Answers To All Your Questions

The Master of Science in Technology Management and Leadership (MSTML) program is a fully online degree that enables professionals from across industries to leverage AI and their organization’s information systems to power strategic decision-making, and optimize organizational processes.

Admissions Requirements & Application Materials

  • An undergraduate degree is required for all Graduate Programs in the Coles College of Business. There is no specific undergraduate major required for admission into the MSTML program.
  • No. There is no preferred undergraduate major or academic background for admission into the program.
  • Applicants must have a minimum institutional GPA of 2.75 from their undergraduate degree or any previously earned higher education degree.
  • No. Neither the GRE nor the GMAT is required for the MSTML Graduate Program.
  • No prior work experience is required for admission.
  • There are no preferred or required years of professional experience for applicants. The applications are evaluated in a holistic manner.
  • Leadership or management experience may strengthen future career opportunities, but it is not required for admission into the program. Applications are evaluated in a holistic manner.
  • Internship or project experience may provide valuable personal and professional development, but they are not required for admission consideration. Applications are evaluated in a holistic manner.
  • Applicants must submit official transcripts from all their undergraduate and graduate degree institutions, and any additional higher education institutions attended (even if a degree or certificate is not received).
  • No. Letters of recommendation are not required for the MSTML Graduate Program. However, we ask that you provide a list of 3 recommenders with their full contact details, including their email and phone numbers.
  • Yes. Applicants must submit a statement of purpose (SoP) for at least 300 words.
  • Yes. Students are required to submit a résumé or CV as part of the application process.
  • Yes. English proficiency exams may be required for international students depending on prior residency and educational background. Please review the official KSU Graduate Admissions requirements for international students:
     KSU International Graduate Admissions Requirements

Application Process, Admission Timeline & Program Delivery

  • Yes. There is a $60 non-refundable application fee.

  • Application deadlines vary by semester. Also, if you are visiting this webpage after the deadlines below, contact us to know whether the application deadline for that semester has been extended. 

    Typical deadlines are:

    • Spring: January 1
    • Summer: April 1
    • Fall: July 1

    You can view the deadlines here.

  • The typical admission decision timeline is approximately two weeks after all required documents are received.
  • Yes. Students may begin the application, save their progress, and submit additional documents before finalizing the application.
  • No. Interviews are not required for admission into the program. However, the admission committee members, at their discretion, may ask for a MicrosoftTeams meeting to assess certain application details.
  • The MSTML program is STEM-designated with CIP Code 11.0401.
  • Currently, the MSTML program is fully online and does not issue I-20s. However, students enrolled in the MBA-MSTML dual degree program may be eligible to apply for an I-20.
  • Students on H-4 status should review the applicable federal immigration regulations and consult the official USCIS website for guidance regarding Change of Status eligibility.
  • Students' switching programs must complete official paperwork to change their major from MSTML to the MBA-MSTML dual degree program.
  • All classes are delivered online in an asynchronous format. Professors may occasionally schedule virtual meetings based on student availability.
  • Currently, the MSTML program is 100% online, ensuring your ability to complete the program without disrupting your work, and family lives. The program periodically evaluates student demand and customizes the curriculum and delivery of the program. 
  • Students may complete the program in as little as one year depending on course load and academic planning. As such, students can complete their program at their own pace within a maximum span of 6 consecutive years.

  • The MSTML degree requires a total of 30 credit hours:

    • 21 credit hours of required courses
    • 9 credit hours of elective courses 

Curriculum, Courses, Certificates & Academic Planning

  • The Master of Science in Technology Management and Leadership (MSTML) prepares students for leadership careers in:

    • Technology Management
    • Information Systems
    • Cybersecurity
    • Project Management
    • Business Intelligence
    • Emerging Technologies 

  • Required courses include:

    • Advanced IT Project Management
    • Database Application Design and Implementation
    • Emerging Technologies
    • Information Systems Development Methods and Technologies
    • Information Systems Policy and Strategy
    • IT Leadership
    • Legal and Ethical Issues in Information Systems 

  • Yes. Students select three elective courses from available options such as:

    • Business Intelligence
    • Disaster Recovery/Business Continuity Planning
    • FinTech Payment Technologies
    • Informatics
    • Information Security Technologies
    • Internships
    • IT Customer Relationship Management 
  • Taking courses outside the recommended sequence may delay graduation if the course is not offered again until a later semester.
  • Students may take up to 12 credit hours during Fall and Spring semesters if courses are available. Enrollment above 12 credit hours requires approval from the MSTML Program Director.
  • Yes. Students may attend part-time, although course availability may vary by semester. Students are encouraged to follow the recommended one-year or two-year academic plans.

