How to Apply

 

Application Deadline

Consider applying early and give yourself the best chance to join TLI's Master programs and be considered for a scholarship!

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Application Deadline

The priority deadline for admission and scholarship consideration is January 15, 2024. After January 15, 2024, TLI will continue to accept applications on a rolling basis. The final date to apply to our programs is July 15, 2024. Those who require a visa to complete the program are encouraged to apply as early as possible, preferably by the priority date.

Technological Leadership Institute Merit-Based Scholarships

The Technological Leadership Institute has a limited number of merit-based scholarships. TLI automatically considers applicants for these scholarships based on their program application. Therefore, no special application is required for these scholarships. We encourage candidates to submit their applications for admission by January 15 for priority consideration for these funds. Applications received after the priority deadline will still be considered for scholarships if funding is still available, however, those applications submitted by the priority deadline will be given first consideration. If you receive a scholarship, you will be notified via your acceptance letter. Learn more about TLI scholarships, tuition, and fees here.

Questions?

If you have questions about the application process, contact our admissions team.

Contact TLI Admissions

 

Attend an Information Session

It is strongly recommended that all prospective students attend an information session prior to application.

View upcoming info sessions

 

Admissions Overview


Admissions Requirements

Master Programs

  • Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university or a comparable degree from a recognized college or university in another country by the time of their matriculation in their graduate program
  • Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Demonstrated leadership potential or experience
  • Admitted Security Technologies (ST) students must consent to and successfully pass a background check before beginning the program.

Graduate Minors

  • Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university or a comparable degree from a recognized college or university in another country by the time of their matriculation in their graduate program
  • Currently enrolled in a master’s or doctoral degree program at the University of Minnesota
  • 3.0 GPA from all prior coursework
  • All students are required to consent to and successfully pass a background check in order to enroll in Security Technologies (ST) courses

Graduate Certificates

Electrification Engineering Graduate Certificate

  • Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university or a comparable degree from a recognized college or university in another country by the time of their matriculation in their graduate program
  • Upper level Bachelor of Science students may take the required Electrification Engineering courses (MOT 5101, MOT 5102, and MOT 5103), but must have earned a BS or BA before they are eligible for the graduate certificate
  • Regardless of education, all prospective students can audit associated courses with no prerequisites
  • Applicants who are not US citizens or permanent residents should understand that the University of Minnesota’s Electrification Engineering Certificate program does not meet the requirements for eligibility needed to obtain the appropriate F-1 student visa or status because the program structure does not allow students to maintain full time status (minimum of 6 credits), each semester
     

Technology Leadership Graduate Certificate

  • Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university or a comparable degree from a recognized college or university in another country by the time of their matriculation in their graduate program
  • Applicants who are not US citizens or permanent residents should understand that the University of Minnesota’s Electrification Engineering Certificate program does not meet the requirements for eligibility needed to obtain the appropriate F-1 student visa or status because the program structure does not allow students to maintain full time status (minimum of 6 credits), each semester
  • Students enrolled in the certificate program are encouraged to apply for one of our master’s programs, and will receive priority consideration, though admission is not guaranteed. Courses taken as part of this certificate program can be applied to the master's programs.
  • Recommendations
    - Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
Application Materials

Applicants must complete and submit an online application. The system allows applicants to save their work and return to it at any time. Supporting materials and the application fee are submitted through the online application system.

Master Programs

  • Unofficial transcripts 
  • Personal statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Two Letters of recommendation
  • Proof of English Language proficiency. Please see the graduate school website for English language proficiency requirements. If you have questions about your specific situation, please reach out to our admissions team.
  • Extenuating circumstances statement if GPA is below 3.0 

Graduate Certificates

  • Unofficial transcripts 
  • Optional resume/CV
Application Deadlines

Priority Deadline & Scholarship Consideration - January 15

The priority deadline for admission and scholarship consideration is January 15. After January 15, TLI will continue to accept applications on a rolling basis. Those who require a visa to complete the program are encouraged to apply as early as possible, preferably by the priority date.

Learn about Scholarships here.

