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Degree Objectives and Certificates

Graduate degrees at the University of California are granted upon completion of advanced academic study and research. Doctoral degree candidates are expected to participate in at least one independent research project, as are many master’s degree candidates.

Degree titles are posted on transcripts and diplomas for the eight graduate degrees conferred at UCSB:

  • Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.)

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

  • Master of Arts (M.A.)

  • Master of Education (M.Ed.)

  • Master of Environmental Data Science (M.D.S.)

  • Master of Environmental Science and Management (M.E.S.M.)

  • Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.)

  • Master of Music (M.M.)

  • Master of Science (M.S.)

  • Master of Technology Management (M.T.M.)

Some departments offer unique interdisciplinary and/or interdepartmental emphases and specializations within a degree objective. An emphasis or specialization is a focused area of study that may be offered as a track within a department’s degree program, or as an optional interdisciplinary addition to an existing graduate degree program in one or more departments. An emphasis is noted on transcripts, but does not appear on diplomas. A specialization is not noted on the diploma or transcript.

Enrolled graduate students at UCSB may pursue either of two certificates in addition to their degree.

The Graduate Program in Management Practice (GPMP) provides graduate students a sound introduction in the fundamentals of business management in preparation for successful careers using their graduate training beyond the University. The program includes courses in business management, entrepreneurship, and product development. Students also either complete a 160-hour internship at an approved organization or compete in the Technology Management Program’s New Venture Competition. Information is available at tmp.ucsb.edu/academics/graduate-program-management-practice.

The Certificate in College and University Teaching (CCUT) is designed for doctoral and M.F.A. students who wish to demonstrate superior competence and experience in preparation for teaching at the university or college level. Certificate requirements include completion or attainment of a number of teaching-related skills and experiences culminating in independent instruction of an entire class with the support of a UCSB faculty mentor. Information is available at: www.graddiv.ucsb.edu/academic/interdisciplinary-emphases-certificate-programs/ccut.