Part-Time MBA FAQs

We know balancing a graduate program with work and life takes real commitment. This page covers the questions we hear most about the Part-Time MBA, from scheduling and format to admissions, tuition, and career support.

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

 

Overview

The Carlson Professional 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.

The Professional MBA from Minnesota Carlson helps working professionals advance their careers at their own pace. This 52-credit program is flexible and AACSB-accredited offering evening, online, and hybrid courses taught by expert faculty.

This program is an ideal fit for working professionals with a minimum of two years of full time, post-bachelors professional work experience who want to earn an MBA while maintaining their full-time career.

The 52-credit program can be completed on your timeline, in a format of your choice, with a specialization that matches your career goals. Students can take classes are in person, online, or both, allowing for individualized flexibility.

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

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

No, the Professional MBA is not STEM-designated and does not qualify students for F-1 visa sponsorship or OPT. International students who are authorized to work in the USA are eligible to apply but must meet all application and admission requirements. Proof of English language proficiency is required.

Both programs are designed for working professionals and offer experiential learning and opportunities to build strong professional networks. The Professional MBA emphasizes career growth, business expertise, and flexibility, making it well suited for professionals seeking advancement or a career pivot. The Executive MBA is designed for more experienced professionals preparing for or advancing in senior leadership roles, with a structured, cohort-based format focused on strategic decision-making and executive leadership.

Yes. The Professional MBA confers the same official degree as other Carlson MBA programs. The diploma does not differentiate the delivery format.

Yes. Professional MBA students can choose in-person courses, online courses or a combination of both, depending on their schedule and learning preferences. Online courses are generally asynchronous, while in-person options provide a traditional classroom experience. The program also requires 3 in-person residencies.

Applying to the Professional 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 a minimum of two years of professional work experience. The average work experience for candidates in the program is typically 5-7 years.

Yes. Professional MBA students can choose to complete the program without a specialization or select a specialization to align with their career goals. Offerings include:

  • Artificial Intelligence & Analytics for Business
  • Entrepreneurship & Innovation
  • Finance
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Medical Industry Leadership Institute (MILI)
  • Supply Chain & Operations
  • Sustainable Environmental, Social, and Governance Management

Graduates pursue careers across a variety of industries and functions and are well-positioned for promotions, salary increases, and leadership advancement. Our employment report provides current data on the top employers of PMBA students, along with average salary, promotion, and advancement statistics.

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.

<p>The Professional MBA fits seamlessly into busy professional schedules and offers students the ability to determine their own pace.  Most students finish the program in 3 years, but you can finish as quickly as 2 years or take up to 7 years. </p>

Admissions

The Professional MBA is designed specifically for experienced working professionals who want to accelerate their careers without stepping away from work. It combines flexible in-person and online course options with experiential learning, required leadership development, AI-integrated coursework, critical thinking, and 3 intentional in-person residencies that deepen relationships with peers, faculty, alumni and employers.

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

The Professional 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 required for our Professional MBA program. We encourage applicants with academic weakness (cumulative GPA is below B average) or deficits (below B grades in quantitative or relevant business coursework) to determine if their qualifications may benefit from test scores.

Applications are reviewed in three priority rounds leading up to each of the two start terms (Spring 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 Professional MBA requires a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent international degree and at least 2 years of full-time work experience. Required application materials include an online application, unofficial transcripts from every college or university attended, a personal statement, 2 professional recommendations, a video essay and a current resume. Proof of English-language proficiency is required when applicable.

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.

No, GMAT or GRE scores are not required for the Professional MBA. Test scores are strongly recommended for applicants with academic weaknesses, such as a cumulative GPA below a B average or grades below B in quantitative or relevant business coursework. Applicants may submit the GMAT or GRE; there is no minimum score.

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 Professional MBA in the spring (January) 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.

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

Yes. International students may apply to the Professional MBA. The program requires proof of English language proficiency if the bachelor’s degree was not completed in an English-speaking context. Because it is a part-time program, the University cannot issue an F-1 or J-1 student visa; applicants must be authorized to work in the United States through a work permit or dependent visa.

