MTM Academics

MTM
Curriculum

Master of Technology Management (MTM) graduate students complete a rigorous curriculum, including coursework and a field project, that prepares them to succeed in the fast-paced and challenging environment of technology-driven firms. The MTM program provides students the skills and knowledge to apply data analytics in decision making, to work with intelligent machines to solve challenging problems, to organize and manage technology teams in the unique environment of a technology-driven firm, and to apply an entrepreneurial mindset to identify and capitalize on new business opportunities.

A Master's Degree For the Digital Age

Technology Management is defined as the study of how technology-driven companies effectively manage the challenges and opportunities created by technological change. At the core of Technology Management are the key ideas about technology-enabled innovation, digital transformation, and leadership practices that are needed in order to adapt to change, continuously innovate, and drive competitive advantage. These serve as the foundation for the Master of Technology Management curriculum.

Curriculum

Overview

Over the course of one academic year, students enroll in a core curriculum that provides foundational business knowledge required to navigate technology-driven firms. The core curriculum is complemented by other required coursework that enhances students’ ability to leverage data to better organize teams for continuous innovation. Coursework is completely focused on the management skills needed to lead multidisciplinary teams. Over winter and spring quarters, students will apply these strategies and skills through a consulting field project, in which they will work with a team of fellow students, faculty advisor, and company advisor within a technology company to solve a contemporary business challenge. The total number of units required to complete the MTM degree is 42 units.

2024-25 MTM Courses

TMP 466 Negotiation for Technology Managers, Prof. Renee Rottner

TMP 464 Learning to Work with Intelligent Machines, Prof. Matt Beane

TMP 412 Strategy for Technology-Driven Companies, Prof. Nelson Phillips

TMP 491PC Professional Skills and Career Readiness, Prof. Erin Nerstad 

TMP 422 Data Science and Decision Making, Prof. Jessica Santana

TMP 463 Entrepreneurship, Prof. Mary Tripsas

TMP 465 Digital Transformation, Prof. Paul Leonardi

TMP 402 Digital Marketing

TMP 442 Leading Technology Teams, Prof. Nelson Phillips 

TMP 491C Communication, Prof. Eric Zackrson

Field Projects

Hands-On, Real-World Experience

MTM provides students the opportunity to gain practical experience and work with a team composed of fellow MTM students, a faculty advisor, and a company representative on a consulting project. Students apply strategies and skills gained from coursework to solve a business challenge a technology-based company is facing. Assigned faculty advisors provide constructive feedback to enhance individual performance and team effectiveness. 

Past projects include human capital management, product-market validation, and technical innovation related to audio technology, biotechnology, property management, and fashion. Field projects and teams are coordinated by the MTM faculty and take place in new ventures and established companies. Field project partner companies often hire MTM students after field project completion.

Experiences

Beyond field projects, the Technology Management department provides a wide array of co-curricular and professional development opportunities for MTM students. In addition to personalized career development advising, MTM students are able to participate in the New Venture Competition, guest speaker events, and networking opportunities.

Learn more about MTM Career Development Opportunities and outcomes here.

New Venture Competition

The New Venture Competition (NVC) started in 1999. Since then, it has become the premier tech entrepreneurship event on California's Central and South Coast. The NVC attracts investors from all over California, from Silicon Valley to San Diego. The NVC serves as an opportunity for you to get exposure for your startup idea. You also get rigorous feedback from tech experts who help you determine whether your startup idea is marketable and investment-worthy.

Guest Speakers

We are committed to offering you an enriching experience enhanced by the wisdom of industry leaders. These guest speakers, including many successful MTM alumni, return to share their valuable insights with you. They cover a wide range of topics, from the intricacies of breaking into product management, to strategies for career development, and the unique challenges of starting your own venture.

Networking

Our MTM program focuses on unlocking your professional potential through diverse networking opportunities. In person and virtual events connect students with industry professionals, peers, and alumni, fostering valuable connections. 

Beyond events, our dedicated career services team provides detailed strategies and step-by-step guides for expanding and nurturing networking relationships. Active participation in the vibrant MTM alumni network opens doors to valuable experience and career opportunities. We go beyond campus, promoting local networking and industry events for students to build connections within the broader professional landscape. Recognizing networking as a pathway to success, the MTM program is committed to empowering students for thriving professional journeys.

Meet Nupur, MTM 2024

Originally from Washington State, Nupur joined the MTM program to launch a career in technology-driven businesses after completing her undergraduate degree in business management information systems. Hear from Nupur about the MTM cohort experience, engaging faculty, working on a company field project, and studying in sunny Santa Barbara. 

Frequently asked Questions about Master of Technology Management (MTM) Academics

Technology Management is a multidisciplinary field of science that examines the opportunities and challenges of technological innovation, industry disruption, and organizational change, and their influence on business performance and competitive advantage. 

At the core of Technology Management are five key factors, or core competencies, that leaders must assimilate into their business practices. The process of Technology Management is an ongoing virtuous cycle, with implications for the way organizations address human capital, finance, project management, product management, business strategy, data science, marketing, and organizational development. These serve as the foundation for the Master of Technology Management curriculum.

The Master of Technology Management curriculum is a rigorous 9-month program that draws upon research and education at the intersection of technology, business, and social science. The program explores product and corporate strategy (theory and practice), the management of products, projects, and teams, and the various methodologies for growing and scaling technology- and innovation-driven businesses. 

The MTM curriculum includes a field project in which student teams have the opportunity to experience the practical application of theories and concepts learned. Many MTM students also choose to participate in Technology Management’s annual New Venture Competition which provides the opportunity to take a deep dive into forming and building viable startup businesses that address real-world challenges and opportunities.

In the fall quarter, students will enroll in foundational business coursework that paves the way for the remainder of the curriculum. In the winter quarter, students will learn how technology- and innovation-driven companies employ data and strategy for effective decision-making and to lead global teams for continuous innovation. 

Over the winter and spring quarters, students will apply the theories learned through a consulting field project in which they will work with a team of fellow students, a faculty, and a company advisor within a technology company to achieve a contemporary business challenge. The total number of units required to complete the MTM degree is 42 units.

No, all admitted students start together in the fall quarter, which begins at the end of September.

The Master of Technology Management is a time-intensive, rigorous graduate degree program. Success in the program requires that students attend all classes (which occur during the day), work collaboratively on teams, and keep up with their studying, Therefore, outside employment would be difficult. We strongly discourage working while enrolled in the program.

The Master of Technology Management is designed for completion over three consecutive quarters, or nine months. Required coursework (42 units) is not offered every quarter and progresses in a strategic order to culminate with a field project. 
 
The MTM graduate program is an in-person program and UCSB is accredited as an in-person instructional university.

We kindly ask that you do not reach out to MTM professors due to the large number of applications we receive. To speak with a current MTM student, email Click here to show mail address. You can follow MTM on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Apply to MTM

UCSB's Graduate Division will begin accepting applications in September 2024 for Fall 2025. Be the first to know when applications open! Join our waitlist now and stay updated with the latest application information, events, and tips.

For specific admissions questions, please reach out to our Admissions Team at Click here to show mail address. 

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Admissions Deadlines

December 1, 2024 (Priority Consideration)

February 1, 2025 (Final Fellowship Consideration)

March 1, 2025 (Final Deadline)

All applications are due by 11:59 PM Pacific Time on the day of the deadline.

We strongly encourage applicants to apply early. We recommend that international applicants apply by December 1, 2024 to allow sufficient time for visa requirement processing if admitted. 

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