CARLSON SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
321 19th Ave South
Minneapolis, MN 55455
www.csom.umn.edu
The University of Minnesota is one of the most comprehensive public universities in the United States and ranks among the most prestigious. It is both the state land-grant university, with a strong tradition of education and public service, and the state's primary research university, with faculty of national and international reputation. The Carlson School of Management combines research and reality to offer you the best of the classroom and the business world.
- World-class faculty and programs - consistently ranked among the nation's finest.
- Undergraduate, MBA and Ph.D. degrees plus executive education programs.
- Located in the vibrant Twin Cities of Minneapolis - St. Paul.
- Direct interaction with business leaders and experiential programs.
- Part of the University of Minnesota, a major research university with an extensive network of alumni and friends.
- Accredited by AACSB International - the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
FULL TIME MBA PROGRAM
Welcome to the Carlson School's Full-Time MBA Program.
No matter why you’re getting your MBA, the business school you choose should offer you the chance for personal growth and professional development. Your MBA program should be an experience that transforms you into the business leader you want to become.
The Carlson School has a proud tradition of building our students into leaders in their field. I’m excited every day to see the transformation our students make into skilled business practitioners and promising leaders.
The unparalleled learning opportunities in the Carlson School’s Full-Time MBA program can be distilled to three core strengths: our relationship with the business community, our emphasis on experiential learning, and our proud history of building business leaders.
Business Connections
The Carlson School is located in one of the nation’s most thriving business communities, with scores of Fortune 500 and other industry-leading companies headquartered nearby. Every major corporation in the Twin Cities works with the Carlson School to create learning opportunities for our MBA students.
Experiential Learning
As a Carlson MBA student, you’ll experience theory in action in the Carlson School Enterprises , the nation’s most innovative group of student-led businesses. Carlson School Enterprise students provide fee- and return-based investment, marketing, new business venture, and management consulting services to leading businesses, all with the guidance of seasoned faculty and industry leaders. It’s the ultimate hands-on learning laboratory, and it lets you enter the job market with the knowledge and credibility to hit the ground running.
Developing Leaders
Our Leadership Edge program hones your skills as a strategist and influencer. Through a series of assessments, courses, and workshops, we’ll help you understand and build your leadership competency in ten key areas. Based on feedback gained early in the program, you’ll create a personal development strategy executed throughout your MBA program to help you improve your soft skills and overall marketability.
We connect with the community, we learn by doing, and we build leaders at the Carlson School. In short, we offer an MBA education that not only makes you a business practitioner, it transforms you into a business leader. As you consider your career options, I encourage you to look closely at the unique experience that the Carlson School Full-Time MBA program offers.
FACULTY AND DEPARTMENTS
Carlson School professors are noted teachers and leading researchers who consistently rank among the nation's best in research productivity. Working regularly with professionals in their fields, our faculty presents you with the latest information and innovative thinking that is shaping the business world.
More than 116 full-time faculty members — including 28 endowed professors — teach within the following eight departments. Research centers further bridge the gap between the corporate and academic worlds by promoting specialized training, in-depth analysis, and consulting.
Accounting
Finance
Healthcare Management
Human Resources and Industrial Relations
Information and Decision Sciences(MIS)
Marketing and Logistics Management
Operations and Management Science
Strategic Management and Organization
ANNUAL COSTS
Tuition: $ 25,400
Boarding & Lodging: $ 12,340
FINANCIAL AID
The Carlson School and the University of Minnesota offer MBA students a variety of programs to assist them with expenses while pursuing an MBA degree. Included are fellowship opportunities for high-caliber applicants, graduate assistantships, need and non-need loan programs, and work-study funds. International students are eligible for several of the scholarships as well as the MBA LOANS program, the SELF loan, and graduate assistantships. Other organizations, such as the Twin Cities chapters of the National Black MBA Association and the National Society of Hispanic MBA's, provide scholarships as well.
Applying to the Full-Time MBA Program will automatically qualify you to be considered for Carlson School Fellowships.
