Articles & Tips
Explore resources and guides for prospective students to learn about our academic programs, the application process to Minnesota Carlson, career resources, and more.
Application Tips & More
Our admissions staff gave us their top-secret tips and tricks on building a Carlson graduate degree application they can’t pass up. Whether it's building your resume, preparing for your video essay, or applying to the program of your choice, we have you covered.
Inside the Carlson MBA Admissions Process
What does the Carlson MBA admissions team really look for? Get an insider's Q&A with tips on essays, interviews, and the Twin Cities advantage.
What Are the Top Application Tips from Carlson’s Admissions Team?
How can I make my Carlson application stand out? Get official admissions tips on what to research, how to state your goals, and how to handle a weak spot (like a low GMAT).
How Do I Apply to the Carlson School of Management?
How do I apply for a Carlson MBA or master's program? Get a complete step-by-step guide to the application, plus expert tips on applying early, resumes, and recommendations.
Resume Dos and Don’ts: How To Write a Great Resume
How do I write a great business resume? Get expert dos and don'ts from the Carlson Business Career Center on what to include, what to avoid, and how to highlight accomplishments.
How to Prepare for Your Written and Video Essays
How do I write a great Carlson MBA or master's essay? Get expert tips on what to write, see real example prompts, and learn how to showcase your authentic self.
GMAT vs. GRE: What’s the Difference and Which Should I Take?
Do I need a GMAT/GRE for the Carlson MBA or a master's? See full test waiver requirements, find out if your program is test-optional, or compare the GMAT vs. GRE.
5 Steps to Ask for Recommendation Letters for Master's Programs
How do I get a great letter of recommendation for grad school? Get a complete guide on who to ask, when to ask, and what to provide your recommenders.
10 Tips for Completing a Winning MBA Application
Discover 10 practical tips to strengthen your MBA application and present your best self when applying to the Minnesota Carlson's MBA program.
Asking For Employer Support
How do I ask my employer for MBA support? Get talking points, tips on researching company policy, and a step-by-step guide to getting approval for your Carlson program.
How to Apply to U.S. Business Schools as an International Applicant
How do international students apply to U.S. business schools? Get a complete guide on application requirements, essays, resumes, and the U.S. student visa process.
GRE and GMAT Test Waiver Options for Minnesota Carlson's Masters Programs
Do I need a GMAT/GRE for a Carlson master's program? See test-optional, waiver, and conditional requirements for every program (MBA, MS-BA, Finance, and more).
How to Request a GRE/GMAT Test Waiver for Full-time and Management Science MBA
How do I request a GMAT/GRE waiver for Carlson's Full-Time or MS MBA? Get step-by-step instructions, see eligibility requirements, and find out if it's right for you.
MBA & Masters Programs
Graduate school is both a big decision and a big commitment, and not one we take lightly. Our admissions team compiled guides to help you understand how our programs will help expand your career opportunities and fast-track you to the future you envision for yourself.
How to Choose the Right Graduate Business Program for Your Goals and ROI
Choosing the right graduate business degree is a two-part challenge: You must research and evaluate program
What Can You Do with a Master’s Degree in Finance? Top Career Paths
What can you do with a master’s in finance? From investment banking to FinTech, discover how the Master of Science in Finance at Minnesota Carlson prepares you for top careers.
How a Master’s in HR and Industrial Relations Prepares You for Today’s Human Resources Careers
What will you learn in an HR & Industrial Relations master's? Gain advanced skills in workforce analytics, labor relations, and strategic leadership at UMN.
What Can You Do with a Marketing Master’s? 15 In-Demand Careers to Explore
What can you do with a Master of Marketing? Explore 15 traditional and emerging career paths—from Brand Manager to AI Analyst—and find the right role for you.
Elevate Your Career: The Transformative Journey of Carlson’s Full-Time MBA
How can a master's in business administration advance your career? Explore UMN Carlson's 15 specializations, STEM options, and real-world consulting projects.
What Career Paths Can You Pursue with an Accountancy Degree?
What can you do with a MAcc degree? See how this versatile Master of Accountancy degree unlocks careers in Tech, Banking, Healthcare, and government.
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Supply Chain Management?