  • Yes. Students may take additional IS courses outside the required curriculum under certain conditions. However:

    • Financial aid may not apply to courses outside the curriculum
    • Program Director’s approval is required for course substitutions to count toward the degree 

  • Yes. Students may pursue embedded or standalone graduate certificates.

    Available certificates include:

  • Yes. Per KSU policy, students may work on one graduate certificate at a time while completing the MSTML degree.

  • This 12-credit-hour certificate focuses on:

    • Governance and Compliance
    • Information Security Technologies
    • Disaster Recovery
    • Security Administration

    Read about the Information Security & Assurance Certificate here

  • This 15-credit-hour certificate focuses on:

    • Statistics for Business Analysis
    • Risk Management
    • Decision Analysis
    • Big Data Analytics
    • Operations Research

    Read about the Business Intelligence Certificate

  • Students must declare the certificate by the last day to add/drop courses during the semester prior to graduation.
  • No. The MSTML fee waiver promo code does not apply to the MBA-MSTML Dual Degree program.

Internships, Scholarships & Assistantships

  • Yes. Students may enroll in:

    • IS 7918 – Internship
    • IS 7910 – Special Projects 

    These courses provide practical industry experience.

  • No. The program does not directly place students into internships. Students are encouraged to work with KSU Career Services and the KSU Handshake platform to connect with employers. Students may also independently arrange for Internships; however, all internships undergo a pre-assessment of the work experience and must be approved by the program director for course credits.

  • Riipen is an experiential learning platform that connects students with real-world employers and nonprofit projects.

    Benefits include:

    • Resume building
    • Portfolio development
    • Networking opportunities
    • Industry experience 
  • Parker Dewey provides short-term, paid, remote professional projects that allow students to gain flexible work experience while completing their studies.

  • Yes. The MSTML program emphasizes experiential learning through:

    • Industry projects
    • Internships
    • Micro-internships
    • Leadership development opportunities 

  • The MSTML program does not currently offer program-specific scholarships. However, KSU offers:

    • Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA)
    • Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA)
    • Graduate Assistantships (GA) 

    Additional information is available through Graduate College.

  • Yes. The Graduate College offers assistantship opportunities including:

    • Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA)
    • Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA)
    • Graduate Professional Assistantships  (GA) 

Registration, Academic Policies & Student Resources

  • Each Fall and Spring semester is divided into two 7-week terms.

  • Students may enroll in:

    • Fall/Spring: 3–12 credit hours
    • Summer: 3–9 credit hours 
  • Students register through Owl Express.
  • Tuition and fees are applied approximately one day after registration or schedule adjustments.
  • Yes. Students may adjust schedules during the add/drop period. Additional fees may apply for late registration changes.
  • Graduate students must maintain a minimum 3.0 institutional GPA to remain in good academic standing.

  • Students may be placed on academic probation. While on probation:

    • Students cannot graduate
    • Financial aid eligibility may be affected
    • Certain academic opportunities may be restricted 

  • Students may be dismissed if:

    • Their term GPA falls below 3.0 while on probation 
    • Their institutional GPA remains below 3.0 after two semesters 
  • Yes. Students may repeat up to two graduate courses one time each if they earned a grade of C or below.
  • Students have six years from their first semester of enrollment to complete their master’s degree.

  • Degree Works is KSU’s official degree audit system used to:

    • Track degree progress 
    • Review completed requirements 
    • Monitor graduation eligibility 
  • CPoS (Course Program of Study) ensures courses count toward a student’s declared program for federal financial aid eligibility.
  • Students must use their official KSU student email account for all university communications.

  • Students should activate:

  • D2L Brightspace is KSU’s online learning platform where students access:

    • Course materials
    • Assignments
    • Discussions
    • Grades 

  • Students may contact the Graduate College at: gradcollege@kennesaw.edu.

Career Opportunities & Professional Development

  • Graduates may pursue careers such as:

    • IT Project Manager
    • Technology Consultant
    • Information Systems Manager
    • Cybersecurity Analyst
    • Business Intelligence Analyst
    • Risk and Compliance Specialist
    • Technology Strategy Consultant
    • IT Leadership Roles