FAQ

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 Texas McCombs 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.

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

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.

Yes, this program is STEM designated.

The one-year Texas McCombs MSTC Program begins in early May each year and consists of ten three-credit courses delivered over three consecutive semesters. Each term all students are automatically enrolled in each course.

We do not accept transfer credits. The 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.

Overall the MSTC Program is technology agnostic, but our students work to commercialize technology enabled business through the application of business coursework. 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.

The Texas McCombs 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 enabled products and business into the market. The degree hones management and leadership skills, but the program is focused on science and technology commercialization, technology assessment, technology transfer, technology enterprises and entrepreneurship.

The MSTC meets on alternating weekends (Friday evenings and Saturday mornings and afternoons) and consists of mostly working professionals. MSBA meets full time (weekdays) and is comprised mostly of students coming directly from undergrad. 

You can compare the curricula of the two programs with the following links:

MS Business Analytics Curriculum
MS Technology Commercialization Curriculum

If you have more specific questions about the MSBA program, it would be best to send an email to: [email protected]

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 Texas McCombs MSTC Program is a one year, three semester program. See the calendar for the upcoming academic year.

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.

MSTC Career Development

Due to the nature of MSTC being a working professionals program, outcomes vary widely depending on where students are at in their careers when joining, as well as their post-degree goals. Here are some specific examples provided through a combination of alumni surveys and current salary data:

Dell, Product Manager, median annual compensation - $158K
IBM, Offering (product) Manager, median annual compensation - $190K
Kasasa, Product Manager, median annual compensation $232K
Google, Product Marketing Manager, median annual compensation - $168K
Dell, Global Marketing Manager, median annual compensation - $165K
Indeed, Product Analyst, median annual compensation - $131K
Established Tech Firm, Chief Strategy Officer, median annual compensation - $323k
Established Startup, CTO, median annual compensation - $215K
Established Startup, Design Lead, median annual compensation - $156K

The upside for alumni who experience a liquidity event from an equity position in a startup, either as a founder or early employee, is tremendous. These outcomes are not captured in the data above. 

Along with increasing career and salary trajectories, many alumni report immediate improvements in their current role and status with their employers. Over 90% of the alumni reported a significant increase in the satisfaction with their current positions as a result of the program.

Yes, the program is offered online, via live video conferencing. Students are required to attend during scheduled class times. Additionally, all students are required to attend two intensive weeks in Austin, as well as the international trip. The international trip is a requirement. (three weeks total)

No, all students are required to attend two separate intensive weeks in Austin, as well as the international trip. The international trip is a requirement. 

To learn more about tuition and finances, go to our Tuition page.

Yes, a background in technology is not required.

No.

Yes. If for some reason you are unable to complete coursework throughout the year you have the option to return the following year to complete your degree.

Academic ability, fit with the program, and professional promise.

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Yes, all information sessions are available via live-stream. We're also happy to do a one-on-one Zoom call to connect at a time that is most convenient for your schedule.

Texas McCombs MSTC provides lodging during the Launch week to kick off the program in May. Each student can only be provided one room with no roommate(s).

The Texas McCombs MSTC Program only admits students to begin during the summer session each year. All MSTC students move through the curriculum together as a cohort and are expected to graduate the following May.

Please visit our Application Process page for this year's recruiting cycle.

All of the requiredments for applying can be found on the Application Process page.

No.

Yes. View the MSTC application portal here.

Yes. The application fee will be waived for prospective students who attend the Quick Admit admissions event.

Yes, after accepting enrollment and the payment of deposit to hold your spot.

You can defer admission for one year. After one year you must re-apply to the program.

All applications to the Texas McCombs MSTC Program undergo a two-part process. The Office of Graduate Admissions (OGA) handles the processing of your transcripts, test scores and visa/permanent residence information (if applicable). The Texas McCombs MSTC Admissions Committee conducts the application review and administers a decision.


Monitor the status of my application and check the status of these items to see if they have been received. If any of these items are shown as outstanding or not received, your application decision will be delayed.

We have a holistic application process, meaning there is no hard minimum for GPA, test score, years of work experience, etc. Rather, we look at the applicant as a whole to determine if they would be a good fit with the program.

Yes, you can transfer your transcript and TOEFL and we can waive your application fee.

No.

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 Texas McCombs MSTC Admissions committee likes to see an average of 600 on the GMAT and an average of 155 verbal & 155 quantitative (after 2011) or total of 1200 (before 2011) on the GRE.
 
Please keep in mind that the test score is just one item in the application process.  The Texas McCombs MSTC Admissions Committee reviews all elements of the application. The resume, essay, letters of recommendations, achievements, work experience, and entrepreneurial spirit are just as important as the standardized test scores.

Yes, we waive the GRE/GMAT with another master's degree.

Yes. Request a test waiver if: 

• You have 15 or more years of work experience
• If you have 5 or more years of people or project management experience 
• You previously completed an accredited Master's degree, PhD or other terminal degree (MD, JD)
• Demonstrate quantitative abilities through work history, undergraduate record, or continuing education classes
• If you have an expired score to consider 

A link to the MSTC Test Waiver Request Form will be provided in the application section for Test Scores if you indicate this waiver option.

