MBA in Security Technology Transition

The MBA in Security Technology Transition (MBA-STT) program offered by the George Washington University School of Business is focused on the management of the transition of technology from development to commercial and government applications. This degree program is for professionals with a background in cybersecurity, engineering, science, technology, and other related fields with an interest in the transition and commercialization of security technology for application in the public and private sectors.

Overview

In July 2020, the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate selected the GW School of Business to lead a new Center of Excellence that will deliver an MBA program focused on security technology transition. Participants will be mentored by security, technology and innovation experts in a community of practice. During the program, participants will develop a professional network throughout student engagement events with GW alumni, government and industry partners. Students will experience the innovation impact through interactions with other professionals interested in the transition of security technology across organizations, students will have the knowledge and network to innovate the industry.

Credits

The MBA in Security Technology Transition program is a part-time, 49.5 credit-hour professional MBA program.

Dates and Locations

The MBA in Security Technology Transition program only has an intake each Spring semester. Orientation takes place in mid-to-late December, and the program kicks off with a pre-Spring semester intensive in early January. The program is comprised of 25% online instruction and 75% in-person instruction at GWSB's Foggy Bottom location.

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Join our LinkedIn group to connect, network, and get acquainted with fellow GWSB grad students in your academic program, and learn about upcoming professional development opportunities, student engagement events, online events and more. Please note: this group is only open to current students and alumni.

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Read Testimonials About this Program

"The MBA-STT program provides emerging DHS leaders with not only a foundation in business acumen, but also provides real-world exposure to the potential risks impacting our economy and citizens. In addition, industry federal, state, and local contractors can also benefit from the collaboration in the classroom to explore emerging threats and apply future-based logic to tackle tomorrow's challenges. Strengths of the program include, a global focus on trends as the world is becoming more and more connected as seen through the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Also, another strength of the the program is the focus on evaluating, understanding, and learning how to apply new technology to solve identified issues. A specific benefit and distinctive feature of the STT program is the partnership with DHS Science & Technology. Students have the opportunity to engage directly with those evaluating, securing, and readying new technical capabilities for border security, next-generation first responders, and with global warming the ever-increase of flooding and natural weather events."

-Michael Matechak

"Accelerating the transition of new technologies into systems and products will be crucial to not only the bottom-line of many companies (start-up or mature), but also the nation’s security. Current long transition times are more common than not, mostly due to the complexity of the process involved, especially when working with defense and security entities. This complexity results in what is termed the Valley of Death — the time between academic research and commercialization of technology. Crossing this valley is a necessity in order to move an idea to the point where third parties are ready to invest significant dollars needed to move a product through the path to commercialization. The foundations and interactions established in the MBA-STT can help to better understand these issues, thus potentially allowing the student to think about and develop ways to finally cross this ubiquitous Valley that has been the challenge for many researchers looking to make their product that next big thing. The interactions you will have, coupled with the foundational elements of the Program, will help to prepare researchers and entrepreneurs alike the ability to better align their efforts to yield more successful transitions of technology from development to commercial and government applications in the future."

-Owen Sanford

"As an alumnus of the George Washington University School of Business, I can personally attest to the value of obtaining an MBA and the positive impact such a degree has on one’s ability to lead teams to achieve results that significantly impact their value to the organizations in which they serve. As a long-time executive in the aerospace and defense industry, I spent much of my career focused on the management of the transition of technology from development to commercial and government applications. That is the focus of the MBA in Security Technology Transition (MBA in STT).  One key factor that enabled me to lead successful technology transitions from the private-sector organizations to federal/state/local government agencies was the development and nurturing of relationships and networks between myself and professionals from academia, industry and government. The MBA-STT, by including students from a broad spectrum of backgrounds and organizations, will greatly enhance that opportunity. The sharing of academic knowledge and experiences will pay great dividends to all participants and their sponsoring organizations as they continue along their career paths after completion of the MBA-STT program of study."

-Burlie Brunson

Admissions

Admission to the MBA-STT program is highly competitive and enrollment is limited. Due to the rolling admissions policy, it is recommended that candidates submit applications early. The candidate’s major and trend in grades, personal achievements, and letters of recommendation also affect the admission decision. The MBA-STT program seeks social, ethnic, cultural and geographical diversity in its student body.

The MBA-STT program is open to all applicants. Employees of the Department of Homeland Security follow the same admission procedures as they would for our other MBA programs. If your intent is to apply for the DHS cohort program, please make sure to list DHS as your employer in the MBA Employment Information section of the application.

Prerequisites

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
• Strong academic performance
• Demonstrated professional interest in business and security technology

Admissions Process

Applying to a program at the GW School of Business may seem like a complicated process, but the GWSB admissions team is here to help. The application process for this program can be found on our How to Apply page. All application materials should be sent to the GWSB Graduate Admissions Office. The GRE or GMAT test is not required — however, if you feel that submitting your scores will strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit them. We also offer a wealth of resources to help you finance your degree, from scholarships and fellowships to loans and work-study arrangements.

