The following sections address commonly asked questions:
Program Schedule and Curriculum Details
Application Deadlines and Process
Fees and Financial Aid
GMAT Information
Admissions Requirements and Prerequisites
Documents Needed for Int'l and Permanent Residents
Program Schedule and Curriculum Details
How long does it take to complete the program?
Students complete the Technology Management MBA Program in 18 months. The program meets for 6 consecutive quarters, January through June of the following year, with an Orientation at the beginning of December. There is a one- or two-week break between quarters.
Is this a full-time or part-time program?
The Technology Management MBA curriculum is considered full time by the university. Students are required to take 10 credits per quarter. The program is designed to complement a full-time work schedule by offering courses in the evening and on Saturday.
How often do classes meet?
Classes meet one evening per week (Monday or Wednesday) from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and every other Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information about meeting times and dates, see the TMMBA schedule and calendar.
How many hours outside of class should I expect for studying?
Students spend 15-20 hours outside of class studying and meeting with group members to review course materials. In addition, optional review sessions for classes are normally offered on weekday evenings.
Is there a difference in the diploma received for the TMMBA than from the other MBA Programs?
No. Your diploma will state a University of Washington MBA degree granted.
What are the main differences between a TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT MBA and the traditional MBA Program?
The main difference is the participants. The TMMBA Program is designed for technology professionals ready to move up in management. Most of the students join the program with 5-20+ years of professional experience. Another significant difference is the schedule. The TMMBA Program offers a format designed to meet the needs of today’s working professional. You can earn your degree without interrupting your career in just 1 ½ years.
Also distinctive is the TMMBA Program’s focus on the business of technology. Cases, lectures and discussions focus on current technology business issues. The general management curriculum emphasizes the knowledge and skills needed to lead in a fast-paced, dynamic working environment.
Students in the Technology Management MBA Program have a lock-step curriculum, which includes required courses throughout the program. The traditional MBA Program offers early career professionals an opportunity to complete one year of required core classes followed by one year of electives of their choice.
Does the curriculum focus on just one area of technology?
The program's view of technology is quite broad. It encompasses but is not limited to the following areas: medical equipment, biotechnology, e-business, communications, software, hardware and IT. Students and alumni represent a diverse range of technology companies as well as technical functions within more traditional organizations. Coursework includes case studies and class discussion materials from many sectors.
Is this program fully accredited?
Yes. The TMMBA Program, like all degree programs offered by the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington, is accredited through The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
How many credits will I earn from the TMMBA Program?
62 credits over six consecutive quarters.
Can I visit a TMMBA class?
Definitely. We invite you to contact our office to arrange for a class visit and have the opportunity to meet with current TMMBA students and faculty. For more information please call (206) 221-6914.
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Application Deadlines and Process
How do I apply?
The TMMBA admissions application is online. Apply Today.
When is the best time to apply?
You can apply anytime before the deadline, but you are encouraged to apply early. Admissions are competitive. Applicants whose completed application packet is received by June 1 will have the opportunity to choose between the Monday or Wednesday class section. In addition, they will be able to participate in TMMBA activities, utilize career development services and receive an extended Wall Street Journal subscription.
What are the criteria for meeting the application deadline?
All application materials must be received by 5:00 p.m. on September 1, 2009 (June 1, 2009 for International Students requesting a student visa). Late application materials will be considered for the next academic year. An unofficial GMAT score report will be acceptable for applicants who take the test prior to the deadline date.
What if I have questions about the application?
The application packet includes instructions for each requirement. It may be beneficial to attend an application workshop. Workshops are offered February through August - view the upcoming dates. Also, you may contact the TMMBA Program at any time with questions.
How will I know when my application has been reviewed?
Admission decisions are conveyed within one month of receiving your completed application packet. You may contact the TMMBA Program at any time to verify your application has been received and to check on the status of your application review.
When will I know the admissions decision?
Admissions decisions are conveyed within one month of receiving your completed application packet.
What will I need to do if I want to accept an offer of admission?
You will need to submit a $1,500 non-refundable deposit, signed letter of agreement and photo release form by the deadline outlined in the offer letter.
What happens after I submit my deposit and required forms?
