The School of Engineering
The Gordon Institute Transforming Technical Professionals into Technical Leaders
Tufts UniversityEngineering Management

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


Are there advantages to submitting an application by the Priority Application Deadline?
Yes. Applications received on or before the Priority Application Deadline will be reviewed as a group, and applicants can expect to receive an admission decision between 2-4 weeks after that deadline. Because we do not reserve a specific allotment of seats for applications received after the Priority Application Deadline, all seats for the incoming September class (approximately 40) are available for those applying on or before Priority Application Deadline. After that date, the number of seats available will depend upon the number of applicants accepted in the Priority Application Round.

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What is the difference between the MSEM degree and an MBA?
Unlike an MBA, TGI's MSEM program is designed specifically for working professionals with technical backgrounds. While classmates at TGI may have diverse technical backgrounds, work experiences and career goals, they are unified in their desire to advance their careers in technology-driven environments. Moreover, at TGI, students study topics critical to success in engineering management that are not included in a general business degree program. Our curriculum emphasizes product innovation and development, project management, and technology and business strategy, and also providing in-depth exposure to quantitative tools for product development and program management.

In addition, our MSEM curriculum requires all students to apply what they learn in the classroom by conducting all phases of a real-world, engineering management project for an organization. Because it is real-world, the project is more intense and more demanding, yet more rewarding and more valuable to technical leaders than a tradition Master's degree thesis.

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Am I required to take the TOEFL?
Applicants whose native language is not English must show a competency in the English language to be accepted into the program. English ability can be demonstrated by either a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign English) score of 550 or higher (or 213 Computer Based Testing), or a college or university degree earned in the US.

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Am I required to take the GRE?
No. Test scores from standardized tests such as the Graduate GMAT or GRE may be submitted, however they are not required. The Institute believes that the quality of the applicant's academic record, work experience and letters of recommendation are the best indicators of potential for success in the program.

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Do I need work experience to apply?
We strongly encourage applicants to have an undergraduate engineering, technical or science degree, and a minimum of three years of work experience. (Our typical student is 32 years old with eight years of experience). We will consider applicants with less than three years of experience, however, in these instances, applicants should have a very strong academic record and a solid record of early work experiences or internships.

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Is Financial Aid available at The Gordon Institute?
Information on federal need-based aid, such as the Federal Stafford and Perkins loans, can be obtained on the Tufts University Office of Financial Aid website, or by contacting the Dowling Student Services Center at Tufts University at 617-627-2000 or by email at studentservices@ase.tufts.edu.

The Gordon Institute has very limited direct financial aid available. Generally, we offer one or two partial scholarships per year in an incoming class of about 40 students. If you would like to be considered for financial aid, please complete the financial aid form and submit it along with your application for admission. Also include a cover letter with your application that specifically states your request for financial aid and describes your reasons for wanting to pursue graduate study at the Gordon Institute.

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What is the average class size?
Each September TGI enrolls between 30-40 new students. Since at any given time, 30-40 students will also be returning for their second year of the two-year program, the total enrollment of students at TGI ranges between 70-80 students.

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Is there a program starting in January?
No. TGI students attend classes as a “cohort” that moves together through a predefined curriculum. Because of the cohort nature of the program and the predefined sequencing of the class sessions, all students must begin the program in September.

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Does TGI offer a Ph.D. Program?
No, TGI does not offer a Ph.D. Program.

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How can I learn more about TGI?
Attending an on-campus Information Session is a great opportunity for prospective students to learn about The Gordon Institute's MS program in Engineering Management, and speak with faculty and alumni in a relaxed, informal setting.

To see our schedule of upcoming Information Sessions and to register on-line go to: http://gordon.tufts.edu/formInfoSession.aspx

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What does the tuition include and what is the payment schedule?
Tuition rates for the 2007-2008 academic year are follows:

The total cost to earn the M.S. in Engineering Management in The Gordon Institute's 2-year program is $33,960.

The total cost to earn the M.S. in Engineering Management in The Gordon Institute's 1-year program is $32,800.

For students in the two-year program, tuition is billed in four equal installments at the beginning of each of the four semesters of enrollment (Fall Year 1, Spring Year 1, Fall Year 2, Spring Year 2).

For students in the one-year program, tuition is billed in two equal installments at the beginning of each of the two semesters of enrollment (Fall Year 1, Spring Year 1)

The tuition includes all fees, books, supplies, selected computer software, lunches on class days and parking. For companies that sponsor students in program, flexible payment schedules can be arranged to accommodate for company's fiscal calendar.

Students receiving tuition reimbursement may defer their tuition payment for up to 30 days after they receive their grades for a given semester.

In order to defer the tuition payment, students must complete an Employer Deferred Payment Agreement Form prior to the start of the semester.

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Who teaches the courses?
The Gordon Institute's practice-oriented Master's program is provided by an exceptional faculty comprised of university professors, industry specialists and consultants who are recognized experts in their fields. In keeping with our mission to create real-world technical leaders, faculty members have impressive business knowledge and experience, and are dedicated to sharing their expertise with students. Learn more about our Faculty!

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Can I enroll in one TGI class and not in the program?
No, you must apply and be accepted into the full MSEM degree program in order to participate in TGI classes. Unlike most graduate programs, students at TGI do not complete an entire course in a single semester. In our program, the content of each of the six core courses is broken down into a series of integrated modules. At any given time, students study several modules from several different courses simultaneously. This unique modular curriculum combined with the ‘cohort’ structure of the class (all incoming students move through a defined curriculum as a group) make it impossible for us to offer single courses to individuals.

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