Frequently Asked Questions

Many general questions about life as a engineering management graduate student at the University of Rochester can be answered by visiting Grad Resources. Below are some common questions about the TEAM program.

Master of Science in Technical Entrepreneurship and Management [TEAM] Program Information

What degree is granted upon completion of the TEAM program?

Students receive a Master of Science from the University of Rochester’s Edmund A. Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Simon Business School. Both schools jointly confer the degree.

How is TEAM different from other management/engineering programs?

TEAM is for students with a special interest in entrepreneurial management. TEAM does not require students to have work experience in their field prior to applying to the program.

Which departments participate in the TEAM program?

Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Optics, Computer Science, Data Science, Mechanical Engineering, Material Sciences, Energy & the Environment.

How flexible is the academic timeline for TEAM’s curriculum? Is it different for international students or part-time students?

Students can complete TEAM in as little as two semesters. Longer tracks are available including a three semester option and part-time study.

Can I join the TEAM program in January?

Traditionally, students are not permitted to join the program in January, but due to COVID-19, students who are unable to begin their program of study in fall 2020, will be able to defer their admission to January 2021.

Can I integrate TEAM into the Simon Business School’s MBA program?

Yes. Some of the business courses required for the TEAM degree can be applied toward an MBA at the Simon Business School. Candidates must meet admission standards through a separate application to the Simon Business School, following successful completion of the TEAM degree.

What is the capstone practicum?

Under the direction of an advisor, students will work with either engineering undergraduate senior design teams or the UR Ventures’ intellectual property to develop technology and business cases around their technology projects. Students will participate in the strategy, design, and technology validation process in the TEM 441 Product Development and Technology Management course.

I already have graduate credits in business and/or engineering. Can they be used toward TEAM?

Transfer credits are at the discretion of each academic department. Graduate courses needed to complete an undergraduate major or graduate degree program cannot be double counted toward the TEAM degree.

Admissions Information

What is the class size?

The Class of 2020 had 34 students enrolled. In 2020-2021, the class size will be between 25 to 35 students.

I am not a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident. Can I still apply to the TEAM program?

Yes. You need to complete additional required information. Please visit the International Services Office for details. For international applicants who are non-native English speakers (except those who have graduated from a U.S. undergrad program with at least two years of study), you must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores as part of the TEAM online application. The university code number for the GRE and GRE Revised General Test is 2928. The university code for TOEFL is 7267. Please use department codes 1699 Engineering – Other for GRE and GRE Revised General Test scores and 99 for TOEFL scores.

Which departments participate in the TEAM program?

Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Optics, Computer Science, Data Science, Mechanical Engineering, Material Sciences, Energy & the Environment.

When will the TEAM Admissions Committee notify applicants of its decisions?

Applicants will be emailed their notification by March 15th.

If accepted into the TEAM program, is it possible to defer my admission?

Deferment will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

What are my options for visiting the University of Rochester?

Contact MS TEAM at team@rochester.edu to set up an appointment or campus visit.

Does TEAM offer information events for prospective applicants?

Informational events are held once a month at the University of Rochester in September, October, November, and December.

Does TEAM offer informational interviews with faculty and staff members?

Contact MS TEAM team@rochester.edu to learn more about the TEAM program and to set up faculty interviews.

What is TEAM’s interview policy?

The Admissions Committee will invite you for an interview if further interaction is desired. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive notification after a preliminary review of your application materials. If you are unable to travel to Rochester, alternative arrangements for a telephone interview or an appointment with a TEAM representative at an off-campus interview event may be available.

Qualifications

I do not have an undergraduate degree in engineering, science, or mathematics. Can I still apply to TEAM?

The TEAM program requires that applicants have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent for international students) in engineering, science, or mathematics. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis depending on the level of math, science, or engineering students completed in their undergraduate education. Please contact Rebecca Crocker for further explanation.

Do I need work experience to apply to the program?

