Graduate Programs

Engineer Your Next Move.

Top-ranked. Research-driven. Future-focused.

Elevate Your Career

Complete the form below to learn more about ourÌý
cutting-edge, flexible graduate program options.

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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.

Doctoral (PhD)

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.

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Graduate Certificates (GC)

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:ÌýPhD= Doctoral ÌýÌýMS= Master of Science ÌýÌýPM= Professional Master's ÌýÌýGC= Graduate Certificates

* Available online

Aerospace EngineeringPhDMSPM*GC
Architectural EngineeringPhDÌýPMÌý
Artificial IntelligenceÌýÌýPM*GC
Biological EngineeringPhDÌýÌýÌý
Biomedical EngineeringPhDMSÌýGC
Chemical EngineeringPhDÌýÌýÌý
Civil EngineeringPhDMSPMGC
Computer SciencePhDMSPM*Ìý
Creative Technology & DesignPhDÌýPMÌý
Data ScienceÌýÌýPM*Ìý
Electrical & Computer EngineeringPhDMSPM*GC
Engineering EducationPhDÌýÌýÌý
Engineering ManagementÌýÌýPM*GC
Environmental EngineeringPhDMSPMGC
Materials Science & EngineeringPhDÌýPMÌý
Mechanical EngineeringPhDMSPMGC
Network EngineeringÌýÌýPMÌý
RoboticsPhDMSÌýÌý
Sustainability EngineeringÌýÌýPMÌý

EngineeredÌýfor impact.

Turn complex challenges into real-world impact with a graduate program that pushes boundaries, encourages collaboration and fuels innovation.

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.

Logan Chayet

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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Visit Our Campus


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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