Students require reliable high-speed internet access and a computer with video capability to engage in virtual discussions and collaborative group work.

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 15%, with a limited number of 50% awards available. Applicants may be considered by completing a scholarship essay in the 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. Learn more about scholarship opportunities.

No. Due to the program's flexible modality, 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).

Tuition is charged on a per-credit basis. 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 Professional MBA qualifies for employer tuition reimbursement. Carlson also maintains corporate partnerships that may offer additional tuition discounts.

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

Learn more on the Tuition & Aid page.

<p>Since the program offers mutliple modalities, your cost of living is dependent on your physical location. Tuition is charged at a single rate for all students, regardless of residency.</p>

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. Professional MBA students can tailor their education through elective coursework and a range of specializations, including AI and analytics for business, finance, management, marketing, medical industry, supply chain and operations, and sustainable environmental, social, and governance management. Specialization courses are offered fully online, allowing students to deepen expertise in areas aligned with their career goals.

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

Experiential learning is deeply integrated into the curriculum through applied coursework. Options include the PMBA Consulting Project, product design and business development courses, employer-connected experiences and collaborative problem-solving tied to real business challenges.

The Professional MBA is designed for working professionals and can be completed through in-person courses, online courses or a combination of both. Online courses are generally asynchronous, in-person courses provide a traditional classroom experience, and some condensed courses meet only 3–4 times, typically on Fridays or Saturdays. All students also complete 3 required in-person residencies.

The Professional MBA is delivered through a flexible blend of in-person and online coursework. Online courses are generally asynchronous, while in-person courses provide a traditional classroom experience; students may use either format or combine them. All students must also complete 3 in-person residencies.

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.

Professional MBA online courses are generally asynchronous, so students can manage coursework around their schedules without regular live instruction. In-person courses and condensed courses have scheduled meeting times; in-person courses meet 1x/week and condensed courses typically meet only 3–4 times on Fridays or Saturdays. Students may choose either format or combine them. All students also attend 3 required in-person residencies.

Yes. Professional MBA students must complete 3 in-person residencies: Program Orientation before the first semester, at least 1 Campus Residency, and 1 Flex Residency. The Flex Residency may be another campus residency, a Carlson Global Institute Enrichment Program, the MILI Global Valuation Lab, or an approved career- or industry-focused trek.

Collaboration is built into the Professional MBA through experiential projects, collaborative problem-solving and employer-connected learning. The 3 required in-person residencies create additional opportunities to work with peers, faculty, alumni and industry leaders while building leadership skills, community and a long-term professional network.

Community & Careers

The Professional MBA cohort brings together experienced working professionals with an average of ~6 years of work experience and an average age of ~30. Roughly 35% are women, ~28% students of color, and ~10% have prior military experience.

Professional MBA students are encouraged to join 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 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. Students have lifelong access to the career center via alumni coaching and other offerings.

Our graduates consistently secure strong post-MBA outcomes, landing roles such as Consultant, Product Manager, Program Manager, Finance Associate and General Manager. 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 student experience is intentionally collaborative and designed around working professionals. Students connect through 3 in-person residencies, clubs, experiential learning and community engagement ,and regular live virtual programming, with support that includes academic advising and career coaching. These experiences build relationships with peers, faculty, alumni, employers and the broader Carlson network.

Professional MBA students receive personalized career coaching, employer and networking opportunities, experiential learning projects, leadership-development resources and lifelong access to career support. Students work with advisors, coaches, faculty, alumni and peers to connect classroom learning with advancement, career pivots and long-term leadership growth.

Yes. 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 career center and the vast alumni network support students in pursuing promotions or new career roles regardless of their location.

Yes. Professional MBA 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 build relationships through 3 in-person residencies, clubs, experiential learning, community engagement and regular live and virtual interactions. These experiences connect students with experienced peers across industries and career stages, as well as faculty, alumni, employers and the broader Carlson network.

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

<p>Carlson builds community through intentional interaction among experienced professionals. Students connect through 3 in-person residencies, clubs, experiential learning, regular live and virtual programming and broader community engagement, supported by academic advising and career coaching. Together, these experiences foster meaningful relationships that support immediate career growth and long-term professional development.</p>