Undergraduate Certificate Program

The Department of Technology Management is thrilled to announce some significant updates to our Technology Management Certificate program, effective this Fall 2024.

These changes are designed to provide you with greater flexibility, new opportunities, and an enhanced learning experience.

What is the Technology Management Certificate?

This dynamic program is designed to give you a competitive edge in today’s tech-driven world. Immerse yourself in the foundational principles of management and innovation, tailored specifically for technology industries. Open to undergraduates from all majors, this certificate is your ticket to mastering the skills needed to thrive in technology, entrepreneurship, and beyond. Join us to enhance your career prospects, network with industry leaders, and become part of a community of innovative thinkers.

This certificate is a UC-Recognized Professional Certificate, offered in conjunction with UCSB Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE). 

Why should I pursue the Technology Management Certificate?

• Foundation and skills taught in the program prepare students for real-world careers
• Discussion-based classes build communication skills in a safe environment
• The certificate demonstrates business knowledge to recruiters and helps graduates stand out in the interview process
• 70% of certificate recipients report finding jobs faster than their peers
• 90% of students indicate that they were promoted faster because of the knowledge, skills and experience they gained through the certificate program

See what our alumni have reported about their experience:

Kelly Behlen (Regional Sales Manager, Cisco Systems)

“The TM certificate helped me get more job offers! In almost every interview I had, there were questions around TM. Interviewers were curious about the classes and the real life experience this certificate gives you. It had covered the business acumen experience these companies were looking for from graduating students.” 

Kieren Apgar (Subcontracts Manager, Northrop Grumman)

“I cannot reiterate enough how important the TM certificate was in my job pursuits. As someone who wasn’t a STEM major, the TM certificate taught me how to speak the language of tech. While I might not be able to tell you the best way to design a rocket or software program, I could sure as hell tell you how to sell and market it!” 

Introducing New Certificate Requirements:

Starting this Fall, the certificate will require a total of 18 units. Here’s what you need to know:

Required Courses (6 units):

• TMP X111: Introduction to Technology Management (2 units, through PaCE)

Choose one of the following:

• TMP 120: Fundamentals of Business Strategy (4 units)
• TMP 122: Entrepreneurship (4 units)

Electives (12 units): Choose three courses from the following list to complete your certificate:

• TMP 120: Fundamentals of Business Strategy (if TMP 122 was taken as a required course)
• TMP 122: Entrepreneurship (if TMP 120 was taken as a required course)
• TMP 124: Principles of Marketing
• TMP 125: Principles of Finance
• TMP 127: Understanding and Managing Technology Organization
• TMP 135: New Product Development
• TMP 149: Creating a Market-Tested Business Model
• TMP 191AA-ZZ: Special Topics in Business and Management

Approved electives from other departments (limit of one)

Highlights of the New Program:

• TMP X111: Introduction to Technology Management is a new course designed to introduce you to the field and will be offered every quarter with up to 200 seats available.
• Courses can now be taken in any order, eliminating prerequisites like TMP 120.
• Completing TMP X111 will give you priority when crashing courses if seats become available
• Sophomores are now eligible to take any TM courses, providing you with more flexibility in your schedule.
• More electives mean you can tailor the program to your interests and career goals.
• You can count one approved course from another department towards your certificate.

We are particularly excited about TMP X111: Introduction to Technology Management and encourage you to enroll early (click here to enroll). Not only will this course provide a comprehensive overview of the field through a series of engaging guest speakers from industry and academia, but students who take it will also receive priority when crashing other TM courses, if seats become available. (note: The waitlist will still prioritize seniors, regardless of course history, until the first day of class.  Once the quarter begins, students who have taken TMP X111 will have priority access as spaces become available.)

These changes will make our program more accessible, flexible, and aligned with your academic and career aspirations. We can’t wait for you to experience the new and improved Technology Management Certificate Program.

If you have any questions or need more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Technology Management Advising Team at Click here to show mail address or scroll to the Advising section to make an appointment.