Technical Entrepreneurship and Management

The Master of Science in Technical Entrepreneurship and Management at the University of Rochester is an innovative program designed to cultivate entrepreneurial skills, technical expertise, and management capabilities essential for leading in today’s dynamic technological landscape. This interdisciplinary degree targets individuals seeking to transform scientific and engineering discoveries into successful startup ventures or to drive innovation within established organizations. Through a comprehensive curriculum, students gain a deep understanding of business fundamentals, product development, venture creation, and funding strategies, combined with advanced technical knowledge in their chosen engineering discipline. The program emphasizes experiential learning, encouraging students to participate in hands-on projects, startup incubators, and collaborations with industry partners to develop real-world solutions. Students will learn to evaluate market opportunities, protect intellectual property, build effective teams, and navigate the complexities of launching and scaling technology-based businesses. Designed for engineers, scientists, and technically inclined professionals, the program offers flexible coursework options and mentorship opportunities to support entrepreneurial pursuits. Graduates of the program will be equipped to lead innovative ventures, secure funding, and contribute to economic development through technology commercialization. The curriculum integrates coursework from the Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and Simon Business School, ensuring a well-rounded education that bridges technical mastery with strategic business acumen. With a focus on innovation, leadership, and practical application, the MSc in Technical Entrepreneurship and Management prepares students to become influential entrepreneurs, technology executives, or research and development leaders, fostering sustainable growth and technological advancement in the global economy.

Entrepreneurship Courses

The TEAM program has developed five entrepreneurship courses in conjunction with the Simon Business School specifically tailored for students in this degree program. Required core and elective courses are listed below.

• TEM 401: Economics, Marketing and Strategy Primer for Entrepreneurs (4 credits)
• TEM 402: Accounting and Finance Primer for Entrepreneurs (4 credits)
• TEM 411: General Management of New Ventures (4 credits)
• TEM 440: Screening Technical Opportunities (1 credit)
• TEM 441: Product Development and Technical Management (4 credits)
• Entrepreneurship Electives

Technical Courses

Technical electives enable students to customize their technical coursework to satisfy their academic preferences. Elective offerings are designed to provide variety, flexibility, and breadth of knowledge. Though not required by the TEAM program, students are encouraged to choose a technical concentration outside of their undergraduate major.

• BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
• CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
• COMPUTER SCIENCE
• DATA SCIENCE
• ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING
• ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
• MATERIALS SCIENCE
• MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
• OPTICS

Requirements

• Three letters of recommendation (uploaded to the application per instructions)
• Official transcripts (minimum GPA is 3.0)
• A personal statement
• After selecting the program Technical Entrepreneurship and Management, choose a Technical Concentration from the sub-category drop down menu
• Briefly explain why you have chosen your technical concentration choice under: “Which area or special field within the program interests you the most?” field in the online application.
• Official GRE and TOEFL (or IELTS) test scores should be uploaded to the application and official copies should be mailed to the University for verification
• Other than the test scores, documents that are uploaded do not need to be mailed to the department
• The GRE General Test is required and should be taken in time for the admissions committee to receive score results by the January 1 deadline. We look for applicants to score at least a 145 on the Verbal, a 158 on the Quantitative, and a 3.0 on the Analytical Writing. The institution code is 2928 and the department code is 1603.
• All foreign applicants whose native language is not English must take the TOEFL and achieve a minimum score of 250 for the computer-based test (CBT), 600 for the paper-based test (PBT), or 100 for the Internet-based test (IBT), unless they are graduates of a US undergraduate program. IELTS scores can be accepted in place of the TOEFL with a minimum score of 7.0.
• Interview 

The University of Rochester's Technical Entrepreneurship and Management program offers a comprehensive approach to financing studies, designed to prepare students for effective management of financial resources in technology-driven enterprises. Tuition fees are structured to reflect the program’s focus on practical and entrepreneurial skills, and students can expect detailed information regarding the cost of attendance upon admission. Financial aid options are available, including scholarships, grants, and loan programs, which aim to support students in managing the financial aspects of their education. The university encourages applicants to explore external funding sources, such as federal or private student loans, and offers assistance through its financial aid office to navigate these options. Moreover, the program emphasizes experiential learning, which can include participation in entrepreneurial ventures supported by startup incubators and innovation hubs associated with the university, potentially offering additional financial opportunities or funding grants. Students are also advised to consider personal savings, sponsorships, or company sponsorships if they are already engaged in entrepreneurial activities. The university's commitment to fostering an inclusive and accessible learning environment means that transparent information on financing is provided to help students plan their educational investments effectively. Additionally, many students utilize part-time work opportunities on campus to support their studies financially. Overall, the financing studies component of the Technical Entrepreneurship and Management program is designed to ensure students are well-informed and adequately supported financially throughout their educational journey, with resources aimed at minimizing financial barriers and maximizing learning and entrepreneurial success.

The Technical Entrepreneurship and Management program at the University of Rochester is designed to equip students with the skills required to launch and manage innovative technology-based ventures. This interdisciplinary program combines coursework in engineering, business, and management to foster a comprehensive understanding of the entrepreneurial process from ideation to market deployment. Students are exposed to both the technical aspects of product development and the strategic considerations necessary for turning ideas into successful enterprises.

The curriculum emphasizes practical experience through project-based learning, internships, and collaboration with industry partners. Students learn to identify market opportunities, develop business plans, acquire funding, and manage teams effectively. The program also offers specialized courses such as technology commercialization, venture creation, and leadership in high-tech firms, preparing graduates for careers in startup ventures, corporate innovation, or further doctoral research.

Faculty members involved in the program are accomplished professionals and scholars with expertise in entrepreneurship, engineering, and management. They mentor students on hands-on projects, facilitate networking opportunities, and support entrepreneurial activities aimed at fostering innovation ecosystems on campus and beyond.

The program benefits from Rochester's strong connections to technology industries and support for entrepreneurial initiatives through resources such as startup accelerators and innovation centers. Graduates of the Technical Entrepreneurship and Management program can pursue roles in product management, technology commercialization, consultancy, or continue their education through advanced degrees in business or engineering. The program's integration of technical knowledge with entrepreneurial training makes it a unique pathway for students aiming to lead technological innovations and create impactful enterprises, ultimately contributing to economic growth and technological advancement.