Part-time MEL in Dependable Software Systems increases flexibility for working professionals

UBC MEL in DSS - New 24-Month Part-Time Intro

Starting in January 2022, students in the UBC Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL) in Dependable Software Systems can now choose to complete the program either full-time (12 months) or part-time (24 months).

“The new 24-month part-time option means that students in Dependable Software Systems can expand their business knowledge, gain leadership skills and deepen their technical knowledge while continuing to work part time,” says Sathish Gopalakrishnan, Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and program director of the MEL in Dependable Software Systems.

“They’ll be able to apply insights from the classroom to their workplace right away – and that’s of benefit to both them and the organizations they work for.”

Year one: A focus on business and leadership

The first 12 months of the program immerse students in foundational business strategy and concepts. Students will complete 15 credits, consisting of all required MEL business leadership courses and one technical course. The following schedule – which is subject to change – shows the scheduling of these classes over year one:

January to April: Students complete three business and leadership classes, scheduled on Mondays and Wednesdays.
May to August: In this semester, students take the three-credit course on error resilient computing systems. They also take the Business Acumen for Technical Leaders course in the first three weeks of August. These classes are half-day, four to five days a week and group work is required when not in class (the remainder of the day). A final exam is held on the Monday morning of the fourth week in August.
September to December: Students complete two business and leadership classes, which are held on Monday and Wednesday mornings.

Year two: An immersion in the core technical courses

In the final 12 months of the program, students take five required core technical classes (15 credits), including a two-part capstone course in which students solve an open-ended problem in software engineering for an industry partner.

Schedule

Knowing your timetable ahead of time is an important consideration for both you and your employer. Course schedules will generally be available three months before the start of each semester.

Fees

Tuition fees for the part-time option are the same as those for the full-time program, but spread over six installment payments over the 24 months of the program. Tuition fees are based on the entry year and will not increase in the second year of the program.

Professional development

Part-time students have access to all the workshops and career development opportunities that are embedded in the 12-month MEL program.

Greater flexibility for practising professionals

The MEL is an innovative hybrid graduate degree that develops students’ technical knowledge and business and leadership skills. This new 24-month part-time option for students in Dependable Software Systems enables practising professionals to acquire a graduate degree in their area of specialization while continuing to work and advance their career.

Learn more about the application process and eligibility requirements.