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

Fall Semester Required Courses
Course NumberTitleRequired or ElectiveCredits
MBA 6301Strategic ManagementRequired3
MBA 6121Data Analysis and Statistics for ManagersRequired3
MBA 6031Financial AccountingRequired3
MBA 6221Supply Chain & OperationsRequired3
MBA 6231Financial ManagementRequired3
MBA 6211Marketing ManagementRequired3
MBA 6141Managerial EconomicsRequired2

Spring Semester

Spring Semester Required and Elective Courses
Course NumberTitleRequired or ElectiveCredits
MBA 6111Organizational BehaviorRequired2
MBA 6241Competing in a Data-Driven Digital AgeRequired2
Various

Experiential Learning Options

Choose one of the following enterprises:

  • MBA 6505 - Carlson Brand Enterprise
  • MBA 6503 - Carlson Ventures Enterprise
  • MBA 6501 - Carlson Funds Enterprise
  • MBA 6504 - Carlson Consulting Enterprise
Required4
Additional 4-12 Credits from:
MGMT 6465Leadership and Personal DevelopmentRequired2
MBA 6315Business EthicsRequired2
Various

International Experience Requirement

Complete one of the following options:

  • Global Enrichment (2-week experience)
  • Global Immersion (semester abroad)
  • Glocal Course (domestic course)
Required4
N/AElective CoursesElectiveCredits 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

Fall Semester Required and Elective Courses
Course NumberTitleRequired or ElectiveCredits
Various

Experiential Learning

Choose one of the following enterprises:

  • MBA 6505 - Carlson Brand Enterprise
  • MBA 6503 - Carlson Ventures Enterprise
  • MBA 6501 - Carlson Funds Enterprise
  • MBA 6504 - Carlson Consulting Enterprise
Required4
Additional 8-14 Credits from
Various

International Experience

Choose one of the following options:

  • Global Enrichment (2 week experience)
  • Global Immersion (semester abroad)
  • Glocal Course (domestic course)
Required4
MGMT 6465Leadership and Personal DevelopmentRequired2
MBA 6315Business EthicsRequired2
N/AElectivesElectiveCredits Vary

Spring Semester

Spring Semester Required and Elective Courses (12-18 Credits Total)
Course NumberTitleRequired or ElectiveCredits
12-18 Credits from:
Various

International Experience

Choose one of the following options:

  • Global Enrichment (2 week experience)
  • Global Immersion (semester abroad)
  • Glocal Course (domestic course)
Required4
MGMT 6465Leadership and Personal DevelopmentRequired2
MBA 6315Business EthicsRequired2
N/AElectivesElectiveCredits 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

Fall Semester Required Courses
Course NumberTitleRequired or ElectiveCredits
MBA 6301Strategic ManagementRequired3
MBA 6121Data Analysis and Statistics for ManagersRequired3
MBA 6031Financial AccountingRequired3
MBA 6221Supply Chain & OperationsRequired3
MBA 6231Financial ManagementRequired3
MBA 6211Marketing ManagementRequired3
MBA 6141Managerial EconomicsRequired2

Spring Semester

Spring Semester Required and Elective Courses
Course NumberTitleRequired or ElectiveCredits
MBA 6111Organizational BehaviorRequired2
MBA 6241Competing in a Data-Driven Digital AgeRequired2
Various

Experiential Learning Options

Choose one of the following enterprises:

  • MBA 6505 - Carlson Brand Enterprise
  • MBA 6503 - Carlson Ventures Enterprise
  • MBA 6501 - Carlson Funds Enterprise
  • MBA 6504 - Carlson Consulting Enterprise
Required4
Additional 4-12 Credits from:
MGMT 6465Leadership and Personal DevelopmentRequired2
MBA 6315Business EthicsRequired2
Various

International Experience Requirement

Complete one of the following options:

  • Global Enrichment (2-week experience)
  • Global Immersion (semester abroad)
  • Glocal Course (domestic course)
Required4
N/AElective CoursesElectiveCredits 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

Fall Semester Required and Elective Courses
Course NumberTitleRequired or ElectiveCredits
Various

Experiential Learning

Choose one of the following enterprises:

  • MBA 6505 - Carlson Brand Enterprise
  • MBA 6503 - Carlson Ventures Enterprise
  • MBA 6501 - Carlson Funds Enterprise
  • MBA 6504 - Carlson Consulting Enterprise
Required4
Additional 8-14 Credits from
Various

International Experience

Choose one of the following options:

  • Global Enrichment (2 week experience)
  • Global Immersion (semester abroad)
  • Glocal Course (domestic course)
Required4
MGMT 6465Leadership and Personal DevelopmentRequired2
MBA 6315Business EthicsRequired2
N/AElectivesElectiveCredits Vary

Spring Semester

Spring Semester Required and Elective Courses (12-18 Credits Total)
Course NumberTitleRequired or ElectiveCredits
12-18 Credits from:
Various

International Experience

Choose one of the following options:

  • Global Enrichment (2 week experience)
  • Global Immersion (semester abroad)
  • Glocal Course (domestic course)
Required4
MGMT 6465Leadership and Personal DevelopmentRequired2
MBA 6315Business EthicsRequired2
N/AElectivesElectiveCredits 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

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