Graduate Programs
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11:1
Graduate student toÌý
faculty ratio
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57%
Graduates who stay in Colorado for career opportunities
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92%
Employment rate within six months of graduation
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$85k-127k
Median salary one yearÌý
after graduation
Engineer Your Own Path.
We offer a variety of flexible graduate degree and certificate programs designed to meet you where you are — whether you're advancing your current career, pivoting to a new field, balancing work and family commitments, or seeking opportunities from anywhere in the world.
Traditional, research focused
Our PhD programs provide a path for exploration into new areas, with students carrying out detailed original research, reporting data, pursuing innovation and designing new solutions and techniques.
Full-time, 4- to 6-year commitment
PhD candidates study and apply existing knowledge to explore new areas of research, with many taking on teaching duties in addition to research roles in labs.
Capstone requirements
PhD candidates are expected to become domain experts and complete research that can withstand the rigorous test of external peer review. A comprehensive final exam and dissertation are required.
Typical candidates
Individuals who are looking to conduct advanced research and innovation or pursue academic careers.
Choose your path
Masters programs in the College of Engineering and Applied Science offer two paths: Traditional research-focused or professional coursework-based. Both develop advanced engineering expertise via different aspects of technical education.
Time commitment & flexibility
Our master's programs provide various scheduling formats. Options range from structured on-campus experiences to flexible arrangements with full-time, part-time, online and hybrid learning.
Capstone requirements
Traditional programs often include thesis options, while professional programs typically feature non-thesis paths with capstone projects or exams that apply concepts to real-world challenges.
Typical candidates
Whether seeking research depth or practical advancement, both paths prepare graduates to lead in specialized engineering fields.
Career, specialized knowledge focused
These short, focused academic programs provide the most current knowledge and research through a series of curated courses.
Full- and part-time options
Open to degree and non-degree seeking students, these programs are primarily part-time, and offered online and in-person, depending on specific certificate and department requirements.
Capstone requirements
Structured for maximum flexibility, these programs are coursework-only, with no research or thesis components. Depending on the certificate, there may be a minimum grade requirement for completion.
Typical candidates
Individuals seeking to enhance their careers and technical skills, gain deeper expertise in a specialized field or take a first step toward pursuing a master's degree.
Engineering Graduate Degree Programs
Explore your academic options across our robust ecosystem of departments, programs, centers and institutes — each offering specialized areas of study to align with your professional goals and interests.
Key:Ìý= Doctoral ÌýÌý= Master of Science ÌýÌý= Professional Master's ÌýÌý= Graduate Certificates
* Available online
Engineering with Impact: The ÀÏ¾ÅÆ·²è Advantage
Top ranked
Ranked #11 among public university graduate engineering programs and #20 overall, we're the premier engineering school in the Mountain West region. Our world-class education combines academic excellence with a distinctly collaborative approach.
Diverse Perspectives
Women make up 40% of our student population—the highest percentage among large public universities—with 37% of our PhD class being female. Our global community, with 37% international representation, brings together varied experiences that enhance learning and innovation.
Human-centered
At the College of Engineering and Applied Science, academic rigor meets genuine support. Our challenging programs thrive within a welcoming environment that values teamwork and shared problem-solving over intense competition—a difference our students consistently highlight as vital to their success.
Boulder advantage
Our location provides unparalleled access to federal research laboratories, a thriving tech ecosystem and an entrepreneurial hub spanning Boulder and Denver. Against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, enjoy 300+ days of sunshine and outdoor recreation while earning your degree.
Student Spotlights
Meet the students and alumni who are engineering change and shaping the future.
PHD, CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Thompson's research could lead to more sustainable ways to make everyday products like medicines and fuels, without relying on petroleum-based processes.
PHD, AEROSPACE ENGINEERING SCIENCES
As a Smead Scholar, Turner's research aims to streamline the difficult process of orbital design with an interactive, augmented reality tool.
MS, NETWORK ENGINEERING
The professors here are the best I’ve ever had. Their teaching, mentorship and industry connections gave me opportunities I never imagined.
Our Faculty
Our faculty is renowned for their collaborative efforts and interdisciplinary achievements, leadership in education and groundbreaking research.
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400
Tenure, tenure track, teaching and research faculty
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$149 Million
Research expenditures (2025, ASEE)
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23
NAE members (current and former)
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100+
NSF CAREER award winners
The Rocky Mountain Advantage reusable block
ÌýBuild Your Future
Boulder is rich with industry opportunities in aerospace, technology, renewable energies, defense, quantum computing and more.
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Build Your Community
Be part of a collaborative community while studying at one of the nation preeminent engineering programs.
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Build Your Life
Boulder provides an amazing quality of life with easy access to the outdoors and a vibrant downtown.
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Expand your future and discover what makes us Boulder.
Join an energized, collaborative community where groundbreaking research, expert mentorship and real-world experience unlock limitless possibilities.
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