Technological Leadership Institute FAQ
Here you'll find answers to frequently asked questions about our graduate programs, admissions process, career opportunities, and more. If you don’t find the answers you’re looking for, please feel free to reach out to us.
Master Program Overview
If you are interested in learning more about our master’s programs, we have informational videos that can help answer your questions and provide deeper insights into our offerings. Check them out below:
Management of Technology (MOT) Program Information
Medical Device Innovation (MDI) Program Information
Security Technologies (ST) Program Information
Admissions Requirements
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What are the admissions requirements for my program of interest?
Management of Technology
- Management of Technology admissions requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university or a comparable degree from a recognized 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
Medical Device Innovation
- Medical Device Innovation admissions requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university or a comparable degree from a recognized 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
Security Technologies
- Security Technologies admissions requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university or a comparable degree from a recognized 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 students must consent to and successfully pass a background check
Electrification Engineering
- Electrification Engineering Graduate Certificate
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university or a comparable degree from a recognized university in another country by the time of their matriculation in their graduate program
Technology Leadership
- Technology Leadership Graduate Certificate
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university or a comparable degree from a recognized university in another country by the time of their matriculation in their graduate program
- Recommended to have cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
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Do you require specific majors for admittance?
We do not require applicants to have completed a certain major/program.
Application Process/Requirements
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How do I apply?
Apply online through the University of Minnesota Graduate Application portal.
In order to get started, you will need to create an online application. This will be used to submit all required documentation to apply to any of TLI's three degree programs, which are a part of the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus in Minneapolis. Visit the TLI 'How to Apply' page for a walk through each section of the application.
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When is the application deadline?
- Priority application deadline for admissions and scholarship consideration is January 15.
- After January 15, we offer rolling admissions. Complete applications submitted during rolling admissions will receive a decision within six weeks of submission.
- Last day to apply to any of our programs is July 15
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What materials are required for the MOT, MDI, and ST applications?
- Unofficial transcripts
- Personal statement
- Résumé/CV
- Two letters of recommendation
- Proof of English language proficiency. Please see the UMN graduate school website for English language proficiency requirements
- Extenuating circumstances statement if GPA is below 3.0
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What materials are required for the Graduate Certificates?
Technology Leadership Graduate Certificate
- Unofficial transcripts
- Personal statement
- Resume/CV
- 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
Electrification Engineering Graduate Certificate
- Unofficial transcripts
- Resume/CV (optional)
- 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
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How many letters of recommendations are required for my application?
- Management of Technology: 2 letters of recommendation
- Security Technologies: 2 letters of recommendation
- Medical Device Innovation: 2 letters of recommendation
- Electrification Engineering Graduate Certificate does not require letters of recommendation
- Technology Leadership Graduate Certificate does not require letters of recommendation
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What are the guidelines for letters of recommendation?
- Letter writers should be professors, supervisors, or clients who have reviewed your academic and/or professional capabilities.
- Enter the names and email addresses of your letter writers on the application
- Your recommendation providers will receive an email from "[email protected]" 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
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What are the guidelines for the personal statement?
A personal statement is generally 1-3 pages and should include the following:
- 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.
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What are the guidelines/requirements for unofficial transcripts?
- If you have attended more than one post-secondary institution, please include all unofficial transcripts.
- Upload an English translation if the transcript is not in English.
Please follow instructions on the UMN Unofficial Transcripts & Credentials page.
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When are official transcripts required?
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.
Additional information on official transcripts can be found via the Graduate School.
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What if my undergraduate GPA is below a 3.0?
- Complete the “Extenuating Circumstances Statement” on the materials section of the application
- Explain circumstances that contributed to your GPA, how you’ve addressed them, and why you feel you are ready for graduate level coursework.
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Is the GRE required?
- GRE scores are NOT required for admission into TLI programs
- If submitted, GRE scores will not be reviewed
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What is the application fee?
- Find information about application fees for graduate admission via the Graduate School website.
- The University of Minnesota provides an automatic fee waiver to any applicant who has ever served in the US military.
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Do you provide application fee waivers?
- TLI offers various times during the academic year where we waive the application fee for prospective students.
- Check our website and join our mailing list for updates on our fee waiver week dates.
- We do not provide application fee waivers outside of our designated fee waiver weeks.
- The University of Minnesota provides an automatic fee waiver to any applicant who has ever served in the US military.
International Students
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What are your English language proficiency requirements?
Please see the UMN graduate school website for English language proficiency requirements.
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What CIP designations do the MOT, MDI, and ST programs have?
