Electrical & Computer Engineering Master's Program

Rewire Your Future

Position yourself to become a leader in the high-demand fields of electrical and computer engineering with our master programs.Ìý

ÀÏ¾ÅÆ·²è is one of the nation top-ranked engineering programs, with a proven record of placing our graduates at some of the most dynamic companies in the world.

We offer two exciting tracks to help you achieve your goals and advance your career.

  • The professional master is an industry-focused track that will prepare you for a career in high-demand fields such as AI, sustainable energy, quantum engineering, power electronics and more.
  • The traditional master provides you with broader course options. It is ideal if you’re interested in pursuing deeper research opportunities or a thesis. Please note that this track does not offer any specializations.

Our professional master allows you to specialize in embedded systems engineering, power electronics, next-generation power & energy systems, and high-speed digital engineering. Our faculty are some of the most dynamic minds working in engineering today. Classes occur in a laboratory-intensive environment that emphasizes practical and hands-on learning, and our campus community is collaborative and encouraging.

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Career Outcomes

90% of our students obtain employment within six months of graduation.

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Reputation

#15 Computer Engineering and #22 Electrical Engineering public graduate programs.

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Campus Community

Be part of a challenging but collaborative culture that empowers you to achieve your goals.

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Location

Access the Denver-Boulder tech corridor, one of the nation most entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Start Your Graduate Journey

Fill out this form to learn more about this program.

Student Spotlights

ÌýÌýIf you're looking for coursework that will not only deepen your theoretical knowledge and also provide practical training, look no further. This specialization built my confidence in working on real-time projects in the industry and taking my engineering skills to a new level.ÌýÌý

Neha Pazare
Senior Analog Designer of Signal Integrity,ÌýAdvanced Micro Devices

CU Specialization: High-Speed Digital Engineering

ÌýÌýThe subplan gave valuable insight into renewable development from experts active in the field. The courses provided me the knowledge to advance into new roles in a rapidly changing industry.ÌýÌý

Charlie Gerten
Senior Engineer, Eirgrid

CU Specialization: Next-Generation Power and Energy Systems

ÌýÌýThe power electronics subplan was a game-changer! It provided a solid foundation and up-to-date knowledge in the power electronics field. The hands-on experience through lab courses and independent study allowed me to apply theory to real-world scenarios.ÌýÌý

Nanditha Reddy Moole
Systems Engineer, Texas Instruments

CU Specialization: Power Electronics

How Our Graduates Are Using Their Degrees

Our graduates have gone on to work at some of the leading electrical, computer and energy companies in the world.

Amazon


AMD


Analog Devices


Apple

Google


Intel


Micron


Microsoft

NREL


Qualcomm


Tesla


Texas Instruments

Choose Your Pathway in Electrical & Computer Engineering

We offer two exciting tracks to help you achieve your goals and advance your career.

Professional MSTraditional MS
Industry-focusedResearch-focused
Designed for working engineers or students aiming to advance in industry through a coursework-only path.Designed for students pursuing careers with a research component or planning to continue into a PhD.
30 credits; up to 12 may be taken outside the department, depending on specialization30 credits; up to 12 may be taken outside the department
Coursework-onlyThesis or non-thesis options
~130-145 students enrolled per semester~25-30 students enrolled per semester
Can be pursued full-time or part-timeGenerally full-time
In-person/on-campus availableIn-person/on-campus available

Not sure which path is right for you? Contact our lead graduate advisor, Adam Sadoff, to discuss your career goals and determine the best fit. I’ve been with the department almost 30 years and can answer just about anything – ask me!

Explore some of the amazing things you'll learn.

Electrical & Computer Engineering Curriculum


Our curriculum integrates theoretical foundations with practical applications to prepare you to tackle complex engineering challenges across a wide variety of settings. Courses provide laboratory opportunities and emphasize project-based outcomes in a challenging but supportive environment, all of it under the guidance of our world-renowned faculty.

Our master's programs can provide you with a solid foundation in these core competencies:

  • Photonics and quantum engineering
  • Learning, information, network, communication and data sciences
  • Computer engineering
  • Systems and controls
  • Electromagnetics, RF and microwaves
  • Power electronics
  • Embedded systems engineering
  • High-speed digital engineering
  • Next-generation power & energy systems

Professional Specializations Available

Embedded systems engineering operates at the intersection of hardware and software and has diverse applications, includingÌýaerospace, defense, energy, medical, industrial automation, networking and communication, security and more. You’ll develop a strong foundation in embedded systems design and architecture, iOT embedded firmware, compiler construction, computer-aided verification and more.

