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Frequently Asked Questions
Is my background appropriate for EMTM? Do I need to be an engineer?
Consider EMTM if you are a technology professional who has or will shortly have a management position that requires a broad
understanding of the business context in which technology is deployed.
You need not be an engineer. Some EMTM students have an undergraduate or advanced degree in engineering, but many others have
degrees in natural science, mathematics, economics, and information systems. An engineering background isn't required because
EMTM technology courses differ from engineering courses in that they are designed to make students better technology managers,
rather than technology experts. Also, in standard engineering classes all students start and usually end a class at approximately
the same level of expertise. Students in EMTM classes begin and end technology classes at different levels of expertise. This
diversity of viewpoints and experience enhances the learning process.
See also The Right Fit?.
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How do I decide between an MBA and EMTM?
If your goal is general management, finance or marketing, an MBA is appropriate. If your goal is managing a company or division
where understanding and exploiting a rapidly changing technology is key, then EMTM is a good choice.
EMTM courses are all targeted toward the challenges of managing technology. The part of the EMTM curriculum that corresponds to
a standard MBA (marketing, accounting, finance, economics) is more compressed and slightly more quantitative than the
corresponding MBA courses.
EMTM has technology courses taught by Penn Engineering faculty that provide fundamental concepts, managerial perspective and
in-depth case studies for each technology taught. This differs from most MBA programs, which typically do not offer technology
courses taught by faculty from the technology specializations.
See also The Right Fit?.
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How does EMTM differ from other technology management programs?
Often, technology management programs combine management training with a sole emphasis on information technology. EMTM provides
a broader view, combining management training with courses on a wide range of technical disciplines and emerging technologies.
EMTM's unique objective is to develop technology managers who can integrate multiple technologies into products and systems, direct
multi-disciplinary technical teams, and turn technological innovations to commercial success.
See also The Right Fit?.
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How does EMTM compare to an MS or an MSE?
If your goal is an in-depth understanding of a single technology area, then a Master's of Science (MS) or a Master's of Engineering
(MSE) is appropriate. MS or MSE programs go into depth in a single technology, but do not include significant technology breadth or
management. Penn Engineering has many such focused programs for the working professional. Visit Penn Engineering Masters' Programs website.
If you want to meet the challenge of managing technology and technical teams, rather than specializing in it, then EMTM is the right
choice. You'll find the style of teaching in EMTM, as well as the content, quite different from an MS or MSE program. EMTM's teaching
style involves much more active class participation, business-related case studies and teamwork.
See also The Right Fit?.
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What type of time commitment is involved? What is the workload?
Each course includes a total of 18 in-class hours: three hours per weekend, with six weekends of classes each term. Workloads vary from
class to class, and from student to student, depending on your own learning style and familiarity with the material. A general rule of
thumb is that for every hour spent in class, approximately two-three hours of additional work are needed for class preparation and
projects. Work in between classes includes team projects and papers.
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I've taken business courses at another university. Can I use this background to shorten my time in EMTM?
You cannot shorten your program by waiving EMTM courses. Students are required to complete 20 EMTM courses (or other qualified courses
at Penn) to complete the degree requirements.
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Can I waive core courses based on past business courses and work experience?
While you can request waivers for required core EMTM courses in which you have significant prior academic experience, please note that:
(i) waivers are subject to faculty approval based on a grade of B or above in a comparable graduate level course, and (ii) relevant work
experience will not count toward waivers.
We do not encourage EMTM students to waive core courses for two key reasons. First, EMTM core business courses are specifically targeted
to the study of emerging technologies; the case studies and tools taught in these courses may not have been covered in your prior
schoolwork. Second, an important value to the EMTM program is the expertise and experience that students bring to the class. If you have
a strong business background, you will add value to other students by the perspectives you bring, just as you will benefit from students
with strong technology expertise in other classes. The faculty who teach in EMTM are experienced in teaching executives with varying
degrees of business backgrounds, and they know how to create a class environment in which everyone can benefit at their own level of
expertise.
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Are GMAT's or GRE's required?
Official GMAT or GRE scores are required. To be considered as part of the application, the tests must have been taken within the past
5 years.
