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Part-Time MBA Academics — Frequently Asked Questions

When are classes held?

The Part-Time MBA program is designed to be flexible for people with full-time obligations during the day. Classes meet once a week, Monday through Thursday, from 5:45-9:05 p.m., Saturday mornings, from 8:00-11:20 a.m., and Saturday afternoons, from 12:30-3:50 p.m.

Four-credit classes meet for the full term, 3-credit classes meet slightly less than a full term, and 2-credit classes meet for a half-semester during either the A term (first half) or B term (second half).

How many credits do I need to complete to earn a Carlson MBA through the Part-Time program?

Students control how quickly they move through the curriculum by tailoring their course load each semester. Some students are able to graduate in 2 years, though the average student takes about 3-3.5 years. Students are allowed to take up to 7 years to earn a Carlson MBA. The program is very flexible, allowing students to accelerate or decelerate their program as needed.

How many credits will I take per semester?

The part-time aspect of the program refers only to the format (weeknight and Saturday classes). Students may take as many or as few credits per semester as they feel they can handle. Most students start by taking two classes to see how that works. They then adjust their course loads accordingly in future semesters. To stay active in the program, students must complete at least two credits per calendar year. However, those who need a year or more off may apply for a leave of absence.

Can I earn a Carlson MBA by taking classes only on Saturdays?

Yes. You may earn your Carlson MBA by taking classes only during the Saturday morning (8:00-11:20 a.m.) and afternoon (12:30-3:50 p.m.) sessions. However, not all of our elective courses are consistently offered on Saturdays, so you would not be able to achieve the degree of specialization that you could if you also took weeknight classes.

What if I travel for work?

Many Carlson Part-Time MBA students travel for work, and our faculty are aware of the tensions and difficulties that come with balancing a busy career and a graduate business education. Our faculty try to be flexible about students needing to miss occasional sessions due to professional travel; such situations are resolved in advance on a case-by-case basis with the professor and student team. In some courses, it is more of a problem to miss a session than in others.

Additionally, the Part-Time MBA program offers flexibility for students who travel by providing 2-, 3-, and 4-credit courses that start and end at different times throughout the semester. Four-credit classes meet once a week for the full 14 weeks; 3-credit classes meet for 11 weeks; and 2-credit classes meet during either the first half of the semester (A-term) or the second half (B-term). So, for example, a student who knew they needed to travel extensively during the second half of a semester could take three 2-credit courses during the A-term-still earning six credits-and no classes during the B-term when they are traveling.

What courses will I be taking in the program? Can I concentrate in a specific area of study?

The Part-Time MBA curriculum is divided between required core courses and elective courses. Students are able to choose from nearly 100 elective courses and diverse study abroad options to develop specific skills sets that meet their individual career goals. Instead of declaring a concentration or major, students develop an area of emphasis.

How much time will I need to spend outside of class to complete my work?

The amount of time students spend outside class on readings, assignments, and team projects depends on the course, but the general guideline is that you will spend approximately 3-5 hours per class per week.

Can I transfer from the Part-Time to the Full-Time MBA program?

No. The Carlson Full-Time MBA program is cohorted for the first and second semester into an integrated core curriculum, meaning that the same students work in groups across several courses. The Part-Time MBA program is more flexible. Part-Time MBA students may take a full-time course load of Part-Time MBA classes (evenings and Saturdays) if they choose.

Are there dual degree programs in the Part-Time Program?

No. All of our dual degree programs are highly structured and have been designed, and approved by the University Regents, for the Full-Time MBA Program only.

Can I enroll in the Part-Time MBA Program if I'm a current student in another U of M program?

We do not permit Part-Time MBA students to be simultaneously registered in any other U of M program.Â All classes used to fulfill MBA degree requirements must be completed by registering as an MBA student, and during any terms that a student is registered through the MBA Program they cannot also be registered through any other U of M program.

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