- MOT: STEM
- MDI: STEM
ST: STEM
Classified by the Department of Homeland Security, international students with a STEM designated degree are eligible for a 24-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) work permit extension in addition to the 12-month-post-completion work permit. Learn more about the 24 month STEM OPT extension on the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) website.
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Are students in the MOT, MDI, or ST programs eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT)?
Yes, students in the MOT, MDI, and ST are eligible to participate in both the CPT and OPT training. Normal rules and regulations apply. For more information, please refer to the University of Minnesota’s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) webpages:
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How much does it cost for international students to submit an application?
The cost for international students to submit an application is $95.
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Do International students pay the same tuition rate as U.S. students?
- Yes, international students pay the same tuition rate as U.S. students.
- International students may have to pay additional fees.
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What additional fees do international students need to pay?
- Sponsored international students will be charged the International Sponsored Student fee. Non-sponsored international students will be charged the International Student Engagement fee and the International Student Support Services fee. See One Stop Student Services and navigate to the dropdown entitled “General, service, and usage, and other fees” for more information.
- These fees cover services offered by International Student and Scholar Services.
- International students are required to purchase University health insurance for themselves and their dependents. You will automatically be enrolled in the SHBP after you register for courses. See SHBP Eligibility for more information.
- Student fees are assessed by One Stop Student Services. Please visit their website for additional information and contact them directly with any questions.
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Can I work full time as an international student while completing my program?
- During their first year on campus, a student on a F1 visa is able to work 20 hours a week on campus. During breaks (winter, summer, spring break), they can work up to 40 hours on campus.
- During their second year in the program, they can apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) in order to work off campus.
- International students can find on-campus employment opportunities or internships on the UMN student job website.
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Can I have an internship while completing my program?
- The rules around working hours for students on an F1 visa still apply to international students completing an internship.
- TLI supports students interested in finding an internship.
- Marcia Cole, Fellow for the Security Technologies programs, helps support students across all TLI programs looking for an internship.
- Marcia does not place students in internships, but she can help search opportunities.
Schedule an appointment with Marcia to talk about internships!
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Are there resources to find on-campus or off-campus housing?
- Yes, the University of Minnesota provides resources to help all students find housing both on and off campus.
- College of Science and Engineering Housing Guide
- On-campus housing:
- Graduate students can apply via Housing and Residential Life for on-campus, dormitory housing. When applying, indicate a preference in Bailey Hall as there is a graduate student floor. Graduate students who put Bailey Hall as their first choice will receive priority.
- Apply via Housing & Residential Life
- Find other Graduate housing options including university affiliated co-ops and townhouses
- Graduate students can apply via Housing and Residential Life for on-campus, dormitory housing. When applying, indicate a preference in Bailey Hall as there is a graduate student floor. Graduate students who put Bailey Hall as their first choice will receive priority.
- Off-campus housing:
- Students with Family Housing
- Need temporary housing before your lease starts?
- Apply for housing early! You do not need to be enrolled to apply for housing.
- Questions about housing should be directed to Housing and Residential Life at [email protected] and 612-624-2994
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I’ve been admitted to my program, what do I do now?
Congratulations on your program admission! It is important to start working on preparing for the fall semester. The best place to start it by visiting the following pages:
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When will I receive my I20?
- Instructions on requesting your I20.
- Contact the UMN Graduate School at [email protected] with questions on your I20.
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When’s the last day I can arrive at the UMN and begin my program?
- The last day a student can arrive is by the program start date listed on their I20
- If you do not arrive by this day, you will need to defer your admission.
Contact [email protected] if you will not arrive by the first day of classes.
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Do I need to purchase health insurance?
- All international students and their dependents must purchase the University-sponsored Student Health Benefit Plan (SHBP) unless they are eligible for a waiver. You will automatically be enrolled in the SHBP after you register for courses.
- Cost of the SHBP plan can be found here. International students on an F-1 visa can find the cost under the “Students” dropdown menu under Cost.
Questions related to the Student Health Benefit Plan should be directed to the Office of Student Health Benefits.
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Who is my best resource for questions on transitioning to the United States and the University of Minnesota?
- International Student and Scholar Services is an office dedicated to serving the international student community at the University of Minnesota.
- ISSS has resources regarding getting visas, planning expenses, finding housing, banking, transportation, and more.
If you’re admitted to a TLI program, you are able to contact the ISSS office at [email protected] with questions.
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I’ve been admitted to a TLI program, who do I talk to if I have questions about visas, transitioning to campus, housing, and more?
