MBA in Two
MBA in Two is a selective, deferred admissions program designed specifically for domestic undergraduate seniors. Students apply and receive a decision during their senior year; if admitted, they venture into the workplace to gain two years of professional experience before entering the Carlson Full-Time MBA program.
MBA in Two students demonstrates leadership, collaborative capabilities, and strong academics. Students interested in pursuing professional careers in any industry that places a premium on leadership and management skills are encouraged to apply.
Experiential Learning
The Carlson Enterprises offer unique, hands-on learning opportunities over a 15-month period. Students collaborate and work directly with corporate clients (many of them Fortune 500s) to manage consulting projects in branding and marketing, management consulting, new business ventures, and funds investments.
Additional hands-on learning opportunities are available through the Medical Industry Leadership Institute, Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship, and Juran Center for Research in Supply Chain, Operations, and Quality.
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Benefits of the program
Our world-class Graduate Business Career Center offers extensive services and resources to help students with all aspects of career development. Career coaching, mock interviews, industry-focused sessions, company visits, internship placement, and job offer negotiation strategies are just a few of the ways we connect you to—and prepare you for—the world outside our doors.
Students in the Full-Time MBA program quickly discover the breadth of networking opportunities available at Carlson. From engaging with leaders of multinational companies and creating connections during your global experience to attending local networking events and joining professional and cultural organizations, the chances to build your professional connections are endless.
All students embark on an international experience to develop essential business skills required for success in a global economy. Customize your experience by choosing the destination, format, and duration that fits you. Additional international opportunities are available through the Carlson Global Institute.
Program Structure
- Study for GMAT/GRE
- Request letters of recommendation
- Polish resume
- Craft personal statement
- Speak with Admissions Team about how to strengthen your application Apply for MBA in Two
Year 1
- Complete Career Leader Assessment
- Secure position that aligns with potential MBA focus Volunteer for team projects
- Join Mentor program
- Meet with career coach
- Connect with student organizations
Year 2
- Complete Career Leader Assessment
- Secure position that aligns with potential MBA focus Volunteer for team projects
- Join Mentor program
- Meet with career coach
- Connect with student organizations
Academics
Fall Semester
- Leading Self
- Strategic Management
- Statistics
- Financial Accounting
- Managerial Economics
- Operations Management
- Financial Management
- Marketing Management
Spring Semester
- Leading Self
- Competing in a Data Driven Age
- Leading Others
- Enterprise (Experiential Learning)
- Global Experience
- Electives
- Marketing Management
Summer
- Internship
Academics
Fall Semester
- Enterprise
- Leading Organizations
- Ethical Environment of Business
- Electives
Spring Semester
- Leading Organizations
- Electives
Application Deadline
The priority application deadline for MBA in Two is July 1 of your graduating year. However, we will continue to accept applications for the program until September 1 of that same year.
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Academic Scholarships & Fellowships
The Carlson School has designated fellowships specifically for MBA in Two students - you could potentially be awarded up to the full cost of tuition!Â
As an MBA in Two applicant, you will automatically be considered for our academic scholarships and fellowships. Should you be awarded a scholarship and/or fellowship, this information will be provided to you within your admit packet.
Admissions Requirements & Checklist
To be considered for admission to MBA in Two, applicants must be in the process of completing their Bachelor's degree and submit a complete application to the Carlson MBA Program Office. A complete application includes:
You must complete the online application. You will need your username and password each time you save and wish to resume your online application.
Upon completion of your degree, please request for official transcript(s) to be sent to the Carlson MBA Program Office:
MBA Admissions and Recruiting
Carlson School of Management
321 Nineteenth Avenue South, Suite 1-110
Minneapolis, MN 55455
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An official GMAT or GRE score no older than five years old is required for admission to the MBA program. Please arrange for the testing service to send an official score report to the Carlson MBA Program Office: GMAT code: D2N-VJ-15; GRE code: 8387. Results normally arrive 2-3 weeks after the test. A competitive GMAT score for admission to the MBA in Two program is around 690, which is equivalent to a 324 GRE score.
Use the online application to provide the names of three references. These references can be either academic or professional.
We require a personal statement of your career goals and objectives in pursuing an MBA degree. Details about the personal statement can be found within the online application.
You will be required to upload a current resume to the online application. The resume should include job responsibilities, accomplishments and student involvement.
Admissions interviews are by invite only. MBA in Two applicants must first complete their application in order to be considered for an interview.
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Frequently Asked Questions
MBA in Two is a selective, deferred admissions program designed specifically for domestic undergraduate seniors.
Yes, you must be a domestic student/U.S. resident to qualify for this program. Unfortunately, this program is not open to international students.
You are not required to have an undergraduate degree, coursework or work experience in business. The Carlson School recruits and admits students from a broad range of academic and professional backgrounds. About one-third of our students come from a traditional business undergraduate or professional background, another third of our students have a background in technology or engineering, and the last third have a background in a wide variety of disciplines and functional areas (such as non-profit, education, visual and performing arts, etc.).
Applications are reviewed as a whole and candidates are admitted into the program based on academic credentials and general fit for the program. The admissions committee will consider your academic performance (official transcripts for any post-secondary coursework and GPA), GMAT test scores, admissions interview, work experience, student involvement and achievements, personal statement, and professional/academic references.
Admissions interviews are by invite only; only selective MBA in Two applicants will be invited to interview. After you have submitted your complete application, you will be considered for an admissions interview.
MBA in Two candidates who apply for our Full-Time MBA program are automatically considered for academic scholarships and fellowships through the admissions review process - no additional applications are needed. Our academic scholarships and fellowships are highly competitive, with a typical scholarship recipient scoring a 700 on their GMAT.
There is no preference. We encourage you to take the exam you are most comfortable with.
Yes. If you take the GMAT or GRE more than once, the admissions committee will consider your highest score.
To be considered for MBA in Two, seniors must submit a complete application by July 1 of their graduating year. However, we will continue to accept applications for the program until September 1 of that same year.
Admissions decisions for the MBA in Two program will be provided to applicants 4-6 weeks after their submission deadline.
Undergraduate college students apply during their senior year or right after graduating and receive a decision in the months following graduation. If admitted, candidates would enter the Carlson MBA Full-Time program after completing two years of professional work experience. For example, if you will be graduating May of 2022 and are admitted to the program, you will begin the Full-Time MBA program in fall of 2024. December graduates interested in the Full-Time MBA would start in the fall 2.5 years after graduating.
MBA in Two students participate in career coaching, professional development and mentorships with the support of the Carlson Graduate Business Career Center, along with student clubs and organizations - these opportunities are available to MBA in Two students even before starting the Full-Time MBA program.
If you have additional questions, please contact us at ftmba@umn.edu or 612-625-5555.