Degree Benefits

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

Discover the possibilities and learn more about this innovative professional master’s degree from our esteemed faculty. Your path to becoming a pivotal force in building resilient cities starts here.

Keep Reading: Program Goals

Urban Systems

Application Deadlines

The online application portal for the January 2025 intake is now open!

Applications are due June 25, 2024.

How to Apply

Featured Alumni

Grace Sonmezsoy

Urban Systems

A management consultant with 20 years of experience, a degree in civil and environmental engineering, an MSc in Transport and an MBA, Grace Sonmezsoy pursued the MEL in Urban Systems to update her skills so she can better address the complex challenges facing our cities.

Applicant Guide

Navigate the application process with ease!