Application Requirements

To be considered complete, the following must be included in the application:

• Completed online application form Application fee (non-refundable)
• Current résumé uploaded through the online application system
• One letter of recommendation from a professional and/or academic reference
• Statement of Purpose: In no more than 500 words, describe how this program fits into your professional life and your career objectives.

Additional Application Requirements

• Upload copies of your transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, whether or not the program was completed or the credit appears as a transfer credit on another transcript. Note that admitted students will be required to submit official, sealed transcripts with proof of bachelor’s degree. There is no need to submit them at the time when you first apply.
• The GRE or GMAT test is not required for this program — however, if you feel that submitting your scores will strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit them. Learn more about our test-optional policy on the How to Apply page. GW School of Business applicants interested in taking the exam can benefit from 10% off any Kaplan GMAT or GRE preparation course. Use discount code GWUSB10.

International Applicants

At this time, the MBA-STT program is not accepting international applicants.

Tuition & Fees

Please visit the Student Accounts Office for a complete list of tuition rates and fees.

Additional Costs

• Student Health Insurance
  GW offers voluntary comprehensive health insurance through Aetna Student Health. All F-1 and J-1 international students are automatically enrolled. See the Student Health Insurance page for rates and other important information.
• Housing
  View information about on-campus and off-campus housing for full-time GW graduate students.

Financial Resources

From scholarships and fellowships to loans and work-study arrangements, we offer a wealth of resources to help you finance your degree.

GWSB Fellowships and Financial Support

The GW School of Business offers merit-based fellowships to incoming students at the time of admission. While applying to graduate degree programs at GWSB, prospective students may opt in to be automatically considered for all fellowship award opportunities funded by the School of Business as well as various university-funded tuition awards administered by the Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships (OGSAF). Unless otherwise stated, no separate application is required.

In limited circumstances, current students may also be eligible for merit-based tuition fellowship awards.

Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships

The Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships (OGSAF) maintains a comprehensive database of GW and external fellowships to support graduate-level study and/or research. Incoming and current students are encouraged to browse the OGSAF website for information about additional merit-based funding opportunities.

Federal Financial Aid

U.S. Citizens and eligible non-citizens may qualify for:

• Federally sponsored education loans through the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and Federal Graduate PLUS Loan Programs
• Need-based financial assistance through the Federal Work Study Program, which allows students to earn income while working part-time at pre-approved organizations during their program

To apply for federal financial aid, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the appropriate deadline using GW’s FAFSA school code: 001444. Please note that students must apply for federal financial aid each academic year.

Visit the Office of Student Financial Assistance for details about eligibility criteria, application steps, and deadlines. Information about alternate private and federal loans is also available.

Tuition Discounts

Employer Discounts

The GW School of Business offers a tuition discount to current employees of the following companies:

• Leidos
• Lockheed Martin
• Organization of American States (GS/OAS)
• SAIC

Please note that eligible programs vary by employer. View details about eligibility, conditions, and the application process.

Veterans and Military

Nationally recognized as a top military- and veteran-friendly university, GW offers a wealth of services and benefits to student veterans, military personnel, and dependents of the United States Armed Forces. As a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program, GW funds tuition expenses exceeding the maximum base pay amount covered through the GI Bill^®, and its contributions are matched by the Department of Veteran Affairs.

For more information about the Yellow Ribbon Program and other education benefits, visit GW Veteran & Military Services (VMS).

GI Bill^® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.

Student Employment and Internships

The F. David Fowler Career Center supports GWSB student and alumni professional development by providing career management resources, career fairs and expos, and employer information sessions. GWSB students also have access to employment services and resources provided through GW’s Center for Career Services.

Handshake is the official online recruiting platform and event calendar for the F. David Fowler Career Center and the Center for Career Services. To search for jobs and internships, find and register for events, and connect with career coaches, log in to Handshake.

Federal Work Study

The Federal Work Study Program is a federally-funded and need-based work program that allows GW students to earn income through part-time employment during the academic year at GW and other pre-approved organizations. Graduate students interested in the program must submit the FAFSA and apply through the Office of Student Financial Assistance.

The Center for Career Services provides awarded students assistance with finding positions. Visit the Center for Career Services for information about the Federal Work Study Program at GW.

International Students

Students studying at GW on F-1 or J-1 visas may have additional restrictions on their employment due to visa regulations. F-1 Students are required to obtain Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization from the International Services Office for all paid, off-campus internships and employment. GW-sponsored J-1 Exchange Visitors are required to obtain employment authorization for all employment, whether on-campus or off-campus.

For more information about the CPT application process, see GWSB Global & Experiential Education’s Curricular Practical Training page.

For information about how your visa status may affect your employment options, please visit the International Services Office.

Billing and Payment Processing

The Student Accounts Office manages all student accounts and processes student bills, refunds, disbursements, payment plan enrollment, employer reimbursements, third party billing, and financial holds. For inquiries regarding your Student eBill, tuition and fees, or payment options and due dates, visit the Student Accounts Office.

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