Fellowships: High academic merit fellowships. Complete a separate application for center, corporate and individual-sponsored fellowships. Except for the Entrepreneurship and Carlson Company fellowships, all you need to do is apply to the Full-Time MBA Program to be eligible.
Loans/Work-Study: Most students need to combine loans with other forms of financial aid.
Graduate Assistantships: Information on teaching, research and administrative assistantships at the University of Minnesota.
International Student Financial Aid: University of Minnesota and national resources for financial aid.
APPLICATION CHECKLIST
A completed application consists of:
MBA application for admission
Scholarship application (optional)
Current resume
Personal essay
Official transcripts
GMAT scores
Two letters of recommendation
TOEFL scores (International applicants)
Application Fee of $90 for international applicants is waived for INDUS students.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Each year about 120 students enter the Full-Time Carlson MBA Program. These students possess a wide variety of work and academic experiences and a range of professional aspirations. As part of its highly competitive selection process, the program looks at a variety of criteria that measure the candidate's demonstrated or potential abilities as a student, manager, and leader:
- Past academic performance, including areas of academic strength and trends in performance, with greater weight given to more recent study.
- General intellectual ability as measured by scores on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). All three scores, Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing Assessment, are important.
- Demonstrated ability to assume responsibility and achieve measurable results, as principally measured by the type, level, and amount of work experience. We also take into account leadership and extracurricular activities while in school and military service.
- Personal statement of goals, challenges, and experience.
- Interpersonal and communication skills. We encourage students to schedule a personal interview with an MBA admissions staff member.
- Letters of recommendation. We consider the comments made by others who can evaluate your accomplishments, your communication and interpersonal skills, and your leadership potential.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What qualifications do I need to apply?
A: GMAT test results and the equivalent of an accredited United States bachelor's degree. In general, first degrees requiring less than four years of education are not considered equivalent, and holders of these degrees must complete an additional higher degree to be considered for admission. For further information on international credentials, click here.
Q: What if I can't take the GMAT by 2-3 weeks before the application deadline?
A: We require all materials, including test scores, to be submitted before we review an application. If your scores arrive after an application deadline, we may hold your application until the next deadline.
Q: What if my GPA or GMAT score is low? Are there other aspects you look at which will increase my chances for admission?
A: We look at every aspect of your application. The GPA and GMAT score indicate your academic abilities. If your GPA is lower, a higher GMAT score will help give us an indication of how well you might perform in the program. If you take the GMAT again to improve the score, we will consider the highest score. Aspects such as your work experience, essays, and professional recommendations are also very important in the admission decision, but these aspects will not replace our concern that you experience academic success in our extremely rigorous program.
Q: Do you require an admissions interview?
A: We strongly recommend that all applicants schedule an interview with one of our admissions officers. If you are unable to visit campus for an interview, please contact our office about alternate arrangements.
Q: Is there provisional admission?
A: No.
Q: What are the minimum required scores for the GMAT and GPA?
A: We do not have minimum scores. We do not use formulas. We look at and evaluate all parts of the application.
Q: What type of work experience does the Admissions Committee look for?
A: The Admissions Committee strongly recommends that applicants to the Full-Time Program have a minimum of two years of full-time work experience. On average, our incoming students have about five years of work experience and have demonstrated progression in their careers through job promotions and by taking on increasing levels of responsibility.
Q: Does the Admissions Committee prefer certain undergraduate majors, or recommend certain undergraduate courses?
A: The Admissions Committee encourages persons with any undergraduate major to apply to the Carlson School. Preference is not given to certain majors.
Q: Who serves on the Admissions Committee?
A: The Director of Admissions and two Associate Directors have primary responsibility for reviewing all applicants to the Full-Time MBA Program. The Assistant Dean for the Full-Time MBA Program, the Director of the Graduate Business Career Center, and the Director of Leadership Development also assist in the review of applications.
Q: What are the application deadlines?
A: International, 12/1 and 2/15; Domestic, 1/1, 3/1 and 4/1. Admission is only offered for Fall Semester. Early application is recommended for scholarships.
Q: What is the ratio of acceptance to the number of applications?
