Overview
TRANSFORM THE FUTURE IN A RAPIDLY EVOLVING INDUSTRY
Elevate your career to new heights with the Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL) in Urban Systems, an advanced degree crafted for visionary system thinkers eager to tackle complex challenges in infrastructure. This unique interdisciplinary program merges the rigor of graduate-level engineering and urban planning with the business acumen from UBC Sauder’s Robert H. Lee Graduate School. Equip yourself with the multifaceted skills essential for spearheading innovation necessary to build resilient cities.
Organizations across the public and private sectors are on the lookout for urban planners and engineers who not only possess technical and strategic abilities but also understand the intricate balance of social, environmental, and financial aspects in the built environment. They seek leaders with a holistic view and the interpersonal skills to lead teams and catalyze change effectively.
BLEND TECHNICAL EXPERTISE WITH BUSINESS INSIGHTS
The MEL in Urban Systems stands out with its rare blend of in-depth technical and business courses, preparing you to play a pivotal role in progressive organizations. Delve into a curriculum that covers the entire industry spectrum—from understanding the societal context of infrastructure to mastering engineering design, project delivery, and asset management. The business courses, led by the esteemed UBC Sauder’s Robert H. Lee Graduate School, lay a robust foundation in business strategy, innovation, project management, and leadership.
FLEXIBLE LEARNING OPTIONS
Tailor your educational journey to fit your lifestyle and career goals with the option to enrol full-time over 12 months or part-time over 24 months. The full-time program allows you to immerse yourself completely in learning, propelling your skills forward within a year. Opting for part-time lets you balance your part-time employment with your studies, applying your newfound knowledge directly to your current role while discussing real-life technical and leadership challenges in class. This format also provides the chance to expand your professional network over two years, with on-campus commitments just two weekdays each week.
GAIN A COMPETITIVE EDGE
Throughout the 12 or 24-month program, you will:
- Acquire an extensive understanding of the best practices in designing and managing interconnected urban infrastructure systems, contributing to more resilient and sustainable cities.
- Enhance your sector-specific knowledge with a project-based curriculum that spans all stages of community and infrastructure system life cycles.
- Learn from esteemed faculty and industry leaders.
- Collaborate and network with fellow MEL students, broadening your professional connections.
- Develop crucial business, project management, and interpersonal skills to propel your career and assume higher leadership roles with confidence.
What makes the program unique?
Embark on a transformative journey with UBC’s Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL) in Urban Systems.
STEP INTO A LEADERSHIP ROLE OR PIVOT INTO A NEW INDUSTRY
Embark on a transformative journey with the MEL degree, designed to propel you into leadership roles and navigate seamlessly across the built environment. This degree serves as a launchpad to a future brimming with elevated responsibilities and exciting new career possibilities. Our statistics speak volumes about the impact of this program: a remarkable 61% of our alumni have ascended to higher positions, while 88% have ventured into new career paths. The MEL degree is not just an educational experience; it’s a catalyst for professional reinvention and advancement.
ENHANCE YOUR TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY
Delve into the pivotal elements of designing, constructing, managing, and renewing built infrastructure. This program equips you with a comprehensive technical understanding necessary for strategic decision-making, addressing the intricate interdependencies inherent in urban infrastructure systems.
MASTER THE FUNDAMENTALS OF BUSIESS
Beyond technical expertise, grasp the essential language of business through courses offered by the esteemed UBC Sauder’s Robert H. Lee Graduate School. Build a solid foundation in broad-based management concepts, preparing you to navigate and lead in the business world effectively.
DEVELOP LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE
Leadership skills are woven into every aspect of the MEL degree. As a student, you will find yourself immersed in a variety of leadership-building experiences. This includes leading diverse teams and managing complex projects. You will have the opportunity to attend a series of professional development workshops, each carefully crafted to refine and enhance your leadership abilities and interpersonal skills. These experiences are not just educational, but transformative, equipping you with the confidence and competence to emerge as an influential and effective leader in your field.
OBTAIN A PRESTIGIOUS DEGREE FROM A TOP-RANKED UNIVERSITY
UBC is globally recognized as a top 40 university and stands 7th in the world for climate action, celebrated for its exceptional programs and distinguished faculty. Its Faculty of Applied Science is home to Canada’s top engineering school. UBC’s Sauder School of Business is the best business school in Canada and ranks 38th worldwide, offering experiential and rigorous business education.
BUILD A POWERFUL NETWORK
Joining the MEL in Urban Systems program means expanding your network significantly. You’ll learn from world-renowned faculty and study alongside motivated peers, enriching your educational experience with diverse perspectives. Engage with students from various professional graduate programs, attend workshops and presentations by industry leaders, and immerse yourself in an environment where innovation thrives.
“The multidisciplinary nature of the Urban Systems program reflects how urban infrastructure projects are actually designed and managed, where people with expertise in urban planning and engineering come together to address large and complex issues.” – Dr. Stephanie Chang, Professor & Program Co-Director
GO FURTHER
Graduates with a blend of technical knowledge and business acumen are highly sought after locally, nationally, and internationally. Our alumni have successfully transitioned into influential roles in municipalities, utility companies, transportation providers, and consulting firms as planners, policy advisors, and innovative thinkers.
“Our graduates are job-ready for work in both the public and private sectors, bringing innovative thinking to enable urban centres to thrive as they grow.” – Dr. Susan Nesbit, Professor Emerita & Former Program Co-Director
Quick Facts
Program Enquiries
Departments/Programs may update graduate degree program details through the Faculty & Staff portal. To update contact details for application inquiries, please use this form.
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