Full-Time MBA Curriculum
The Carlson School Full-Time MBA positions you with the technical expertise, strategic mindset, and global perspective needed to succeed in today’s complex business landscape. This program integrates cutting-edge analytics and data-driven decision-making, keeping you ahead in an evolving industry. Plus, your master’s degree in business administration offers access to an expansive network of classmates, faculty, alumni, and advisors—all within Minnesota’s world-class business ecosystem of Fortune 500 companies and entrepreneurial leaders.
Curriculum Overview
- Preliminary Work – Kick-start your Carlson MBA journey with summer quantitative pre-work to prepare for the rigorous first semester.
- Core Courses – These MBA courses build a strong foundation in essential business disciplines.
- Electives & Specializations – Tailor your MBA experience with 100+ electives across 15 specializations, aligning your coursework with your career aspirations.
What You’ll Learn in a Full-Time MBA
The Carlson School Full-Time MBA is a 64-credit, 2-year program designed to maximize both collaborative learning and career customization. Small, cohort-based MBA classes foster deep connections and a strong professional network, while the curriculum blends core courses in managerial disciplines with a wide array of electives to align with your career goals.
Before the start of your first year, you'll engage in a comprehensive online pre-work program to lay a solid groundwork for the MBA curriculum ahead. This preparatory coursework covers essential topics such as accounting principles, career assessments, and introductory webinars. You will receive more details several months before the program begins.
To kick off the academic year, an orientation session will take place in late August so you can meet your Full-Time MBA cohort and get acquainted with the campus environment.
In the first year of the Full-Time MBA degree, you immerse yourself in a rigorous curriculum that blends strategic management, data analysis, financial accounting, and more. This foundational year combines essential MBA coursework with hands-on learning, equipping you with the skills and expertise needed to excel in leadership roles within today’s evolving business landscape.
Fall Semester
| Course Number | Title | Required or Elective | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA 6301 | Strategic Management | Required | 3 |
| MBA 6121 | Data Analysis and Statistics for Managers | Required | 3 |
| MBA 6031 | Financial Accounting | Required | 3 |
| MBA 6221 | Supply Chain & Operations | Required | 3 |
| MBA 6231 | Financial Management | Required | 3 |
| MBA 6211 | Marketing Management | Required | 3 |
| MBA 6141 | Managerial Economics | Required | 2 |
Spring Semester
| Course Number | Title | Required or Elective | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA 6111 | Organizational Behavior | Required | 2 |
| MBA 6241 | Competing in a Data-Driven Digital Age | Required | 2 |
| Various | Experiential Learning Options Choose one of the following enterprises:
| Required | 4 |
| Additional 4-12 Credits from: | |||
| MGMT 6465 | Leadership and Personal Development | Required | 2 |
| MBA 6315 | Business Ethics | Required | 2 |
| Various | International Experience Requirement Complete one of the following options:
| Required | 4 |
| N/A | Elective Courses | Elective | Credits Vary |
Career Development in Year 1
In Year 1 of the Carlson Full-Time MBA program, students receive comprehensive career development support:
- Personalized Career Advising
- Career Events and Networking
- Resume Refinement
- Job Exploration
- Recruitment Opportunities
- Interview Preparation
- MBA Internship Support
By the end of Year 1, students secure summer internships, gaining real-world experience and preparing for post-MBA careers.
In Year 2 of the Full-Time MBA program, you will customize your master’s degree in business administration with advanced electives aligned with your career aspirations while gaining hands-on experience through one of our immersive Enterprise Programs:
Complemented by leadership development, global enrichment, and business ethics coursework, this comprehensive curriculum will hone your strategic, analytical, and leadership skills essential for success in today’s dynamic business world.
Fall Semester
| Course Number | Title | Required or Elective | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Various | Experiential Learning Choose one of the following enterprises:
| Required | 4 |
| Additional 8-14 Credits from | |||
| Various | International Experience Choose one of the following options:
| Required | 4 |
| MGMT 6465 | Leadership and Personal Development | Required | 2 |
| MBA 6315 | Business Ethics | Required | 2 |
| N/A | Electives | Elective | Credits Vary |
Spring Semester
| Course Number | Title | Required or Elective | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12-18 Credits from: | |||
| Various | International Experience Choose one of the following options:
| Required | 4 |
| MGMT 6465 | Leadership and Personal Development | Required | 2 |
| MBA 6315 | Business Ethics | Required | 2 |
| N/A | Electives | Elective | Credits Vary |
Career Development in Year 2
In Year 2 of the Carlson MBA program, the focus shifts to securing full-time employment opportunities. Many students receive job offers from their summer internship companies, while others explore additional prospects. The comprehensive career development support includes:
- Job Offer Negotiations Guidance
- Ongoing Career Advising
- Career Panel Events and Networking Opportunities
- Resume Reviews and Informational Interviews
- Job Exploration Activities
- Career Fairs and Treks (e.g., San Francisco, Seattle)
- Interview Preparation for Full-Time Roles
- Assistance in Applying for Full-Time Positions
- Support for Job Interviews
With personalized guidance, students are well-equipped to navigate the job search process, leverage their internship experiences, and secure fulfilling full-time roles upon graduation.
