The University of Washington’s MS in Technology Innovation (MSTI) is an 18-month career- focused degree that combines design thinking, hardware/software prototyping, and entrepreneurship all delivered at the Global Innovation Exchange (GIX) in Bellevue. GIX is an exciting, technology-focused learning environment in Bellevue, Washington, in the heart of the west coast’s tech community.Students work in interdisciplinary teams on course projects and technology business challenges in robotics, hardware and software development, and technical project management. The current cohort of the program is the largest and most diverse ever, and is continually adapted to fit the evolving needs of the tech industry. In this post, you’ll get a sense of what it’s like to study at the Global Innovation Exchange in Bellevue, learn about the strong return on investment you can expect, and why you should apply to the University of Washington.
The MSTI Experience
The MSTI program prepares graduates to secure competitive jobs at the world’s leading technology companies.The program builds skills and confidence through both courses and extracurricular activities, including a built-in break for optional internships, a mentor program with routine check-ins between students and their mentors, and frequent professional networking and technical development opportunities. Students learn alongside a thriving community of startups and early-stage tech ventures. GIX currently hosts five companies, including the 5G Open Innovation Lab, Ally Robotics, and a tech startup focused on revolutionizing grocery shopping. The GIX Prototyping Labs is a dedicated space with fabrication equipment and expert staff on-hand to assist with design and development of customized technology solutions.
The MSTI Value
Graduates from the MSTI go directly into in-demand roles, such as product designer, project manager, UX designer, and software engineer. The average starting salary for a new grad is $125,000, and alumni have shown significant early-career success with high job placement rates and competitive salaries. MSTI graduates are currently working at some of the top tech companies in the world, including Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, and T-Mobile. They’ve used their skills to make a real impact in the industry, working on cutting-edge projects. For example, one MSTI alumna used the computer vision skills she learned and applied during her final project to help develop one of the first at-home rapid COVID19 rapid tests in her first role after GIX.
Why apply to the UW MSTI?
The MSTI is a professional, hands-on program developed in partnership between the University of Washington and GIX industry partners. You’ll have the opportunity to work with faculty and industry professionals on sponsored projects and gain diverse perspectives and experiences.
These close interactions and collaborations are built to give students even deeper integration and understanding of real-world challenges before they begin their careers.
Apply to the MSTI
With its unique blend of global perspective, cutting-edge coursework, hands-on technology development, and close connection to industry, the MSTI will help you achieve your goals and succeed in the tech industry. To learn more, check out the program page or see more on YouTube.
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