Tufts University’s Gordon Institute launches master’s degree in innovation and management
Undergraduates with degrees in science or engineering have a strong foundation of technical expertise. But most lack the business skills and leadership qualities they need for early career impact and long term success in the innovation economy.
To address this knowledge gap, Tufts University’s Gordon Institute, part of the School of Engineering, is launching a one-year, master’s program in innovation and management that is specifically designed to provide recent engineering and science graduates with the skills they need to succeed as leaders in the technology sector.
The Master of Science in innovation & management program is one of only a few such graduate programs in the country. The first class will enroll in September 2016.
“One of the University’s core strategic initiatives is fostering innovative approaches to local and global challenges,” said Jianmin Qu, Ph.D., dean of the School of Engineering at Tufts. “To stay competitive, companies need leaders who can drive technology-enabled innovation and our new M.S. in Innovation and Management addresses this vital need.”
The M.S. in Innovation and Management leverages the three decades worth of knowledge Tufts University Gordon Institute has in offering technology-specific education in entrepreneurship and management. The M.S. in Engineering Management now has more than 800 alumni while Tufts University’s $100K competition, run via Tufts Gordon Institute’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Program, is entering its 12th year and has helped students successfully launch numerous ventures.
Because of the rigor and depth of science and engineering curricula, most students majoring in these disciplines do not have the space or flexibility in their schedules to take courses outside of their core technical field. This degree program provides a one-year intensive window to position students for success within an organization or to launch their own venture.
“Undergraduates majoring in engineering, science, and other technology related disciplines represent some of the most promising young professionals. Our new master’s program is designed to augment their deep technical knowledge with critical business skills such as marketing, finance, and product strategy as well as an understanding of essential leadership competencies including conflict resolution and building teams,” says Mark Ranalli, associate dean and director Tufts University’s Gordon Institute.
“Rather than waiting to gain the business skills and depth a traditional MBA provides, this degree has been customized for the specific needs and backgrounds of young scientists and engineers who want to have immediate impact and accelerate their career trajectories.” Ranalli added.
The degree will offer course work in new product development, finance, strategic management, technology management, lean six-sigma and leadership. Students will also be able to customize the degree through various specialty tracks in entrepreneurship, operations management or technical depth. Applications are now being accepted for students who will begin the program in September 2016.
For more information about the master’s degree in innovation and management, visit: gordon.tufts.edu/programs/m-s-in-innovation-and-management