Applicants are admitted to the TMMBA Program upon receiving the non-refundable deposit and signed letter of agreement. Formal enrollment to the University Graduate School typically takes an additional 2-3 weeks after admission to the TMMBA Program. You will be notified via email once the Graduate School process is complete. The email will include your student number and instructions for completing the student process. The instructions outline two final requirements, of which both will need to be satisfied by the due date indicated in the email. The requirements include 1) Proof of Measles Immunization: All UW Graduate students are required to show proof of measles (rubeola) immunity and 2) Establish a UW NetID and email account.
What if I am denied admission?
If your application of admission is denied you are permitted to reapply for the following year. Our admissions decisions are final. Typically, there is no single component that disqualifies a candidate from admission.
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Fees and Financial Aid
How much does the program cost?
The total program fee for the 18-month program beginning January 2010 is $65,977*. The program fee is typically paid in quarterly installments over 6 quarters. The total program fee includes a $1,500 non-refundable acceptance fee, instruction, textbooks, course materials, meals on class days, career services, on-campus parking, hosted social functions, orientation accommodations, student activity fees and registration service.
*Pending approval by the University of Washington Board of Regents.
Is financial aid available?
There are two sources of loans for Technology Management MBA students:
Federal Stafford Direct Loan
Private MBA Tuition Loan
More information on financial aid is available from the UW Office of Student Financial Aid . The phone number is (206) 543-6101.
Are scholarships available?
The TMMBA Program does not offer scholarships. You may be eligible to apply for scholarships through a private source.
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GMAT Information
What is the Technology Management MBA Code for the GMAT?
TMMBA’s code is 459-75-75.
Is the GMAT required?
The GMAT is required for admission. It is used as one of the measures to identify an applicant's potential performance in graduate management education. For more information about the GMAT, visit their Web site at www.mba.com.
What is the average GMAT score?
The average GMAT score for the current class is 630 and the range of scores is 500-770.
Where can I take the GMAT?
There are two testing centers in the Seattle vicinity: Seattle and Renton. To view directions and check availability, visit www.mba.com.
What if my official GMAT score does not arrive by the deadline?
You may submit the “unofficial” score that is printed upon completion of the test. You can either mail or fax the printout to us. (Fax #: 425-827-3185) You may also drop it off in person. We will review your application with this printout. However, if admitted into the program we will need to have received your official score within 2 months of the admission offer.
Is there a limit on how many times I can take the GMAT?
No. However, you can only take the GMAT once every 30 days. The admissions committee will consider the highest score.
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Admissions Requirements and Prerequisites
Is an interview required?
Interviews are by invitation only and take place after an initial review of your completed application. Interviews typically last 45 minutes.
Are there any prerequisites?
Yes, there are two prerequisites: experience and education. Applicants are required to have professional work experience (minimum is 3 years and average is 12 years) with a history of increasing responsibility and a strong record of accomplishments. Secondly, applicants typically hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. A few non-degreed applicants with outstanding work experience may be considered for admission each year. We evaluate candidates on a case-by-case basis.
Can I test out of core classes based on prior educational or work experience?
The TMMBA is a lockstep program. Courses will not be waived for prior experience.
How much emphasis is placed on the undergraduate GPA?
The admission committee evaluates each section of the application carefully. At times, we may refer to your undergraduate coursework for evidence of previous academic achievement or demonstration of strong quantitative skills. We will also consider any post-secondary education experience.
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Documents Needed for International Students and Permanent Residents
I am in the United States on a visa. Am I considered an International Student? Are there additional requirements for International Students?
Yes, and yes. To find out if you are considered an International Student and if you need to submit additional documentation for admission to the program, or if you need to take an English competency exam, contact the UW Graduate Admissions Office, uwgrad2@grad.washington.edu or (206) 843-5929, for information.
What sort of English competency is required?
Permanent residents and international applicants are required to take either The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the Michigan Language Test (MLT) if they do not hold a degree from a U.S. or other English-speaking institution in accepted countries (Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom). Applicants must meet the minimum score requirements and the score must be valid upon formal admission to the Graduate School. For more information and to view score requirements, please review Graduate School Memo #8.
Do my transcripts need to be translated?
Yes, transcripts or grade evaluations must be translated into English by the issuing institution. If the institution will not issue an official translation, you may translate the transcripts and have your translation certified as being accurate by a UW faculty member who is fluent in the particular language.