Application Instructions | Technological Leadership Institute

We are glad you are considering taking the next step toward career advancement by applying to a degree program at the University of Minnesota's Technological Leadership Institute. The application process for our three Master of Science degree programs: Management of Technology, Medical Device Innovation, and Security Technologies, is outlined below. Please note candidates for our M.S. is Medical Device Innovation and Security Technologies programs should apply for the summer term and candidates for our M.S. in Management of Technology program should apply for the fall term.

Step 1: Create an Online Application

Prospective students use an online application to submit all required documentation to apply to TLI degree programs.

Step 2: Fill Out the Required Sections of the Application

Personal Information
Application Information
Educational Background (see Step 3)
Test Scores (TOEFL or IELTS for international students*)
*See Other Considerations section
Languages
Employment/Residence Information
Financial Support

Step 3: Academic History

Upload all of your unofficial transcripts or academic records. International students should upload an English translation if the transcript is not in English.

Step 4: Upload a 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 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

Step 5: Upload a Current Resume

Upload your resume in the online application system.

Step 6: Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation are required for MOT, and two are required for MDI and MSST
Letter writers should be professors, managers or clients who have reviewed your professional capabilities
Include one letter from your current manager (if applicable)
Enter the names and email addresses of your letter writers. The system will send them an email with directions for uploading their letters of recommendation. Do this early in the process to allow enough time for your letter writers.
You may finish and submit your application before your letter writers submit their letters

Step 7: Submit

Submit the application and pay the application fee.

Other Considerations

MSST students must complete a writing exam
All candidates who qualify will be invited for an admissions interview
TLI programs do not require the GRE or the GMAT
English language proficiency test results, current within the last two years, are required for applicants whose native language is not English. Because of the language proficiency level required in TLI's programs, U.S. citizenship, permanent residency or number of years in the U.S. do not automatically exempt applicants from this requirement. Test options and score requirements for your application are as follows:

Testing options accepted: TOEFL, MELAB, IELTS or Minnesota English Language Battery*
Score requirements (NOTE: TLI's language proficiency test score requirements exceed the University of Minnesota Graduate School Admissions Office requirements):

TOEFL total: At or above 90
MELAB total: At or above 83
IELTS total: At or above 7
Minnesota English Language Battery total: At or above 83

*For more information on the MELB, see the Minnesota English Language Program website.

Contact tli-info@umn.edu if you have questions about English language testing.

Attend an Information Session

It is strongly recommended that all prospective students attend an information session prior to application. Visit our information session calendar to view upcoming dates.