MTM Academics
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
What is technology management? 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 Technology Management master’s degree curriculum.
Over the course of one academic year, Master of Technology Management students enroll in a core curriculum that provides the foundational business knowledge required to navigate technology-driven firms. The core MTM management 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 tech 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.
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.
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.
There are different types of master’s in technology degrees. Master of science in the management of technology and IT management master’s degree programs are designed exclusively for those with engineering and STEM backgrounds. MBA technology management degrees are for applicants with at least several years of work experience and have a broader curriculum covering a variety of business topics and industries. These master’s in technology, IT management master’s, and MBA in technology management degrees usually take 12-24 months to complete. The unique position of the UC Santa Barbara technology management master’s degree is that all of our curriculum is focused on the technology business context and application. You’ll learn the business skills of an MBA but with the focus needed to excel in technology-driven industries. Moreover, our graduates are able to pursue a range of careers beyond technical and support specialist roles. One of the top skills needed to lead in an increasingly diverse and global workforce is experience managing diverse teams. In UCSB’s MTM, working within our diverse cohorts with students of STEM and non-STEM backgrounds, from a range of work experience, and from different localities will hone your skills in leading teams and managing clients and stakeholders. Plus, you’re ready to launch into your next job in just nine months due to our focused curriculum that enables you to complete your master’s in technology management in three academic quarters.
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 MTM 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 management of technology 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.
Many people consider going to graduate school for a master’s degree in technology management, a master of science in management technology, or an MBA. While there are some similarities in curriculum and focus across technology management MBA programs, a master in technology management degree from UCSB is a rigorous, 9-month program focused on launching early- and mid-career professionals into careers in tech, IT management, product management, entrepreneurship, and beyond.
Additionally, the MTM differs from MBA technology management online programs because of its cohort-based educational experience. Our students and alumni (like Shelby and Ken) have shared that the cohort experience is one of the most impactful and memorable aspects of the MTM program, and the connections you’ll forge during your MTM year are ones that will continue to serve you both personally and professionally for years to come.
The master’s in Technology Management at UC Santa Barbara is an ideal program for those interested in the intersection of technology, innovation, and management. If you are an engineering or IT professional looking to enhance your technology management skill set, or if you do not have a STEM background and want to launch a career in tech, consider applying to the MTM program. If you have questions about applying for a master’s, Technology Management, or the MTM application, please get in touch with our admissions team: Click here to show mail address
No, all admitted Technology Management master’s students start together in the fall quarter, which begins at the end of September.
The Masters inTechnology 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, full-time employment would be very difficult.
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 Masters in Technology Management is an in-person program. MBA technology management online programs or master of science in management technology online programs may be a better fit for you if you are searching for an online degree program.
We kindly ask that you do not reach out to MTM’s 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 Instagram and keep up with UCSB Technology Management faculty and students on LinkedIn.
MTM is the degree name of the Master of Technology Management. Unlike a Master of Science in management of technology (MS), a technology management MBA, or a master’s in IT management, the MTM degree is tightly focused on the intersection of technology, innovation, and management, empowering professionals to drive strategic growth. Unlike other MTM programs, the UCSB master’s in technology management welcomes students from a variety of STEM and non-STEM backgrounds and includes students with and without engineering training and experience.
Apply to the Master of Technology Management Program
The UCSB Graduate Division application portal will open in September 2025 for Fall 2026 admissions.
For specific admissions questions, please reach out to our Admissions Team at Click here to show mail address or book an appointment here! You may also reach out to a grad assistant at this email: Click here to show mail address.
Are you a UCSB alumni or soon-to-be graduate? You can apply for the MTM program for free! Learn more and submit an application fee waiver request.
Admissions Deadlines
December 1, 2024 (Priority Consideration)
February 1, 2025
March 1, 2025
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.