Professional Master of Business Administration

Acquire Advanced Skills to Level Up Your Career Quickly

Lead in Your Field with a Professional MBA

Whether you are a career advancer or changer, our Professional MBA program can help you achieve your goals. Our refreshed program curriculum was built with insights from employers and alumni to focus on the practical skillsets working professionals need to stand out and advance their careers.

During your course of study, you will build skills in leadership, problem-solving, AI competency and more, and you will do hands-on work through an experiential learning requirement. You will also have the opportunity to build community and engage with industry leaders through your residencies.

Take classes in person, online or both and tailor your degree with focused electives across an array of subject areas, including accounting, finance, entrepreneurship, marketing, management and healthcare. The program is ranked #6 among public universities in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Part-Time MBA (2025).1 Scholarships and tuition discounts are available for qualified applicants.*

2 Years

AACSB Accredited

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Renowned Academic Programs to Enhance Your Potential

Our Professional MBA program features industry-relevant core classes with an array of electives. Carlson’s expert faculty and staff are dedicated to your success, ensuring our courses are accessible no matter where you are in your life and career.

Course highlights include:

Strategic Management

This course focuses on the competitive strategy of the firm, examining how firms achieve and maintain superior profitability.

Business Ethics

Gain an understanding of the ethical environment within which businesses and managers operate and explore the ethical obligations of organizations and managers.

Financial Management

This course provides students with an understanding of financial markets and the main types of securities that are issued by corporations.

Admissions Requirements

Take the first step in completing the Carlson Professional MBA program by submitting your application. Through a streamlined process, you can complete the application and submit all admission requirements entirely online.

Professional MBA Admission Requirements

Application Fee$75 (Waivers are available for qualifying active duty members of the U.S. military.)
TranscriptsAll official transcripts from previously attended institutions
GRE/GMAT ScoreOptional, but not required
Additional Requirements
  • 2 professional letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement
  • Current resume
  • Video essay
  • 2 years work experience – some internships may apply

Scholarships and Tuition Discounts*

Employees from our corporate partner organizations are automatically eligible for a 15% tuition discount for select Carlson programs.  In addition, degree and certificate-seeking students who are U.S. military members or veterans are eligible for a 15% military discount. Applicants to our Professional MBA program can apply for 15% or 50% merit-based scholarships, which are available on a limited basis.

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A Degree that Accelerates Your Career

Our graduates secure job placements in accounting, finance, technology, retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and more. Minnesota Carlson 2025 graduates saw a 62% average salary increase from program start to four months post-graduation, and 51% reported a significant job change within four months after graduation.2

Five Growing Career Areas for MBA Grads

  1. Marketing & Sales: $138,060 per year3
  2. Finance: $161,700 per year4
  3. General Management: $136,550 per year5
  4. Operations & Logistics: $139,510 per year6
  5. Consulting: $107,790 per year7

Minnesota Carlson

Minnesota Carlson is a recognized leader in business education and research. Established in 1919 and located in Minneapolis, Carlson is committed to developing leaders who believe business is a force for good through experiential learning, international education, and the school’s strong ties to the dynamic Twin Cities business community.

Flexible Learning at Minnesota Carlson

No matter where you study, you’ll have access to a highly supportive team, including enrollment specialists, career center coaches, and expert instructors. With our extensive alumni network across more than 100 countries, you’ll make incredible connections regardless of your course modality.

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Sources and Disclaimer

  1. U.S. News & World Report. “Best Part-Time MBA Programs.” Retrieved April 16, 2025, from https://usnews.com/.
  2. Part-Time and Online Master of Business Administration Employment Report 2025. University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://carlsonschool.umn.edu/.
  3. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Sales Managers. Retrieved June 25, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/.
  4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Financial Managers. Retrieved June 25, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/.
  5. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Management Occupations. Retrieved June 25, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/.
  6. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Purchasing Managers. Retrieved June 25, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/.
  7. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Management Analysts and Consultants. Retrieved June 25, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/.

*Carlson scholarships and discounts are not transferable to other degree programs and may not be “stacked” with other University of Minnesota/Carlson scholarships, discounts or reduced tuition programs.