Students eager to be at the forefront of solving the world’s most pressing challenges can consider a unique new program at Simon Fraser University.

Innovative School of Sustainable Energy Engineering (SEE) announced 16-month program Master of Engineering Programwhich is now accepting applications for a fall 2025 start.

The program is designed for recent graduates with degrees in engineering or disciplines closely related to the natural sciences. It aims to give students the skills and knowledge to enter emerging clean technology sectors, such as renewable energy generation, clean buildings and zero-emission vehicles.

“We know there is a huge demand for this type of expertise,” says SEE Director Professor Zafar Adeel. “As we seek solutions to the challenges of global climate change, we are widely realizing the need for people with specialized engineering training: people who specialize in technological advances and innovations that are sustainable, efficient and which will stimulate the economy.

“We are developing an entirely new field of engineering and seek to provide young professionals and recent graduates with the skills needed to become natural leaders in this rapidly growing field.

Over four consecutive terms, the program provides a foundation in fundamental engineering concepts and their application to sustainable energy engineering. It introduces the broader context of energy’s interactions with air, land, water and food as well as the role of energy economics and policy.

In addition to engineering-specific courses, the program complements students’ skills with courses on how to identify opportunities and commercialize research from the Beedie School of Business and relevant electives from SFU.

During the final two semesters of the program, students will undertake a team capstone project, working directly with external partners on an in-depth technical project with direct, real-world impacts.

The program is the latest offering from Surrey-based SEE, which celebrates its fifth anniversary this year.

SEE focuses on engineering areas related to the harvesting, storage, transportation and use of clean energy.

The innovative school was created to fill a gap identified by the provincial and federal governments: the urgent need for engineers trained in new technologies that can change our world by tackling the causes and impacts of climate change.

“At the Faculty of Applied Sciences (FAS), we are proud to offer several distinct graduate programs that enable our students to meet the ever-growing needs of society,” says Eugène Fiume, dean of FAS. “Canada is a world leader in renewable resources, sustainability and clean technologies. As such, our MEng program will provide students with technical skills to advance their careers in these fields from an engineering perspective.

“Students in the MEng program will receive interdisciplinary training to acquire well-rounded technology and leadership skills. This aligns with SEE, FAS and SFU’s commitment to providing sustainable solutions to our communities.

Two cohorts have already graduated from SEE’s Bachelor of Applied Science program, which is recognized as providing the educational foundation for students to become professional engineers.

Given the unique and specialized nature of the program, SEE students have joined leading national and international companies, ranging from zero-carbon buildings (like RJC Engineers) to transforming the future of transportation (like Ballard Power Systems and Tesla).

Yasmin Dibai, a recent graduate who is currently undertaking a master’s degree in applied science while working at a large engineering consultancy firm, said all the students in her program shared the same passion for using engineering to combat climate change.

“When companies talk to me, they are genuinely interested in sustainable energy engineering. I think the job market favors students from South East Europe because everyone is moving towards sustainability, but few have these skills.

Studying in SFU Surrey’s state-of-the-art building and receiving mentorship from an expert, yet accessible, professor throughout the program sealed the deal, she says.

“I would absolutely recommend the Master of Engineering program if you are considering applying,” she says. “For me, sustainability is a state of mind. This goes beyond buzzwords. It’s about looking at everyday processes and asking if there is an effective way to do this, in the hope of changing for the good of the planet. This is what SEE is.

For more information about the Master of Engineering in Sustainable Energy Engineering program or other VIEW offerings programs, visit www.sfu.ca/see.