Program Overview

Master of Engineering Leadership

The Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL) degree is designed for practicing professionals who want to gain the knowledge, credentials, and skills to propel their careers forward. This unique program combines courses from the UBC Faculty of Applied Science with courses from UBC Sauder’s Robert H. Lee Graduate School, equipping graduates with the in-demand skills and knowledge employers are looking for.

Interdisciplinary Curriculum

Between 40% and 50% of the courses will be specific to the area of specialty:

• Clean Energy Engineering
• High Performance Buildings
• Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
• Urban Systems

The remainder of the courses will explore leadership, strategy, innovation, data analytics, and more. This holistic, interdisciplinary curriculum provides students with an integrated understanding of best practices in both engineering and management.

Leadership Development

Leadership is woven throughout the curriculum, and in every course, students will have opportunities to learn about, reflect on, and practice their skills. The program is designed to equip students to confidently lead interdisciplinary project teams in a range of professional settings.

Program Structure

This is a 12-month master’s degree that sets students up to advance quickly when they rejoin the workforce. The program includes collaborative industry-driven projects and a capstone project in some programs, allowing students to develop practical skills and build a network across disciplines.

Career Outcomes

Our graduates advance into positions of responsibility, empowered to apply their unique skills to advance change within their industry. As a graduate of the MEL, students will gain the specialized skills and broad business knowledge needed to lead interdisciplinary teams and make an impact.

Why Join UBC MEL?

• Learn at a top university and gain the advantages that come with studying at one of the world’s best universities.
• Expand technical knowledge and enhance expertise as a technical professional to thrive in your career and drive innovation.
• Develop business acumen and master the essential business fundamentals and skills specifically needed for strategic decision-making and confident leadership.
• Expand your network and learn in collaboration with highly driven peers, bringing diverse professional experiences and perspectives to enrich your educational journey.
• Connect with industry and business professionals, gaining insights from instructors who are seasoned technical experts and connecting with influential organizational leaders.
• Gain a highly specialized skillset through our industry-specific MEL degrees, providing an immersive experience that allows you to delve deeply into your specific field.

Discover Our MEL Programs

1. Clean Energy Engineering: Develop the technical, business, and leadership skills needed to generate sustainable energy solutions.
2. High Performance Buildings: Take your career to new heights through an interdisciplinary approach to building design.
3. Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering: Combine the engineering and physics of ship design with broad business and leadership training.
4. Urban Systems: Gain the high-level technical knowledge and urban planning perspective to design and manage urban infrastructure systems and create more resilient cities.

Eligibility and Application

To find out if you are eligible, answer a few quick questions. The application portal opens on January 1, 2026, with the Round 1 deadline being March 25, 2026.

Conclusion

The Master of Engineering Leadership at UBC is a unique program that combines technical expertise with business acumen and leadership skills, setting graduates up for success in their careers and empowering them to make a significant impact in their industries. With its interdisciplinary curriculum, collaborative projects, and focus on leadership development, the MEL program is an ideal choice for professionals looking to advance their careers and drive innovation in their fields.