No. One highlight of the TEAM program, which is unlike many other management/engineering programs, is that applicants are not required to have work experience in their field(s).

In addition to the basic qualifications, what qualities are most prevalent among TEAM’s competitive candidates?

TEAM students are innovative, passionate, and embrace interdisciplinary study.

What is the grade point average of TEAM students?

The majority of TEAM students have a GPA above 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The Class of 2020 had an average undergraduate GPA of 3.15.

Do I need to take both the GRE and the GMAT?

GRE and GMAT score reporting is optional, but strongly recommended. If a GRE or GMAT score is self-reported, an official score report from ETS is required for score verification.

Is the TOEFL required?

Entrepreneurship Courses

For international students who do not speak English as a first language, the TOEFL exam is required. The University of Rochester will also accept the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The code number for the TOEFL reports for the School of Arts and Sciences and the Edmund A. Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences is 7267. Please use department code 99 for TOEFL scores.

What school/departmental codes should I use when requesting my GRE/GMAT/TOEFL/IELTS scores be sent to the University of Rochester?

Entrepreneurship Courses

The university code number for GRE and GRE Revised General Test reports for the School of Arts and Sciences and the Edmund A. Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences is 2928. The university code for the TOEFL is 7267. Please use department codes 1699 Engineering – Other for GRE and GRE Revised General Test scores and 99 for TOEFL scores.

What are the average GMAT and GRE scores?

Entrepreneurship Courses

We recommend that your GRE score be over 300 and your GMAT be over 600. The Class of 2018 had an average GRE score of 313, and an average GMAT score of 670.

Financial Information

Does TEAM offer financial aid and/or scholarships?

Yes. There are questions relating to financial aid and scholarships on the application. Please answer honestly. If you are accepted into the program, you will be notified of any financial aid and/or scholarship awards. For more information on financial aid please visit the Information for New Graduate Students and Financial Aid websites.

Do I need work experience to apply to the program?

No. One highlight of the TEAM program, which is unlike many other management/engineering programs, is that applicants are not required to have work experience in their field(s).

What other costs are students responsible for covering?

Students are responsible for covering housing, living expenses, health insurance, books and supplies, transportation, and other student services fees.

Are there any graduate assistantships or stipends available?

While enrolled in the program, many students work in a variety of places, such as campus libraries, academic departments, and various departments within the University of Rochester. Teaching assistantships are available in various departments, and some departments have research assistantships as well. These positions are paid an hourly rate, and most students work between 10 to 20 hours per week. For more information and on campus job postings visit the Student Employment Center.

How do I apply for on-campus part-time jobs?

For information and on campus job postings visit the Student Employment Center.

My company has a tuition assistance/scholarship program for its employees. Will that apply to TEAM?

Entrepreneurship Courses

Yes, sponsored students may use their tuition assistance towards TEAM credit hours.

Application Process

What is the final admissions deadline for TEAM?

For students interested in fall admission for the 2023-24 academic year, the application deadline is February 1, 2023.

Where should I send my official transcripts?

Your transcripts do not need to be mailed directly to our office. Please upload your official transcript(s) from the Registrar at each college or university you have attended (including the University of Rochester, if applicable) directly to your online application.

Who should I ask to write my technical/academic letter of recommendation?

You may ask current or former professors and current or former supervisors. Letters of recommendation from family members and friends are not accepted.

Do letters of recommendation have to be submitted online, or can my recommender send a hard copy letter?

In the online application you will be asked to provide the names and contact information of three (3) persons who will recommend you for graduate study. Your recommenders will be contacted by e-mail and provided a link where they can upload their letter of recommendation.

What if I am having technical problems with the online application?

Please contact the Arts, Sciences and Engineering Office of Admission at either (585) 275-6891 or  graduateadmissions@ur.rochester.edu. You may also contact team@rochester.edu for assistance.

How will I receive notification of TEAM’s admissions decision?

Notification will be sent by e-mail to all applicants.