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SHAPE TOMORROW IN A FAST-CHANGING SECTOR
Advance your professional journey with the Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL) in Urban Systems, a specialized degree designed for forward-thinking problem-solvers ready to address intricate infrastructure challenges. This distinctive cross-disciplinary program combines advanced engineering and urban planning studies with business expertise from UBC Sauder's Robert H. Lee Graduate School. Gain the diverse competencies needed to drive the innovation required for creating sustainable urban environments.
Public and private sector employers are actively seeking urban planners and engineers who bring both technical proficiency and strategic vision, along with an understanding of the delicate interplay between social, ecological, and economic factors in urban development. They require professionals with comprehensive perspectives and the collaborative skills to guide teams and implement meaningful transformations.
COMBINE TECHNICAL MASTERY WITH BUSINESS ACUMEN
The MEL in Urban Systems distinguishes itself through its unique integration of specialized technical training and business education, equipping you to make significant contributions in forward-looking organizations. Explore a comprehensive program that addresses all facets of the field—from analyzing infrastructure's societal impact to excelling in engineering solutions, project execution, and asset optimization. The business curriculum, delivered by UBC Sauder's renowned Robert H. Lee Graduate School, provides essential knowledge in corporate strategy, innovation initiatives, project oversight, and organizational leadership.
ADAPTABLE STUDY FORMATS
Customize your learning experience to align with your professional aspirations and personal commitments through either a 12-month full-time or 24-month part-time enrollment. The intensive full-time track enables complete academic immersion, accelerating your development within a single year. The part-time alternative allows you to maintain employment while studying, immediately implementing classroom insights in your workplace while addressing practical technical and managerial dilemmas with peers. This extended format also facilitates professional relationship-building across two years, requiring just two weekly on-campus sessions.
BUILD A PROFESSIONAL ADVANTAGE
During your 12 or 24-month program, you will:
Develop comprehensive expertise in optimizing interconnected urban systems to foster more durable and eco-friendly metropolitan areas.
Strengthen industry-specific capabilities through hands-on projects covering all phases of infrastructure and community development.
Receive instruction from distinguished academics and seasoned practitioners.
Engage with fellow MEL candidates, expanding your career network.
Cultivate vital commercial, operational, and people management skills to advance confidently into senior leadership positions.
Applicants must hold an undergraduate credential in Civil Engineering, Urban Planning or related discipline and demonstrate competence in quantitative methods.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Applicants require a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience.
English Language Proficiency Requirement
Applicants from a university outside Canada at which English is not the primary language of instruction must present evidence of competency to pursue studies in the English language prior to being extended an offer of admission. Acceptable English language proficiency tests for applicants to graduate studies are: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): 90 overall with a minimum score of 22 in Reading & Listening and a minimum score of 21 in Writing & Speaking (Internet version); minimum score of 22 in Reading & Listening and a minimum score of 21 in Writing (paper version); or IELTS (International English Language Testing Service): minimum overall band score of 6.5, with no individual score less than 6.0; or MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery): minimum overall score of 85, with a final score of 3 in the speaking test.