A: Approximately 33% of full-time applicants are admitted.
Q: Does the Admissions Committee review the applications on a rolling basis?
A: No. Applications are reviewed in a batch process. All applications received before a particular deadline are reviewed together, and decisions for those applications are mailed at the same time. For example, applicants who submit their applications before the January 1 deadline will have their decision letters mailed the second week of February.
Q: Can offers of admission be deferred to another term?
A: Yes. A deferral can be requested for one year from the student's original term of acceptance. Admission is not automatically guaranteed. The application is put back into the applicant pool for the term in which deferral has been requested and again reviewed on its merits with other applicants in that pool. Another application fee is required. Submission of updated materials is recommended.
Q: What if my application is denied? Is there anything I can do to improve my chances? What is the procedure for re-application?
A: We will keep your application on file for 2 years. During that time, you may send us a letter requesting review close to subsequent deadlines. If you are able to improve upon any weak aspects of your application (i.e. more work experience, higher GMAT score, further course work, improved essays), please indicate what you will be submitting in this letter.
Q: Are there additional requirements for international applicants?
A: Yes, we require international students to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). If English is not your native language, a minimum TOEFL score of 580 (paper) or 240 (computer) that is no more than two years old is required. If you attended one year of graduate school or completed the last two years of your bachelor's degree in the US or another country where English is the native language, you do not need to take the TOEFL exam.
While you do not need proof when you apply, in order to apply for a student visa you will need proof of sufficient finances for 12 months of study once you have been admitted.
Q: I have been living and working in the United States for several years, am a permanent resident, but did not complete the minimum course work in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia or Canada to be waived from taking the TOEFL exam. Can I get an exception to this requirement?
A: If English is not your native language, this requirement will not, and cannot be waived. We know that there are certain countries in which the language of instruction is English (i.e. India), but this does not prove to us your English language capability. The TOEFL test is now computer-based and is offered frequently. To register for the TOEFL, please see the following web site: http://www.toefl.org/.
Q: I have a green card. Am I considered an international or a domestic applicant in terms of the application fees?
A: Only if you hold the green card and have a US bachelors degree will you be able to pay the lower application fee. If we need to process visa application papers for you and/or review any international credentials, you will need to pay the higher international fee.
Q: Does the Carlson School have any special support program for international students?
A: Yes. International MBA students meet weekly with a language and cross-cultural communication consultant to help them with academic and cultural concerns. Before the first semester begins, all incoming international students take part in an intensive, 2-week orientation program. In addition, classes are offered to help international students with their business writing and public speaking skills. The MBAA Association has an International Committee which plans social and coultural events for international and domestic students, and GLOBE, the international business club, encourages international students to become involved with their events on campus.
Q: Would you recommend that I take any course work before entering your MBA program?
A: If you do not have an extensive quantitative background from your undergraduate degree, it may be helpful for you to take an introductory statistics or business calculus course to help prepare you for the program. Some incoming students who have never studied accounting find it useful to take an introductory undergraduate accounting course before entering the program as well. International students whose native language is not English are encouraged to practice their written and spoken English as much as possible before entering the program.
Q: How much time do I need to allow outside of the classroom for homework?
A: The general rule of thumb is that you will spend two times the amount of class time on assigned readings and team projects outside of the classroom. This means approximately 5-6 hours per class per week.
Q: What teaching method is used?
A: The Carlson School uses a variety of teaching methods, including case studies (over 50%), lectures, discussions, group projects, and programs placing students in the business community.
Q: Can core courses be waived?
A: Core courses cannot be waived in the Full-Time MBA Program without special permission from a faculty member after being admitted into the program. If a student has substantial background in Accounting and Statistics, these courses can be substituted with electives.
Q: Is the program highly quantitative?
A: Students must be able to handle quantitative material. Several core courses are very quantitative in nature. On a national level, the Carlson School is more in the middle of the scale on quantitative vs. non-quantitative programs.
Q: Are there opportunities for international study?
A: There are several 2-15 week opportunities with top business schools throughout the world. For details about these programs, please visit the International Programs page.
