Admissions FAQs
Admissions Requirements
Please contact the UW Graduate School at uwgrad@uw.edu to confirm your admissions materials have been received.
You do not need a degree in computer science to apply, but you do need to meet the admission requirements and submit appropriate evidence of programming knowledge.
All applicants must submit evidence of competency at an intermediate level in object-oriented programming (Python preferred). Coursework or certificates are acceptable evidence, and can be from university/college transcripts, or completion certificates for online courses. Courses or certificates should be dedicated programming courses and should cover the following topics:
Basic operators: arithmetic and comparison
Functions: defining, calling, and return values
Basic understanding of modules and packages
If you have completed a non-academic programming course, you must submit evidence of course completion in the form of a certificate or examination. Web programming languages (HTML, CSS, Javascript) do not satisfy the requirement.
Successful completion of these course prerequisites is required since the MSTI courses are based on the foundational knowledge that is covered in these courses. Students who have not completed all of the prerequisite courses (or completed them several years ago) tend to struggle academically in the MSTI classes.
Applicants will not be considered if they have not met these prerequisites, so you must submit evidence of meeting these prerequisites in order to be considered for admission.
Recommended Courses:
but many other courses may also be acceptable – please contact us at msti@uw.edu if you have questions about this.
No, you must submit a syllabus or certificate (in English) that demonstrates successful completion of an object-oriented (Python preferred) programming course at the time of application. We are unable to review applications that do not show evidence of meeting this prerequisite.
If have programming skills, but do not have a syllabus or certificate, you must complete a course that grants the necessary documentation to submit with your application.
There are a wide range of courses available that can be completed within a few weeks of study.
Some examples include:
- https://www.washington.edu/students/crscat/cse.html#142
- https://www.pce.uw.edu/courses/foundations-of-programming-python
- https://www.educative.io/path/python-for-programmers
- https://www.coursera.org/specializations/python
This is not an exhaustive list, so if you have taken other courses in object oriented programming, please contact us at msti@uw.edu.
Given the highly selective, cohort-based nature of the MS in Technology Innovation program, we do not offer deferrals of admission. We would encourage admitted applicants to re-apply for re-admission in a subsequent year.
International students must meet the admissions requirements on the Admissions Information page.
For students who did not earn a bachelor’s degree where the language of instruction was English, proof of English proficiency must be submitted in the form of English Proficiency test scores.
Accepted tests are listed on the University of Washington’s Graduate School page.
For the application, students should self-report English proficiency test scores. International Students must be eligible for a student visa that allows for academic study at the University of Washington.
Program Details
A new cohort starts once every year in the autumn quarter and continues for 18 months. View the full UW academic calendar for upcoming dates by year.
The MSTI is an intensive, full-time program with a break over the summer so students can participate in internships, research, short-term study abroad. A part-time option is not currently available.
In addition to class work and team project work, students in the Capstone Project phase must spend extensive time working with their project sponsors directly, which may include work external to the University of Washington Campus or the Steve Ballmer Building.
Classes are offered during the day at the GIX Steve Ballmer Building in the Spring District of Bellevue, Washington. We require students to attend the classes in person and do not provide instruction online.
The MS in Technology Innovation is an interdisciplinary, hands-on, and technical program that gives learners the opportunity to understand technology, business, and design in a global context. We attract students with diverse backgrounds from all over the world. Designed specifically for the MSTI curriculum, GIX’s Steve Ballmer Building offers many distinctive learning spaces that foster collaboration and project- and team-based learning. In comparison with other UW programs, the MSTI program is the only program with integrates engineering, business, and design coursework as requirements, with hands-on lab work being a crucial part of the curriculum.
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.
GIX partners with a range of top local and global companies and nonprofits. For the final phase of the MSTI program, MSTI students form interdisciplinary teams to develop technology projects that address real-world problems. Projects are completed in collaboration with GIX’s industry partners, including companies like Microsoft, T-Mobile, and Meta. Projects are designed to challenge students to create innovative solutions using emerging technologies and test their solutions with real users.
The program also provides access to a large and dynamic 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.
There are other opportunities to learn from highly successful leaders, CEOs, and entrepreneurs from around the world who join us regularly as speaker, panelists, and special guests.
Career Outcomes for MSTI Graduates
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.
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.
See Outcomes for more details.
Application Process
In the application portal, visit the “Application Questions” section from the left-hand navigation. Select whether you meet the prerequisite requirement via “Academic Coursework” or “Online course or certificate”, and then upload either a syllabus or certificate of completion (in English).
Applicants for each deadline (Priority and Final) are evaluated equally.
Applicants who are able to submit their application before the priority deadline will receive their admissions decisions in March, and have access to a larger potential scholarship funding pool.
Students accepted by March will also be invited to participate in our Visit Day event for admitted students in April.
Applicants who submit after the priority deadline are still evaluated equally, will receive their admissions decisions in late May, and still be eligible for scholarships, but have an overall shorter timeline to commit to the program.
The “Digital Portfolio” is where you will submit your required two-minute video. Detailed instructions on what should be included in your Two-Minute video can be found on the Admissions Information page.
Though we embrace the responsible use of emerging technologies, the review process can identify where Generative AI tools were likely used, which can affect admissibility of an applicant.
When completing the application, self-reported scores are accepted for application submission. Official test scores must be sent to the University of Washington Graduate school following the instructions on their page here..
Yes, as a part of the application process you are required to select the degree program-track of your interest. Your options are: “Robotics” or “Connected Devices”.
Students can change their track by the end of the first quarter of the MSTI program, though we encourage you to select the track of study that best matches your goals. To learn more, visit the focus area tracks.
There is no separate application for most scholarships. All applicants to the MSTI program are automatically considered for scholarships. For more information, visit the Tuition, Financial Aid, and Scholarship section of the website.
All students are considered for scholarships, both domestic and international students. We consider multiple factors when awarding scholarships.
No, transfer credits are generally not accepted. However, enrolled students can submit petitions for a limited number of courses to be waived based on prior academic experience. Petitions must include transcripts and syllabi in English from an accredited academic institution.
Still Have Questions?
If you still have questions or if you’d just like to learn more about the MS in Technology Innovation degree or any other program at the University of Washington’s Global Innovation Exchange, feel free to contact us directly:
Kyle Brown
Assistant Director, Graduate Admissions & Global Programs
Global Innovation Exchange
University of Washington
Email Kyle
