What is the IC² Institute?
What are the program objectives?
What degree is conferred?
Is the program accredited?
When does the program begin and when should I apply?
Do I have to complete the GRE or GMAT exam as part of my application?
How many credits is the program?
Is there a thesis?
How much time should I expect to spend outside of class time?
Can coursework from other universities be transferred into the MSTC program?
Is the cost less for the online program? Do Texas residents qualify for in-state tuition discounts?
Are any scholarships or grants available?
What types of careers are available after graduation?
What type of salary can I expect with this degree?
Is the program affiliated with the business school?
How is this program different from an MBA?
How is computer technology utilized in the program?

What is the IC² Institute? ▲
IC² stands for Innovation, Creativity and Capital. The IC² Institute is an international, multi-disciplinary research and education institute at The University of Texas at Austin that links technology, entrepreneurship and education to foster sustainable social and economic development around the world.

What are the program objectives? ▲
The ability to commercialize new technology rapidly is essential for competitive advantage in organizations. To achieve desired results in their organizations, decision makers must have access to concepts, tools and knowledge for commercialization. The mission of the MSTC program is to combine cutting edge technology, entrepreneurship and education to bridge the gap between ideas and needs in the marketplace resulting in the creation of new, innovative ventures.

What degree is conferred? ▲
A Master of Science degree in Technology Commercialization is conferred by The University of Texas at Austin upon successful completion of the program.

Is the program accredited? ▲
The program is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). SACS is one of six regional accrediting associations in the United States.

When does the program begin and when should I apply? ▲
The MSTC program admits students only once per year. The program begins with a four-day orientation in April and classes begin later that month.  Applications are accepted on a year-round basis with an application deadline of February 1.  Admission decisions are made as application files are completed so early application is strongly encouraged.  Late applications will be considered only under special circumstances.  Please contact the This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   if you have any questions regarding admissions deadlines. 

Do I have to complete the GRE or GMAT exam as part of my application? ▲
Yes, applicants are required to submit GRE or GMAT test scores as part of their application. Test scores must be sent electronically to The University Graduate and International Admissions office from the testing center. Test scores should not be older than five years.  The GRE school code for The University of Texas at Austin is R6882.  Applicants who have already obtained an advanced degree or have previously taken the GRE or GMAT may request a waiver of the test component.  Contact the This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   to learn more about the GRE/GMAT waiver request process.

How many credits is the program? ▲
The twelve-month MSTC program begins in April of each year and consists of twelve three-credit courses delivered over three consecutive semesters. Each term all students are automatically enrolled in four courses.

Is there a thesis? ▲
Students in the MSTC program are continually guided through teaming efforts to create and complete a capstone project that integrates all that they have learned and turns idea into action. In the traditional sense, there is no thesis.

How much time should I expect to spend outside of class time? ▲
As one might expect, attempting to complete 36 graduate hours in one year is an extremely intensive experience.  Typical MSTC students spend several hours per day and most weekends dedicated to their studies. 

Can coursework from other universities be transferred into the MSTC program? ▲
We do not accept transfer credits. The MSTC program utilizes a cohort model - each class starts together and stays together throughout the 12-month program. All students are automatically enrolled in all twelve courses and no electives are required.

Is the cost less for the online program? Do Texas residents qualify for in-state tuition? ▲
The cost remains the same for all students, regardless of location, cohort or residency.

Are any scholarships or grants available? ▲
At this time the MSTC program does not have any active grants or scholarships but we are always looking and working to establish these for our students.  If acquired they will be posted on the website.  For now, our program is eligible for financial aid through The University of Texas and there are numerous grants and fellowships awarded through The University of Texas Graduate School.

What types of careers are available after graduation? ▲
Careers available vary widely. Rather than directing a student towards one specific career option, a graduate will be better prepared to work in any process of an organization as a result of the program. Examples include: technology transfer, business development, commercialization planning, intellectual property management, business planning, technology assessment and product development. Graduates will also be equipped to more intelligently start their own ventures.

What type of salary can I expect with this degree? ▲
Based on our alumni surveys, the salary ranges vary significantly from about $75,000 to over $150,000. Over 90% of the alumni reported a significant increase in the satisfaction with their current positions as a result of the program.

Is the program affiliated with the business school? ▲
Yes and no.  The IC² Institute was founded by Dr. George Kozmetsky, who served as Dean of the Graduate School of Business for 15 years. Many of the faculty members who teach in the MSTC program are award-winning faculty from the Red McCombs School of Business. The MSTC degree, however, is managed by the IC² Institute and conferred by The University of Texas at Austin.

How is this program different from an MBA? ▲
The MSTC degree integrates key business fundamentals with technology and its influence on the creation of prosperity. The focus of the program is on the knowledge base and skill set needed to get technology into the market as quickly as possible. The MSTC degree hones general management and leadership skills, but the program is focused on science and technology commercialization, technology assessment, technology transfer, technology enterprises and intrapreneurship. The focus of MBA programs is on wealth management; the focus of the MSTC program is on wealth creation.

How is computer technology utilized in the program? ▲
Students are expected to be quite comfortable with basic software as well as navigating the Internet. The Global Classroom, where classes are held, is a high tech facility allowing for video-conferences and electronic networking. A basic computer configuration supported by IC² for use in the program is recommended.