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Is this the graduate program for you?
March 7, 2019
Deciding to go back to school is a big decision and you have many options to choose from. But should you pursue a master’s in your technical specialty or an MBA?
The professional 12-month master’s degree programs offered by the UBC Faculty of Applied Science give you the best of both worlds, with half your classes focusing on your technical area of specialization and the other half exploring key business concepts and leadership development.
It’s an innovative program – and that’s evident in everything from the types of students we attract to the way you’ll learn in (and out of) your classes.
Our students typically have several years of professional experience. They’ve excelled in their field and have begun to take on positions of greater leadership and responsibility. They’re now ready to take the next step: delving into the latest advances in their industry and broadening their knowledge of sector trends.
Our technical classes are designed to make this happen. These graduate-level courses are tailored for professionals who have a solid understanding of the technical issues in their industry and a desire to advance their knowledge. The courses are taught by renowned UBC faculty and industry leaders working at the forefront of their fields.
Classes are structured using a flipped classroom approach. That means you’re responsible for reviewing content before class – so that you come ready to apply your learning, share insights based on your own professional experience, explore case studies and work collaboratively with your peers. You’ll cover a lot of content at a fast pace.
However, our students are not just technically adept in their fields. They’re also increasingly leading projects and teams and are interested in enhancing their leadership and management style.
The business classes offered through UBC Sauder School of Business provide a foundation in organizational leadership, business strategy and project management. You’ll attend these classes with students from all of the MEL and MHLP programs, and in some courses your classmates will also be MBA students.
“This program really does offer the best of both worlds,” says former Academic Director Dr. Tamara Etmannski. “You can deepen your technical expertise while also learning fundamental business skills. Our students quickly realize just how important that integration of skills is, and how having this combined focus will positively impact their ability to take on increasing responsibility and pursue higher-level positions in their field.”
If you have the experience, leadership potential and desire to take your career to the next level, our program may be right for you.
We admit students within three application deadlines throughout the year. The admissions period for our 2021 cohort has now closed, but the application portal will open on January 1, 2021 for our 2022 cohort. Start preparing for you your application today. Apply by March 30, 2021 and we’ll let you know by April 30, 2021 if you’ve been accepted into the program, giving you ample time to prepare yourself to transition into the program for January 2022 – whether that’s applying for a student visa (if applicable), finding a place to live, talking with your employer about your plans, and figuring out financial details. The last international application deadline for the 2022 cohort is on June 30, 2021. Domestic and US applicants have until September 30, 2021 to submit their applications. Determine your eligibility for your desired program specialization today.
Learn more about how the MEL or MHLP can help you lead change in your industry, giving you the technical knowledge, foundational business skills and leadership confidence to excel in your career. UBC also offers the MEL in sector-specific programs, including Clean Energy Engineering, Dependable Software Systems, High Performance Buildings, Integrated Water Management, Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Sustainable Process Engineering and Urban Systems. The MHLP is offered in sector-specific programs, including Clinical Education and Seniors Care.
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Admissions for the 2026 intake will open on January 1, 2025.
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DR. TAMARA ETMANNSKI
"Being part of a larger cohort is an excellent opportunity for students to build their professional network with people from different backgrounds and industries. "