Final Admissions Deadline for Applicants - July 15

The final date to apply to our programs is July 15. Those who require a visa to complete the program are encouraged to apply as early as possible, preferably by the priority date.

Application Instructions

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Step 1: Create an Online Application

To begin the graduate school application process you need to access the online application system and create an account. This application is where you will submit all documentation required to apply to TLI's masters programs and graduate certificates.

Step 2: Program Selection

Narrow your program results by selecting the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities campus. Then, filter programs by college/school by selecting Science and Engineering or directly select your program by searching the list of all Twin Cities campus programs. Finally, select how you heard about our program.

Step 3: Term Selection

TLI's masters programs and graduate certificates begin in the fall. Please select fall term for your desired program

Step 4: Biographical Information

In this section, you will be asked to provide general information, including:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Email
  • Phone number
  • Birthdate
  • Citizenship information

Step 5: Personal Background

This section asks for information on:

  • Military service
  • Gender
  • Education background
  • Languages you speak

Step 6: Academic History

Upload your unofficial transcript(s).

  • If you have attended more than one post-secondary institution, please include all unofficial transcripts.
  • International credentials must include both the original language document and an English translation. Include original language diplomas if a degree was conferred.

*Note: Official transcripts/academic records are required after you are admitted to a graduate program. You will receive a list of the specific credentials that are required from you at the time of admission. Official transcripts must be sent directly to the University of Minnesota from the issuing institution. Do not send official transcripts to yourself first.

Step 7: Employment History

Enter your employment history into the application.

Step 8: Test Scores

Academic tests are NOT required for admission into TLI programs (e.g. GRE, GMAT, etc.).

  • If applicable, upload TOEFL, IELTS, or other English language test reports in the "ESL Test Score Report" section. 
*Note: score report uploads are NOT official and are used for reference only. Official scores must be sent to the University of Minnesota directly from the testing agency. 

Step 9: Materials

  • MOT, MDI, and ST applications require a personal statement and resume/CV. 
  • The Electrification Engineering and Technology Leadership certificate applications do not require a personal statement or a resume/CV.
  • All applicants with an undergraduate cumulative GPA below 3.0 are required to submit an extenuating circumstances statement

Personal Statement: A personal statement is generally 1-3 pages, and should include:

  • Your interest in the graduate program and why you selected it.
  • Your managerial and/or technical leadership experience, abilities and interest in increasing your skills and opportunities.
  • Your expectations for program outcomes, and how you anticipate using the skills you will gain to achieve your short- and long-term career goals.
  • Specific courses that you feel will apply to your current and future work challenges and needs.

Resume/CV: Upload your current resume/CV in the online application system.

Extenuating circumstances Statement: Applicants with an undergraduate cumulative GPA below 3.0 are required to submit an extenuating circumstances statement. 

  • Explain extenuating circumstances that impacted your GPA and why you feel you are ready for graduate level coursework.

Step 10: Letters of Recommendation

The number of letters of recommendation required varies by program: 

  • MOT: Two letters
  • MDI: Two letters
  • ST: Two letters
  • Electrification Engineering and Technology Leadership certificates do not require letters of recommendation. 
     

Guidelines:

  • Letter writers should be professors, supervisors or clients who have reviewed your academic and/or professional capabilities
  • Include one letter from your current supervisor (if applicable)
  • Enter the names and email addresses of your letter writers
  • Your recommendation providers will receive an email from "gradappinfo@umn.edu" that contains a secure link to the recommendation portal for this application. The subject line will include your name and the words "Recommendation for the University of Minnesota." Please ask your recommendation providers to include this email address in their contact lists and to check spam/junk mail folders if they don't receive the message
  • Request letters of recommendation early in the application process to allow enough time for your letter writers. Unsubmitted letters of recommendation are one of the most common delays during the application review process
  • You may finish and submit your application before your letters are submitted by the writers

Step 11: Submit

Submit the application and pay the application fee.


 

Questions?

If you have questions about the application process, contact our admissions team at tli-info@umn.edu.