Full-Time MBA FAQs

Choosing an MBA program is a big decision. This page covers the questions we hear most, from application requirements and program structure to career support and what life looks like as a full-time student.

Have a question not answered here? Feel free to email us anytime at [email protected].

 

Overview

The Minnesota Carlson Full-Time MBA is a rigorous, 2-year, 64-credit, on-campus program for early- to mid-career professionals. It is an immersive degree focused on strong analytics, leadership development and hands-on client work through our signature Enterprise programs and a required global experience.

You're an ideal candidate if you have at least two years of post bachelors professional experience and are looking to accelerate or pivot your career. This small, cohort-based program is ideal for those seeking dedicated career support and deep corporate connections within the Twin Cities business ecosystem.

The Full-Time MBA is a 2-year, 64-credit program delivered in a full-time, on-campus format.

The program begins with a required orientation in mid-August, with classes officially starting the day after Labor Day in September. Admission is only offered for the fall semester; there are no multiple intake periods.

The Full-Time MBA is designed for early- to mid-career professionals. While the minimum preferred experience is two years, our incoming students average around four years of full-time work experience.

The traditional Full-Time MBA is not STEM-designated. However, we offer the Management Science MBA, a STEM-designated track built upon the same core curriculum. This option is eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension for eligible international graduates.

Yes. Carlson offers the Management Science MBA. It's a STEM-designated option that builds on the Full-Time MBA core by adding structured quantitative and analytics requirements.

Yes, dual-degree options are available only with the Full-Time MBA program. This allows you to earn two degrees—like a JD/MBA or certain master's/MBA combinations—in less time. Contact the admissions office for a list of approved programs.

We do not require specific prerequisites. If you lack a strong quantitative background, we suggest taking an introductory course in statistics, business calculus or accounting.

Admissions

The Minnesota Carlson Full-Time MBA stands apart due to its commitment to hands-on experiential learning. Our four Carlson Enterprise programs (Brand, Consulting, Funds, and Ventures) provide multi-semester, real-world client projects. This is combined with a required global experience and deep corporate connections within the Twin Cities business ecosystem.

You must submit a completed online application, a bachelor's degree transcript, current resume, essays (including a video essay), two recommendations, GMAT or GRE score (or approved waiver) and proof of English proficiency (if required). We do not have minimum GPA, GMAT or GRE scores; we review applications holistically. Review all admission requirements.

Work experience is required, with a strongly recommended minimum of two years of full-time, post bachelors professional experience. On average, our admitted students have around four years of work experience with demonstrated progression or increasing responsibilities.

Yes, the GMAT or GRE is required. However, academic test waivers are available for qualified applicants based on factors like GPA, prior degrees, work experience or certain professional certifications.

We use multiple application rounds, typically with deadlines around October 1, December 1, February 1 and April 1. We recommend applying early for the best scholarship consideration.

To be considered for admission, you must have a first university degree that is equivalent to a 4-year U.S. bachelor's degree. Our cohort includes students from a wide range of academic and professional fields, including engineering, technology, non-profit and the arts.

Yes, unless you meet an education-based exemption. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, or Duolingo that meet Carlson’s minimums. Contact the admissions office to determine your requirements.

We review applications holistically. We look for academic potential and general fit for the program. Your application must include:

  • Official transcripts for all post-secondary coursework.
  • GMAT or GRE scores.
  • Current resume.
  • Personal statement.
  • Professional references.

We do not have minimum GPA or test score requirements. The admissions committee includes assistant and associate deans and admissions directors. In some cases, the dean of the Carlson School of Management may also review applications.

Yes. You must take either the GMAT or the GRE. We use these standardized tests to assess verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing skills. We only consider your highest score.

Plan to take the test at least two to four weeks before the application deadline. This allows us to review your application on time.

Yes, but by invitation only. If selected, you will interview with our admissions team via Zoom or on campus.

We strongly recommend at least two years of full-time work experience. Our incoming students average about four years of experience and show career progression through promotions or increased responsibility.

We use multiple application rounds, typically with deadlines around October 1, December 1, February 1 and April 1. We recommend applying early for the best scholarship consideration. Check the requirements & deadline page for the most current dates.