Q: Are students permitted to take courses from other programs at the University?
A: Yes, if the courses enhance your academic career goals, you are permitted to take up to 3 courses in other departments within the University of Minnesota.
Q: How many students are in the Full-Time MBA program?
A: About 240 students are enrolled.
Q: How do I learn more about student activities and clubs?
A: You can make initial contact with the MBA Association to express your interest, and they will help get you involved. Examples include the Carlson Marketing Network, Consulting Club, Carlson Innoventures, MIS Club, Finance Club, Operations Club, International Club, Graduate Women in Business, and Carlson Volunteer Consultants.
Q: Are there resources at the Carlson School and the University of Minnesota for students of color?
A: Absolutely. Carlson has active chapters of the National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA) and the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA). Carlson students attend the national conference sponsored by each organization on an annual basis. For more details about resources for students of color, please click here.
Q: What companies recruit at Carlson?
A: You should consult the Graduate Business Career Center for a complete list, but the most frequent hirers are 3M, Honeywell, Guidant, Medtronic, Deloitte, Northwest Airlines, Ecolab, H.B. Fuller, Kimberly Clark, General Mills, Target Corporation, Best Buy, and Toro. Companies outside of the Twin Cities include E.J. Gallo, Intel, Nestlé, Johnson and Johnson, Qwest, UBS Warburg, Phillip Morris, Lehman Brothers, and Morgan Stanley. Remember, the Twin Cities is located in a strong, diverse business community, and many students decide to remain here because of the quality of life. With that comes what seems to be a lower average salary, but the cost of living is lower, and an $80,000 salary here is equivalent to a $135,000 salary in San Francisco or Manhattan.
Q: What are my alternatives for financial aid?
A: All domestic and international applicants for the Full-Time MBA program will be considered for Carlson School Scholarships, and are also eligible for company and individual scholarships and graduate assistantships that require special applications. Graduate Assistantships are generally only available to second-year MBA students. Private and federal loans are also available, with international students requiring a US co-signer. For more information about applying for need-based financial aid, please visit OneStop.
Q: What is the local culture like?
A: The Twin Cities are nationally known as one of the cultural centers of the United States - second only to New York in live theaters. They have the distinction of being cultural capitals and beautiful, clean cities. Minnesota is ranked as one of the top talent markets. The world famous Guthrie Theater, Ordway Theater, Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Walker Art Center, and the Minnesota Orchestra are all conveniently located. On the West Bank itself where the Carlson School is located, there are several experimental theatres such as Theatre in the Round, Southern Theatre and Mixed Blood Theatre. There is diversity with 90 repertory and dinner theaters, 136 art galleries, 21 music companies, 15 museums and 9 dance companies. In addition, the Twin Cities offers a lively music scene which has spawned such diverse talents as Bob Dylan, Judy Garland, Prince, Michael Johnson, and the Replacements. Up-and-coming competitors keep the local clubs active. Comedy clubs are also very lively in the Twin Cities. There are nearly a dozen comedy venues and Minnesota offers more seating for comedy lovers than New York or Los Angeles.
Q: What type of recreational activities are there to enjoy?
A: In the Twin Cities, there are over 900 lakes, 40 marinas, three major rivers, six regional parks, 105 golf courses, 25 ski areas, 210 public tennis courts, 54 miles of parkways and paved trails that wind through the city and suburbs. Sports fans can enjoy Vikings football, Twins baseball, Wild hockey, and Timberwolves basketball. Minnesota's seasons provide a multitude of recreational opportunities. Furthermore, the world-famous Mall of America is located about 30 minutes away from campus.
Q: What is the weather like in the Twin Cities?
A: There are four distinct seasons. The warmest days usually occur in July, with an average high of 83 degrees F. Temperatures can get above 90 degrees F. The coldest days occur in January; the 100 year average low is 3.2 degrees F. Snowfall averages 40 inches per year; the heaviest snowfall is in March. Snow removal is immediate, and the University of Minnesota rarely closes. The Twin Cities has one of the best levels of air quality among US metropolitan areas of more than one million people. |