Newly admitted students can contact the International Student and Scholar Services office at [email protected]. This email is specifically for newly admitted international students.
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What transportation can I take when I arrive at the airport?
ISSS has extensive information on transportation options
Program Logistics
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Can I start the program during the spring or summer semester?
All of TLI’s programs start during the fall semester only.
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Can I enroll in the program part time?
- Because of our cohort model, we do not offer part time enrollment for our Master’s programs.
- TLI’s programs are designed for working professionals so students can complete the program while working full time.
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Does the curriculum include project based classes?
Yes, there are projects and team/group based activities throughout the curriculum.
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What format are the classes offered in?
- Courses may be offered in person or online, depending on the course.
- Courses offered in person provide a zoom link so students can attend remotely if needed
- Courses are recorded in case students are unable to attend
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When are courses offered?
- MOT courses happen on alternating Fridays and Saturdays from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- ST and MDI courses typically happen from 5:30-9:30 pm 2-3 times per week
- MDI students complete a Biopracticum during the final three semesters of the program. The Biopracticum course takes place all day Saturday, once a month.
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What is the work/life balance like for students working full time?
- TLI’s programs are designed for working professionals.
- In our master’s programs, students typically enroll in 4-5 classes per semester. To help make the workload more manageable and improve work/life balance, generally, only 2-3 classes run concurrently. Some courses start at the beginning of the semester and conclude by mid-semester, while others begin mid-semester and finish at the end of the semester. There is limited overlap between the courses starting at the beginning and those starting mid-semester.
- Courses for the MDI and ST programs take place in the evenings a couple times a week.
- Courses for the MOT program take place alternating all-day Friday and Saturdays.
- The coursework tends to be so relevant to our student's career that many people are able to apply what they're learning directly to ongoing projects at work and vice versa.
Finances/Funding
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What is the general cost of the program?
Visit our tuition, fees, scholarships and financial aid page for more information on the cost of the program.
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Do you provide funding to incoming students?
- As a department, we are unable to provide full funding for any of our students.
- TLI does not offer teaching assistantships, graduate assistantships, research assistantships, or fellowships.
- Most TLI students cover tuition through loans, personal funds, workplace tuition reimbursement benefits, military benefits, internships, and student employment
- TLI has limited funding to offer merit-based scholarships to a small number of incoming students each year. Students are automatically considered for these awards based on their program application. These scholarships range from $10,000-$20,000 and do not cover the full cost of the program.
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Do you offer scholarships?
- Scholarships for incoming students
- TLI has a limited number of merit-based scholarships we offer to a small group of incoming students across all three Master’s programs.
- These scholarships range from $10,000-$20,000.
- TLI automatically considers applicants for these scholarships based on their program application. Therefore, no special application is required for these scholarships.
- Applicants who submit their applications by January 15 are given priority consideration for these funds. Applications received after the priority deadline will still be considered for scholarships from TLI, however, those applications submitted by the priority deadline will be given first consideration.
- If an applicant receives a scholarship, they will be notified via their acceptance letter.
- These scholarships are disturbed each semester, over the course of the two year program unless recipients request otherwise.
- International students are eligible for these merit scholarships
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Can I apply for financial aid?
- Degree-seeking domestic graduate students are eligible to apply for federal financial aid.
- Learn the financial aid steps.
- Contact One Stop Student Services for additional information and resources
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Do you know of any other funding resources available?
- Minnesota Dual-Training Pipeline
- Employees of participating companies may be eligible for free or reduced tuition through the Minnesota Dual-Training Pipeline, which offers grants for combined classroom and on-the-job training to Minnesota businesses.
- Four TLI programs are currently accredited for the Pipeline: the M.S. programs in Security Technologies and Management of Technology, and the graduate certificates in Electrification Engineering and Technology Leadership.
- Find more information on this page.
- Military Resources
- The Federal GI Bill and the Minnesota GI Bill may help you pay for graduate education
- Many active duty, National guard, and reserve military members also qualify for tuition assistance. For more information, please see the links below for your respective service:
- The Veterans Services Office is able to support military students through the process of financing their graduate education. Additional questions should be directed to the Veterans Services Office at [email protected] or 612-625-8076. Please include your student ID number in your email.
- Employer tuition assistance
- Check with your employer to see if they offer any educational benefits such as tuition assistance
- Regents scholarship program for university of Minnesota employees
- University of Minnesota employees may be eligible for the Regents Tuition Benefit Program.
