FAQs

Application

• If I’m not admitted to the Dual Degree program, will I automatically be considered for the Master of Science in Technology Innovation (MSTI)?

  Yes, if you are not admitted to the Dual Degree, we will automatically consider you for the MSTI program. You will not be required to resubmit an application.

• Can I change my mind and apply to the Dual Degree after I have started the MSTI?

  No, you cannot enroll after already starting the MSTI program. Tsinghua University requires you to be dually enrolled, which means you must elect to complete the Dual Degree in your initial application.

• Is the GRE or GMAT required? If not, should I submit them anyway?

  No, they are not required. Please do not submit them as they will not be considered in the review process.

• I will earn/have earned my undergraduate degree from a U.S./UK university. Do I still need to take the TOEFL test?

  Every applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency as it’s required for graduate study at the University of Washington. To ensure you meet the language requirements, please go to the Graduate School’s Memo 8.

  If you are submitting TOEFL scores, please note that the MSTI program requires higher minimum scores than listed in Memo 8. You must earn a score of at least a 100 on the TOEFL iBT, along with a Speaking score of at least 26. Applicants with lower scores will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Scores must be sent directly to UW by the Educational Testing Service using institution code 4854; no department code is needed. Only scores less than two years old will be accepted.

• Do you accept IELTS scores?

  Yes, the University of Washington accepts IELTS scores, with a minimum overall band of 7. The MSTI program recommends a minimum speaking score of 7.5 for admission.

• Can I retake the TOEFL exam and submit my new scores?

  Yes, as long as you can ensure that the UW Graduate School will receive your new scores by the application date.

• How do I confirm that you have received all of my admission materials?

  Please contact the UW Graduate School at uwgrad@uw.edu to confirm they have received your admission materials.

Admission Requirements

• What are the technical requirements to apply? Do I need a background in computer science?

  You do not need a degree in computer science to apply, but you do need to meet the admission requirements and the prerequisite coursework.

• I have not completed the prerequisite courses, but I have the skills. What options do I have?

  Please contact the GIX Admissions Committee at msti@uw.edu to help you identify specific options for completing equivalent prerequisite courses.

• Can I complete prerequisite courses after I apply?

  No, these need to be completed before submitting your application.

• If I am admitted and cannot start the program in the fall, can I defer my admission until a later date?

  No, you cannot defer your admission to a later date. We encourage you to apply for the following year.

Funding and Scholarships

• Can I work as a RA/TA while in the program?

  This is a full-time, intensive program. We strongly discourage students to take on RA/TA.

• Can I complete an internship during the MSTI/Dual Degree program?

  Due to the intensive, accelerated, and full-time structure of the curriculum, requiring frequent project team work outside of class, we do not support full-time internships during quarters of full-time academic study. We recommend current students to postpone internships or outside work until they complete their academic degree requirements. Industry relevant work experience is a component of the student-industry launch projects, where students work directly with an industry sponsor on a relevant business problem.

  A 6th quarter internship option is available for students in the MSTI program and will be offered during winter quarter after the completion of the majority of the program’s coursework. The 6th quarter internship option will be discontinued after March 2022.

Program

• Is this a full-time or part-time program?

  It is an intensive, full-time program. Expect a commitment of 40 to 50 hours per week.

• When are classes typically offered? Can I take classes online?

  Classes are offered during the day at the GIX Steve Ballmer Building in the Spring District, Bellevue. We require students to attend the classes in person and do not provide instruction online.

• How is GIX different from other programs like, MHCID, CSE, HCDE, etc.? What makes the GIX MSTI distinctive?

  The MSTI is an interdisciplinary, hands-on, and technical program that gives learners the opportunity to understand entrepreneurship, technology, and design thinking in a global context. We attract students with diverse backgrounds from all over the world.

  Designed specifically for the GIX program, the Steve Ballmer Building offers many distinctive learning spaces that foster collaboration and project- and team-based learning. Of those other programs, the GIX MSTI only one that incorporates specific curriculum in business and entrepreneurship, along with technical development.

• Who owns the intellectual property of projects completed during the MSTI?

