Program Information The ability to commercialize new technology rapidly is essential for a competitive advantage in dynamically changing private and public sector environments. Technology commercialization is key to the reinvention of organizations and the basis for the creation of new customer oriented technology-based enterprises. Through the MSTC Program candidates gain the knowledge and skills to cope with the formidable economic, social, financial and political changes associated with creating economic value from knowledge. The focus is on the rapid transfer of research, knowledge, and technology from ideas to the marketplace - the entrepreneurial wealth creation process.

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.

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One Year, 27 Weekends

The MSTC Program is designed so that students earn a graduate degree in just one year while continuing to work full-time. Classes meet every-other weekend, on Friday afternoons and all day Saturdays. The Program begins in May of each year and consists of 36 graduate credits packed into an intensive sequence of 12 three-credit courses. It concludes with UT commencement the following May, one year after new students began.

Real Technologies

The MSTC curriculum is about action-based learning. Instead of focusing on business case studies and hypothetical exercises, students work with actual technologies and innovations. Most assignments are completed in a small team of students who collaboratively develop market strategies and business plans for truly original technologies throughout the year. During the second semester student teams formally present their final technology commercialization plans before a panel of faculty, industry leaders and venture capitalists. Several technologies have evolved into subsequent successful commercial ventures for MSTC graduates.

In Class or Online

The MSTC Program may be completed without ever coming to Austin since there is not a residency requirement. Participants have the option of attending classes in Austin, via live video webcast or via video archive - or utilize a combination of all three. All MSTC classes are webcast live over the internet, so candidates can participate and ask questions from any location in the world offering a broadband connection. As classes are archived online after the live session, participants may watch the lectures later if they are unable to make the live class or desire review.

Only The Best!!!

MSTC faculty are among the best worldwide in their respective fields. These experts are selected from the renowned IC Institute Fellows, The University of Texas at Austins McCombs School of Business, College of Engineering and College of Communications.

MSTC instructors carry on the vision of Dr. George Kozmetsky, former Dean of the McCombs School of Business and co-founder of Teledyne. Using know-how culled from successful entrepreneurial ventures throughout the world, Dr. Kozmetsky founded the MSTC degree to meet 21st century demands for accelerated commercialization of emerging technologies. The result is the preeminent executive masters program for the global economy.

Learning opportunities extend beyond the classroom at the MSTC Program. Candidates benefit by attending conferences on innovation, entrepreneurship and emerging technologies sponsored by the IC Institute, the home of the MSTC Program. The IC Institute also hosts laboratories in Digital Media and Clean Energy, as well as the Austin Technology Incubator. The IC Institute programs include the Bureau of Business Research, Global Commercialization, Visiting Scholars and IC Institute Fellows.

Admissions The Master of Science in Technology Commercialization (MSTC) Program, which begins in May of each year, is composed of approximately 50 students. Admission to this elite, one-year program is competitive; however, all aspects of an application are considered to ensure a diverse and stimulating academic environment.

Criteria:

A bachelor's degree (or the equivalent) in any discipline from a regionally accredited college or university. A grade point average of at least 3.0 in upper division coursework and in any graduate work already completed. An official GRE or GMAT score within the past five years. At least five years of professional work experience. The ability to think at a graduate level and the willingness to contribute thoughts and experience to class discussion. The ability to make a full one-year commitment towards completing a vigorous academic program. In addition, complete all requirements as described in the Application Instructions.

Application Procedure

Early Action Deadline: January 1 Regular Decision Deadline: February 15

Early Action Deadline To be considered for the Early Action Deadline, an applicant must complete and submit electronically the separate ApplyTexas application no later than January 1 (11:59:59 PM, CST). In addition, the required supporting materials must be received by the MSTC Program office in advance of that date. Please note this is a receipt and not a postmarked deadline.

Application Fee Incentive Applicants who submit a completed application by the Early Action Deadline will receive full reimbursement of their application fee. The $50 US ($75 international) application fee will be reimbursed to the applicant via check by February 28. This application fee incentive does not apply to deferred applicants and transcript request fees will not be included in the reimbursement.

Regular Decision Deadline To be considered for the Regular Decision deadline, an applicant must complete and submit electronically the separate ApplyTexas application no later than February 15 (11:59:59 PM, CST). In addition, the required supporting materials must be received by the MSTC Program office in advance of that date. Please note this is a receipt not a postmarked deadline.

Application Review Process Applicants are encouraged to submit their completed applications as soon as possible. Applications are considered on a rolling basis once they are complete. Applications will not be deemed complete (for Early Action or Regular Decision deadlines) until the MSTC Program and the Graduate and International Admissions Center (GIAC) have received the ApplyTexas application and all required supporting materials. Please refer to the Application Instructions for all requirements for a completed application. Each application will receive a holistic review by an Admissions Committee composed of program faculty. Each applicant is subjected to an interview with the program director.

Conditional Admission A majority of applicants admitted to the MSTC Program have met all required qualifications of both the MSTC Program and The University of Texas at Austin Graduate School. In special circumstances, an applicant might be granted conditional admission if he/she does not meet the required qualifications, but has demonstrated the capacity and abilities to succeed at the graduate level. In this case, an applicant might be admitted with conditions set by either the Graduate School or the MSTC Program, ranging from GPA and grade requirements to other requirements specific to the applicant's situation. A student who does not fulfill these conditions within the stated timeframe might be dismissed from the Program.

Deferred Admission Applicants who have been granted deferred admission from the previous year will need to reapply by completing an ApplyTexas application and submitting the $50 US ($75 international) application fee by January 15. The supporting materials do not need to be re-submitted nor will the application be sent through the review process again. Deferred applicants are encouraged to submit their application and fee early, but no later than the January 15 deadline or a reserved seat in the class cannot be guaranteed.

