For 25 years, the University of Washington has played a critical role developing tech-focused business leaders through its Technology Management MBA program. This month, the university proudly welcomes the 25th class of this unique program that teaches the rigorous Foster School of Business MBA curriculum through a lens of technology and innovation.
“The Technology Management MBA is a magnet program for engineers and tech-focused professionals from Seattle’s largest employers,” said Technology Management MBA Director Erin Duran, who also is a 2010 alumna of the program. “But we have students from diverse industries to help build cohorts that can learn from each other and share knowledge. They come in with a genuine curiosity and leave with a multi-layered understanding of how to lead companies through the next innovation.”
Designed specifically for working professionals, the program offers an accelerated curriculum that takes just 18 months. To help students balance their studies with work, family and other obligations, classes meet weekday evenings and limited Saturdays at a dedicated space in Kirkland that features three executive-style classrooms, free parking and catered meals before each class.
Inspiring Entrepreneurship
Each of the UW Foster School’s six MBA programs offers the same award-winning core curriculum with comprehensive coursework in accounting, finance, marketing, economics and operations management.
The Technology Management MBA course curriculum also adds in a more defined focus on entrepreneurship that culminates with the capstone Startup Pitch Competition. After spending their final two quarters developing a startup from the ground up, students put their teamwork to the test under the scrutiny of alumni and faculty judges.
Outside the classroom, students have the opportunity to explore entrepreneurship further through the diverse business plan competitions offered by the Foster School’s Arthur W. Buerk Center for Entrepreneurship. Read about the successes of Technology Management MBA students at 2024 competitions in the following articles:
- Technology Management MBA Student Mike Costales Wins Big with AgroFilms
- Lukas Ng Builds Agriculture Startup as Technology Management MBA Student
- Technology Management MBA Valedictorian Forges Path in Machine Learning
Growing Your Career Beyond the Classroom
Students in the Technology Management MBA also have access to a dedicated Career Management team that offers one-on-one coaching, a structured Mentorship Program and other optional programs designed to help students grow their careers.
Workshops offered throughout the year feature topics such as effective networking, LinkedIn strategies and professional communications. The team also coordinates opportunities to connect with diverse companies of all sizes through its speaker series, career fairs and Foster MBA treks.
In fall 2024, Technology Management MBA students participated in a trek to the Bay Area that included a stop at NVIDIA to visit with 2010 alumnus Matthew Hull, Vice President of Global AI Platform Solutions.
“The Bay Area Trek was a game-changer, providing unparalleled access to industry leaders and innovators, and forever shifting my perspective of what’s possible in my career,” said Technology Management MBA student Gloria Bosson.
A Nurturing Alumni Network
During its quarter-century of launching tech leaders, the Technology Management MBA has produced 1,500 alumni who are among the most active and engaged in the Foster School of Business. Each year, alumni and students come together for numerous events that provide invaluable opportunities for students to gain tips and tricks from those who have walked in their shoes, while also allowing alumni to stay connected with the Technology Management MBA community and continue to grow their networks.
Technology Management MBA (TMMBA) alumni also are among the most involved in the Career Management team’s Mentorship Program.
“I find that the new TMMBA students are excited,” 2014 alumnus Mike McCarter said about why he gives back as a mentor. “They have big ambitions, and they should. And it really energizes me to hear how they are approaching the program, how they are looking at their careers.”
Building International Relationships
Technology Management MBA students also have the opportunity to take their studies global through the International Study Tour. Each class chooses the destination for its seven- to 10-day scheduled tour visiting businesses and experiencing culture.
“We spent so much time in the classroom talking about how business is done in Japan,” said Diana Iftimie (TMMBA ’24) about her cohort’s International Study Tour to Japan in 2024. “Getting to see how it happens was very insightful, but seeing it with a cohort of people who were learning the same things – getting to have those conversations and see the parallels – was so valuable from a learning standpoint.”
With the International Study Tour scheduled the final spring break before graduation, the experience also provides an opportunity for students to strengthen and solidify friendships within the cohort.
“People knew each other coming to class, but during the tour we were able to form more of a personal connection across the team,” said 2024 tour participant Amrita Mahapatra (TMMBA ’24). “That’s a great way of networking and creating a bond.”
Join the Journey to Tech Leadership
Are you ready to take your tech career to new heights with a prestigious MBA degree from the University of Washington Foster School of Business? The Technology Management MBA program is now accepting applications for the Class of 2027, which begins its 18-month journey in January 2026.
Learn more about the application process on our Admissions page, where you also can learn about upcoming events like our Online Information Session on Feb. 6; Online Application Workshop on Feb. 18; and in-person Women in Tech Panel: Navigating Your Career in Tech on March 4.
For a convenient overview of the program, please watch our short On-Demand Technology Management MBA Information Session.
Questions? Contact us at [email protected] or book a 30-minute consultation with the Technology Management MBA Admissions Team. We look forward to helping you start your journey!
