The mission of the Carlson School of Management is to transform the global marketplace by developing innovative and ethical leaders through powerful, dynamic learning opportunities. Carlson's curriculum allows students to choose coursework that aligns with their career objectives.

Carlson's full-time students choose from four enterprise programs: Brands, Consulting, Ventures, and Funds. The Carlson Consulting Enterprise gives students hands-on experience through participation in a student-managed team that interacts with professional clients. Project work is supplemented by a weekly class.

Other hands-on learning opportunites are available through Medical Industry Leadership Institute, the Gary S. Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship, and the Joseph M. Juran Center for Leadership in Quality. The Carlson Funds Enterprise, one of the top-three student-managed portfolios in the world, allows students to manage a fixed-income fund with $35 million in combined assets. In addition, all Carlson MBA students are required to participate in international study through short-term intensives or semesters abroad.

Carlson's fall 2011 class consists of 99 students from 7 different countries. Of the 99 students, 21% are international students and 31% are women. The average student was 28 and had 4 years of work experience.

97% of 2011 Carlson graduates received a job offer within 3 months of graduation. Companies that recruit at Carlson include: 3M, Amazon.com, American Express, Apple, Best Buy, Microsoft and Delta Airlines. Famous alumni include Starbucks Chief Global Marketing Officer Annie Young-Scrivner, Estee Lauder President Thia Breen, Wells Fargo Chairman, President, and CEO John Stumpf and 3M Senior VP and Controller, L. James Schoenwetter.