MSTM Common Questions
Admissions Related Questions
Where do I send my official transcripts?
You do not need to send official transcripts until you are admitted to our program.
The College does not require official transcripts unless you are admitted to our program. After being admitted, a student may bring or send their official transcripts to:
The Graduate College
110 Coble Hall
801 S. Wright St.
Champaign, IL 61820
I have below a 3.0 GPA. Is it worth applying?
Yes, we don’t look at just GPA when admitting qualified candidates, but a low GPA can be countered by a strong GRE or GMAT score. In addition, we are looking for well-rounded candidates and consider all aspects of a candidate’s application including work experience, leadership qualities, and the optional essay which explains your GPA score to name a few areas. Don’t let a low GPA stop you from applying.Since GRE/GMAT is optional, should I still submit it?
You are strongly encouraged to provide GRE/GMAT score report if:
- Your undergraduate curriculum does not include sufficient coursework that demonstrate strong quantitative skills.
- Your undergraduate GPA is below the program’s expectations and/or it does not meet the Graduate College’s minimum admission requirements and you do not have relevant full-time work experience in finance or other STEM-related fields.
- Your academic background is outside of business, finance or other STEM related disciplines.
Can I do more than one concentration or specialization or do I have to take one at all?
If you are interested in doing more than one concentration or specialization, it would likely require an additional semester, which you are permitted to do. However, you are not required to do a concentration or specialization. In fact, you can start in one specialization and decide on taking other courses outside of specialization if you wish. The specialization will allow you that flexibility.Common Questions for International Students
Where can I get a Declaration and Certification of Finances form?
The form is available in PDF format within the online application or on the Graduate College website.Do I have to submit a Declaration of Finance Form when I submit my application?
It is highly recommended that this form be submitted with the application. It will save time if admitted to our program. Students who submitted their proof of funding at the time of application received their I‐20 approximately three weeks earlier than those who waited until admission.My English proficiency score doesn't meet full status requirements. Can I still apply?
Yes, you can still be admitted with an English proficiency score below the full status requirements, but you will be required to take an additional English as a Second Language Placement Test (EPT) upon arrival on campus. Based on the EPT results, students are generally required to enroll in noncredit English as a Second Language courses while enrolled in your graduate program. Limited status admission is not a conditional offer; you are still considered to have fully met the admission requirements. For more information, please review the Graduate College's English proficiency requirements.I completed a degree in a country where English is not the primary language, but my education was completely in English. Do I still need to submit my English Proficiency Score?
You will still need to submit English proficiency score. English proficiency score waiver is only granted to international applicants that meet one of the following criteria are exempt from the English proficiency requirement for admission:
- Received a post-secondary degree from a US institution (or an institution within an approved country) within five years of the proposed admission term.
- Completion of at least two years of post-secondary study in the US (or an approved country) within five years of the proposed term of initial enrollment.
- Completion of at least two years of professional work experience in the US (or an approved country) within five years of the proposed term of initial enrollment.
For more information, please review the Graduate College's English proficiency requirements.
Master of Science in Technology Management (MSTM) program Questions
Is this a STEM-designated program?
Yes. This program qualifies for a 36-month OPT extension for qualified international students.
Is this an IT or technical program?
The one-year, STEM-designated MS in Technology Management degree from Gies College of Business is themed in innovation and business leadership. It aims to develop future managers who are able to look at technology through a business lens and implement enterprise-wide business solutions to lead businesses to success in the highly competitive and technology-driven business world of today. This is a general management degree and is not a technical degree.
I am an engineer. Why is this program right for me?
Engineers are the driving force behind the burgeoning growth of technological innovations in the past few decades. Technology organizations that are successful in their market space and that make the leap “from good to great” have leaders at the helm who have integrated the technical output of the organization's talented engineering workforce with sound management practices and provided a breeding ground for innovation that makes them competitive and a force to be contended with.
Engineers strive to become those influential leaders regardless of whether they are fresh graduates or have had some industry experience. The MSTM program is a step in the right direction toward that endeavor. The engineering technology manager has the support and respect of their engineering team, and they combine their technical knowledge and problem-solving skills with effective business management practices and decision-making skills to steer their team and organization in the right direction.
The engineering technology manager understands the importance of short-product cycles, while not compromising on quality, to deliver world class services and products, and enable their organization to stay one step ahead of the competition. They look to the future and formulate an effective and multipronged strategy to ensure strong and sustainable growth for their organization. They are the champions of innovation, leading their organizations to the next big thing. The MSTM program lays the foundation that enables the engineers of today to be the leaders of tomorrow and drive the next great revolution in technology.
What type of career paths do MSTM students pursue after graduation?
Students enter the MSTM program for a variety of reasons; however, many enter to diversify their knowledge and to grow professionally. Examples of career path opportunities for graduates include assuming an advanced role without changing divisions within their companies, changing divisions within their companies, transferring to another company, or possibly working in different country. This program offers students the opportunity to uniquely position themselves to advance their careers by offering an intensive and comprehensive learning experience.
Over the past two years, MSTM graduates have joined major corporations such as EY, Caterpillar, KPMG, PwC, and General Motors. They are now management trainees, analysts, and advisors. The MSTM at Gies Business prepares you with the knowledge base and leadership skills needed to succeed in careers like these.
What types of services are provided for my career search?
Our Career & Professional Development team is ready to assist MSTM students as they determine their career path. Provided to students seeking employment, these services can be invaluable resources. These are not placement services, rather professional assistance and guidance for the career-seeking process.
Additionally, the program strives to provide services to develop and maintain relationships with a variety of companies to ensure they are familiar with our students, curriculum, and activities within the program.
Still have questions?
Our admissions team is here to help—connect with us for personalized guidance on the MSTM program and application process.