Connect with us at a Minnesota Carlson event. You can meet admissions staff, talk to current students and get direct answers to your questions.

No. You do not need a business background. About one-third of our students have business degrees. Another third come from technology or engineering, and the rest join from non-profits, education, the arts and other fields. View class profile.

You may have only one active application or offer per term. If you want to switch your application to another program (e.g., from Full-Time to Executive MBA), email [email protected]. We can often transfer some materials, but you may need to submit new ones. You cannot transfer an offer of admission to a different program.

You can request a one-time deferral for up to one year. If approved, we will issue a new offer of admission during Round 1 of the following cycle. Scholarship offers do not renew automatically; they depend on the budget for that year.

Contact the program office to request reconsideration for a future term. You must update your online application. We will link your previous test scores and transcripts, but you must send any new scores or transcripts separately. We keep materials on file for two years. We also encourage you to submit an essay explaining any updates since your last attempt.

You are not eligible if you hold an MBA from an AACSB-accredited institution. If your MBA is not AACSB-accredited, you may apply.

Tuition & Aid

Annual tuition is currently about $47,640 for eligible residents (MN, ND, WI, Manitoba) and $62,280 for non-resident and international students. This figure is for tuition only and does not include university fees or estimated cost of living, which vary.

Yes, a wide range of merit-based scholarships and named fellowships are available. All admitted Full-Time and Management Science MBA applicants are automatically considered for these awards during the admissions review; no separate scholarship application is required.

Specific, recurring assistantship roles directly tied to the Full-Time MBA are not common. Students may competitively find other campus jobs, but the rigorous course load, particularly in the first year, makes balancing external work challenging.

Yes, we accept employer tuition support for the Full-Time MBA. Students also commonly use a combination of merit scholarships, federal and private educational loans and personal funding.

The admissions and international student offices provide resources on Minneapolis–St. Paul housing, transit, and general quality-of-life to assist students with budgeting. The total cost of attendance, including estimated living expenses, is detailed on the program's Tuition & Aid page.

Tuition is currently about $47,640 per year for eligible residents (MN, ND, WI, Manitoba) and $62,280 per year for non-resident and international students, plus university and living expenses. Always confirm the latest Tuition & Aid page before enrolling.

Yes. Carlson offers a wide range of merit-based scholarships and named fellowships. All admitted Full-Time MBA and Management Science MBA applicants are automatically considered during the admissions review.

Specific, recurring assistantship roles directly tied to the Full-Time MBA are not common. Students may competitively find other campus jobs, but the rigorous course load, particularly in the first year, makes balancing external work challenging.

Yes, a nonrefundable enrollment deposit is required to hold your spot. The exact deposit amount and due date will be clearly stated in your official admission offer and portal.

Students usually fund their degree through merit-based scholarships, federal or private loans, personal savings or employer support. We recommend planning your finances as you apply.

You must secure your own housing. Most students rent from private management companies. Limited graduate housing is available on the University of Minnesota campus on a first-come, first-served basis.

Curriculum

The program is a 64-credit program. The Full-Time MBA curriculum includes pre-program work and a first-year core focused on fundamental business areas like strategy, finance, data analysis and operations. The core is integrated with Enterprise experiential learning and a required global experience.

Yes. Students have significant flexibility, with over 100 electives available across approximately 14 specializations. Popular concentrations include Finance, Marketing, Supply Chain & Operations, Entrepreneurship & Innovation and Medical Industry.

We don’t use a formal capstone. Instead, you meet real-world requirements. Most students complete a summer internship. You must also finish a multi-semester Enterprise practicum and a global experience.

Hands-on, experiential learning is a core differentiator. Students complete multi-semester client projects through our four Carlson Enterprise programs (Brands, Consulting, Funds, and Ventures). Additionally, a required international experience ensures you gain global business exposure.

This is a full-time, on-campus program. It isn't built for evening, weekend, or online flexibility. Expect to be on campus most days from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., especially during your first year.

The Full-Time MBA is designed as a 2-year, full-time program starting in the fall semester.

The curriculum includes pre-program work, a first-year core in strategy, finance, data analysis, and operations, plus Enterprise experiential learning and an international experience requirement. The second year focuses on electives and specializations to reach 64 credits.

