Pending WSCUC Approval
Apply as an engineer. Graduate as a leader.
The Online Master of Engineering and Technology Leadership program is designed for early- to mid-career engineers and technology professionals ready to expand their leadership impact.
Our admissions process reviews applications holistically, considering your academic background, professional experience, leadership potential, and alignment with the program's mission. If you're ready to thrive in a rigorous, collaborative environment and transform how you work, lead, and innovate, then we're looking for you.
No GMAT or GRE Required
We believe your professional experience and ambition matter more than a standardized test score. That's why the GMAT and GRE are not required for admission to the UCSB Online METL program.
Application Requirements
- Completed online application
- Minimum of a cumulative 3.0 GPA or equivalent of a B average in undergraduate coursework
- Official TOEFL, IELTS, or DET scores (please see Transcripts & Exam scores for more information)
- Statement of Purpose
- Personal History Statement
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Three letters of recommendation
- Admissions interview may be required
- Application fee: $135 for U.S. citizens/residents and $155 for international applicants
The GRE/GMAT is not required.
Application Fees and Submission
The application portal for Fall 2027 will be open in September. 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 "Master of Engineering" as your Major under the College of Engineering, and METL 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.
Personal Statements and Resume/CV
The UCSB Graduate Division requires a Statement of Purpose and a Personal History 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
The Statement of Purpose must be double-spaced, in 12-point type, and not longer than two pages.
Here are some questions that you may consider:
- Why are you interested in the Online Master of Engineering and Technology Leadership program at UCSB, and in the track that you selected?
- What previous academic and work experiences do you have and how have they helped you to realize that METL is a good fit for your goals and interests?
- How will METL prepare you to enter a career path you are interested in?
- What is your objective after METL?
- Are there any other factors that you wish to be taken into consideration?
Personal History Statement
The Personal History Statement must be in double-spaced, in 12-point type, at least 250 words long and not longer than two pages.
In your Personal History 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 Statement must be at least 250 words long, 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
Three letters of recommendation are required from either academic or 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 METL directly at METL@engineering.ucsb.edu.
Transcripts and 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 METL, 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. METL 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 METL:
- Internet-based TOEFL: Minimum Score: 80 (exams taken before 1/21/26) or 4.0 (exams taken on or after 1/21/26)
- IELTS Academic and IELTS Indicator: 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
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 the Graduate Division's Admitted International Students page.
Apply to METL
The application portal for Fall 2027 admission will open in September.
For specific admissions questions, please reach out to our Admissions Team.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Online METL curriculum combines deep technical specialization with leadership and management training—preparing you to solve complex problems and lead the teams tackling them.
Core Track Courses (16–20 units)
Dive deep into your chosen specialization—Semiconductor Technology, Quantum Information, AI & Machine Learning for Science and Technology, or Technology Management—through courses taught by renowned UCSB engineering faculty and industry experts.
Technology Leadership Courses (12 units)
Develop the strategic thinking, communication, and decision-making skills that move engineers into leadership roles. Taught by faculty in UCSB's Department of Technology Management, these courses bridge technical expertise with organizational impact.
Electives (2-8 units)
Explore modern and emerging topics while connecting with faculty, industry experts, and peers. These flexible learning experiences keep you at the forefront of innovation and expand your professional network.
Capstone Project (2 units)
Apply everything you've learned to a real-world challenge. Complete your capstone online, at your employer site, or at a UCSB lab facility during summer residency.
Not at this time. The Online METL program starts once each year, in the fall.
Yes. You’ll learn on your schedule—as a full- or part-time student—with a flexible online format designed for working professionals.
Yes. With much of the course material being delivered asynchronously, you’ll learn on your schedule—in a flexible online format designed for working professionals.
Learn more. Connect with us.
There’s so much to know about UCSB’s Online METL program that you’re bound to have questions. We’re here to help. For information and support, contact the METL Admissions Counselor at metl@engineering.ucsb.edu. We’ll make sure you get all the answers.