- This program can cover the 75% of tuition costs for eligible employees
- Work with your HR representative to confirm if you’re eligible
- Due to University of Minnesota policy, university employees using the Regents Scholarship are not eligible for TLI’s scholarships.
Internships
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Are internship opportunities available through TLI?
TLI supports students interested in finding an internship.
- Marcia Cole, Fellow for the Security Technologies programs, helps support students across all TLI programs looking for an internship.
- Marcia does not place students in internships, but she can help search opportunities.
Schedule an appointment with Marcia to talk about internships!
Deferrals
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Am I able to defer my admission?
- University policy allows students defer their admission for one year. If a student does not matriculate within one year, then they are required to reapply. I've included a link here to the university's policy on deferrals. Please see the policy under IV. Deferred Admission.
- If you need to defer your admission, please reach out to the TLI admissions team at [email protected]
Student Resources
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As a student, what resources do I have access to?
- As a full time, degree seeking student, there are many resources you have access to on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus.
- Some services are only available to students who pay the student services fee.
- Continue reading the following section for more information on services available to students
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Student Services fee
- Because many of our students work full time and are typically only on campus for class times, TLI students are exempt from paying the Student Services Fee.
- However, a number of our students may not be working full time, are working on campus, and living on campus, and/or transitioning to Minnesota and would like access to campus resources provided by the Student Services Fee. Therefore, students can opt into paying the student services fee each semester.
- Students can opt into the student Services Fee once they’ve registered for classes by filling out this form. You will need a UMN account to access the form.
- What campus services does student services fee give access to:
- How much is the student services fee?
- More information including cost can be found here
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What mental health resources are there for graduate students?
- All degree seeking, full time students (our students) can access Student Counseling Services
- Additional resources
- SCS Groups: We offer a wide range of groups and workshops designed to meet a variety of student needs. Our groups support connection, increase skills, increase self-awareness, and offer new perspectives.
- Learn to Live offers five highly effective online programs based on the proven principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Our programs are confidential, accessible anywhere, and based on years of research showing online CBT programs to be as effective as face-to-face therapy. Choose the right program for you: the Social Anxiety Program, Depression Program, Insomnia Program, Substance Use Program, or the Stress, Anxiety and Worry Program.
- Tutoring & Academic Success Center (TASC) supports students in developing and strengthening academic abilities for increased efficiency and effectiveness. SASS offers coaching appointments and courses. Learn more here: https://tasc.umn.edu/
- Let’s Talk is a program that provides informal virtual and in person drop-in consultations for U of M students throughout the academic year. No appointment is necessary, so you can drop in during the scheduled times. Let’s Talk is not a substitute for formal counseling and does not constitute mental health treatment, but counselors can listen to specific problems, provide support, help explore solutions and give information about other resources. Let's Talk is not designed to provide crisis support - if you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis please utilize one of these resources.
- Crisis Resources: U of M Crisis Line at (612) 301-4673 (available 24/7), or contact the U of M text line 24/7 by texting "UMN" to 61222.
- Recreation and Wellness offers a wide range of activities and programs to enhance physical and overall wellness.
- The CARE program can help you get connected to community resources including mental health services in the community.
- Students who pay the student services fee are also eligible for mental health resources through Boynton
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I need accommodations. What are the disability resources at the University of Minnesota?
- The Disability Resource Center
- Get started here
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Are there any resources for parents at the university?
- Student Parent Center
- For pregnant students, the Student Parent Help Center is the first point of contact for Title IX rights review and advocacy.
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What career services are available?
- Networking Events
- Throughout the academic year, TLI hosts various networking events for current students and alumni. These events are excellent opportunities to build your professional network and connect with industry professionals. See TLI events here.
- Career Support via the College of Science and Engineering (CSE)
- As TLI students, you are eligible for career services offered through CSE, which include:
- Career Fairs: Held in September and February each year, providing a platform to meet potential employers and explore job opportunities.
- Career Services: Assistance with resume building, interview preparation, and job search strategies.
- As TLI students, you are eligible for career services offered through CSE, which include:
- Career Support via UMN
- In addition to CSE resources, UMN offers various employment and career support services:
- On-Campus Employment
- The UMN employment site posts student employment opportunities. Filter by position type on the left side of the page.
- UNITE Student Jobs: UNITE hires students to operate their classrooms. Interested students can apply here.
- Off-campus Employment
- Handshake is a career network that connects students, alumni, and employers with local, national, and international job opportunities.
- Maroon and Gold Network
- On-Campus Employment
- In addition to CSE resources, UMN offers various employment and career support services: