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For Yatharth Sharma, the University of Alberta’s Master of Engineering in Engineering Management was a turning point in his life. Despite holding offer letters from 12 universities across four countries, he made the decision to join the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Today, he looks back and calls this the “best decision” he ever made.
Sharma found his program incredibly well-structured and industry-focused. He gained practical skills that he can immediately apply in the real world. Courses like Project Management, Production and Operations Management, and Optimization Models and Algorithms have become a part of his “daily toolkit at work.” “These weren’t just academic subjects; they were lessons that prepared me for the challenges I face in my career as a Sales Associate at Trane Technologies,” he says. “The Intellectual Property course, in particular, opened my eyes to the intricacies of technological laws, trademarks, and trade secrets — areas I hadn’t considered in depth before. It gave me a new perspective on how to approach agreements and understand the legal frameworks that underpin innovation.”
In his second year, Sharma worked full-time while studying. There were many late nights and early mornings but they all came together to teach him powerful lessons in time management, resilience, and the importance of perseverance. And it all paid off. “Graduating with a 4.0 GPA while working full-time wasn’t just a personal achievement; it was a testament to the support I received from the university, my professors, and my network,” he says.
Sharma’s story of success is the same you’ll hear from many Faculty of Engineering graduates.
The MEng is an effective program in preparing you to take the next step in your career. Typically lasting one to two years, you will learn valuable technical, managerial, and leadership skills through various coursework, seminars, and projects, including a capstone project in your final year. For example, courses on contract management will teach you how to interpret contracts, comprehend project financing structures, and manage stakeholders — vital skills in the engineering field as you make informed decisions on task planning and communicate with different stakeholders. The same goes for their course on machine learning and artificial intelligence, where you will learn advanced applications in engineering and business decision-making. Similarly, courses on renewable energy provide insight into modern innovations in alternative energy.
These courses give students a head-start into advanced careers.
Working on a US$6.2 billion project in one of the world’s leading engineering consulting firms was far from what Chris Otto thought he would do after graduating from the University of Alberta. With a combined Master of Business Administration (MBA) and MEng degree, he is now an Engineering Designer and Project Coordinator at WSP Canada.
Otto cites the program as a major factor in his ability to take on more responsibility and excel in his role. “This position has allowed me to apply the diverse knowledge and skills I gained during the program,” the graduate says. “The program has provided me with a diverse skill set centered around technical and commercial problem-solving, critical thinking, and leadership.”
“The program also emphasized the importance of managing people in diverse groups, which mirrors my current work environment at WSP,” Otto says. “Collaborating with a multinational team has enhanced my ability to work effectively with individuals from various cultures and backgrounds.”
The MEng program ends with a capstone project of your chosen subject matter. For Otto, it was about optimization and rail systems. “My MEng capstone project involved optimising rail headway times under a set of performance requirements and infrastructure constraints,” he says. “This research enhanced my understanding of how rail systems must be carefully designed to maximise ridership and decrease vehicle use in high-density urban areas. The hands-on experience from this project has been directly applicable to my professional work, as I have a more in-depth understanding of design decision-making.”
The University of Alberta is situated in Edmonton, Canada and is considered one of the most affordable places to live in Alberta. Source: University of Alberta
Throughout your degree, you take part in professional development (PD) training. Following the practice of a few Ivy Leagues in the US, this university is the first Canadian university to implement this new training requirement. This helps you apply your talents, pursue your interests, learn professional skills, and connect with the right people to excel in your field.
At every step of the way, you’ll have a faculty rooting for you. Sharma describes them as “incredible.” They mentored him, showing genuine care for his success, academically and personally. “Their doors were always open, whether I needed advice on a project or just wanted to talk about life,” he says. “That kind of support made a world of difference during my time at the university, and it’s something I’ll always be grateful for.”
The University of Alberta offers exceptional value for your money. With a tuition fee of approximately US$30,000 for international students, pursuing a MEng degree here is relatively affordable compared to other competitive options in Canadian universities and internationally. This makes living and studying here suitable for anybody who wants to get the full student experience without having to worry about financial barriers.
The University of Alberta is situated in Edmonton: Canada’s urban centre in the heart of the prairies with attractions like the 48 city blocks of shopping and entertainment at West Edmonton Mall and the North Saskatchewan River Valley, North America’s largest stretch of urban parkland for outdoor adventures. Also nearby is the world-famous Rocky Mountains. Not only is Edmonton filled with fresh air and many events and activities to check out throughout the year, but it also has the lowest cost of living among major Canadian cities.
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