Programs

Graduate Degree Programs at the University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers a wide array of graduate degree programs across various faculties and specializations. These programs are designed to provide advanced academic and research opportunities for students looking to deepen their knowledge in their chosen fields. Students can explore programs ranging from Doctoral (PhD) degrees to Master's degrees (MA, MSc, MEng, MASc, MBA, MEd, etc.) and Graduate Certificates or Diplomas. The university provides options for different learning modes, including on-campus, online, or a hybrid combination. UBC's graduate programs are structured to foster critical thinking, research skills, and professional development, preparing graduates for impactful careers in academia, industry, and public service.

Master of Advanced Studies in Architecture

Master of Advanced Studies in Landscape Architecture

Master of Architecture (MARCH)

The Master of Architecture (MArch) is a professionally accredited graduate degree program at UBC. This demanding, three-year course of study is primarily coursework-based, integrating design studios with studies in architectural history and theory, technical and material systems, and representation methods. While the curriculum is rigorous, students have opportunities to develop their individual interests through specialized design studios, elective courses, and a significant Graduation Project. The program is designed for students with an undergraduate degree in any discipline, though those with a pre-professional architecture degree may be considered for advanced placement.

Master of Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture (Dual Degree)

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

The 16-month, full-time UBC MBA program at Sauder's Robert H. Lee Graduate School is designed to equip you with the confidence to innovate globally and develop personalized leadership skills. The curriculum integrates core business knowledge with specialized courses tailored to your chosen career track. A significant component of the program is experiential learning, which can be fulfilled through an internship or an industry project during the summer term. The program emphasizes practical application and aims to foster personal and professional transformation.

Master of Community and Regional Planning (MCRP)

The Master of Community and Regional Planning (MCRP) program at UBC's School of Community and Regional Planning (SCARP) equips students with essential theories, skills, and critical thinking abilities to address contemporary planning challenges. It focuses on issues like climate change, social justice, building resilient communities, and decolonizing planning practices. The program is designed to be intensive and professionally oriented, fostering well-rounded graduates who can act as agents of equitable change in a rapidly evolving world. SCARP aims to transform knowledge into action through planning in partnership to improve lives, communities, and both built and natural environments.

Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL)

The Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL) is a 12-month degree program designed for practicing professionals seeking to advance their careers. It combines technical expertise from the Faculty of Applied Science with business and leadership skills from the Robert H. Lee Graduate School at UBC Sauder. The interdisciplinary curriculum provides a holistic understanding of engineering and management, preparing graduates for leadership and management positions.

Master of Engineering Leadership in High Performance Buildings (MEL)

The Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL) in High Performance Buildings is a specialized 12-month program designed for architects and engineers who aspire to lead innovation in the building sector. It uniquely combines advanced engineering and architecture courses with business and leadership training from UBC Sauder’s Robert H. Lee Graduate School. The program addresses the growing global demand for sustainable buildings that minimize energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing user experience. You will gain expertise in green building design, energy modeling, and innovative engineering, alongside crucial business skills in strategy, operations, project management, and leadership. This interdisciplinary master's degree equips you with the technical expertise and business acumen necessary to drive change in the industry, prepare for advanced career roles, and foster leadership opportunities in the rapidly evolving field of high-performance buildings.

Master of Geomatics for Environmental Management (MGEM)

The Master of Geomatics for Environmental Management (MGEM) is a 9-month, course-based master's program designed to equip students with the geospatial skills and landscape ecology knowledge needed to address critical environmental challenges. The program begins with a three-week intensive in August and concludes in April. It is ideal for individuals passionate about environmental management and interested in applying landscape ecology theories and geospatial technologies. This includes conservationists, foresters, ecologists seeking advanced technical skills, computer scientists and engineers looking for new applications for their expertise, and recent graduates from various fields with a quantitative background.

Master of Global Health (MGH)

Master of Health Administration (MHA)

The Master of Health Administration (MHA) is a two-year program designed for working health professionals seeking to advance their careers in healthcare leadership and management. It equips students with the necessary leadership, management, and strategic skills to address complex healthcare delivery issues. The curriculum integrates health systems, policies, and management, providing a strong foundation for leadership roles in the healthcare sector.

Master of Health Leadership and Policy (MHLP)

The Master of Health Leadership and Policy (MHLP) is a master's degree program designed for clinicians seeking to advance their careers into healthcare leadership and management roles. This interdisciplinary program combines expertise from the UBC School of Nursing and UBC Sauder’s Robert H. Lee Graduate School. It equips students with essential business and leadership skills alongside in-depth healthcare knowledge. The curriculum focuses on best practices in healthcare, administration, public policy, project management, and organizational leadership, providing a holistic understanding for effective transformation within the healthcare system.