Discover your Master's in Supply Chain Management career. Explore specific roles (Data Scientist, Sustainability Manager) and the top 7 hiring industries.
Why Choose an Analytics for Business Program?
Is an MSBA worth it? Discover the STEM-designated curriculum, corporate partnerships, and career outcomes of the Minnesota Carlson Master of Science in Business Analytics.
How Does an Executive MBA Work?
What is an Executive MBA and is it right for you? Compare EMBA vs. MBA formats, requirements, and costs to decide which degree fits your leadership goals.
How an Executive MBA Accelerates Leadership Skills and Career Growth
Start building your leadership skills with a Minnesota Carlson Executive MBA. Focus on leadership skills development to achieve executive-level positions.
Essential Skills You Will Gain from a Master of Marketing Degree
Advance your career with a Master of Marketing from Minnesota Carlson. Gain essential skills in analytics, brand strategy, and digital marketing.
Career Paths in Start-ups and Fortune 500s with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration
Discover how an MBA can help you gain skills, grow your network, and pursue career opportunities from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies.
What to Expect in a Master’s Degree in Business Analytics
Is a master’s in business analytics worth it? Explore the AI-focused curriculum and essential business analytics skills you will gain at Minnesota Carlson.
What Is a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) and Is It Worth It?
Is a Master of Accountancy worth it? Discover the career benefits, CPA preparation, and specialized tracks available at Minnesota Carlson.
What is Supply Chain Management and Should You Get a Master's Degree?
What is supply chain management? Discover how the Master of Science in Supply Chain Management at Minnesota Carlson prepares you for global leadership roles.
Business Analytics Degrees and Careers: Pathways with an MSBA or MABA
What can you do with a business analytics degree? Explore top careers and compare the MSBA vs. MABA programs at Minnesota Carlson to find your perfect fit.
Investing in People: The Long-Term Benefits of a Master’s in HR and Industrial Relations
Unlock advanced HR careers with a Master of Human Resources and Industrial Relations (MHRIR) from Minnesota Carlson. Explore the career benefits today.
Career Paths with a MAcc Degree: Opportunities Beyond Traditional Accounting
Discover the different types of accounting jobs available to masters in accountancy graduates, and additional jobs for CPAs outside of accounting.
What Will You Learn in a Master’s Degree in Finance Program?
Explore the Master of Science in Finance curriculum at Minnesota Carlson. Discover core finance courses, specialized tracks, and experiential learning opportunities that build vital financial management skills.
How the Accountant Shortage Can Boost Your Career Prospects
How does the accountant shortage benefit you? Discover why high demand means rising salaries and job security for Master of Accountancy graduates.
Executive MBA vs MBA: Which Program is Right for Me?
Is an Executive MBA right for me? Compare the EMBA vs. MBA format, learn about the leadership-focused curriculum, and see the ROI for senior professionals.
What is Business Analytics and Why is it Important?
What is business analytics? Explore the 'House of AI' framework, the 4 pillars (like predictive and causal), and why data is vital for modern business.
Which HR Master’s Degree at the University of Minnesota Is Right for You?
MHRIR vs. MEd HRD: Which HR master's is right for you? See which degree leads to strategic management roles versus corporate training and development careers.
Debunking 5 Artificial Intelligence Myths
Debunk 5 misconceptions and facts about artificial intelligence and its related use in business analytics with Minnesota Carlson's resident AI scholar, Dr. Ravi Bapna.
Why Earn Your Business Degree in Minneapolis? Top 3 Reasons
Discover why Minneapolis is a top hub for business graduates. Explore the Fortune 500 "headquarters economy," affordable cost of living, and vibrant culture awaiting you at Minnesota Carlson.
Paying for Grad School: A Guide to Full-Time MBA Scholarships
What scholarships are available for the Carlson MBA? Explore merit-based awards, military benefits, and full-tuition opportunities for finance students.
Paying for Grad School: A Guide to Funding your Business Degree
How do I pay for a graduate business degree? Get a complete guide to funding, including employer sponsorship, merit scholarships, veteran benefits, and loans.
What Are STEM-Designated Degrees?
Is a STEM-designated business degree worth it? Discover benefits like a competitive edge for technical roles, in-demand data skills, and extended U.S. work authorization.
