Frequently Asked Questions

About MSITM

What is the main focus of the Master of Science in Information and Technology Management curriculum? 

The MSITM curriculum is built around three core pillars: AI Foundations, Data and Cloud Engineering, and Business Strategy and Execution. This interdisciplinary program develops expertise in mathematical and technical foundations of AI, advanced programming, and cloud-native application development. At the same time, it equips students with business acumen in IT strategy, digital transformation, risk governance, data governance, product management, and ethical leadership. Through hands-on projects and a required capstone, students learn to design and implement technology solutions that drive innovation and create business value in digitally enabled organizations. 

What are the learning outcomes of the MSITM program?

After completion of the MSITM program, students will have the ability to:

• Design and deploy AI models to solve real-world business problems.
• Architect scalable, secure, cloud-native data solutions.
• Integrate digital capabilities into business strategy
• Work in multi-disciplinary teams to build solutions and roadmaps rooted in business outcomes.
• Implement ethical AI with governance, privacy, and bias safeguards.

Why choose a business school for a technical master’s program?

• Career-focused: With additional guidance from advisory council and industry partners, our faculty have designed this program to align with current employer needs. Students develop the expertise and skillset to guide technical decision making within organizations, like designing and implementing AI tools in business processes, which prepares them for career opportunities such as AI-forward deployed engineering.
• Applied business context: As opposed to computer science programs which focus more on theory, the MSITM program is focused on experiential learning opportunities which give students hands-on experience utilizing AI and cloud computing to solve relevant business problems.
• World-class faculty: Learn from leading academics who teach cutting-edge topics such as generative AI, large language models (LLMs), product management, and cybersecurity.
• Location in Austin, TX: Study in one of the fastest-growing technology hubs globally, offering unparalleled networking and employment opportunities.
• Dedicated career management: Benefit from a specialized career team providing workshops, personalized coaching, networking events, internship placements, and employer recruitment pipelines.

How long does it take to complete the Texas McCombs MSITM program?

The MSITM program is a full-time, 10-month curriculum that begins each summer in early July and concludes in May of the following spring semester. The program includes an orientation and core summer courses, followed by fall and spring semesters with electives and a required capstone project in the final term.

How many credits are required for graduation from the Texas McCombs MSITM program?

The MSITM program requires completion of 36 credit hours, which includes core courses, electives, and a mandatory applied capstone project. The credit load is structured over a 10-month, full-time period covering summer, fall, and spring semesters to provide a comprehensive technical and business education.

Is the Texas McCombs MSITM program STEM-designated?

Yes, the Texas McCombs MSITM program is officially designated as a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degree. This designation reflects the program’s rigorous focus on AI foundations, data and cloud engineering, and business strategy. The STEM status enhances workforce relevance and provides international students with a 24-month extension (resulting in a total of 36-months) of Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization after graduation, offering valuable additional career opportunities in the U.S. 

Is the MSITM program offered online, on campus, or in a hybrid format?

The Texas McCombs MSITM program is offered exclusively as a full-time, on-campus experience in Austin, Texas. Students engage in face-to-face coursework designed to foster collaboration through team projects, in-person networking events, and direct interaction with faculty and industry partners. This immersive format supports deeper learning and professional relationship building, essential for career success in technology management. 

Does the Texas McCombs MSITM curriculum include hands-on learning and real-world project work?

Yes. The MSITM program offers extensive experiential learning opportunities, including industry-embedded projects, practical training in advanced data analytics, cloud computing, and AI applications, and a required capstone project where students collaborate with real companies to build a professional portfolio. These experiences provide students with the skills and confidence to solve complex, technology-driven business challenges.

Admission Eligibility

Who is the ideal applicant for the Texas McCombs MSITM program?

The Texas McCombs MSITM program is designed for recent graduates and early-career professionals who are passionate about using technology to solve business and societal challenges. Most admitted students (85% of the Class of 2026) hold an undergraduate degree in computer science, information systems, or engineering. All applicants should have proven programming and database management skills, gained through university coursework, coding bootcamps, or professional experience.

Beyond technical ability, the ideal candidate also demonstrates:

• Curiosity and a growth mindset
• Resilience and adaptability in fast-paced environments
• A collaborative spirit and strong communication skills, shown through teamwork, leadership in student organizations, or project work
• A passion for building, innovating, and putting technology into practice to address real-world problems

Applicants who can show both hands-on experience with coding and databases, and who have a track record of initiative, creativity, and teamwork, are best positioned to thrive in the MSITM program.

Is full-time work experience required for admission to the Texas McCombs MSITM program?

No, full-time work experience is not required to apply for the MSITM program at Texas McCombs. Competitive applicants may demonstrate the use of their technical skills through relevant full time roles, part time roles, internships, business exposure or project work. 

Are GRE or GMAT scores required for admission to the Texas McCombs MSITM program?

No, GRE and GMAT scores are optional for all Texas McCombs Master of Science programs, including MSITM. Applications are fully considered whether or not you submit test scores—there is no disadvantage to applying without them. If you believe your GRE or GMAT score demonstrates your academic ability or strengthens your application, you are welcome to include it for review. View our blogfor additional information on the graduate programs’ test score policy.

What GPA is required for admission consideration to the Texas McCombs MSITM program?

The UT Austin Graduate School requires a minimum upper division GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent for international degrees) for admission consideration to the Texas McCombs MSITM program. However, the admissions committee reviews each application holistically, considering the overall strength of your academic record, quantitative ability, technical experience, personal statements, and recommendation letters—not just your GPA.  If your previous grading scale was different than 4.0, the Office of Graduate Admission will determine your equivalent GPA when reviewing your transcript

Do international applicants need to submit English proficiency test scores for the Texas McCombs MSITM program?

