.
Yes, a practicum/capstone component is integrated into the curriculum via the required nine-day international residency and the collaborative Global Team Project (GTP). No internship is required.
Real-world experiential learning is delivered through the required international residency, providing hands-on immersion in global markets, and the Global Team Project, which mandates a semester-long virtual collaboration with international peers on a major business project.
The schedule is structured and requires attendance every other Friday and Saturday (7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) in-person (or synchronously online). Students must also attend two mandatory annual Immersion Weeks, limiting flexibility for other options.
The primary format is in-person sessions every other Friday and Saturday. Students also have a hybrid option to join synchronously online when professional needs require it.
The EMBA is a lockstep cohort program, meaning students take all courses with their cohort. Due to the program's structure and timing, cross-registration with other MBA formats is generally not available.
The Carlson Executive MBA program is a delivered as a lock-step, cohort program, which means your schedule of courses is predetermined and that you go through the entire program with the same group of students (your cohort).
Classes meet Fridays and Saturdays in-person (or synchronously online), typically on alternate weekends. Expect occasional back-to-back weekends each semester. The day runs from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. conotaining 2-four hour classes. Classes are held on Fridays and Saturdays, predominantly on alternate weekends although there are some back-to-back weekends each semester.
The EMBA is a 20-month, lockstep program starting in August. Year one covers core business fundamentals and leadership. Year two focuses on advanced leadership, concluding with the Global Team Project and the international residency. From orientation to graduation, the program length is approximately 20 months. This includes the fall and spring semester for year 1 and the fall and spring semester for year 2. You do not have classes during the summer in between those two years.
Many, if not most, of our Executive MBA students travel for work, and our faculty are aware of the tensions and challenges in balancing a busy career with graduate study. Policies and standards vary by professor. Our faculty members are as flexible as possible about issues regarding professional travel. You should work directly with your instructors to work out such issues. If you do need to miss class for travel or any other reason, you should immediately contact your professor, along with your study team members. Students are encouraged to attend class via the HyFlex method on zoom (synchronously online) when they cannot attend in person and review any videos after the fact if they cannot attend virtually.
Executive MBA study groups are formed by the program office and are created to provide teams with diverse perspectives, educational backgrounds, careers, international backgrounds and overall experiences to enhance their learning and networking opportunities. Study groups are rotated between the first and second years of the program.
Yes. The program kicks-off each new academic year with 4 days of classes, workshops, and social events while lodging near campus with your classmates to solidify the cohort experience and build foundational knowledge and relationships. The Carlson Executive MBA program includes two immersion weeks which occur at the beginning of each school year. Immersion weeks allow for study team building, networking and a focused academic start each fall.
The EMBA is a lockstep curriculum with a set sequence of courses. The program emphasizes integrated leadership development and cohort learning over traditional elective specialization. The Carlson Executive MBA program has a strategic management focus, with an understanding of the global environment and a focus on leadership development of self and others. In the first year of the program, students complete a series of MBA core courses, which cover the basic functions and tools of business. The second year courses explore the broader context of business and help you develop the ability to deal with complex management challenges, as well as develop a deeper global perspective.
Yes, an international component is required. This includes a nine-day international residency and the Global Team Project (GTP), where students collaborate with global EMBA cohorts in Vienna and other locations. At the end of the Executive MBA program, you'll participate in an intense international residency that gives you hands-on experience in emerging and mature markets around the world. While abroad, you'll have the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of cultural and social differences that can have a profound impact on global business.
Led by senior faculty, the residency incorporates speakers, projects, and team presentations. Along with company visits and plant tours, you may attend presentations, discussions and lectures by government officials, business leaders and local professors.
The Global Virtual Team Project, or GTP, is a unique project where EMBA students are placed on teams with students from our Global Executive MBA programs in China and Austria. Students work virtually for a large part of their second year in the program and come together at the Carlson School the week prior to graduation, to present their projects to a panel of faculty and peers from all four programs.
The general guideline is that you will spend 2 times the amount of class time on assigned readings and team projects outside of the classroom, which means approximately 15-20 hours per week.
Community & Careers
Students receive full, lifetime access to the Carlson Business Career Center (CBCC), which offers specialized services including 1:1 executive coaching, professional assessments, job search support, interview preparation and negotiation strategy sessions.
Many graduates remain with their current employer, transitioning into significantly expanded roles, with 40% reporting a promotion within one year of starting. Others successfully pivot to new companies in senior-level functions.
EMBA students receive full access to the Carlson Business Career Center (CBCC). This includes 1:1 executive coaching, professional assessments, job-search support, interview preparation and negotiation strategy sessions.
Many graduates remain with their current employer and transition into expanded roles. Others successfully use the program to change industries or functions. Outcomes data shows 40% earn promotions within one year of starting the program.
EMBA students are immediately connected to a powerful, global network of 60,000+ Carlson alumni across more than 100 countries. Alumni frequently engage with the program through events, speaking panels and recruitment activities.
Yes. EMBA students have access to career and networking opportunities. While some structured pipelines are tailored for Full-Time students, EMBA participants typically engage with employers selectively to align with their senior-level career goals.
The Graduate Business Career Center offers a variety of services and programs that help students in finding the right job and in determining their career path. These services include resume critiques, mock interviews, career counseling, job search workshops and job postings. You'll be matched with a dedicated EMBA career coach who will help you define your career aspirations, identify your strengths and develop a strategic plan to achieve your goals. Services are lifetime as an alumnus of the program.
Student Life
The average student is 39 years old with 15 years of work experience and 10 years of management experience, typically holding senior manager, director or VP-level roles from a wide variety of industries. View the EMBA class profile.
EMBA students are welcome to participate in academic and professional clubs, engage with school-wide events and utilize Carlson’s centers and institutes as their demanding professional schedules permit.
The alumni network is very strong and highly accessible; students are immediately connected to a global network of over 60,000 Carlson alumni who frequently engage with the program through speaking events and networking opportunities.
The experience is defined by a tight-knit, highly collaborative lockstep cohort model and dedicated support. Students work in structured study teams (which rotate between years) and benefit from accessible faculty and two mandatory Immersion Weeks designed for community bonding and focused academic starts.
The experience is a tight-knit, highly collaborative cohort model. Students form long-term professional and personal relationships within a supportive group that maintains strong connections long after graduation.
The alternating Friday/Saturday format is specifically designed for busy working professionals. The predictable, lockstep structure allows students to establish consistent study rhythms around their full-time professional and personal obligations.
Yes. EMBA students may participate in academic and professional clubs, attend school-wide events and engage with Minnesota Carlson’s various centers and institutes as their demanding schedules permit.
Networking opportunities are extensive, including interaction with C-suite leaders, collaboration within a diverse cohort, professional workshops, the required global residency and entering a powerful 60,000+ Carlson alumni network.
Students receive personalized academic support including one-on-one interactions with faculty, structured team assignments and dedicated staff guidance. Faculty are highly accessible via in-person meetings, phone, video and email.