What Are the Biggest Myths About Accounting and Tax Careers?
Do I need to be good at math for accounting? Will AI replace tax pros? We debunk 3 common myths and reveal why these careers are about strategy, not just numbers.
3 Things You'll Learn in the Minnesota Carlson's Human Resources Master's Program
How does an HR master's accelerate your career? Alumni share 3 skills that would take years to learn on the job, from business acumen to a powerful network.
Can I Get a Business Master’s Without a Business Bachelor’s?
Can I get a business master's without a business degree? Yes. See which programs fit your major (from Arts to Engineering) and how to prepare.
5 Reasons to Get a Masters in Supply Chain Management
How can I advance my career in supply chain management? See how a master's degree prepares you for strategic leadership roles, boosts your salary, and teaches future-ready skills.
Part-Time MBA or Online MBA: Which is Right for Me?
Part-Time vs. Online MBA: Which format is right for me? Compare flexibility, networking, and salary outcomes to find your best fit.
5 Reasons to Get a Master of Business Taxation Degree
Is a Master of Business Taxation worth it? Discover 5 key benefits, from recession-proof job stability and higher earnings to 100% online flexibility.
5 Reasons to Get a Master of Accountancy Degree
Advance your career with a Master of Accountancy from Minnesota Carlson. Gain CPA eligibility, hands-on experience, and specialized skills in a STEM-designated program designed for long-term professional stability.
5 Reasons to Pursue a Master of Science in Finance
Advance your career with a Master of Science in Finance from Minnesota Carlson. Gain the high-demand quantitative skills, specialized expertise, and professional network needed to secure top-tier roles in asset management and corporate finance.
5 Reasons to Get a Masters in Business Analytics Degree
Is a master's in business analytics worth it? Discover 5 key benefits, from a $112k average salary and high job demand to Carlson's real-world AI projects.
5 Reasons to Get a Master’s Degree Early in Your Career
Should I get a master's degree right after undergrad? Discover 5 reasons to apply now, from higher starting salaries to fast-tracking your path to leadership.
5 Reasons to Get a Master’s in Marketing Degree
What can you do with a master's in marketing? See how an advanced degree accelerates your salary, builds your network, and opens doors to leadership roles.
5 Reasons to get a Human Resources Master’s Degree
Is a master's in Human Resources worth it? Discover 5 key benefits, from unlocking advanced management positions and higher earning potential to building a global network.
MBA or MS — What’s the Difference?
What is the difference between an MBA and a business master's? Compare curriculum, program length, and career stage to find the right degree for you.
What Are the Different Types of MBA Programs?
Which MBA program is right for me? Compare Full-Time, Part-Time, Online, and Executive formats to find the best fit for your schedule and career experience.
Is a Business Education Right for Me?
Is a business degree right for me? Ask yourself these 4 questions to see if an MBA or master's aligns with your passions, leadership style, and career goals.
MBA, EMBA, or Certificate? Find the Right Graduate Program for You
Explore graduate business options at Minnesota Carlson. Compare MBA programs, Executive MBA, and graduate certificates to find the right fit for your leadership career.
Military Skills To Give You An Edge In Graduate School
How do military skills like leadership and discipline translate to an MBA or master's degree? Learn how your experience gives you a unique advantage in business school and your career.
Why Is an MS in Supply Chain Management a Good Fit for Veterans
Why is a supply chain master's a natural fit for military veterans? See how your skills translate, compare the MS vs. MBA, and learn how the GI Bill covers tuition.
5 Reasons to Get an MBA
Discover the five compelling reasons to pursue an MBA at Carlson School. Explore the advantages and unique aspects that make the MBA program stand out.
What is the Value of an MBA or Master's Degree?
Should I get an MBA or a business master's? Learn how to choose the right path and compare the career benefits, skills, and outcomes for each degree.
Supporting your success
Minnesota Carlson offers many resources and services to support your academic and career success. Learn more about how we're committed to supporting you during your time in the program and your career after graduation.
How Minnesota Carlson Career Services Can Help You Get the Job You Want
Discover how Minnesota Carlson Career Services connects students to top employers, career coaching, and a thriving Minnesota business network.