Program Overview

Clean Energy Engineering Program Details

The MEL in Clean Energy Engineering is designed to equip early- and mid-career engineering and technical professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to pivot into a new industry or move into a leadership role.

Why Study This Program

This master’s program offers an in-depth exploration of the renewable energy sector, from energy generation to transmission and distribution and energy use and management. Students will explore:

• Advanced thermal systems and renewable energy technologies
• Energy storage, energy management, and efficient transportation solutions
• Sociopolitical aspects of energy conservation, policy, and economics

Students will also develop their business skills, learning how to:

• Incorporate principles of sustainability in processes and decisions
• Apply visual analytics for effective analysis and communication
• Successfully manage projects and teams
• Address organizational leadership challenges
• Understand key business functions, including accounting, market analysis, negotiations, and contract management, and business case development
• Learn how to support and lead strategic innovations
• Be an effective and persuasive communicator

Program Delivery

This interdisciplinary program is taught by leading experts from the Faculty of Applied Science and UBC Sauder’s Robert H. Lee Graduate School. Courses are grounded in project-based learning, enabling students to apply their knowledge to real-world examples and case studies. In the final semester, students will complete a capstone project working directly with an industry-based partner.

Students will also benefit from professional development and career support from dedicated career strategists. This includes ongoing workshops and professional development opportunities, one-on-one coaching, and industry networking events exclusive to MEL students.

Career Paths

This comprehensive experience culminates in equipping students with both the credentials and the expertise essential for steering their career toward new horizons. Prepare for leadership roles where students will make bold, impactful decisions with confidence. 71% of graduates receive promotions, and 78% transition to new career paths. The MEL is not just about gaining knowledge—it’s about transforming into a leader who drives the future of their industry.

Some examples of career paths for graduates include:

• Application Engineer → Program Manager, Zero Emissions Fleets at Fraser Basin Council
• Analyst → Strategy & Planning Manager at Uber Mexico
• Community Energy Coordinator → Program Manager, Low Carbon Electronification at BC Hydro
• Consultant → Corporate Energy Manager at City of Richmond
• Electrical Engineer → Climate and Energy Manager at the City of Coquitlam
• Manager, Electric Vehicle Charging at Parkland Corporation
• Energy Consultant → Program Specialist at FortisBC
• Engineer → Analyst at Pembina Institute, Director, Mine Planning and Engineering at Copper Mountain Mining Corporation, Project Engineer at TC Energy, Thermal Energy Manager Specialist, CBRE
• Engineering Lead → Energy Management Consultant at Posterity Group
• Engineering Manager → Project Manager at Sustainability
• Equipment Engineer → Asset Management Specialist Coast Mountain Bus Company, Technical Project Lead at Greenlight Innovation Corporation
• Field Project Engineer → Field Service Specialist at Ledcor, Product Line Manager at General Electric, Project Manager at Prism Construction Ltd, Supply Chain Development Manager at US Department of Energy
• Instrumentation Engineer → Policy Analyst for Natural Resources Canada
• International Buyer → Fund Manager, Innovate Calgary
• Lead Scheduling Engineer → Principal Project Planner at Worley
• Manager → Impact Manager, Climate & Nature at The Northpine Foundation, Senior Manager NTPC Limited
• Mechanical Designer, EIT → Project Coordinator, at Barkley Project Group
• Mechanical Engineer → Chief Utilities Engineer at University of Victoria, Corporate Advisor at Pemex
• Operations Engineer → Corporate Energy and Emissions Specialist at City of New Westminster, Product Manager at Generac Grid Services
• Photovoltaic Systems Designer → Associate Program Manager at DNV GL
• Plant Operator → Building Performance Analyst at DIALOG Design
• Planning Engineer → Sustainability Manager at Terra Instinct
• Process Engineer → Senior Neighbourhood Climate Action Planner at UBC
• Production Engineer → Senior Industrial Engineer at Petrobras
• Project Coordinator → Energy Manager at Pacific Reach
• Project Engineer → Energy Manager at the University of the Fraser Valley, Project Coordinator at Prism Construction, Project Development Manager at Andion Global, Project Lead at PowerON Energy Solutions, Project Manager at Eneon-ES, Project Manager at the Government of Yukon, Technical Project at Manager Innergex
• Project Process Engineer → Director of R&D Marketing at Ionomr Innovations Inc
• Reliability & Integrity Engineer → Energy Manager at CLEAResult
• Sales Manager → Senior Energy Analyst, Hydrocools Systems Ltd
• Senior Section Manager → Senior R&D Manager at United Automotive Electronic Systems
• Senior Process Engineer → Industrial Energy Manager at Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, Project Manager, FVB Energy
• Senior Research Specialist → Sustainability Data & Reporting Manager at UBC
• Site Manager → Senior Manager, Energy & Sustainability at BC Pavilion Corporation
• Solar City Program Officer → Senior Manager at Alberta Innovates
• Staffing Specialist → Project Manager, GGS Mechanical Contracting
• Sustainable Energy Systems Consultant → Revenue Metering System Manager at BC Hydro
• Quality Control Expert → Systems Certification Manager at LabTest Certification
• Vice President of Operations → Principal Partner at Merged Solutions
• Wells Engineer → Analyst Quinn + Partners Inc

Student Impact

Discover the transformative effects of the Clean Energy Engineering program on students. Explore their personal stories, growth, and the skills they've gained through hands-on experiences. See how this program has shaped their educational journey and prepared them for successful careers in their field.

Application Deadline

The application portal will open on January 1, 2026. The Round 1 deadline is March 25, 2026.

Alumni Spotlights

Read about the success of alumni and how they are using their degrees to reach new personal and professional heights.

Program Spotlights

Find out what makes this program so unique by exploring articles by program directors and instructors reflecting on industry trends, field trips, and conference opportunities to network with industry leaders.

Take the Next Steps

• Attend an info session
• Get your applicant guide
• Apply now