EMTM's School Code for the GMAT is G56-97-75; for the GRE our instituion code is 2968, department 1301.
The GMAT/GRE test may be waived upon request for those applicants with 15 or more years of post-graduate, technology-related work experience or a Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent degree in the physical sciences, mathematics, engineering, or similar quantitative area. The waiver is based on a review of transcripts for all coursework. Applicants who are seeking a waiver are encouraged to apply early in the process to allow sufficient time to schedule the GMAT/GRE should it be deemed necessary. Be sure to check the appropriate box on the online application form and a representative from the Admissions Office will contact you to review whether you are eligible to be considered for a waiver.
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I haven't had a math course in a long time. Would I have difficulty with the EMTM curriculum?
It doesn't matter how long ago you took math, but usually we recommend that students have completed a year of calculus. If you never
took calculus, we recommend you discuss this with us as part of your inquiry and application process.
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Do you require interviews for admission?
Interviews are required and scheduled for candidates who have submitted the online application.
Prospective students who are visiting from a distance are invited to submit their applications in advance of their campus visit so that an interview can be scheduled during their time on campus. No interviews are conducted unless an application has been submitted. Please be sure to indicate that you wish to set up an interview when you schedule your visit so that the necessary arrangements can be made.
All interviews are conducted by the program director; therefore, interview requests are granted based on the program director's availability. To request an interview, please contact us at 215-898-2897.
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What is the difference between full-time attendance and half-time attendance and what are the benefits of each?
Full-time students attend classes on Fridays and Saturdays of alternate weekends — completing EMTM in two years. Attending full-time
gives you the ability to fully immerse yourself in EMTM, benefit more fully from the personal and professional networking of the EMTM
community, and complete your degree quickly.
Half-time students attend classes on Saturdays only of alternate weekends — completing EMTM in four years. Attending half-time reduces
the impact on your schedule at work, and allows you to put increased energy into a reduced course load.
EMTM strongly recommends attending full-time during your first year. If the full-time schedule is not feasible over a two-year period,
we recommend that you complete your first year as a full-time student; then switch to half-time to complete your requirements in three
years. Students may switch from full-time to half-time status, or vice versa.
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Since I live in the Philadelphia area, can I spend the evenings before classes (Thursday and/or Fridays) at home rather than
on campus?
An important part of EMTM is interaction with other students in study groups and informally. Students often learn as much from each other
as they do from their coursework. The evenings before classes are key to this interaction, which initiates a lifelong professional network.
For these reasons, staying on campus is essential and hotel charges are never waived. They are part of the program fee.
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Realizing that group projects are a key component of EMTM, how do students work together in between course weekends?
Students work together in between course weekends using EMTM's webCafé — an online resource for shared files and communication — as well
as by e-mails and conference calls.
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Can I afford the EMTM Program?
Employers sponsor most students in full or in part as they see EMTM as an investment in their company's future. For students who are not
sponsored or those who need to supplement sponsorship, a variety of loans are available. See Costs.
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What degree do I get? What is my status vis-a-vis Penn Engineering and Wharton?
EMTM students earn a Master's of Science in Engineering (MSE) in the Management of Technology from the University of Pennsylvania. Penn
Engineering, more formally known as the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS), administers the EMTM program, and EMTM students
and alumni are officially affiliated with the University as members of the Penn Engineering community.
As a co-sponsor of the program, the Wharton School has also invited graduates of EMTM to become, in effect, 'honorary' members of the
Wharton alumni network and online community. EMTM graduates can obtain a lifelong e-mail forwarding address, register to be included in
the Wharton alumni directory, and take part in Wharton alumni clubs and events. (This association is extended as a privilege, and is not
an official alumni status. For all purposes of identification and records, including transcripts, EMTM students and alumni are affiliated
with Penn Engineering.)
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Related Resources:
If you have additional questions about the program, admissions requirements, or the application process, please contact:
Paige Harker Russom,
Admissions Manager
215-898-2987 phone
877-444-EMTM toll-free
emtm-admissions@emtm.upenn.edu
If you would like to talk with a current student or graduate about their EMTM experience, please let us know. You can contact us by phone or e-mail, or submit your request online at:
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