UNB Engineering News

UNB Engineering at the University of New Brunswick is launching an exciting new graduate program. The Master of Engineering Leadership in Design Innovation (MELDI) will prepare engineers to advance in a rapidly progressing field.

The new program goes beyond the traditional MEng. It offers a unique combination of comprehensive training with advanced technical knowledge, courses in change management, leadership skill development, and experiential learning in design innovation.

Many engineering management programs combine technical courses with general management training. The MELDI responds specifically to emerging trends in engineering education and global engineering needs with interdisciplinary training in change management and leadership skills.

The inspiration behind the program

The new MELDI program began to take shape two years ago. Tiger Jeans, then newly appointed Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, was tasked with creating a new course-based master's program. Tiger and Curriculum Designer Cheryl Bradbee worked together to create a two-year program that is interdisciplinary in two important ways. “It crosses disciplines within engineering and includes courses from all five departments. It also crosses disciplines outside of engineering with courses from the Faculty of Management (MBA) and Renaissance College,” Cheryl explains. The MELDI program is deliberately multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary.

UNB Engineering is confident that MELDI offers a unique and forward-focused path for students who look to further their careers.

What skills will students gain?

Students in the MELDI program will gain expertise in three principal areas:

1. Advanced technical knowledge: MELDI’s four technical concentrations target today's critical challenges. These include:

• energy decarbonization,
• smart grid durability,
• sustainable community building, and
• advanced manufacturing.

The challenge of climate adaptation is a major focus along with transformations in the world of manufacturing from homes to everything else. Students indicate their chosen concentration when they apply.

2. Management and leadership: Engineers today need skills beyond technical expertise. With three management courses, led by the Faculty of Management, and three leadership courses, led by Renaissance College, students will develop skills that enable teamwork within innovative organizations. The courses start with development of leadership skills, progress through communication and change management in an industry, and end with strategies for outreach to non-engineers in communities and organizations.

“Engineers need new skills in management and leadership to promote essential change,” says Cheryl. These courses equip students to implement their skills across industries and communities.

3. Design innovation: Building on a foundation of two courses in design innovation theory, students will have a 2-term design studio. The studio will involve creation of a product, process, or system with a real industry client and professional mentors. Working in teams, students will integrate knowledge from technical, change management, and leadership courses into real projects.

A full set of skills enables moving innovations from ideas to market through existing industries and out into the community. “Engineers are critical in addressing community concerns, like new energy generation, a climate adapted grid, future-proofed housing, and advanced innovations in manufacturing. This program is a comprehensive answer to that need.” says Cheryl.

Who should apply?

The MELDI program is ideal for recent Bachelor of Engineering graduates, engineers with some field experience early in their careers, and professionals who see the value of interdisciplinary approaches in technological innovation. Graduates can pursue traditional engineering management roles or create new roles within their organizations, using their skills to design, innovate and drive organizational change to better address future challenges.

An affordable option

UNB’s program is affordable compared to similar other programs in Canada and the USA. The four-term program includes a highly encouraged co-op term between years one and two. “We are about average for domestic tuition but lower than average for international fees,” Cheryl adds. UNB made the decision to keep the program affordable to increase accessibility for a high number of students. UNB Engineering supports cutting edge, globally respected research. The Faculty is known for well-trained graduates ready to tackle challenges.

The MELDI program represents a forward-thinking approach to engineering education, equipping students with the technical, leadership, and design skills necessary to lead in a swiftly evolving field and a transforming world.

Learn more about the Master of Engineering Leadership in Design Innovation (MELDI) program