Tuition and Fees

The MSTC Program cost for the entire one-year program is $46,000. This flat fee includes all of the following items:

Tuition and fees

Lodging and meals during Launch Week in Austin, TX All textbooks and other course materials Program software, technical infrastructure and access to research databases Access to The University of Texas Austin and IC Institute resources 3-year membership to Texas Exes, the alumni organization for The University of Texas at Austin

The cost is divided among three semesters as follows:

Program Deposit $2,000 (due upon acceptance of admission) Summer Tuition $17,500 (due June 15) Fall Tuition $13,250 (due September 15) Spring Tuition $13,250 (due January 15)

Financial aid and payment plans are available.

Curriculum The twelve-course curriculum emphasizes action-based learning as students assess actual technologies and innovations. In teams, candidates collaboratively develop market strategies and business plans for these technologies. The program culminates with each team formally presenting its final technology commercialization plan to a panel of faculty, industry leaders and venture capitalists. Each year MSTC graduates launch several technologies into successful commercial ventures. At present, there aren't any electives offered or permitted. Classes meet on alternate weekends, both Friday and Saturday, for 27 weekends.

Term I - Assessing Technologies for Commercial Viability

STC 380 - Converting Technology into Wealth Understand how to take ideas, innovations and discoveries into the marketplace. STC 382 - Marketing Technological Innovations Develop a basic understanding of marketing concepts and their relationship to the successful commercialization of a technology. STC 383 - Technology Management and Transfer: Theory and Practice Explore state-of-the-art theory and practice on knowledge/technology transfer and adoption. STC 386T1 - Financing New Ventures Comprehend financial management topics and applications that measure strategic performance of new, small and privately held companies, as well as the financial soundness of ongoing concerns.

Term II - Commercialization Strategies and Venture Planning

STC 395 - The Art and Science of Market-Driven Entrepreneurship Understand the process of new venture business planning, including the flow of idea generation, opportunity analysis and venture validation. STC 384 - Commercialization Strategies Explore how to develop a commercialization strategy as part of the business planning process. STC 394c - Managing Product Development and Production Examine the operational decisions that enhance competitive position and develop operational excellence within a firm. STC 381 - Legal Issues in the Commercialization Process Examine the numerous legal challenges business organizations face to commercialize technology in a global environment.

Term III - Creating Executable Plans for New Ventures

STC 396 - Technology Enterprise Design and Implementation Develop a multi-disciplinary approach to the implementation of a detailed, growth-oriented launch plan for a technology enterprise. STC 391 - Internationalization of Technology Examine a broad set of issues for commercializing technology on a global scale. STC 385 - Creative and Innovative Management Explore emerging, leading-edge theories and practices in developing organizational environments that are conducive to stimulating creativity and innovation. STC 386T2 - Risk Analysis Explores decision and risk analysis and methods for structuring and modeling decision problems.

FAQ What is the IC Institute? IC stands for Innovation, Creativity and Capital. The IC Institute is an international, multi-disciplinary research and education institute at The University of Texas at Austin that links technology, entrepreneurship and education to foster sustainable social and economic development around the world.

What are the program objectives? The ability to commercialize new technology rapidly is essential for competitive advantage in organizations. 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.

What degree is conferred? A Master of Science degree in Technology Commercialization is conferred by The University of Texas at Austin upon successful completion of the Program.

Is the Program accredited? The Program is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). SACS is one of six regional accrediting associations in the United States.

When does the Program begin and when should I apply? The MSTC Program admits students only once per year. The Program begins with Launch Week in May and classes begin later that month. Applications are accepted on a year-round basis with an application deadline of February 15. Admission decisions are made as application files are completed, so early application is strongly encouraged. Late applications will be considered only under special circumstances.

Do I have to complete the GRE or GMAT exam as part of my 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. Test scores should not be older than five years. The GRE school code for The University of Texas at Austin is 6882 and the GMAT school code is 396-44-45. Applicants who have already obtained an advanced degree and have previously taken the GRE or GMAT may request a waiver of the test requirement.

How many credits is the Program? The twelve-month MSTC Program begins in May of each year and consists of twelve three-credit courses delivered over three consecutive semesters. Each term all students are automatically enrolled in four courses.

Is there a thesis? Students in the MSTC Program are continually guided through teaming 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 36 graduate hours in one year is an extremely intensive experience. Typical MSTC students spend several hours per day and most weekends dedicated to their studies.

Can coursework 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 twelve courses and no electives are required.

Is the cost less for the online program? Do Texas residents qualify for in-state tuition? The cost remains the same for all students, regardless of location, cohort or residency.

Are any scholarships or grants available? At this time the MSTC Program does not have any active grants or scholarships but we are always looking and working to establish these for our students. If acquired they will be posted on the website. For now, the Program is eligible for financial aid through The University of Texas at Austin and there are numerous grants and fellowships awarded through The University of Texas Graduate School.

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 more intelligently start their own ventures.

What type 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.

Is the Program affiliated with the business school? Yes and no. The IC Institute was founded by Dr. George Kozmetsky, who served as Dean of the Graduate School of Business for 15 years. Many of the faculty members who teach in the MSTC Program are award-winning faculty from the Red McCombs School of Business. The MSTC degree, however, is managed by the IC Institute and conferred by The University of Texas at Austin.

How is the Program 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 enterprises and intrapreneurship. The focus of MBA programs is on wealth management; the focus of the MSTC Program is on wealth creation.

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 Global Classroom, where classes are held, is a high-tech facility allowing for video-conferences and electronic networking. A basic computer configuration supported by the IC Institute for use in the Program is recommended.

Program Information Admissions Curriculum FAQ