Admissions FAQs
Admissions Requirements
Please contact the UW Graduate School at uwgrad@uw.edu to confirm your admissions materials have been received.
MSTI students come from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds, including engineering, design, business, social sciences, and the arts. The program values diversity in experience and perspective, and no specific undergraduate major is required.
Work experience is not required for admission to either the Full-time or Hybrid MSTI programs. However, many successful applicants bring professional or project-based experience that reflects their interest in technology, innovation, or interdisciplinary collaboration.
For the Hybrid MSTI, while three or more years of work experience is preferred, it is not mandatory. Applicants with strong potential and relevant experience—whether professional, academic, or project-based—are encouraged to apply.
A computer science degree is not required, but all applicants to the Full-time and Hybrid MSTI programs must meet the following technical prerequisites:
- Object-Oriented Programming Knowledge (Python preferred). You must demonstrate competency in object-oriented programming. Web languages like HTML and CSS do not meet this requirement.
Acceptable Evidence Includes:
- University or college coursework (part of a degree program)
- Online programming certificates. Please submit a syllabus (in English) and/or a certificate of completion with your application.
Required Programming Topics:
- Basic operators (arithmetic and comparison)
- Functions (defining, calling, return values)
- Basic understanding of modules and packages
Applications will not be considered without proof of meeting these prerequisites.
For questions, contact us at msti@uw.edu.
No. All prerequisites must be completed before you apply.
Please submit documentation (in English) in the application portal showing successful completion of an object-oriented programming course at the time of application.
Applications missing this documentation will not be reviewed.
All applicants—regardless of prior experience—must complete a college/university programming course or an online certificate course that provides official documentation (e.g., a syllabus or certificate of completion) to submit with their application.
There are many flexible, beginner-friendly courses that can be completed in just a few weeks. Here are some recommended options:
- CSE 142: Computer Programming I (University of Washington)
- Foundations of Programming (Python) – UW Professional & Continuing Education
- Python for Programmers – Educative.io
- Python Specialization – Coursera
If you’ve already taken a course and are unsure whether it meets the programming prerequisite, feel free to contact us at msti@uw.edu.
Yes, some applicants will be invited to participate in a virtual interview as part of the admissions requirements and review process. If selected, you will be contacted directly by the admissions team with more information.
Yes. You may apply while finishing your undergraduate degree, but you must complete your degree before the program begins.
Due to the cohort-based and highly selective nature of the Full-time and Hybrid MSTI programs, we do not recommend requesting a deferral. Admission is granted for a specific academic year, and deferrals are approved on a case-by-case basis.
Yes. International applicants must be sure to apply to the Full-time MSTI program and meet:
- Visa requirements
- English language proficiency standards For full details, please visit the admissions information page.
Program Details
Full-time MSTI
A new cohort begins each autumn quarter in September, and the program runs for 21 months over 6 quarters.
Hybrid MSTI
A new cohort begins each summer quarter in July, and the program runs for 21-months over 8-quarters.
View upcoming start dates on the UW academic calendar.
The Full-time MSTI does not offer classes in the summer.
For the Hybrid MSTI, there is a 5.5 week break from June – July between the first and second year.
Yes! The program includes a summer break between the first and second year, during which students often pursue:
- Internships with tech companies
- Research opportunities
- Short-term study abroad programs
- Personal projects and passions
We now offer two formats of the MSTI program:
Full-time MSTI
Designed for individuals who are not currently working and are either based in or have relocated to the Greater Seattle area. This immersive program runs Monday through Thursday during daytime hours. It welcomes international applicants, and each year, students from around the world join the program to advance their careers in technology, design, and business.
Hybrid MSTI
Tailored for working professionals, the Hybrid MSTI offers the same interdisciplinary focus on technology, design, and business, but with a work-compatible schedule. Classes are held in the evenings online and every other Saturday in-person, making it ideal for those who wish to pursue a graduate degree while continuing to work.
Full-time MSTI
Classes are held in person during the day, Monday through Thursday. Beginning in Summer 2026, the program will be hosted at Microsoft’s headquarters in Redmond, WA. Please note that online or remote instruction is not available for this format.
Hybrid MSTI
Designed for working professionals, the Hybrid MSTI features a work-compatible schedule. Classes include 90-minute live online sessions held 1–2 evenings per week, along with in-person sessions every other Saturday. This format allows students to balance full-time employment while pursuing their graduate degree.
The MSTI is a distinctive, interdisciplinary graduate program that integrates:
- Engineering
- Business
- Design
This program emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning with a strong focus on solving real-world challenges in a global context.
What sets MSTI apart from other University of Washington programs is its required coursework across all three disciplines, combined with extensive lab-based learning. Students gain practical experience while developing innovative solutions at the intersection of technology, business, and design.
Starting in Summer 2026, courses are held on the Microsoft HQ in Redmond, WA, a fully renovated facility designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and innovation.
Full-time MSTI students choose one of two tracks:
- Connected Devices: Focuses on IoT, embedded systems, and smart products.
- Robotics: Emphasizes autonomous systems, sensors, and intelligent machines.
MSTI Full-time students can switch tracks by the end of their first quarter.
Note: Hybrid MSTI students do not choose a track.
In most cases, students retain ownership of the IP developed during the program. For industry-sponsored projects, different IP agreements may apply. These will be clearly communicated before the project begins.
MSTI students collaborate with a wide range of industry partners and mentors.
