About MSTC

• What are the Program Objectives?
  The ability to commercialize new technology rapidly is essential for competitive advantage in the global economy. To achieve desired results in their organizations, decision makers must have access to concepts, tools and knowledge for commercialization. The mission of the MSTC Program is to combine cutting edge technology, entrepreneurship and education to bridge the gap between ideas and needs in the marketplace resulting in the creation of new, innovative ventures and products. 
• What degree is conferred?
  A Master of Science in Technology Commercialization is conferred by the University of Texas at Austin upon successful completion of the Program.
• Is the MSTC Program accredited?
  The program is accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
  (AACSB). AACSB is one of six regional accrediting associations in the United States.
• How many credits are in the MSTC Program?
  The twelve-month MSTC Program begins in May of each year and consists of ten three-credit courses delivered over three consecutive semesters.  Each term all students are automatically enrolled in each course.
• How is computer technology utilized in the Program?
  Students are expected to be quite comfortable with basic software as well as navigating the Internet. The McCombs School of Business, where classes are held, is a high-tech facility allowing for video-conferences and electronic networking. A basic computer configuration for use in the Program is recommended.
• How is  an MSTC degree different from an MBA?
  The MSTC degree integrates key business fundamentals with technology and its influence on the creation of prosperity. The focus of the Program is on the knowledge base and skill set needed to get technology into the market as quickly as possible. The MSTC degree hones general management and leadership skills, but the Program is focused on science and technology commercialization, technology assessment, technology transfer, technology enterprizes and entrepreneurship. The focus of the MSTC Program is on wealth creation.
• Is there a thesis?
  Students in the MSTC Program are continually guided through team efforts to create and complete a capstone project that integrates all that they have learned and turns idea into action. In the traditional sense, there is no thesis.
• How much time should I expect to spend outside of class time?
  As one might expect, attempting to complete 30 graduate hours in one year is an intensive experience. Typical MSTC students spend several hours per day and most weekends dedicated to their studies. 

The MSTC Admissions Process

• When is the application due?

  The application process for the May 2013-May 2014 class will open in August 2013.  Please visit the MSTC Admissions Criteria and Application Instructions pages.

  Please email mstc@mccombs.utexas.edu with any questions or concerns

• Is the application required to be submitted online?
  Yes.
• Can the application fee be waived?
  No.  The Graduate and International Admissions Center requires an application fee to be paid for each application submitted.
• When does the MSTC Program begin and when should I apply?
  The MSTC Program begins the first week of May, and students graduate the following May. 
   

  We are still accepting U.S. applications for the MSTC 2013-2014 class.
  Please submit your applications now. Launch week begins April 29th.

  Please email mstc@mccombs.utexas.edu with any questions or concerns

  
  
  How can I check the status of my application? 
  MSTC Application Status Check: Please remember to monitor the progress of your submitted Texas MSTC application through the application status at https://mccombs-utexas-admissions.symplicity.com/? . GIAC Status Check: Monitor the receipt of your official transcripts and official test scores and the copy of your Green Card by checking the University of Texas status page at https://utdirect.utexas.edu/admissions/status_check.WBX.Use your UT EID and password to check whether these items have been received by the GIAC. If any of these items show as outstanding or not received, your application decision will be delayed. The GIAC status check should be used exclusively for these three items. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all required credentials are received. All other components of your application and final decision should be monitored at the McCombs Status Check.