The Texas McCombs MSTC is an intense one year program. It would not be feasible to take it concurrently with an MBA. We would welcome you to apply after you receive your MBA.

1. Please have the GRE test sent directly to the Graduate School (code 6882). Also, once you’ve completed the test, please call and let us know what the scores were for both verbal and quantitative. Once we have the unofficial scores, we can make a decision on your file. If admitted, it will be a conditional admit until we receive the official scores at the Graduate School.
   
   
2. If admitted, we will need you to make a decision right away if you will be attending the Texas McCombs MSTC Program. There will be “Enrollment Reply Form” that you will need to fill out right away. Please also plan to submit the deposit by the date given. 
   
   
3. We have already sent out important information to the incoming students, so (if admitted) we will want to get these items out to you as well. There will be a few questionnaires, readings and a profile to complete to prepare for our Launch Week.

We accept expired qualifying scores with documentation provided.

As far as the TOEFL goes, a score of 550 (paper test), 213 (computer-based test), or 79 (internet-based test) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) OR an overall band of 6.5 on the Academic Examination of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is considered the minimum acceptable for admission to The University of Texas at Austin.

In order to request a TOEFL or IELTS waiver you must submit a Texas McCombs MSTC application and meet one of the following conditions:

You have lived and worked full-time in the U.S. or in a country where English is the official language for at least two of the past four years.

You hold a master's degree from a college or university located in the U.S. or from a country where English is the official language.

You were educated solely in English for your undergraduate and/or prior graduate degree.

If you do not meet any of these conditions, you are required to submit the TOEFL or IELTS exam.

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.

Once the Graduate School has the scores it takes about 2 weeks for them to review the file. We will be reviewing it during that time as well. The decision will be released about two weeks following the delivery of the scores.

Acceptable methods of payment: 

1. Personal check payable to The University of Texas - must be drawn on U.S. banks in U.S. dollars, please write Texas McCombs MSTC and your UT EID in the memo section. 
2. Money Order/ Cashier's Check - payable to The University of Texas, please write Texas McCombs MSTC and your UT EID in the memo section. 
3. Wire Transfer - call (512) 475-9036 for instructions.

View waiver forms here.

Yes.  At least two-thirds of all Texas McCombs 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.

More information can be found on our Tuition and Financial Aid page. Additionally, find information about federal loans here. 

Learn more about the George Kozmetsky tuition waiver here. Many private organizations offer scholarships to graduate students based on different criteria, including Sallie Mae Graduate School Scholarship Search. 

The Texas McCombs MSTC Program does not offer scholarships for international students. You can find information here.

We do not offer any other scholarships at this time, but many of our students do utilize public or private loan options.

Yes, the McCombs School of Business created the George Kozmetsky Tuition Waiver specifically for full-time University of Texas employees admitted to the Texas McCombs MSTC Program.

To be considered for this scholarship admitted UT employees should send a letter to the MSTC Program office at [email protected] stating:

1. How The University of Texas' technology commercialization initiatives would benefit by their earning the Texas McCombs MSTC degree, and 
2. How they can contribute to the strengthening institutional relationships between their organization or unit and the McCombs School of Business

No.

No.

Since the program does not receive state funding, Hazelwood Act benefits do not apply, however students may be eligible for the Texas McCombs MSTC Military Waiver in place of the Hazelwood Act. Beginning in May, 2012, the Texas McCombs MSTC Military Waiver will not cover the cost of books. Students can NOT receive the Texas McCombs MSTC 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 percentage of eligibility of service.

Veterans may choose to use their GI Bill for tuition purposes. Visit the Registrar's Office, Veteran's Service website, or contact their office at (512) 475-7540 for details.

The Texas Military Waiver is for those students that are eligible for the Hazelwood Act. The Texas McCombs MSTC Program does not receive state funding so Hazelwood Act benefits do not apply, however students may be eligible for the Texas McCombs MSTC Military Waiver in place of the Hazelwood Act.

Immunization – here is a link with information on the medical requirements for International students.


You’ll soon receive more information about the program from me, via email.  Also, the University’s International Office will be in communication with you separately to provide the visa documentation you will need in order to attend classes here in the USA.

Housing in Austin - private dormitories are a better option for graduate students than on-campus housing.

Other housing resources can be found here.

Yes.

We do not offer scholarships for international students. You can find more information regarding loan and scholarship options here. One of the many perks of the Texas McCombs MSTC Program is that the opportunity costs are lower due to the intensive, one year schedule. Thus, you’re able to target the jobs you ultimately seek that much sooner.

The University's International office will note you as an international student, though you won't need to complete any requirements for an F1 visa since you are sponsored by your company in the U.S.

Yes, this is processed by the University's International office in Spring ahead of the program start.  

A passport, and visa application may also be needed.  The University's International office will work with each individual international student to determine what may be needed from them or their home country for the I-20. 

Yes.