  For the majority of projects completed during the MSTI, students will own the intellectual property related to those projects. Some industry-sponsored launch projects could have alternate agreements which will be discussed with students when they undertake such a project. If/when questions about IP arise, we work with the UW CoMotion Team to address those questions and provide guidance.

• Which people and companies will I have an opportunity to work with?

  GIX partners with a range of top local and global companies and nonprofits.

  For the final phase of the MSTI program, GIX students form interdisciplinary teams to develop high-impact projects that address real-world challenges. Completed in collaboration with GIX’s Consortium, which includes companies like Microsoft, T-Mobile, Boeing, AT&T, and Baidu, the projects are designed to challenge students to create innovative solutions using emerging technologies.

  The program also includes access to a network of mentors. The mentorship program is voluntary and brings together successful professionals and entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds to help guide students with their career and professional development goals.

  During the program, there are other opportunities to learn from highly successful leaders, CEOs, and entrepreneurs. For our first cohort, as an example, we organized a weekly speaker series featuring fireside chats with Steve Davis, CEO of Path; Raj Singh, the CEO of Accolade; and more.

• What are some current projects that students are working on?

  The nature of student’s projects varies. If you would like to see some examples, please navigate to the student-industry launch projects page on our website.

Career Prospects

• Is this considered a STEM program? Does it allow for OPT extension?

  Yes, it is considered a STEM program and MSTI students are eligible for OPT plus the 24 month extension. For specific questions about OPT, please visit the UW International Student Services office website.

• What kind of jobs will I be eligible for after completing this program?

  The interdisciplinary, project-based nature of GIX graduate programs opens the door to a variety of potential career paths. Students graduate with the technical, design thinking, and entrepreneurial skills to work in traditional software/hardware/design technology jobs, launch their own startup, join a new venture team at a leading company or nonprofit, or advance their academic pursuits.

  Please see our recent blog to learn more about a few of the jobs of GIX graduates.

Get More Information

• Can I talk to an advisor, faculty and/or current students?

  Please start by attending one of our information sessions to meet faculty, staff, and students. If you can’t attend an information session or if you have additional questions, please contact us at msti@uw.edu.

• Can I come visit the GIX Building?

  Yes, we offer weekly tours of the building open to anyone interested in seeing the space and learning more our vision, history, and programs. Please sign up to a tour on our website.

International Students

• When are the admissions deadlines for international Students?

  All MSTI student applications have the same admissions deadlines. You can find the admissions deadlines here.

• Can this program be taken remotely if I have problems obtaining a visa?

  The MSTI program is designed as a full-time, intensive, in-person program. In some special circumstances owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have made some special arrangements in cases where travel is not possible, but the program is not designed to be completed remotely.

• What are the employment options for international students in the MSTI program?

  Due to the intensive, accelerated, and full-time structure of the curriculum, requiring frequent project team work outside of class, the MSTI program does not support full-time internships during quarters of full-time academic study.

  International students interested in obtaining work experience can take a part-time internship by applying for CPT from the UW International Student Services office and earning 1 credit of ENGR 601 through Career Center @ Engineering (CC@E).

  International students are not able to apply for CPT until they have completed 3 quarters of full-time study; as such, a part-time internship is usually only possible during the 4th and 5th quarters of study. Students in the MSTI degree have a full quarter of study in the summer which begins in late June and ends in August. The summer break ends up being 5 or 6 weeks total in length.

  MSTI international students graduate in Autumn quarter and apply for the 12-month OPT starting in early September. The MSTI is a STEM program and student are eligible for the STEM extension for 24 months of OPT in addition to the standard 12 months of OPT.

• Where can I find additional information on travel updates for international students?

  The UW International Student Services FAQ page has information pertaining to COVID-19 and international students.

• How do I request an I-20 or DS-2019?

  You will need to request a new I-20 from the UW Graduate School. View more information here.

• How do I convert my international transcript for the MSTI application?

  You would calculate the GPA of the last 60 semester credits/90 quarter credits from your undergraduate degree. Please see additional instructions here.