Requirements for Admission

• What are the requirements for applying to the MSTC Program?
  Please view the Admissions Criteria on the MSTC Admissions Page.
• Is the GMAT/GRE required as part of the application?
  Yes. Applicants are required to submit GRE or GMAT test scores as part of their application. Test scores must be sent electronically to the Graduate and International Admissions Center directly from the testing agency. The GRE school code for The University of Texas at Austin is 6882 and the GMAT school code is 396-44-45. The Master of Science in Technology Commercialization (MSTC) at McCombs School of Business may grant a very limited number of applicants a GMAT/GRE waiver based on one of the following criteria: a mimimum of fifteen years of applicable post graduate experience, an expired GMAT/GRE score, or an advanced or terminal degree (MBA, PHD, JD or MD).
  You MUST complete and submit the online application BEFORE requesting the GMAT/GRE Waiver. This also includes the payment of the application fee. International Applicants must submit their official TOEFL score before requesting the waiver.  A waiver Request form can be requested by emailing mstcadmissions@mccombs.utexas.edu.
  Decisions will be made once all requested materials have been received. Please note that simply meeting one or more of the above requirements does not guarantee a waiver of the GMAT/GRE requirement for admission. Waivers are rarely granted, so please be prepared to take one of the exams.
• What score should I aim to achieve on the GMAT/GRE?
  While UT has no minimum score, the GMAT/GRE are an extremely important component of each application.  Candidates should address this application component aggressively.  You may take the exam(s) as often as you wish.  UT will only consider your highest score, we do not average test scores.  The MSTC Admissions committee likes to see an average of 600 on the GMAT and an average of 310 (after 2011) or 1200 (before 2011) on the GRE.
  
  Please keep in mind that the test score is just one item in the MSTC application process.  The MSTC Admissions Committee reviews all elements of the application. The resume, statement of purpose, letters of recommendations, achievements, work experience, and entrepreneurial spirit are just as important as the standardized test scores..

What Financial Aid opportunities are available?

• Is financial Aid available to students in the MSTC Program?
  Yes.  At least two-thirds of all MSTC students receive some form of financial aid, whether from the federal government or a private lending institution. 

  Domestic and permanent U.S. residents may apply for federal loans by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You will need to authorize The University of Texas at Austin to receive your FAFSA information by entering the following Title IV School Code: 003658. The priority application deadline is March 31st.

  International Students can apply for Financial assistance through the International Office.

• Are scholarships or grants available?

  There are numerous grants and fellowships awarded through The University of Texas Graduate School. Full-time University of Texas employees may be eligible to apply for the George Kozmetsky Memorial Scholarship

Other

• Can course work from other universities be transferred into the MSTC Program?
  We do not accept transfer credits. The MSTC Program utilizes a cohort model - each class starts together and stays together throughout the 12-month program. All students are automatically enrolled in all ten courses and no electives are required.
• Is the cost less for the online program?
  No. The cost of taking the program online is the same as taking it in Austin.
• What types of careers are available after graduation?
  Careers available vary widely. Rather than directing a student towards one specific career option, a graduate will be better prepared to work in any process of an organization as a result of the Program. Examples include: technology transfer, business development, commercialization planning, intellectual property management, business planning, technology assessment and product development. Graduates will also be equipped to start their own ventures more intelligently.
  
  Most of our graduates work in entrepreneurial ventures, in large corporations in product development, and as technology transfer specialists in research universities and federal labs. Our graduates work in various technology based companies that populate Austin, for example, some 15% of our graduates work at IBM and Dell.
• What kind of salary can I expect with this degree?
  Based on our alumni surveys, the salary ranges vary significantly from about $75,000 to over $150,000. Over 90% of the alumni reported a significant increase in the satisfaction with their current positions as a result of the Program.
• GI Bill and Hazlewood Act
  Since the MSTC Program does not receive state funding, Hazelwood Act benefits do not apply, however students may be eligible for the Texas MSTC Military Waiver in place of the Hazelwood Act. Beginning in May, 2012, the MSTC Military Waiver will not cover the cost of books. Students can NOT receive the Military Waiver AND the GI Bill.
  
  The Post-911 GI Bill will only cover the tuition. Fees for housing, food, books, etc. are not included. The amount is based off of a % of eligibility of service.
  
  Veterans may choose to use their GI Bill for tuition purposes. Visit the Registrar's Office, Veteran's Service Website for more information or contact their office at (512) 475-7540 for details.
• Can I apply without full-time work experience?
  Yes. Although most MSTC students have at least 10 years of work experience, a small percentage of students with little to no work experience will be accepted.