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Available Specializations
Available Specializations
Specializations are elective tracks created by Carlson School's academic departments to allow students to develop functional expertise around a particular career sector. They are optional to pursue and will not appear on academic transcripts or diplomas.
Click on the links below for detailed descriptions and to view course recommendations for each specialization.
Please note: Specializations are subject to change.
The New Venture Track
The Corporate Innovation Track
Finance
Finance
Management
Management
Product, Brand & Marketing Management
Consulting, Insights & Analytics
Specializations FAQs
Specializations FAQs
Are students required to complete a specialization? Is there an official declaration process?
No. Specializations are optional to pursue and are not required for graduation from the MBA Program. There is not a process to declare a specialization. Instead, students interested in pursuing a specialization will follow course recommendations provided by Carlson School's academic departments.
How many credits are required for a specialization?
Generally, specializations require students to complete a track of 12-13 credits of courses within a specified subject area. Course recommendations for each specialization are outlined above.
How common is it for MBA students to pursue a specialization?
Historically, roughly 50% of MBA students will pursue a specialization and 50% of students will not.
What resources are available to help students determine if and which specialization best fits their goals?
A great place to begin is to schedule an academic advising appointment with an MBA academic advisor to discuss academic interests and program goals. During that meeting, an advisor will help you assess if pursuing a specialization may be in line with your objectives. It may also be beneficial to meet with a career coach in the Carlson Business Career Center to learn more about career implications. Networking with MBA alumni, work colleagues, mentors, and MBA faculty can also help students to decide if a particular specialization may be a good fit.
Are specializations verifiable by the University during an employer degree verification check?
No. All degree verification checks are completed by the central University Registrar in One Stop Student Services. Carlson School MBA Program specializations are not displayed on student transcripts nor are they verifiable by the University. The only information that is verifiable by the University is the degree plan (Master of Business Administration). With this, One Stop Student Services will not be able to verify specialization information.
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