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UW Master of Science in Technology Innovation (MSTI)

The University of Washington Master of Science in Technology Innovation program prepares you to develop connected devices and robotics solutions that address real-world problems.

We are accepting applications for our second round of admissions now through August 17. Applications for the MSTI and Dual Degree will open this October for Fall 2021 admission. Check back for updates on our upcoming information sessions and other recruiting activities. 

Attend an Info Session

Learn How To:

Identify user needs
Understand and navigate design challenges
Prototype hardware and software systems
Pitch an idea for an innovation to potential funders
Understand the basics of launching a start-up
Application Process

An Interdisciplinary Curriculum

In this intensive 15-month program, students learn how to take an innovative idea from concept to development, and on to launch. The project-based curriculum, developed and delivered by leading UW faculty, immerses students in design thinking, technology development, and entrepreneurship. In fall 2020, MSTI is introducing a track of study focused on robotics in addition to the existing connected devices focus. Learn more about the difference between the Connected Devices and Robotics tracks.

Design Thinking
Design intuitive and elegant technology that solves a clear design problem and fits the needs of its intended user.

Technology Development
Learn the fundamentals for developing end-to-end hardware and software prototypes. Cover topics like managing data and signal processing, and mobility and navigation.

Entrepreneurship
Understand the basics of starting a start up, including team building, marketing, and intellectual property law. Develop the skills and knowledge to successfully bring innovations to the market.

Coursework Overview

To earn your Master of Science in Technology Innovation from the University of Washington, you need to complete 60 graduate credits, including a launch project. All courses are required, however in some cases there may be limited opportunities to exchange courses for electives.

  • Q1 (Autumn)

    Courses

    d

    Design Thinking Studio

    Credits: 3

    Working in teams, students run through an entire design process several times, executing methods to design, prototype and evaluate ideas for technology innovations.

    e

    Essentials of Entrepreneurship

    Credits: 3

    Students learn how to identify new business opportunities and build a venture to exploit those opportunities  – whether as part of  a new business or an existing one.

    t

    Fabrication & Physical Prototyping

    Credits: 3

    Students learn the concepts and skills required to design, prototype and fabricate physical artifacts, including 2-D and 3-D CAD modeling, high-fidelity prototyping (laser cutting, CNC milling, 3-D printing) and low-fidelity prototyping (paper, foam, media). Industry standards for manufacturing are also covered.

    t

    Programming for Digital & Physical User Interfaces

    Credits: 4

    Students build fundamental programming skills, with a focus on sensor-based signals (including audio and images) and useful tools for prototyping software and hardware user interfaces.

  • Q2 (Winter)

    Courses

    t

    Hardware/Software Lab 1 ( Connected Devices track)

    Credits: 4

    This is the required winter quarter Lab 1 course for the Connected Devices track. Students execute a series of projects to integrate software and hardware concepts learned in the Prepare phase of the program.

    e d

    History & Future of Technology

    Credits: 2

    Students gain an understanding and appreciation of past trends in hardware and software technology, in order to think about future technology trends and develop prototypes for futuristic ideas.

    t

    Introduction to Sensors & Circuits

    Credits: 3

    Students develop the background and techniques needed to connect digital systems to the physical world.

    t

    Managing Data and Signal Processing

    Credits: 3

    Students learn the basics of digital signal processing and machine learning, as well as simple methods for storing, managing and retrieving data in the cloud.

    t

    Robotics Lab 1 (Robotics track)

    Credits: 4

    This is the required winter quarter Lab 1 course for the Robotics track. Students learn and apply fundamental principles for robotics applications including basic manipulation and motion planning.

  • Q3 (Spring)

    Courses

    d

    Design Thinking for Technology Innovation

    Credits: 2

    This course introduces students to the core concepts of design thinking as applied to the design of innovations in hardware and software technology.

    t

    Hardware/Software Lab 2 (Connected Devices track)

    Credits: 4

    This the required spring quarter Lab course for the Connected Devices track. Students continue prototyping hardware/software systems, with the added complexity ­­of signal processing, networking, cloud interfaces and web-based user interfaces.

    e

    Introduction to Finance & Accounting for Entrepreneurs

    Credits: 2

    Students learn the basics of finance and accounting for start-up businesses, including reading and understanding a profit-and-loss statement, managing cash flow and margins, and making investments in high-growth businesses.

    t

    Robotics Lab 2 (Robotics track)

    Credits: 4

    This is the required spring quarter Lab course for the Robotics track. Students build on foundational knowledge from Lab 1: Robotics to continue to learn increasingly complex principles for robotics application including mobility and navigation.

    d

    User Research & Evaluation Studio

    Credits: 3

    This project-based course focuses on the user research components of the design process. Students learn methods to engage stakeholders and elicit their needs to provide insight for defining requirements for ethically grounded designs. It also covers aspects of evaluation of technology designs with potential users, including usability and user experience evaluation techniques.