Before the start of your first year, you'll engage in a comprehensive online pre-work program to lay a solid groundwork for the MBA curriculum ahead. This preparatory coursework covers essential topics such as accounting principles, career assessments, and introductory webinars. You will receive more details several months before the program begins.
To kick off the academic year, an orientation session will take place in late August so you can meet your Full-Time MBA cohort and get acquainted with the campus environment.
In the first year of the Full-Time MBA degree, you immerse yourself in a rigorous curriculum that blends strategic management, data analysis, financial accounting, and more. This foundational year combines essential MBA coursework with hands-on learning, equipping you with the skills and expertise needed to excel in leadership roles within today’s evolving business landscape.
Fall Semester
| Course Number | Title | Required or Elective | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA 6301 | Strategic Management | Required | 3 |
| MBA 6121 | Data Analysis and Statistics for Managers | Required | 3 |
| MBA 6031 | Financial Accounting | Required | 3 |
| MBA 6221 | Supply Chain & Operations | Required | 3 |
| MBA 6231 | Financial Management | Required | 3 |
| MBA 6211 | Marketing Management | Required | 3 |
| MBA 6141 | Managerial Economics | Required | 2 |
Spring Semester
| Course Number | Title | Required or Elective | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA 6111 | Organizational Behavior | Required | 2 |
| MBA 6241 | Competing in a Data-Driven Digital Age | Required | 2 |
| Various | Experiential Learning Options Choose one of the following enterprises:
| Required | 4 |
| Additional 4-12 Credits from: | |||
| MGMT 6465 | Leadership and Personal Development | Required | 2 |
| MBA 6315 | Business Ethics | Required | 2 |
| Various | International Experience Requirement Complete one of the following options:
| Required | 4 |
| N/A | Elective Courses | Elective | Credits Vary |
Career Development in Year 1
In Year 1 of the Carlson Full-Time MBA program, students receive comprehensive career development support:
- Personalized Career Advising
- Career Events and Networking
- Resume Refinement
- Job Exploration
- Recruitment Opportunities
- Interview Preparation
- MBA Internship Support
By the end of Year 1, students secure summer internships, gaining real-world experience and preparing for post-MBA careers.
In Year 2 of the Full-Time MBA program, you will customize your master’s degree in business administration with advanced electives aligned with your career aspirations while gaining hands-on experience through one of our immersive Enterprise Programs:
Complemented by leadership development, global enrichment, and business ethics coursework, this comprehensive curriculum will hone your strategic, analytical, and leadership skills essential for success in today’s dynamic business world.
Fall Semester
| Course Number | Title | Required or Elective | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Various | Experiential Learning Choose one of the following enterprises:
| Required | 4 |
| Additional 8-14 Credits from | |||
| Various | International Experience Choose one of the following options:
| Required | 4 |
| MGMT 6465 | Leadership and Personal Development | Required | 2 |
| MBA 6315 | Business Ethics | Required | 2 |
| N/A | Electives | Elective | Credits Vary |
Spring Semester
| Course Number | Title | Required or Elective | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12-18 Credits from: | |||
| Various | International Experience Choose one of the following options:
| Required | 4 |
| MGMT 6465 | Leadership and Personal Development | Required | 2 |
| MBA 6315 | Business Ethics | Required | 2 |
| N/A | Electives | Elective | Credits Vary |
Career Development in Year 2
In Year 2 of the Carlson MBA program, the focus shifts to securing full-time employment opportunities. Many students receive job offers from their summer internship companies, while others explore additional prospects. The comprehensive career development support includes:
- Job Offer Negotiations Guidance
- Ongoing Career Advising
- Career Panel Events and Networking Opportunities
- Resume Reviews and Informational Interviews
- Job Exploration Activities
- Career Fairs and Treks (e.g., San Francisco, Seattle)
- Interview Preparation for Full-Time Roles
- Assistance in Applying for Full-Time Positions
- Support for Job Interviews
With personalized guidance, students are well-equipped to navigate the job search process, leverage their internship experiences, and secure fulfilling full-time roles upon graduation.
Full-Time MBA Curriculum & Faculty
The Carlson School Full-Time MBA faculty and curriculum prepare students to succeed in their careers after graduation and beyond.
Program Highlights
Carlson Full-Time MBA students will develop their leadership toolkit from orientation through graduation. Leadership coursework focuses on the development of skills to understand organizational dynamics and effectively lead organizational change.
