Master’s degrees: Key differences between the MEL and an MBA

Going back to school to pursue a master’s degree is a big decision. With so many options to choose from, it can be challenging to determine which degree is best for you.

If you’re looking for a professional master’s degree (rather than a research-based degree), you may be wondering what the difference is between the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and the UBC Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL).

As described below, the main differences between an MBA and the MEL have to do with duration, content, student background and prerequisites. Let’s look at each degree on its own.

The Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Duration

MBAs vary in length. Full-time programs often range between 16 and 24 months. Many institutions offer part-time executive MBAs or dual-degree options. UBC offers a 16-month full-time MBA and a 24-month part-time Professional MBA.

Content

An MBA covers the theoretical and practical skills associated with managing or leading an organization. At UBC, the MBA curriculum is structured to provide a solid foundation in core business disciplines such as finance, marketing, operations and strategy. 

The program emphasizes experiential learning, integrating real-world business challenges through case studies, internships and capstone projects.

In addition to the core curriculum, UBC offers students the opportunity to specialize in various career tracks tailored to emerging and high-demand fields that include climate and sustainability, technology and analytics, finance, produce and service management, and innovation and entrepreneurship. The program also includes leadership development modules to enhance soft skills in communication, negotiation and team management.

Student background

MBA students attract students from diverse professional backgrounds. These can include business and economics, engineering and technology, social sciences, natural sciences and law.

Prerequisites

Most MBA programs require you to take the GMAT or GRE, and for competitive programs, you will need to attain a high score.

Fees

Fees vary depending on the institution, whether you are a domestic or international student, and the type of program you pursue. View UBC’s fees for the MBA.

The Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL)

Duration

The MEL is a one-year program that starts in January and ends in December. The MEL in Urban Systems offers a part-time option for students who want to take the program over a two-year period.

Content

The MEL is an interdisciplinary degree that offers four sector-specific specializations in some of the most in-demand and growing industries: clean energy, high-performance buildings, urban systems and naval architecture and marine engineering.

About 60 per cent of your coursework will focus on your specific sector specialization, like clean energy or urban planning. These courses are taught by professors from the Faculty of Applied Science, and your coursework and capstone projects are grounded in specific industry challenges.

Professors from the UBC Robert H. Lee Graduate School in the Sauder School of Business teach the other 40 per cent of your courses. These courses provide an overview of some of the business concepts covered in an MBA, including leadership, communication, team management, innovation, strategy, data visualization, accounting and more.

Professional background

To be admitted to the MEL, students must hold an undergraduate degree in a specific area, and they must also have three years of relevant professional experience in an engineering-related field, or in urban planning, architecture or other technical specializations.

Prerequisites

The MEL does not require you to take the GMAT, GRE or any other standardized test.

Fees

View UBC’s fees for the MEL.

Making the choice that’s best for you

A master’s degree can be a great choice if you’re looking to gain new skills to advance into a leadership position or take your career in a new direction. For some students, an MBA is a path to a rewarding job. For others, the MEL is a strategic choice for moving into leadership positions in their industry.

These programs prepare graduates not only to excel in traditional business roles but also to be agile leaders capable of solving complex issues in their respective fields, whether that is related to the business landscape, sustainable energy, building resilience, marine engineering or urban planning.

“Deciding to shift gears by going back to school is a significant undertaking,” says Justin Bull, Academic Director of the UBC Master of Engineering Leadership and professor at the UBC Sauder School of Business. 

“The students that join us to pursue the MEL know deep down that they can do more for themselves, their communities and the world – and that this specific degree from UBC can be an accelerator for that process to happen.”