  • Q4 (Summer)

    Courses

    e

    Building Effective Teams

    Credits: 3

    Students learn concepts and principles that are fundamental to developing teams capable of extraordinary performance, helping lay the foundation for high performance in their teams during the launch project.

    l

    Integrated Launch Studio 1

    Credits: 4

    In this first course of a two-quarter course sequence, students work in teams with guidance from industry sponsors to plan and execute the front-end phases of a comprehensive MSTI Launch Project, including problem framing and scoping, exploration of needs and business constraints, and exploration of technology platforms with early prototyping.

    t

    Planning and Managing Hardware/Software Development

    Credits: 2

    Students gain experience in creating a software/hardware product roadmap and an engineering/development plan.

    d

    Visual, Interaction, & Industrial Design Studio

    Credits: 3

    This course immerses students in the theory and practice of basic design concepts for the design of interactive products that are functionally, emotionally and aesthetically appealing.

  • Q5 (Autumn)

    Courses

    e

    Corporate & IP Law for Technology Innovators

    Credits: 2

    This course introduces key areas of business law, including common organizational structures such as corporations, LLCs, and nonprofit/low-profit entities. It also covers the roles of founders, directors and shareholders in each structure, as well as the basics of intellectual property and copyright law.

    l

    Integrated Launch Studio 2

    Credits: 8

    Working in teams, students finalize their launch projects with a focus on proof-of-concept prototyping, business case, and final solution in connected devices or robotics innovation.

    l

    Launch Seminar

    Credits: 2

    This seminar focuses on design and software/hardware industry trends and career outlook. Students develop a personal career vision and plan based on their experience, interests and skills.

MSTI Curriculum 2020-2021

What to Expect

The UW MSTI program is designed to be fast-paced and highly interactive. Students come to Bellevue from across the world, bringing diverse experiences and areas of expertise, ready to work in teams and tackle a complex problem facing a real community or market.

MSTI students take a combination of seminar and studio and lab courses in preparation for a culminating project, which provides teams the opportunity to transform a high-tech idea from a workable prototype al the way to a market-ready product.

Prepare
Learn how to analyze a market opportunity, develop a business model appropriate to the tech market, and pitch initial business ideas. Gain and/or supplement technical and programming skills relevant to the field of connected devices or robotics.

Practice
Master the tools and processes used by innovators across a variety of relevant, high-impact fields and industries. Iterate in the lab and develop prototypes.

Launch
Begin work on the final learning phase – the launch project. In the fourth quarter of the program, students will form small cross-disciplinary teams to solve a challenge for a start-up venture or collaborate on projects with leading industry and nonprofit partners of GIX.

Prototyping
Engage in rapid prototyping and get feedback from target users, mentors, and faculty to refine your ideas. Make the most of our in-house, state-of-the-art fabrication labs and Makerspace, which allows you to build almost anything.

Presentation
At the end of the program, you and your team will deliver a final presentation and demo to your fellow students and industry sponsors. You will also assemble a digital portfolio that demonstrates the quality and creativity of your work for potential employers.

Browse launch projects

Frequently Asked Questions

Have additional questions about GIX graduate programs or the admissions process? Take a look at our FAQs.

FAQs

Connect with an Advisor

Have more questions? Get in touch directly with one of our academic program advisors.

Through my work experience before studying at GIX, I realized that a good innovator and product manager needs to wear different hats when making decisions, especially in the fields of design thinking and technology. That is exactly what GIX offers. Right now, we're working on an augmented reality app! It's been a really rewarding experience.

Vivian Huang, GIX MSTI graduate

Admissions

Find out about the application process, key dates, and prerequisites

Learn more