The University of Washington’s Global Innovation Exchange (GIX) today announced a new hybrid format for its Master of Science in Technology Innovation (MSTI) program, designed specifically to accommodate the needs of working professionals.
The MSTI’s new hybrid option blends the flexibility of online learning with the impact of in-person collaboration, making it possible for students to advance their careers while earning a graduate degree that uniquely integrates engineering, business, and design.
The MSTI program is the only degree of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, preparing early- to mid-career professionals to lead innovation in technology-driven industries. Through project-based coursework, mentorship from industry leaders, and global engagement opportunities, MSTI graduates develop the technical expertise, entrepreneurial mindset, and design-thinking skills necessary to turn bold ideas into real-world impact.
“We created the Hybrid MSTI with working professionals in mind,” said Kara Fichthorn, Academic Director at GIX, the University of Washington’s engineering-and-business institute for technology leaders. “Students don’t have to choose between advancing their education and continuing their careers—they can do both. This new model ensures our students gain cutting-edge knowledge that they can immediately apply in their careers.”
Drawing from the strengths of GIX’s full-time MSTI program, the hybrid structure combines live evening online classes with immersive, in-person, lab-based experiences on alternating Saturdays at new cutting-edge facilities on Microsoft’s campus in Redmond, WA. Both formats share the same integrated curriculum in engineering, design, and business, taught by the same faculty with the same outcomes, giving students the freedom to choose the format that best fits their ambitions and personal preferences.
Hybrid MSTI Program Highlights
Blended Learning Tailored to Busy Schedules
The Hybrid MSTI delivers flexible and dynamic instruction over 21 months beginning summer 2026. Students engage in live, synchronous online classes—twice per week in the evenings—complemented by in-person sessions every other Saturday at GIX’s new facilities on Microsoft’s Redmond campus.
Integrated Engineering, Business & Design Curriculum
This is more than a master’s degree—it’s a fully integrated, STEM-designated program that fuses hardware and software development, user-experience and design thinking, and strategic management into a seamless learning experience.
Hands-On Labs, Real-World Challenge-Based Learning
Students enjoy access to the state-of-the-art GIX prototyping labs—including the makerspace, robotics lab, and woodshop—for rapid design, fabrication, and iteration under expert guidance. Capstone projects are sponsored and mentored by industry giants—Microsoft, T-Mobile, Meta, AWS, and others—offering exposure to real-world innovation challenges.
Seattle’s Innovation Ecosystem
Situated in the heart of the Pacific Northwest’s tech landscape, students benefit from immersion in Seattle’s thriving tech ecosystem, which hosts over 35,000 tech companies and is consistently rated #1 for early-career technology professionals.
Professional Networking and Career Development
The Hybrid MSTI includes mentorship through GIX’s Mentor Network , with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and global faculty offering guidance and connections. Career impact is further supported via career advising, resume workshops, job fairs, and more.
Admissions & Financial Information
Admission requirements include a four-year bachelor’s degree (any major), a minimum 3.0 GPA, proof of intermediate object-oriented programming (Python preferred), and at least 3+ years of professional work experience. The Hybrid MSTI does not sponsor F-1 or J-1 visas, so international applicants should consider the Full-Time option.
Estimated tuition for the inaugural Hybrid cohort (Summer 2026–Spring 2028) is approximately $68,184, based on $1,200 per credit for 54 credits, plus quarterly fees including registration, technology services, free public transportation, and more. Partial scholarships are available; applicants are automatically considered.
One Degree, Two Options
The MSTI is a 21-month, challenge-based program in which students learn by tackling real-world problems while learning hardware design, software development, user experience, and technology strategy. All students gain hands-on experience in the GIX Prototyping Labs and collaborate on industry-sponsored projects guided by faculty and professional mentors.
The MSTI culminates in an industry-sponsored capstone project, challenging students to address problems such as technology deployment, product design, and marketing strategy. For working professionals in the Hybrid MSTI, the projects provide opportunities to apply new skills directly to real-world scenarios. The experience results in a concrete portfolio of work that demonstrates leadership, technical expertise, and the ability to deliver innovation in practice.
“The Hybrid MSTI empowers working professionals to pursue a cutting-edge, interdisciplinary degree—without pausing their careers,” said Sean Carr, Executive Director and CEO, Global Innovation Exchange. “With hands-on labs, real-world mentorship, and a flexible schedule, it’s the complete package for emerging tech leaders.”
With this launch, GIX continues its mission to foster globally connected, responsible innovators who can tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. Applications are now open for the inaugural Hybrid MSTI cohort beginning Summer 2026.
Contact & More Info
Prospective candidates can learn more about the curriculum, admissions process, informational events, and financial aid by visiting our website or contacting the GIX Admissions team directly.
About the Global Innovation Exchange
The Global Innovation Exchange (GIX) is the University of Washington’s engineering-and-business institute for responsible, globally minded, and innovative technology leaders. Housed in the Steve Ballmer Building in Bellevue, WA, GIX offers graduate education, global technology experiences, and professional development programs that foster innovation at the nexus of engineering, design, and business.
Back to News
