The Master of Technology Management (MTM) is a one-year graduate program for early- to mid-career professionals seeking to accelerate their careers and take on leadership roles in technology-driven companies. MTM is STEM-designated and is an academic program of the Department of Technology Management, which is housed in the world-renowned College of Engineering at UCSB.
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.
Our holistic admissions review considers all factors in your application, including previous experience and accomplishments, academic preparedness and merit, and statements of purpose.

Want to learn more about our students?
Each MTM student cohort comprises individuals with backgrounds in engineering, science, mathematics, social sciences, and humanities. Some students enroll in MTM after completing their undergraduate degree, while others have several years of professional experience. This diversity enhances the student experience by deepening classroom discussion and allowing students to explore a range of problem-solving approaches.
Admissions Requirements
Overview
- Minimum of a cumulative 3.0 GPA or equivalent of a B average in undergraduate coursework
- Official TOEFL, ELTS, or DET scores (please see Transcripts & Exam scores for more information)
- Statement of Purpose
- Personal History & Diversity Statement
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Admissions interview may be required
- **The GRE/GMAT is not required.
Personal Statements & Resume/CV
UCSB Graduate Division requires a Statement of Purpose and a Personal History & Diversity Statement. Applicants may not combine the two Statements into one statement or document; they must be submitted separately.
The UCSB Graduate Division provides their own guidelines; however, please feel free to consider the following questions in your response, as well as to the ones provided by the Graduate Division.
Note: These questions are meant to serve as a starting point, not an exact rulebook, for your work.
Statement of Purpose (Double-spaced, 12-pt. font, 2 pages maximum)
Here are some questions that you may consider:
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Why are you interested in the Master of Technology Management program at UCSB?
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What is your interest in technology and/or innovation?
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What are some examples of your academic or extracurricular achievements and how do they relate to tech management, innovation, or strategy?
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What previous academic and work experiences do you have and how have they helped you to realize that MTM is a good fit for your goals and interests?
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How will MTM prepare you to enter a career path you are interested in? What is your objective after MTM?
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Are there any other factors that you wish to be taken into consideration?
Personal History & Diversity Statement (Double-spaced, 12-pt. font, 2 pages maximum, word count must be at least 250 words)
In your Personal History & Diversity Statement, we would like you to describe any unique or challenging experiences that you have encountered throughout your life and how you have or are attempting to overcome them. These include but are not limited to the following prompts:
- Have you had any unique or challenging experiences that have shaped your interest in technology management, your approach to work/academics, and/or your career goals?
- Can you describe any examples of working toward greater diversity and inclusion in your personal or professional life?
- How have your goals and/or ambitions been impacted by technology innovation? How have you contributed to teams you have been on?
- Have you ever experienced a leadership position?
Note that the Personal History and Diversity Statement must be at least 250 words, and this count does not include titles or headers.
Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
Please consider the following when crafting your Resume or CV:
- Education: List all of the universities you attended and degrees you obtained.
- Previous work experience: Job responsibilities, technical skills, etc.
- Your extracurricular activities: Tell us of any extracurricular activities in which you have been involved during college and beyond, either full- or part-time.
Letters of Recommendation
At least one letter must be from an academic reference. The other two may be from professional references.
Recommender requests are made within the online application. Once you list a recommender, they will be sent a link to complete their evaluation and submit their letter.
Please make sure that your recommenders submit their recommendation prior to the deadline for which you are applying.
If possible, recommenders should submit their letters on official letterheads. If your recommender has issues with the online system, please have them contact MTM directly, mtmadmissions@tmp.ucsb.edu.
Transcripts & Exam Scores
Transcripts
Transcripts are required from institutions at which you have completed at least one full term of coursework (12+ units/credits). Unofficial transcripts are accepted for review, but official transcripts are required by UCSB Graduate Division upon admission.
For applicants still enrolled in an undergraduate degree, transcripts with 'In Progress' or 'Planned' are accepted. Upon admission to MTM, you must hold a conferred bachelor's degree and all official transcripts must be final.
If you are a UCSB graduate, you will need to submit unofficial transcripts for review but do not need to submit official transcripts.
For international applicants, please report your GPA on the scale reflected on your transcript. MTM will calculate your GPA internally.
Exam Scores
* Please note: The GRE / GMAT is not required.
TOEFL/IELTS/DET (if applicable)
Applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the TOEFL or IELTS exam, or the Duolingo English Test.
International applicants who have or will have completed the equivalent of a U. S. undergraduate or graduate degree from an institution whose sole language of instruction is English are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS/DET exam.
Minimum scores for admission to MTM:
- Internet-based TOEFL - Minimum Score: 80; Paper-based TOEFL - Minimum Score: 550 (use UCSB Graduate Institution code 4835; no department code is required)
- IELTS - Minimum Score: 7 overall band-score (request that University of California, Santa Barbara - Graduate Admissions receive your scores)
- Duolingo English Test - Minimum Score: 120, or higher (request that University of California, Santa Barbara - Graduate Admissions receive your scores)
International Students
MTM is a STEM degree eligible for a two-year OPT extension. Learn more about OPT by visiting the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) website.
UCSB’s OISS begins accepting I-20 requests from international students who have submitted their Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) at the beginning of April. For questions related to the I-20 process, visas, OPT, CPT, or other international student matters, please contact OISS directly: oiss.sa.ucsb.edu, oiss@sa.ucsb.edu, (805) 893-2929.
All admitted applicants who have earned a degree(s) from an institution(s) outside of the United States are required to complete and submit a World Education Services (WES) Course-by-Course ICAP Evaluation for all degrees earned. Further information on this requirement and other instructions for admitted students can be found on Graduate Division's Admitted International Students page.
Application Fees and Submission
To be considered for admission, you must complete the UCSB Graduate Division's online application. A full explanation of the UCSB Graduate Division's application process is located here. Make sure to select "Technology Management" as your Major under the College of Engineering, and MTM as your degree objective.
Only applications in paid status will be reviewed. Applicants must be in paid status prior to the deadline for which they are applying in order to be considered.
All materials submitted must be "Locked" within the online application to be reviewed. Unlocked items will not be reviewed.
The application fee is $135 for U. S. citizens and permanent residents and $155 for international applicants.
Fee waivers
Graduate Division provides fee waivers for qualified domestic students, which you can learn more about here. UCSB Technology Management provides fee waivers for UCSB alumni and current students. If you do not meet the eligibility requirements of the fee waiver provided by either Graduate Division (for US students only) or Technology Management (for UCSB alumni/students only), we are unable to provide you an application fee waiver.
Apply to MTM
The application portal for Fall 2026 admission will open in September 2025. Sign up for our mailing list to be notified when the portal is officially open!
For specific admissions questions, please reach out to our Admissions Team. If you'd like to make an MTM admissions appointment directly, please use this link to book a time.
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, 2025 (Priority Student Aid Fellowship Consideration)
February 15, 2026 (Final Deadline)
All applications are due by 11:59 PM Pacific Time on the day of the deadline.
Frequently asked questions about the 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.
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 at mtmadmissions@tmp.ucsb.edu.
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.
No, all admitted Technology Management master’s students start together in the fall quarter, which begins at the end of September.
The Masters in 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, 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 24-25mtmgraduateassistants@tmp.ucsb.edu. You can follow MTM on Instagram and keep up with UCSB Technology Management faculty and students on LinkedIn.