Have questions about the MS in Global Innovation and Leadership program? Read our FAQ below and reach out to us at msil@jhu.edu if we haven’t answered your questions here.

The MSIL is designed for students who do not have a strong STEM background and wish to learn the technical and management skills to work in STEM fields. Because the MSIL is designed for students who are changing paths, MSIL does not have the same admissions requirements as MSEM. Technical track advisors may require MSIL students to take specific courses to boost technical skills. If so, students will do so while enrolled in the MSIL program.  

The MSIL is appropriate for both domestic and international students, provided they meet admission requirements, including a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the latter half of their undergraduate studies, and, for international students, a TOEFL score of at least 100 or an IELTS score of at least 7.5.  

Like an MBA program, the MSIL curriculum trains students in management, leadership, and innovation. Like most MBAs, the MSIL program often requires students to collaborate in teams, allowing students to learn team dynamics and create bonds that will sustain them in their future careers. But the MSIL differs significantly from an MBA.  The MSIL is not a business degree – it is a STEM degree, offering students the opportunity to become specialists in in technical tracks such as cybersecurity, data analytics, healthcare systems engineering, environmental planning and management.  

Current tuition rates can be found here.  The typical duration of the MSIL program is four semesters, but students may be able to complete the program in less than four semesters. Students will incur additional travel costs if they choose to participate in the Immersion Program.

Students can opt to attend part-time in their fourth semester. Current part-time tuition rates can be found here.

Applicants who have recently graduated from Johns Hopkins are eligible for the Whiting School of Engineering Dean’s Scholarship, which waives 50% of their tuition costs. We may be able to offer a limited amount of financial assistance to other applicants. 

We offer technical tracks in fields where economists project significant job growth.  

They are: 

  1. Cybersecurity  
  2. Data Science
  3. Engineering Management  
  4. Healthcare Systems Engineering/Environmental Health  
  5. Systems Engineering  
  6. Environmental Planning and Management  

Each semester, you will take a combination of online classes in your chosen technical track and in-person, on-campus classes in subjects such as management, leadership and innovation.  

Center for Leadership Education faculty teach these courses. Classes are small; you will really get to know your professors and fellow students and built relationships that will sustain you throughout your career. 

Members of our faculty have professional expertise in the fields they teach. Our department’s teaching style emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning and collaborative projects, in which you’ll work in teams, as you will do in your future professions.  

During your third semester, we encourage students to participate in an internship. Hopkins will connect you with employers who are eager to host interns from our program. 

Yes. All MSIL graduate students are eligible for coverage under the Johns Hopkins student health benefits plan. Johns Hopkins University requires that all students have comprehensive health insurance. Students are automatically enrolled in the student health benefits plan at the beginning of each academic year. However, students may waive enrollment in the school plan if covered by a plan that is comparable to that offered by the University. International Students with an F1/J1 visa status are required to purchase the student health benefits plan and are not eligible to waive out of coverage. 

Graduate students live off campus and are responsible for finding their own accommodation. Many of them live in apartment buildings and houses within walking distance of campus. The university’s Off-Campus Housing Office provides information about living in Baltimore and rental listings.