Online MBA FAQs

An MBA on your terms, without putting your career on hold. This page covers the questions we hear most about the Online MBA, from how the program works to admissions, tuition, and student support.

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

 

Overview

The Carlson Online MBA is a fully accredited, 52-credit degree that maintains the same high-quality curriculum, faculty, and rigorous degree standards as our esteemed on-campus MBA programs.

This program is an ideal fit for working professionals, frequent travelers, and military members who require the flexibility to earn a premier MBA without relocating or interrupting their career trajectory. It is specifically designed for those who seek maximum schedule control alongside a rigorous, top-tier curriculum.

The program is delivered in a 100% online, asynchronous format, requiring 52 credits for completion. While students typically complete the degree in three years, the flexible structure allows high-achieving individuals to finish in as little as two years.

We offer three convenient start dates throughout the year, allowing you to begin the program in the Spring (January), Summer (June), or Fall (September).

The Online MBA is primarily designed for experienced candidates and working professionals, requiring applicants to possess a minimum of two years of full-time professional experience.

No, the Online MBA is not STEM-designated and does not qualify international students for an F-1 visa or the OPT extension. As a fully virtual program delivered entirely online, it falls outside the requirements for these benefits.

Both programs are built for working professionals with flexible pacing. The key difference is format: The Online MBA is primarily asynchronous and virtual, offering maximum location flexibility. The Part-Time MBA is centered on structured in-person evening and Saturday classes on the Minneapolis campus with some online options, offering more on-campus interaction.

Yes. The Online MBA confers the same official degree as the Full-Time and Part-Time MBA programs. The diploma does not differentiate the delivery format.

Yes, you can mix formats. Online MBA students may register for on-campus electives if seats are available, allowing for optional in-person engagement.

Applying to the Online MBA program is straightforward and accessible. Use our online application portal to start your application. We're excited to help you take this next step!

Yes. We require two years of work experience. This can include internships, co-ops and graduate assistantships.

We do not offer official specializations for the Online MBA. However, coursework is flexible and can be tailored to your professional interests through our extensive elective options, allowing customization to align with your personal and career goals.

Learn more about coursework on the curriculum page.

Graduates secure positions such as consultant, assistant marketing manager, product manager, finance associate, program manager and general manager.

We consider applicants for 15% merit-based scholarships. A limited number of 50% merit-based scholarships are available. Active U.S. military members, veterans and corporate partner employees automatically receive a 15% tuition discount. You cannot combine scholarships with other discounts. View all scholarship opportunities.

Tuition is $1,797 per credit hour. The 52-credit program costs approximately $93,444, excluding fees.

The Online MBA fits seamlessly into busy professional schedules. It's designed with flexibility in mind—you can finish as quickly as 2 years or take the average of 3 years.

Explore the curriculum and course options on our courses page.

Admissions

Our program is unique in that it offers maximum flexibility and true location independence while ensuring students receive the identical official degree, taught by the same esteemed faculty, and upholding the rigorous curriculum standards of the on-campus MBA programs.

The Online MBA requires a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent international degree, as well as two years of prior work experience (which may include internships). We conduct a holistic review and do not require a minimum undergraduate GPA.

The Online MBA requires at least two years of full-time work experience (this can include internships, co-ops, graduate assistantships, or other qualifying experience)

A GMAT or GRE score is not always required for our Online MBA program, as our policy is flexible. We encourage applicants to review the current instructions within the online application to determine if their professional qualifications may grant a waiver of the testing requirement.

Applications are reviewed in three priority rounds leading up to each of the three start terms (Spring, Summer, and Fall). We strongly encourage you to submit your application early to ensure optimal consideration.

Yes, we welcome applications from candidates with undergraduate degrees from any field, including engineering, the arts or the sciences. While the admissions office reviews all transcripts, no specific undergraduate degree field is required for admission.

The Online MBA requires a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent international degree. Students must submit completed application, official undergraduate transcripts (a bachelor's degree in any field is accepted), three professional references, a current resume and a personal statement along with a video essay. We conduct a holistic review and do not require a minimum undergraduate GPA. Students who wish to apply for scholarship funding must also submit a scholarship essay. The application fee is $75 (non-refundable) for U.S. citizens, international applicants, and U.S. residents with foreign credentials. Your application fee will be waived if you have been on active duty in the U.S. military within three years of submitting your MBA application.

The policy is flexible; a GMAT/GRE score is not always required. Applicants should refer to the current instructions within the online application for the definitive testing policy. Contact the admissions office if you require clarification on your specific testing requirement.

A minimum of two years of full-time work experience is required. Competitive applicants typically bring several years of professional experience to the cohort.

You can start the Online MBA in the spring (January), summer (June), or fall (September). Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with three priority rounds for each term—we'll accept applications after deadlines if space remains (call 612- 594-5432 to check).

Confirm exact dates on the Requirements & Deadlines page, as they shift yearly.

Yes. International students may apply and participate fully online.Online MBA requires proof of English language proficiency if the bachelor’s degree was not completed in an English-speaking context. The program does not qualify students for an F-1 visa because the curriculum is primarily delivered virtually.

Students require reliable high-speed internet access and a computer with video capability to engage in virtual discussions and collaborative group work. Necessary business prerequisites are integrated into the core curriculum.

Tuition & Aid

Tuition is charged at a single rate of $1,797 per credit hour. Since the degree requires 52 credits, the total tuition cost is approximately $93,444, which is subject to change and does not include University fees, books, or course materials.

