FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The following are some basic questions and answers about Georgia
Tech’s Masters Series Executive Development Program.
Q. What is the purpose of the Masters Series Executive Development Program?
The Masters Series Executive Development Program is designed to provide development for Georgia Tech’s leaders.
Q. What is the difference between the Management Development Certificate (MDC) program and the Masters Series Executive Development Program?
Both the MDC and the Masters Series are certificate programs.
- MDC is an open enrollment program that focuses on broadening
knowledge and skills essential to successful management
and leadership. This program is designed for mid to higher-level
managers at Georgia Tech. The recommended target audience
includes grades 115 and above. The MDC curriculum includes
eight (8) core classes and two (2) electives. Participants
may choose to complete all the classes within the program
to earn the certificate, or attend selected classes of interest.
Additional information on the MDC program can be found in
the “Certificate Programs” section at www.training.gatech.edu
- The Masters Series is nine month program with an applicant selection process and VP, Dean, Chair, AVP, Associate Provost approval. The program allows participants to gain exposure to academic, research, and business enterprises through campus tours and discussions. The program includes project work and practical experiences. Other key components and requirements of the program are outlined throughout this FAQ listing.
Q. What is the program schedule?
The Masters Series is a nine month program. The opening activity
will take place in September 2007. The first half of the program
will encompass the Roundtable Discussions with Sr. Executives
and the Masters Series Institutes. The Roundtable Discussions
will include two-hour presentations from the following units:
• Academic Affairs
• Budgeting
• OHR
• Development
• Financial Services
Participants will also attend Masters Series Institutes on leadership development, leadership styles, and presentation skills, during the first half of the program.
The second half of the program will focus on project work and will include a Masters Series Institute on leading project teams and a project kickoff seminar. The candidates will be divided into three groups to work on an Institute project. Candidates will also meet with project sponsors for individual coaching. The projects will be determined through discussions with the Sr. VP and Provost.
Q. How many participants will be in the program?
The Masters Series program will involve 12 participants. Annually, during the program evaluation period, the planning committee will decide if the number of students in the program will change.
Q. Who are the instructors for the Masters Series
Institutes?
The instructors of the Masters Series Institutes include: Rich St. Denis (Leading Project Teams); Randy Whatley (Presentation Skills for Executives); Eagleflight, Inc. (Leadership Development) and Dr. Janina Latack (Leadership Styles).
Q. Who is the Project Lead for the Masters Series
program?
The project lead is Lanous Wright (Office of Organizational Development).
Q. Is there a cost for participating in the Masters
Series program?
No. The Masters Series is an Institute sponsored program.
Q. How do I find out my paygrade?
To determine your paygrade, contact your HR representative or supervisor.
Q. How will you select the program participants?
Twelve applicants, who are nominated by a VP, Dean, Chair,
AVP, Associate Provost, or self-nominated with the aforementioned
persons’ approval, will be accepted into the program.
Nominated applicants must provide a letter of recommendation
from the VP, Dean, Chair, AVP, or Associate Provost. Self-nominated
applicants must provide a letter of recommendation from a
senior-level executive with contact information (internal
or external to Georgia Tech) along with the VP, Dean, Chair,
AVP, or Associate Provost’s approval.
A selection committee including campus constituents and members
of the Masters Series planning committee will review nomination
packets and select participants for the program.
All applicants must meet the following basic criteria to
be considered for the program:
o Hold a position within paygrades 115-119
o 3 years GT service
o At least Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree
o Positive performance during the last two years of employment
Applicants meeting the basic criteria will then be further considered by the selection committee. The selection committee will assess the applicant’s demonstrated leadership ability, accountability, and teamwork skills.
Applicants not selected will be encouraged to take advantage of other programs and initiatives which support career development.
Q. What is the time commitment for participants selected
for the program?
The time commitment requirement is 130-150 hours over 9 months. The bulk of these hours are spent during the Project Phase which is in the second half of the program. On average, you should expect to spend 17 hours (4 days) per month on Masters Series related activities. Please also note that participants are expected to attend the kickoff event and be absent for no more than two events during the nine-month program.
Q. What is the application deadline for this year’s
program?
Application deadlines for the next program will be annoucned in the future.
Q. Where can I find additional information about the
program?
Additional information including application materials are
available online at the program website: www.mastersseries.gatech.edu