How Do I Apply to the Carlson School of Management?
Monday, October 18, 2021
Last updated November 14, 2025
Are you ready to apply to one of the Carlson School of Management’s graduate degree programs? Follow these steps and be sure to check out the tips below to make the application process easier.
What Are the Steps to Apply to Carlson MBA and Master’s Programs
- Begin the process by visiting choose.umn.edu/apply. If you’re a first-time user, you will need to create an account.
- Create an application from the pop-up box.
- In the first dropdown box, select University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
- In the filter for college/school, select the Carlson School of Management.
- Under Carlson School of Management Programs, select the degree program you are applying for (example: Full-Time MBA, Business Analytics - MS, Online MBA, etc).
How Do You Complete the Carlson Graduate Application
The following steps will allow you to enter your biographical information, upload any materials needed for your application, and complete the video essay if needed. Some of these steps may vary based on the program you are applying to.
Here is what the MBA and Master's application process looks like:
- First, fill out the term you would prefer to enroll in.
- Next, upload your personal statement, essay, and answer the remaining questions in that section. Learn how to prepare for the personal statement and essay portion of the application.
- In the next section, enter your previous academic history and upload a transcript from that institution.
- Following that, enter your employment information and upload your current resume. Review tips on writing your resume for graduate students.
- Next, upload your admissions test score information.
- Once that is complete, continue to the video essay portion of your application. Follow the instructions on the page and in the module. Learn more about the video essay portion of the application and some tips on completing that.
- Finally, upload your letters of recommendation.
You may complete these sections in any order you wish, but please note that all sections that are required for your program of choice must be completed prior to submission.
How Can You Strengthen Your Carlson Application
How do you put your best foot forward as you apply to MBA and Master's programs? Follow these tips to navigate the admissions process and earn a spot at your top-choice business school.
- Apply by the Early Deadline
If your chosen program offers multiple round deadlines for admission, apply by the first or second round deadlines. As schools accept more applicants, merit-based scholarship funds dwindle. The longer you wait, the lower your chances of earning a scholarship. - Select Strong Recommenders
Many business schools require letters of recommendation or professional references. Choose people who know your work ethic, skills, and accomplishments. They can be current or past colleagues, and need not be supervisors—job title matters less than the capacity in which they’ve worked with you. - Polish Your Resume
Your professional experience is extremely important to business school admissions. Update and fine-tune your résumé to best reflect your work history. Highlight:- How your work has impacted your team or organization in a quantifiable way
- How you have taken on a leadership role in a professional environment
- How your professional experience will be an asset to your peers in the program
- Highlight Non-Traditional Experience
Minnesota Carlson values a range of academic and professional backgrounds. If you studied a non-business discipline or bring unique experiences, explain how you’ve used your skills to make an impact in your work. The admissions staff is interested in a mix of mindsets, backgrounds, and experiences that enrich the classroom. - Reach Out for Support
If you have questions or get stuck at any point in the application, contact the school’s admissions staff. They are happy to help applicants navigate the process.
Who Can You Contact About Carlson Admissions?
If you have questions about the application process or a program, please reach out to the following:
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Full-Time, Part-Time, Online, and Executive
What Are the Official Names of Carlson Programs in the Application Portal?
| Program | Name in Application |
|---|---|
| Masters of Accountancy | Accountancy - MAcc |
| Asset Management Certificate | Asset Management Postbaccalaureate Certificate |
| Executive MBA | Business Administration - Executive MBA |
| Full-Time MBA | Business Administration - Full-Time MBA |
| Online MBA | Business Administration - Online MBA |
| Part-Time MBA | Business Administration - Part-Time MBA |
| PhD | Business Administration PhD |
| Master of Applied Business Analytics | Applied Business Analytics MABA |
| Masters in Business Analytics | Business Analytics - MS |
| Business Analytics Certificate | Business Analytics Postbaccalaureate Certificate |
| Masters of Business Taxation | Business Taxation MBT |
| CGI Executive MBA - Vienna | Carlson Global Executive MBA - Vienna |
| Closely-Held Business Taxation Certificate | Closely-Held Business Taxation Postbaccalaureate Certificate |
| Corporate Financial Management Certificate | Corporate Financial Management Postbaccalaureate Certificate |
| MS in Finance & MS in Business Analytics | Dual Degree - Masters of Science in Finance & Masters of Science in Business Analytics |
| Entrepreneurship & Innovation Post-bac | Entrepreneurship & Innovation Postbaccalaureate Certificate |
| Masters in Finance | Finance MS |
| Masters in Finance — Research Track | Finance MS - Research Track |
| High Net Worth Individual Taxation Certificate | High Net Worth Individual Taxation Postbaccalaureate Certificate |
| Masters in HRIR | Human Resources and Industrial Relations M.HRIR |
| International Taxation Certificate | International Taxation Postbaccalaureate Certificate |
| Leadership for Managers Certificate | Leadership for Managers Postbaccalaureate Certificate |
| MBA in Management Science | Management Science M.B.A. |
| Masters of Marketing | Marketing M.Mktg |
| Medical Industry MBA | Medical Industry M.B.A. |
| Medical Industry Certificate | Medical Industry Postbaccalaureate Certificate |
| Strategic Management Post-bac | Strategic Management Postbaccalaureate Certificate |
| Strategic Marketing Certificate | Strategic Marketing Postbaccalaureate Certificate |
| Supply Chain Management for the Medical & Health Sector Certificate | Supply Chain Management for the Medical & Health Sector Postbaccalaureate Certificate |
| Masters in Supply Chain Management | Supply Chain Management MS |
| Sustainable Environmental, Social and Governance Leadership Certificate | Sustainable Environmental, Social and Governance Leadership Post-Baccalaureate Certificate |
| Tax Executive Certificate | Tax Executive Postbaccalaureate Certificate |
| Taxation Certificate | Taxation Postbaccalaureate Certificate |
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