Master of Health Science (MHSc)

The Master of Health Science (MHSc) is designed for graduates with an MD or equivalent (such as dentistry or veterinary medicine) who wish to develop strong clinical research methodology skills. The program focuses on equipping students with the ability to apply epidemiological and statistical methods to the evaluation and conduct of clinical research. You will engage in coursework covering epidemiological design and analysis, systematic reviews, clinical trial design, data analysis, and presentation. The program also offers opportunities to explore qualitative, program, and economic evaluation methodologies, all grounded in critical thinking. Elective courses allow for the exploration of health policy and population health concepts.

Master of International Forestry

The Master of International Forestry (MIF) is an intensive 12-month program at the University of British Columbia. It combines coursework with experiential learning to prepare graduates for leadership roles in addressing global forest-related challenges. The program focuses on developing skills and knowledge to negotiate and implement solutions for issues like climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable development, recognizing the crucial role forests play in international concerns.

Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)

The Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) is a demanding, accredited three-year professional degree program. The curriculum integrates design studios with courses in landscape history and theory, site analysis and planning, and environmental management. Students can develop specialized skills through elective design studios and a graduation project. Internships are available for academic credit, allowing students to gain practical experience in firms or agencies, hone design and documentation skills, and build professional networks. The program benefits from small student-faculty ratios and close involvement with faculty and local professional design communities in studio reviews and mentorship. Students also have access to UBC's extensive research library and can collaborate with faculty from engineering and community and regional planning. The program offers opportunities for study abroad to engage with global architectural and landscape architecture concerns.

Master of Public Health (MPH)

The Master of Public Health (MPH) is a two-year, non-thesis degree program focused on epidemiology, biostatistics, and the social, biological, and environmental factors influencing health. It emphasizes disease prevention, health systems management, and global health, integrating these areas with practical skill-based learning through a practicum experience. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for a variety of career paths in public health.

Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs (MPPGA)

The Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs (MPPGA) program at UBC provides aspiring policymakers with a comprehensive understanding of policy-making processes. It combines rigorous knowledge acquisition, policy analysis, career development, and practical experience. This 20-month, full-time program allows students to specialize in one of three streams: Development and Social Change; Resources, Energy, and Sustainability; or Global Governance and Security. Students can also choose electives, including those focused on Asia, to prepare for complex local and global policy challenges. The curriculum is designed to foster creativity, innovation, and collaboration by integrating coursework with hands-on learning. You will learn from a diverse faculty of experts and policy practitioners at UBC, a university recognized for its academic excellence and commitment to addressing climate change. The program is based in Vancouver, British Columbia, a city known for its sustainability and quality of life. Graduates are equipped with critical thinking skills, professional networks, and an informed perspective to effectively engage with global policy actors, including governments, NGOs, international institutions, and the private sector. The program emphasizes a broad approach to governance, preparing students for diverse career paths.

Master of Science in Occupational and Environmental Hygiene (MSc)

The Master of Science in Occupational and Environmental Hygiene (MSc OEH) program, offered by the School of Population and Public Health, prepares students for professional or research careers focused on improving community and workplace environments and safeguarding public health. This program delves into the science of identifying, evaluating, and controlling chemical, physical, and biological hazards. It equips students with the skills to measure and control exposures and to assess the health effects of occupational and environmental factors. Students come from a wide range of undergraduate backgrounds, including biology, chemistry, engineering, nursing, medicine, and psychology, fostering a diverse and dynamic learning environment.

Master of Science in Population and Public Health (MSc)

The Master of Science (MSc) in Population and Public Health is a research-focused program at the School of Population and Public Health. It is designed for students from diverse academic backgrounds, providing them with foundational knowledge and practical skills in epidemiological and biostatistical methods. Through this program, students will gain valuable research experience by undertaking a thesis project under the guidance of a faculty member, applying these methods to various topics concerning population health and health service delivery.

Master of Sustainable Forest Management

The Master of Sustainable Forest Management (MSFM) is a 9-month, course-based master’s program at the University of British Columbia designed to prepare you for professional forest land management careers. It focuses on equipping you with the knowledge and skills needed to manage forests sustainably, balancing ecological, economic, and social factors. This program is ideal for individuals passionate about environmental stewardship and interested in careers managing forest lands in North America and globally.

Master of Urban Design (MUD)

The Master of Urban Design (MUD) is a post-professional program focused on the design and management of cities. It addresses the complexities of urbanization, global economics, and technological advancements. The one-year curriculum integrates design studios with courses in urban design history, theory, economics, and public policy, allowing students to tailor their studies through electives and research topics. The program emphasizes a blend of academic learning and professional practice, often involving community partnerships and real-world projects for potential future applications.