Newswise — MEDFORD/SOMERVILLE, Mass. -- Tufts University's Gordon Institute, part of the Tufts School of Engineering, is launching a one-year master’s program designed to provide recent engineering and science graduates with the innovation and management skills they need to succeed as leaders in the technology sector.

The Master of Science in innovation & management program is one of only a few such graduate programs in the country. The first class will enroll in September 2016.

"Because of the rigor and depth of science and engineering curricula, most students majoring in these disciplines do not have the flexibility in their schedules to take courses outside of their core technical field. As a result, undergraduates with degrees in science or engineering have a strong foundation of technical expertise, but most lack the business skills and leadership qualities they need for early career impact and long-term success in the innovation economy," said Jianmin Qu, Ph.D., dean of the School of Engineering at Tufts. "To stay competitive, companies need leaders who can drive technology- enabled innovation and our new M.S. in innovation & management addresses this need."

Tufts' new degree program provides an intensive window to equip students for success whether they join a company or start their own venture.

“Undergraduates majoring in engineering, science, and other technology-related disciplines represent some of the most promising young professionals," said Mark Ranalli, associate dean and director of Tufts University’s Gordon Institute. "Our new master's program is designed to augment their deep technical knowledge with critical skills such as marketing, finance, and product strategy and an understanding of essential leadership expertise including conflict resolution and building teams.”

"Unlike a traditional MBA, this degree has been customized for the specific needs and backgrounds of young scientists and engineers who want to have immediate impact and accelerate their career trajectory," Ranalli added.

The degree will offer course work in new product development, finance, strategic management, technology management, Lean Six Sigma and leadership. Students will be able to customize the degree through specialty tracks in entrepreneurship, operations management and technical depth.

Potential applicants to the M.S. in innovation and management program are invited to sign up now for a virtual information session that will be held on November 17.

The program aligns with one of the university's core strategic initiatives -- fostering innovative approaches to local and global challenges. It also leverages the three decades of experience that Tufts University's Gordon Institute has in offering technology-specific education in entrepreneurship and management. The institute offers a two-year, part-time M.S. in engineering management geared towards working professionals that now has more than 800 alumni. Tufts University's $100K business plan competition, offered through the Gordon Institute’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Program, is entering its 12th year and has helped students launch numerous successful ventures.