Yes, we offer merit-based scholarships of up to 15%, with a limited number of 50% awards available. All applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships at the time of application. In addition, U.S. military members/veterans and employees of approved corporate partners are automatically eligible for a 15% tuition discount. Scholarships and discounts are non-transferable and may not be combined.

No. Due to the program's fully online and asynchronous format, traditional teaching or research assistantships aren't offered. However, the flexible structure is designed to fit seamlessly into your busy professional life.

Yes, the program is eligible for employer tuition reimbursement benefits. Eligible U.S. citizens and permanent residents may also apply for federal and private loans by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Since the program is delivered 100% online, your cost of living is dependent on your physical location and is not factored into the program cost. Tuition is charged at a single rate for all students, regardless of residency.

Tuition is charged on a per-credit basis at the same rate as the Part-Time MBA. The program requires 52 credits. Total tuition is the per-credit rate multiplied by 52 credits, plus University fees, books and technology costs. The exact rate is published on the tuition page.

Yes. Eligible U.S. students may use federal and private loans. All students can use employer tuition benefits.

Yes. The Online MBA qualifies for employer tuition reimbursement. Carlson also maintains corporate partnerships that may offer additional tuition discounts.

The Online MBA uses a single per-credit rate that applies equally to all students, regardless of residency status—no in-state or out-of-state differences.

Learn more on the Tuition & Aid page.

Curriculum

The program requires a total of 52 credits, which are comprised of core coursework in essential business disciplines and specialized electives. All necessary business prerequisites are seamlessly integrated into the core curriculum.

Yes, students can tailor their degree by pursuing formal concentrations or specializations in high-demand areas, including Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain, Medical Industry, Strategy, Analytics and Entrepreneurship.

No, there is no mandatory capstone, practicum, or internship requirement to complete the Online MBA program.

Experiential learning is deeply integrated into the curriculum through required virtual team projects, structured collaboration on discussion boards, and the opportunity to participate in optional global residency experiences.

The program offers maximum flexibility, as courses are delivered through a 100% asynchronous online format. This allows you to complete recorded lectures, interactive modules and coursework entirely on your own schedule.

Courses are delivered through a combination of recorded lectures, interactive modules, discussions and virtual team projects. Faculty interaction occurs via video, phone or email. Optional in-person experiences or global residencies may be available.

Yes, the course load is flexible. Students typically enroll in one or two courses per term, but you have the autonomy to increase or decrease your pace to align with your professional and personal schedule.

Most coursework is asynchronous to provide maximum flexibility. While some classes may include optional or occasional live sessions, team meetings or scheduled virtual presentations, the majority of the work can be completed on your own schedule.

There are no mandatory in-person requirements. Optional opportunities for engagement include on-campus events, global experiences and local networking.

Coursework features built-in collaboration, including virtual team projects, class discussion boards and group presentations. The structure is designed to build professional relationships and strong teamwork skills in a virtual setting.

Community & Careers

The Online MBA cohort brings together experienced working professionals with an average of ~9 years of work experience and an average age of ~35. Roughly 42% are women, ~18% students of color, and ~14% have prior military experience.

Students represent diverse academic backgrounds (business, science/math, engineering, social sciences) and industries. The median GRE (for those who submit) is ~158.5, and the median GPA is ~3.48.

See the full Online MBA class profile for complete demographics.

Online MBA students are encouraged to join most of our professional and affinity clubs, with the flexibility to participate in virtual student life activities and attend in-person events when possible.

Students receive full virtual access to the Graduate Business Career Center, which provides dedicated 1:1 career coaching, comprehensive job-search tools, interview preparation, negotiation guidance and mock interviews to support their career advancement.

Our graduates consistently secure strong post-MBA outcomes, landing roles such as Consultant, Product Manager, Program Manager, Finance Associate and General Manager. The mean salary for 2024 graduates was $114,112. Students can also attend recruiting events both virtually and in person.

The alumni network is highly accessible and robust. Students join a global community of more than 60,000 Carlson alumni and are encouraged to engage in valuable networking opportunities, including virtual and in-person alumni events hosted in major cities worldwide.

The day-to-day experience emphasizes community-building through structured virtual collaboration, team projects and discussion boards. Students benefit from full access to all academic, career and library resources offered by the University and Minnesota Carlson.

Online MBA students receive virtual access to the Graduate Business Career Center, which provides dedicated coaching, job-search tools, interview preparation, negotiation guidance and mock interviews.

Yes. Online students may attend recruiting events and career fairs, connecting with employers both virtually and in person.

Yes. The rigorous curriculum develops leadership and analytical skills that can be applied immediately. The virtual career center and the vast alumni network support students in pursuing promotions or new career roles regardless of their location.

Yes. Online students join a global 60,000+ Carlson alumni community and can engage in networking opportunities, including attending alumni events in major cities.

Student Life

Students connect through team assignments, discussion forums and virtual meetups. Networking extends to optional attendance at in-person alumni events and global courses.

Yes. Online MBA students receive full access to all University and Carlson School resources, including academic advising, career coaching through the Business Career Center, tech support, library services and the global alumni network.

Yes. Online MBA students may join most professional and affinity clubs, attend school-wide events, and participate in virtual or in-person activities and alumni gatherings.

Yes. Online MBA graduates are invited to participate in the on-campus commencement ceremony.

Community is fostered through virtual collaboration, structured discussion boards, team projects, and optional opportunities such as global residencies, alumni events and career workshops.