MTM Admissions
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 MTM? Here are the ways to connect with us!
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.
Visit the MTM Alumni Pathways story wall to learn more about the different academic and career journeys our alumni have taken.
- Application Overview
- Personal Statements & Resume or CV
- Letters of Recommendation
- Transcripts & Exam Scores
- Submitting & Deadlines
- International Applicants
Requirements
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Minimum of a cumulative 3.0 GPA or equivalent of a B average in undergraduate coursework
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Official TOEFL, ELTS, or DET scores (please see Transcripts & Exam scores for more information)
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Statement of Purpose
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Personal History & Diversity Statement
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Resume or Curriculum Vitae
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Three Letters of Recommendation
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Admissions interview may be required
**The GRE/GMAT is not required.
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)
- Why are you interested in the Master of Technology Management program at UCSB?
- What is your interest in technology and/or innovation?
- What are some examples of your academic or extracurricular achievements and how do they relate to tech management, innovation, or strategy?
- 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?
- How will MTM prepare you to enter a career path you are interested in? What is your objective after MTM?
- 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.
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, Click here to show mail address.
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
IELTS
Minimum Score: 7 overall band-score
Duolingo English Test
Minimum Score: 120, or higher
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 are available to domestic students who qualify via Graduate Division.
Fee Waivers
The Graduate Division has available a limited number of application fee waivers for qualified U.S. citizens and permanent resident applicants. Fee waiver applications are available to domestic students who qualify via Graduate Division and must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the application deadline. Learn more and apply.
The Department of Technology Management offers application fee waivers for both domestic and international applicants who are UCSB alumni.
- Eligibility: Applicants who have been awarded an undergraduate or graduate degree from UCSB, or who will have their degree awarded before the start of the MTM program in Fall 2025.
- Not eligible: Applicants who have taken courses at UCSB or PACE but have not received a degree.
- Fee Waiver Application Deadline: Two weeks (14 calendar days) prior to the application deadline.
- Applicants applying for the 12/1 deadline must submit their fee waiver application by 11/17 (11:59 pm).
- Applicants applying for the 2/1 deadline must submit their fee waiver application by 1/18 (11:59 pm).
- Applicants applying for the 3/1 deadline must submit their fee waiver application by 2/15 (11:59 pm).
- The fee waiver cannot be applied retroactively; applicants are required to request the fee waiver before they pay for their application.
- Do not apply simultaneously for the Technology Management UCSB Alumni Fee Waiver and the Graduate Division Fee Waiver within the online admissions application. If you think you may be eligible for both, apply for the UCSB Alumni Fee Waiver first.
Apply for the Master of Technology Management UCSB Alumni Fee Waiver by completing this online application form.
Admission Deadlines
December 1, 2024 (Priority Fellowship Consideration)
February 1, 2025 (Final Fellowship Consideration)
March 1, 2025 (Final Deadline)
We strongly encourage applicants to apply early. We recommend that international applicants apply by December 1 to allow sufficient time for visa requirement processing if admitted.
Prospective international students are encouraged to apply by the December deadline to secure an I-20 and complete the visa process in a timely manner. Admitted MTM international students must first submit their Statement of Intent to Register in order to begin the I-20 process with the Office of International Students and Scholars.
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.
For questions related to the I-20 process, visas, OPT, CPT, or other international student matters, please contact OISS directly: oiss.sa.ucsb.edu, Click here to show mail address, (805) 893-2929
Admitted International Students are required to complete the CALI Training before the start of fall quarter. Additionally, 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.
Meet Ken, MTM 2024
With an entrepreneurial background and BAs in Communication and Sociology from UC Santa Barbara, Ken was looking to pivot in his career and joined the MTM program. Learn about why Ken chose MTM and hear about his experiences in this accelerated program for future tech leaders.
There are three application deadlines for Fall 2025 Master of Technology Management admission consideration:
December 1, 2024, 11:59pm Pacific Time (Priority Fellowship Consideration)
February 1, 2025, 11:59pm Pacific Time (Final Fellowship Consideration)
March 1, 2025, 11:59pm Pacific Time (Final Deadline)
We strongly encourage applicants to apply early. We recommend that international applicants apply by December 1 to allow sufficient time for visa requirement processing if admitted.
All applications require a non-refundable application fee. If you are a US citizen or Permanent Resident, the application fee is $135; for all others, the application fee is $155. No application will be processed until the application fee has been received. This fee can be paid by credit card (Visa or Mastercard) or with a check/money order using the Check/Money Order Submission Form found on the last page of the application.