Yes, international applicants whose native language is not English must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores as part of their application to the Texas McCombs MSITM program. Waivers may be available if you have completed a degree in a country where English is the official language of instruction, or if you meet other Graduate School exemption criteria. Please check the UT Austin Graduate School website for full details on scores, minimum requirements, and possible exemptions.

Are there any courses required to prepare for the MSITM program?

While not required, MSITM applicants can use technical coursework to gauge their level of preparedness for the program. The following 3 courses offered by the University of Texas at Austin (or their equivalent at another institution) are excellent preparation for the MSITM Program. 

• CS 303E Elements of Computers and Programming
• CS 313E Elements of Software Design
• CS 327E Elements of Databases

What are the suggested technical skills for MSITM program students?

To be prepared for the fast-paced MSITM curriculum, students should have the ability to solve logical problems using programming languages and some knowledge of structured query language (SQL). While not required, the following HackerRank challenges allow potential applicants to assess whether they have the technical skills needed to succeed in the program.

Programming

• Birthday Chocolate
• Sock Merchant
• Electronics Shop
• Library Fine

SQL

• Higher than 75 Marks
• Top Earners
• Average Population of Each Continent
• Top Competitors

Disclaimer: Successful completion of these challenges does not guarantee admission into the MSITM program. These challenges are not used in the application process. These challenges are provided to help you personally gauge whether you have the technical background to potentially be a good candidate for the MSITM program.

Application Process

What materials are required to apply to the Texas McCombs MSITM program?

To complete your application for the Texas McCombs MSITM program, please submit the following materials online:

• Completed application form
• Résumé or CV
• Two required written essays
• One video assessment
• Two letters of recommendation from professors or professional supervisors
• Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions (uploaded in PDF format)
• English proficiency test scores (TOEFL or IELTS) for international applicants, unless waived
• Optional GRE or GMAT test scores — submission is not required but may strengthen your application.

What are the steps in the application process for the MSITM program?

There are four steps to the application process:

1. Complete and submit the McCombs electronic application, including personal and academic information, essays, letters of recommendation, and supplemental information.

2. Complete the graduate school checklist by paying the admissions fee, submitting transcripts and test scores (if applicable), and providing residency information.

3. After submitting their application fee, applicants will be invited to take an online video assessment, which needs to be submitted within seven days.

4. The admissions committee will review completed submissions and send applicants a decision via email within six to eight weeks.

To view a detailed outline of the entire application process, view our admissions page. 

When should I apply to the Texas McCombs MSITM program?

Applications for the Texas McCombs MSITM program are accepted on a rolling basis with multiple application rounds throughout the year. Applying early is recommended to maximize your chance for scholarship consideration and to secure a seat in the program. Please note that international applicants have an earlier final deadline to allow sufficient time for visa processing. View our admissions page for specific admissions deadlines.

How long does it take to receive an admission decision for the Texas McCombs MSITM program?

Most applicants receive an admission decision within six to eight weeks after submitting a complete application.

Tuition and Financial Aid

How much does the program cost?

The current tuition for the Texas McCombs MSITM program is approximately $54,000 for Texas residents and $58,000 for out-of-state residents. This tuition covers the full 10-month, full-time program but does not include additional expenses such as books, software, living costs, laptops, or optional fees like parking. Once an applicant accepts their admissions offer, a non-refundable $2,000 pre-enrollment tuition fee is required to secure a seat.

Are scholarships available?

Yes, merit-based scholarships are available and all MSITM applicants are automatically considered for these awards—no separate scholarship application is needed.  

What types of financial aid can graduate students use?

Eligible students in the Texas McCombs MSITM program may fund their graduate education using federal student loans (for U.S. citizens and permanent residents with FAFSA), private education loans, employer tuition support, and military education benefits. Merit-based scholarships are also available to admitted students, and all applicants are automatically considered for these awards. 

Due to the accelerated 10-month schedule and intense workload, work-study or research assistantships are generally not offered or recommended for MSITM students. Prospective students are encouraged to explore external funding sources to support their education. For detailed guidance or to connect with the financial aid team, visit The University of Texas at Austin’s financial aid website.

Career Outcomes and Support

What career development support does the program offer?

The Texas McCombs MSITM program has a dedicated career management team to support students in their career exploration journey. The MSITM career coaches lead tailored career workshops and provides students with personalized career advising, résumé and interview preparation. The career management team organizes a variety of career events to support networking opportunities and provide access to employer recruitment pipelines. These efforts support MSITM students in securing diverse, high-demand roles at the intersection of technology and business in spanning a wide range of industries.  

What kinds of careers do Texas McCombs MSITM graduates pursue, and what are their average starting salaries?

MSITM graduates are prepared for diverse roles that utilize their skills in technology and business. Some graduates pursue specialized technical roles such as AI forward deployed engineer, data engineer, machine learning engineer, and cloud engineer; other graduates pursue more business-focused roles, including business analyst, data analyst, IT project manager, product manager, and technology consultant. MSITM graduates work across multiple industries at leading firms like Google, Deloitte, and SalesForce. The median starting salary for the MSITM Class of 2024 was approximately $100,000. 

As an international student coming to Texas McCombs on an F-1 or J-1 student visa, will I have to pay the new $100,000 proclamation fee if I later switch my status to H-1B?

No, according to current guidance from Texas Global, international students in the U.S. on an F-1 or J-1 visa who later change their status to H-1B are not subject to the $100,000 proclamation fee. This policy is new and may change as legal proceedings continue. Texas Global and McCombs will update applicants as new information becomes available.