Launch the Future You with UCSB’s Master of Technology Management (MTM)

Over the last several decades, new technologies have repeatedly revolutionized the way companies make decisions, run their businesses, and innovate. These technologies offer new and unexpected ways to develop and deliver products and services, and manage businesses, and there is little indication that the flow of new technologies is abating. But seizing the opportunities that arise from today’s rapid pace of technological change can be a daunting challenge for even the most experienced professionals. Those early in their careers can find it particularly challenging as they prepare for leadership roles on projects, products, and teams in technology-driven companies. MTM graduates can pivot their careers into the fast-paced world of tech, unlock leadership opportunities, and increase their earning potential.

 


 

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Curriculum

The UCSB Master of Technology Management (MTM) program is an intensive, one-year experience designed to equip professionals with the tools to lead in today’s tech-driven world. Located in scenic Santa Barbara, the program focuses on key principles that business leaders need to integrate into their strategies—adapting to change, driving continuous innovation, and maintaining a competitive edge. The MTM curriculum and experiential learning prepare graduates to navigate and lead in dynamic business environments.

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Admissions

The Master of Technology Management is designed for motivated, early- to mid-career professionals. MTM's diverse cohorts of 45-55 students are reflective of today’s multidisciplinary business teams. Whether you have a background in STEM or the social sciences, MTM can help you advance your career leading projects, products, and teams within technology-driven firms.

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Career Outcomes

The MTM Career Services team provides one-on-one career coaching and experiential opportunities to explore companies and roles and network with industry professionals. Our individualized approach sets our program apart and leads to high job placement rates, with over 85% of graduates receiving job offers within 6 months of graduation.

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Cost to Attend and Degree Financing

The MTM program is competitively priced, especially among public universities, and our graduates see a high return on investment in this nine-month program. There are multiple ways to finance your graduate degree, including merit-based scholarships from the Technology Management Department, opportunities to work as teaching assistants at UCSB, U.S. Federal Government Student Aid, International Student Funding, and other financial resources.

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Want to learn more about MTM?

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Apply to MTM

UCSB's Graduate Division is now accepting applications for Fall 2026. Begin your application now.
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.

 

Technology Management is a multidisciplinary field that examines the opportunities and challenges of technological innovation, industry disruption, and technology-driven organizational change, and their influence on business performance and competitive advantage. It focuses on understanding how technology affects individuals, organizations, and society and the challenges and opportunities this creates for businesses. It also focuses on best practices for dealing with and capitalizing on technological change.

As businesses face the challenges of rapid technological advancements, professionals must develop the skills to adapt and lead. MTM (Master of Technology Management) and MTMS (Master of Technology Management and Strategy) programs equip professionals with the tools to navigate and capitalize on these changes.

A master’s in IT management offers a blend of technical and business expertise, preparing graduates for leadership roles in tech-driven companies. For those wondering, what does MTM stand for? It represents the intersection of technology, innovation, and management, empowering professionals to drive strategic growth. UC Santa Barbara’s MTM program not only provides these essential skills but also delivers strong job outcomes, with alumni securing roles in top technology firms and leadership positions across industries. Graduates from the University of California, Santa Barbara MTM program are well-prepared to excel in tech management roles that require both technical expertise and business acumen.

Technology is fundamentally changing the way that teams and businesses operate and innovate. The tech sector—and the number of firms that are becoming technology driven despite not being in what we usually call the tech sector—will continue to grow and offer exciting and rewarding career opportunities. The MTM program gives motivated early-to-mid-career professionals the essential business knowledge and entrepreneurial mindset to accelerate their careers and take on leadership roles in technology and innovation-driven firms.

The MTM program is a STEM-designated degree offered by the Department of Technology Management, which is housed within the world-renowned College of Engineering at UCSB. MTM does not require a STEM background and provides those with backgrounds in the humanities and social sciences the skills and confidence to pursue careers in tech-driven firms.

Meet Jessica and Natalie, who majored in the humanities and social sciences and used their MTM degree to pivot into successful careers in leading tech companies.

The MTM program is eligible for a 12-month optional practical training (OPT) after graduation based on your student visa. Additionally, the MTM program is eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension after that. You can learn more about the OPT extension here

We are looking for applicants with a keen interest in the application of technology in a business environment. You should be interested in things such as how to apply data analytics in decision making, how to work with intelligent machines to solve challenging problems, how to organize and manage technology teams in the challenging environment of a technology-driven firm, and how to apply an entrepreneurial mindset to identify and capitalize on the business opportunities new technologies create. 

We are not looking for a specific educational background, as we know that studying technology management is compatible with many different backgrounds. You might have a background in the humanities or social sciences and want to gain the skills and confidence to launch a career in tech. Or you might have an engineering or science background and want to move from technical to leadership roles. What is important is that you want to drive change and propel innovation in technology-driven firms.

We seek applicants who are passionate about leveraging technology in a business setting. Whether you’re interested in applying data analytics to decision-making, collaborating with intelligent machines to tackle complex challenges, leading technology teams in fast-paced environments, or using an entrepreneurial mindset to harness new business opportunities created by emerging technologies, this program is for you. We welcome candidates from diverse educational backgrounds. Whether you come from the humanities or social sciences and are looking to launch a career in tech, or you have an engineering or science background and want to transition into leadership roles, what matters most is your drive to innovate and lead in tech-driven industries. Our admissions process is holistic, considering your academic achievements, professional experience, and personal journey. We’re building a diverse cohort of students who will bring unique perspectives and enrich the learning experience. Use your application to showcase how your background, skills, and experiences align with the MTM program and how you will contribute to the cohort’s success. The Admissions Committee values leadership, resilience, integrity, and grit—qualities that will help you thrive at UCSB and beyond. If you’re ready to make a high-impact investment in your career, drive innovation, and study in a beautiful, dynamic environment, the Master of Technology Management at UC Santa Barbara is for you.

The MTM Admissions process is holistic. We look at all factors in your application, including academic credentials and achievements, professional work experience, and personal experiences, to help us build a diverse cohort and enriching experience for our students. Be sure to utilize all aspects of your application to tell us why you are well suited for the program and how you will contribute to your own, as well as the cohort’s, success. The Admissions Committee is looking for leadership skills, tenacity, integrity, and grit. Explain how your life, academics, and work experiences will enrich the MTM graduate program, as well as the UCSB community at large. If you want to study in paradise, make a nine-month, high impact investment in your career, and be a tech leader, the Master of Technology Management is for you! Read our student profiles here.

85% of our students have jobs within 6 months after graduation.

The UCSB Graduate Division application portal will open in September 2025 for Fall 2026 admission. Sign up for our mailing list to receive notification of when the portal is open. For specific admissions questions, please reach out to our Admissions Team at mtmadmissions@tmp.ucsb.edu. If you'd like to make an MTM admissions appointment, 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 here.

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