Technological Leadership Institute FAQ

• 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 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 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 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 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

We do not require applicants to have completed a certain major/program.

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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 "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

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.

• 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.

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. 

• 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.

• GRE scores are NOT required for admission into TLI programs
• If submitted, GRE scores will not be reviewed

• 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.

• 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.

Please see the UMN graduate school website for English language proficiency requirements.

• 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.

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:

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
• Optional Practical Training (OPT)

The cost for international students to submit an application is $95.

• Yes, international students pay the same tuition rate as U.S. students.
• International students may have to pay additional fees.

• 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.

• 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. 

• 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! 

• 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
• Off-campus housing:
  • Office for Off-Campus Living
  • Housing & Residential Life Off-Campus Housing Help
• Students with Family Housing 
  • https://housing.umn.edu/other/student-family
• Need temporary housing before your lease starts? 
  • Temporary housing
• 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 housing@umn.edu and 612-624-2994

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:

• International Student Resources, Admitted Students
• International Students, New Students
• Prepare for Arrival

• Instructions on requesting your I20. 
• Contact the UMN Graduate School at gsquest@umn.edu with questions on your I20.

• 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 tli-info@umn.edu if you will not arrive by the first day of classes. 

• 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.  

• 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 isssnew@umn.edu with questions.

Newly admitted students can contact the International Student and Scholar Services office at isss.new@umn.edu. This email is specifically for newly admitted international students.

ISSS has extensive information on transportation options

• ISSS Transportation Guide

All of TLI’s programs start during the fall semester only.

• 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. 

Yes, there are projects and team/group based activities throughout the curriculum.

• 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 

• 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.

• 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. 

Visit our tuition, fees, scholarships and financial aid page for more information on the cost of the program.

• 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.

• 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

• 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

• 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:
    • Air Force Tuition Assistance
    • Army Tuition Assistance
    • Navy Tuition Assistance
    • Coast Guard Tuition Assistance
    • Marine Corps Tuition Assistance
  • 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 veterans@umn.edu 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.

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! 

• 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 tli-info@umn.edu

• 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

• 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:
  • Aurora Center
  • Boynton Health - including mental health services
  • Student Advocate Services
  • Student Conflict Resolution Center
  • Student Legal Services
  • Student Parent Grants
  • Student Unions and Activities 
  • University Recreation and Wellness

• How much is the student services fee?
  • More information including cost can be found here

• 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

• The Disability Resource Center 
• Get started here

• Student Parent Center 
• For pregnant students, the Student Parent Help Center is the first point of contact for Title IX rights review and advocacy. 

• 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.
• 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