Yes. Students can tailor their MBA with 100+ electives across about 14 specializations. These include Finance, Marketing, Supply Chain & Operations, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Medical Industry and ESG/Sustainability.

Yes. Our signature Carlson Enterprise programs (Brands, Consulting, Funds, and Ventures) give you multi-semester client projects with real companies. All students also complete a required international experience (short-term, semester abroad, or "glocal" course).

No. The Full-Time MBA program relies on a cohort format with an integrated core curriculum. We do not accept transfer students into this program.

Generally, no. We may notify Dual Degree students and CPAs of eligibility for waivers based on prior coursework before Orientation.

The program follows a structured 64-credit load. To take more, you must submit a petition for review by the MBA program Associate Dean. We consider your GPA, academic plan and input from Enterprise and Career Center directors. If approved, you must pay the current per-credit tuition rate for any credits beyond the required 64.

Yes. You can fulfill degree requirements abroad. Options range from short-term Global Enrichment Programs led by faculty to semester-long exchanges at partner universities. Offerings vary by year.

We use a mix of methods. This includes case studies (more than 50%), lectures, discussions, group projects and real-world applications in the business community.

Orientation takes place in mid-August. Classes begin the day after Labor Day.

Community & Careers

The Carlson Business Career Center provides full support. You get 1:1 coaching, résumé prep and mock interviews. We also offer workshops and networking events to help your job search.

Graduates achieve high placement rates (around 90%+ receiving offers within 3 months of graduation). Roles are typically in consulting, marketing, finance, general management, healthcare and technology, often with Fortune 500 companies and leading firms, following a summer internship. View Full-Time MBA employment statistics.

The alumni network is highly accessible. Students tap into 62,000+ Carlson alumni in 100+ countries for mentorship, informational interviews, referrals, and industry connections. This network support is coordinated through the career center and alumni office.

The Carlson Business Career Center (CBCC) provides dedicated support, including 1:1 coaching, résumé and interview prep, career workshops, mock interviews, networking events and full-cycle internship/job search support throughout the program.

Most students complete a full-time summer internship in the U.S. between years one and two. These are often with Fortune 500 companies or leading firms in consulting, finance, healthcare, retail, technology and manufacturing, supported by structured recruiting.

Recent employment reports show high placement rates (around 85%+ receiving offers within 3 months of graduation) with median base salaries well into six figures. Graduates see strong outcomes in consulting, marketing, finance, general management, healthcare and technology.

Yes. Students participate in company information sessions, on-campus networking events, corporate receptions, visits to west coast US cities (Seattle and San Francisco) and broader university career fairs that attract regional and national employers.

Students tap into 62,000+ Carlson alumni in 100+ countries for mentorship, informational interviews, referrals and industry connections. This network support is coordinated through the career center and alumni office.

Student Life

Student life revolves around a small, collaborative cohort. You’ll connect with the University and the Minneapolis–St. Paul business community. It’s an immersive experience that uses a mix of teaching methods, including more than 50% case studies.

The community includes roughly 150 students across both years, with annual cohorts of about 60–70 students. Recent classes show about one-third women, roughly a quarter international students, an average GPA around 3.4 and average work experience of four years. View class profile.

Student life centers on a small, collaborative cohort with 20+ professional and affinity clubs, frequent social events and strong ties to the broader University community and the Minneapolis–St. Paul business ecosystem.

Full-Time MBA students can join 20+ professional, affinity, cultural, social, and athletic clubs and organizations that operate under the Full-Time MBA student life umbrella.

Yes. Full-Time MBAs network with 1,000+ other MBA students (Part-Time and Executive) and tap into a vast network of 62,000+ Carlson alumni in 100+ countries through events, speakers, treks and the Carlson Business Career Center.

Carlson's admissions and international student offices assist with visas, financial documentation and pre-arrival planning. We provide resources on Minneapolis–St. Paul housing, transit and quality-of-life. Students mainly rely on this advising, International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) support and peer networks.

We recommend you do not work, especially during the first year of the program. Expect to be on campus for class most days from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Many students take part-time jobs or assistantships in their second year.