A limited number of application fee waivers are available to qualified U.S. citizens and permanent resident applicants through UCSB’s Graduate Division. International applicants are not eligible for Graduate Division fee waivers. If you are eligible, you must apply for the fee waiver at the end of your application on the payment page. Fee waivers take approximately two weeks to be approved, so apply early to avoid a decision release delay.
The Department of Technology Management offers application fee waivers for all domestic and international applicants who are UCSB alumni or who will complete their UCSB degree before enrolling in the MTM program. Applicants who have taken courses at UCSB or PACE but not received a degree are not eligible for the fee waiver. The fee waiver cannot be applied retroactively; applicants must request the fee waiver before they pay for their application. Do not apply simultaneously for both the Technology Management and the Graduate Division application fee waivers within the online admissions application. If you think you are eligible for both, apply for the Techn Management UCSB Alumni Fee Waiver first. Apply for the Technology Management UCSB Alumni Fee Waiver by completing this online application form.
To be considered for admission into the Master of Technology Management program, you must have received a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited university prior to the quarter for which you seek admission, and have at least a B average (3.0 GPA) in your undergraduate coursework. Satisfaction of minimal standards does not, however, guarantee admission.
In general, the Graduate Division Dean will not admit students to the MTM program who have a degree from a three-year bachelor program unless an additional post-graduate degree follows.
We currently do not require the GRE or GMAT for admission into the Masters in Technology Management program. If you include your scores in the application, the MTM Admissions Committee will not consider the scores while reviewing your application.
An excellent command of written and spoken English is required prior to enrollment at UCSB.
Applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the TOEFL, the IELTS, or the DET. The following exams are accepted for meeting English Language Examination admissions requirements: TOEFL iBT, TOEFL PBT, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, TOEFL iBT Paper Edition; IELTS (Academic), IELTS Online (Academic), IELTS Indicator; and Duolingo English Test (DET). The following exams are not accepted: TOEFL ITP Plus, TOEFL Essentials, and other exams not specifically noted above.
The university minimum TOEFL score requirement is 550 when taking the paper-based test (PBT) and 80 when taking the internet-based test (IBT). The university minimum IELTS score for consideration is an Overall Band Score of 7. Official test score dates must be within two years from the day the applicant submits the online graduate application. The university minimum DET score is 120.
Exemptions will be considered for students who have completed an undergraduate or graduate degree at an institution whose verified sole official language of instruction is English. Applicants must upload unofficial transcripts indicating (1) completion of the degree program and (2) English as the official language of instruction.
Three letters of recommendation are required as part of your application. At least one letter must be from an academic reference. Employer letters of recommendation are accepted.
Please make sure that your recommenders upload their recommendation letter prior to the deadline for which you are applying. If possible, recommenders should submit their letter on official letterhead and sign it with contact information listed.
The Statement of Purpose and the Personal History & Diversity Statement are separate documents and cannot contain the same content. They provide an opportunity for you to let us know why you are interested in the MTM program, what your goals are, and what drives you in your personal and professional life. Describe aspects of your personal background, accomplishments, or achievements that you believe are important in evaluating your admission to the program. 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.
The statements are very important to the Admissions Committee for their holistic review. It is also an opportunity for you to stand out from the other applicants or clarify weaknesses in your application such as low GPA.
Statement of Purpose: 2 pages, double spaced, 12-pt. font
Personal History and Diversity Statement: 2 pages, double spaced, 12-pt. font
The UCSB Graduate Division’s “How to Apply” webpage includes directions, FAQs, and the online graduate application link. You can also find the Technology Management/MTM graduate program link on the Graduate Division website here.
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.
The Master of Technology Management is designed for completion over three consecutive quarters, or nine months. All admitted MTM students start together in the fall quarter, which begins at the end of September. Unlike many online MBA and IT management master’s degree programs, the MTM graduate program is an in-person program, and UCSB is accredited as an in-person instructional university.
Yes. The Master of Technology Management graduate degree is a STEM-designated degree program.
UCSB’s MTM graduates have competitive career placement rates and salaries compared to MS and MBA in technology management degree programs. To explore job outcomes for UCSB master’s in technology management graduates, visit this page.
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.
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 program 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.
You may email questions to MTM’s graduate program staff, or if you would like to meet with one of the MTM graduate program staff via Zoom or in person, please email Click here to show mail address and request an appointment.
If you'd like to make an MTM admissions appointment directly, please use this link to book a time. You may also reach out to a grad assistant at this email: Click here to show mail address.
Apply to MTM
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. If you'd like to speak with someone on our MTM admissions team directly, please use this link to book a time. 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 Fellowship 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 to allow sufficient time for visa requirement processing if admitted.
Meet Victoria Sneddon, MTM Class of 2020
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