Graduate Program in Management Practice

Technology management brought a business perspective to my technical degree.

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2024
Certificate Recipients

Congratulations to the 2024 Recipients of the Undergraduate Certificate in Technology Management and Graduate Program in Management Practice Certificate! Certificates will be mailed out by UCSB Extension approximately 4-6 weeks after the end of the quarter. 

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For highly motivated graduate students seeking a structured and diploma-enhancing business education, Technology Management offers a UC-recognized graduate certificate. The Graduate Program in Management Practice (GPMP) is open to UC Santa Barbara master's degree students and Ph.D. candidates from any major. Like the Undergraduate Certificate program, GPMP introduces students across academic disciplines to the fundamentals of business, finance, management, marketing, and strategy. However, GPMP coursework also takes a deeper dive into Business Strategy & Leadership, Innovation & Management, New Venture Marketing & Finance, and offers an option to specialize in start-up or established businesses.

Requirements

Students are expected to complete 18 units in GPMP. The progression of classes emphasizes first the business foundation needed in a business or entrepreneurial environment. After completing foundational coursework, students will select one of two emphases, entrepreneurial or corporate, focusing on the context of career expectations beyond their studies. Finally, the GPMP certificate requires a meaningful experience putting these ideas into practice, whereby students will choose one of the following: an Internship or participation in the New Venture Competition.

How to Apply

  1. Download and submit the GPMP enrollment form to Click here to show mail address.
  2. Form available here.
  3. Complete and sign the Change of Degree Status Petition - "ADD" Graduate Program in Management Practice
  4. Obtain a signature from your department's faculty graduate advisor or Department Chair.
  5. Email the completed and signed petition to Click here to show mail address with “GPMP Petition” in the subject line.

Graduate Division charges a $20 petition fee, which will be charged to your BARC account.There is no additional fee for graduate students to obtain the GPMP graduate certificate.

Coursework & Scholarships

Foundational Coursework

TMP 240 Business Strategy & Leadership (4 units)

Course covers business principles relevant to today’s increasingly competitive international business environment in four areas: Competitive Strategy and General Management; Accounting and Finance; Marketing and Sales; and Business Ethics.

Pre-requisites: Graduate standing.
Offered: Fall

TMP 241 Managing Innovation (4 units)

Examination of communication and key management functions; envisioning and strategic planning; creating high performance teams; establishing appraisal/reward systems; innovation and organizational change. Emphasis on leading innovative technical people; leadership that fosters entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship; new forms of organizing.

Pre-requisite(s): Graduate standing.

TMP 244 Entrepreneurial Marketing (3 units)

Learn how to start any type of venture; for profit, non- profit, service, sole-proprietorship, with a focus on high- tech ventures. Analysis of new business opportunities, development of customer-centric value propositions, financing, marketing, selling, and protection of intellectual property.

TMP 246 New Venture Finance (3 units)

Presents the tools necessary for the strategic analysis and understanding of financial information particular to new ventures. Provides insight into how financial information can be used to design optimal financing strategies, prepare valuation models for new ventures, and assist in strategic planning for the venture.

Pre-requisite(s): Graduate standing.
Offered: Fall

Emphasis (Entrepreneurial or Corporate)

TMP 242 Entrepreneurship (4 units)

Learn how to start any type of venture; for profit, non- profit, service, sole-proprietorship, with a focus on high- tech ventures. Analysis of new business opportunities, development of customer-centric value propositions, financing, marketing, selling, and protection of intellectual property.

Practice

Upon completion of coursework, students will embark upon an Internship (160 hours in a management role) OR participate in the New Venture Competition.

Innovator Stories: Creating Something from Nothing

UCSB's Technology Management presents fascinating and sometimes surprising candid conversations with industry leaders who have distinguished themselves in their fields. Hosted by John Greathouse. Check it out at UCTV.

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Research Highlights