In the final phase of the program, students form interdisciplinary teams to tackle real-world challenges with companies like:
- Microsoft
- T-Mobile
- Meta
Students also benefit from:
- A mentorship program with professionals and entrepreneurs
- Guest lectures and panels featuring CEOs, innovators, and global leaders
International students have access to a wide range of support services, including:
- Visa and immigration advising through UW International Student Services
- Career development resources tailored to international job seekers
- Cultural and community-building events
The MSTI curriculum includes:
Technical Foundations
Courses in this area build your skills in:
- Software and hardware development
- Prototyping and fabrication
- Machine learning and programming
- Embedded systems and connected devices
- Robotics (for students in the robotics track)
Design Thinking & User-Centered Design
You’ll learn how to:
- Conduct user research
- Apply human-centered design principles
- Create wireframes, prototypes, and user interfaces
- Test and iterate based on user feedback
Business & Entrepreneurship
These courses help you:
- Understand market research and product-market fit
- Evaluate business models and go-to-market strategies
- Work on real-world innovation challenges with industry partners
You can view a sample of the curriculum and course descriptions on the MSTI Curriculum page.
Career Outcomes for MSTI Graduates
Yes. The Full-time MSTI program is classified as a STEM-designated program, making international students eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and the 24-month STEM OPT extension. For detailed information about OPT eligibility and the application, please visit the UW International Student Services website.
MSTI students benefit from:
- Career coaching and workshops
- Resume and portfolio reviews
- Networking events with industry professionals
- Access to job and internship postings
- Mentorship from professionals in tech, business, design, and entrepreneurship
The MSTI program equips students with a unique blend of technical, design, and entrepreneurial skills, preparing them for a wide range of roles, including:
- Software or hardware engineering
- UX/UI and product design
- Technical product management
- Program management
- Innovation and R&D teams
- Startup founders or early-stage team members
- Roles in nonprofits or global development
- Further academic or research pursuits
Explore real-world examples on our Graduate Outcomes page.
Application Process
In the application portal, navigate to the “Application Questions” section. Select how you meet the programming requirement—either through Academic Coursework or an Online Course/Certificate—and upload the relevant syllabus or certificate (in English).
No. All applications are evaluated equally, regardless of the application deadline.
However, applying in an earlier round offers several advantages:
- Earlier admissions decision
- Access to a larger pool of scholarship funding
- More time to connect with current and admitted students, staff and faculty
Round 3 and 4 applicants are still considered for scholarships, but have less time to confirm their enrollment and prepare for the program.
We support the responsible use of emerging technologies, but please note that the admissions review process can detect likely use of generative AI tools. Overuse or inappropriate reliance on AI may negatively impact your application.
You may self-report your scores in the application for initial review. Official scores must be sent directly to the University of Washington Graduate School following the instructions on this page.
Yes. You must select a degree track when submitting your application:
- Connected Devices
- Robotics
You may change your track by the end of your first quarter in the program. Learn more about each track on the focus area tracks page.
Note: Hybrid MSTI applicants do not have to select a track.
No separate application is required. All applicants for the Full-time and Hybrid MSTI programs are automatically considered for scholarships during the admissions review process.
For more details, visit the Tuition, Financial Aid, and Scholarships page.
No, transfer credits are not accepted. However, enrolled students may petition to waive a limited number of courses based on prior academic experience.
Petitions must include:
- Transcripts from an accredited institution
- Course syllabi (in English)
Student Experience
The MSTI program offers a collaborative, hands-on, and interdisciplinary learning environment. Students work closely in small teams on real-world projects, blending technical development with design and business strategy. The program emphasizes creativity, experimentation, and innovation in a supportive and inclusive setting.
Students have access to a state-of-the-art facility featuring:
- Prototyping labs with 3D printers, laser cutters, and electronics workstations
- Collaboration spaces and huddle rooms
- AR/VR development tools
- Usability testing labs
- Dedicated classrooms and seminar rooms
- Community gathering areas for events and networking
MSTI students come from diverse academic, cultural, and professional backgrounds, creating a vibrant and inclusive community. Students often form strong bonds through team projects, social events, and shared experiences in and out of the classroom.
Yes! Students can participate in:
- Business and design challenges
- Tech meetups and speaker series
- Workshops on entrepreneurship, prototyping, and career development
- Social events and cultural celebrations
- MSTI Graduate Student Association
- Clubs and interest groups (e.g., robotics, sustainability, women in tech)
Students are also encouraged to engage with the broader University of Washington and Seattle tech community
The full-time MSTI and the hybrid MSTI programs share the same core curriculum and learning outcomes, but they differ in format, location, and delivery:
| Feature | Full-time MSTI | Hybrid MSTI |
|---|---|---|
| Format | In-person, cohort-based | Online, cohort based with periodic in-person sessions |
| Location | Microsoft HQ (Redmond, WA), starting in Summer 2026 | Remote + weekend in-person classes on the Microsoft HQ |
| Schedule | Daytime classes, Monday–Thursday | Work compatible |
| Duration | 21 months | 21 months |
| Student Experience | Immersive, collaborative, hands-on labs and team projects | AVirtual collaboration, weekend in-person engagement |
| Ideal For | Students able to commit full-time and relocate | Professionals seeking to advance their careers while working in the Greater Seattle region |
Both programs offer access to the same faculty, industry partnerships, and mentors.
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
