The University of Washington Board of Regents has approved the first interdisciplinary master’s degree program to be offered through the Global Innovation Exchange (GIX), a partnership between the UW and Tsinghua University launched last spring with support from Microsoft. The new Master of Science in Technology Innovation (MSTI) degree was developed with the collaboration of UW CSE and other units within the College of Engineering, the Foster School of Business, the iSchool and the School of Law.
From the UW News release:
“Launching in fall 2017, the newly approved 15-month degree focuses on the technology development, design thinking, and entrepreneurial skills needed to invent, build and launch innovative products using connected devices – a vital element in the development of the ‘Internet of Things.’ Under the guidance of leading UW professors and industry mentors, students will gain hands-on experience in the processes required to create new technology solutions, plus the business skills to bring them to market.”
UW CSE and Electrical Engineering professor Shwetak Patel led the development of the MSTI curriculum, and also serves as chief technology officer of GIX. According to Patel, “The program’s intent is to teach students just enough in each area to build their confidence in pursuing their own innovations in high-impact fields, such as health and sustainability, and improving standards of living both locally and globally….Technology innovation requires developing a global mindset to have a true impact.”
Students enrolled in GIX will engage in project-based learning encompassing user-centered design, technology development, and entrepreneurship. Participants may choose to pursue a dual-degree option in which they will have an opportunity to study in Beijing and earn a Master of Engineering in Information Technology from Tsinghua University. Application information will be available in July.
Read the full UW news release here, and learn more about the MSTI here.
Photo credit: Matt Hagen/University of Washington