ThisÌýspecialization is available in a 30-credit Professional MS and a 9-credit certificate. The majority of courses are available online.

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Power electronics is an integral part of most electronic systems, and this specialization addresses the ongoing demand for skilled power electronics design engineers. You’ll develop knowledge of power electronics fundamentals, includingÌýresonant and soft switching techniques, digital controls, adjustable-speed AC design, grid integration of renewables and more.

ThisÌýspecialization is available in a 30-credit Professional MS and a 9-credit certificate. The majority of courses are available online.

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As renewable energy sources are integrated into the power grid, there great demand for professionals who understand these multi-input interfaces and improve power systems generation. You’ll develop a deep understanding of power systems analysis and operations, renewable energy optimizations, data-driven decision making, photovoltaics, adjustable AC drives, and more.

ThisÌýspecialization is available in a 30-credit Professional MS, and the majority of courses are available online.

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All electronics are moving toward high-speed systems, and this specialization focuses on signal integrity, power integrity and electromagnetic compatibility that arise due to interactions of various electromagnetic fields. You’ll develop a strong foundation in the principles of HSDE and computational electromagnetics, signal integrity measurement, PCB design, S-parameters, and more.

ThisÌýspecialization is available in a 30-credit Professional MS.ÌýAll courses are taught in-person on the ÀÏ¾ÅÆ·²è campus.Ìý

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Faculty Spotlights

Costs & Financial Information

A master's degree from the College of Engineering and Applied Science represents a valuable investment in your career potential. While costs vary by program, residency status and enrollment type, we're committed to transparency in helping you plan for this important step.

Your Investment

  • Tuition structure: Engineering master's programs have different rate structures based on program type, delivery method and course load
  • ROI consideration: Most graduates recoup their educational investment within 2.5 years of completing their degree
  • Flexible options: Many programs offer part-time enrollment, allowing you to distribute costs while maintaining employment
Funding Resources

  • Scholarships and fellowships: Program-specific opportunities are rare, and funding for master students is not guaranteed; master students should plan on providing their own resources to finance their education
  • Assistantships: Professional master students are not eligible for teaching or research assistantships, but are eligible for on-campus hourly positions that do not include tuition remission
  • Employer benefits: Many companies provide tuition assistance for job-relevant graduate education
  • Military benefits: Veterans and active-duty military personnel can utilize GI Bill benefits for qualified programs

For detailed, current information about costs specific to your program of interest and payment options, we recommend visiting the ÀÏ¾ÅÆ·²è Bursar's Office.

Learn MoreÌýÌý

Admissions Requirements & Application Information

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or related STEM field from an accredited institution.
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (work experience and strong recommendations may offset a lower GPA).
  • Statement of purpose outlining your goals and interests.
  • Letters of recommendation.
  • Resume/CV highlighting relevant experience.
  • Fall admission: February 15
  • Spring admission: September 1
  • Choose your preferred program and gather the required documents.
  • Submit your .
  • Applications are evaluated by faculty and admissions decisions are typically announced by the end of April for Fall and mid-November for Spring applications.
  • English proficiency scores (TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo) with exceptions possible for certain Commonwealth of Nations students.
  • Financial documentation for visa purposes.
  • International credential evaluation (if applicable) is provided at no charge to the applicant.
  • Up to 9 graduate-level credits from another institution may transfer with approval, provided they weren't used toward a previous degree.Ìý

Frequently Asked Questions

This program offers great flexibility. Full-time students typically complete a master degree in two years or less, taking 2 or 3 courses per semester.

Yes, for embedded systems engineering, power electronics and next-generation power & energy systems subplans (specializations).

No, for the high-speed digital engineering subplan.

Yes, we have admissions for both fall and spring.

Please note: For the power electronics subplan, the main core course, ECEN 5797, is only offered in the fall.

Students enrolled in professional master programs are eligible for hourly paid university roles but are not eligible for teaching assistant (TA), resident advisor (RA), graduate assistant (GA) or graduate part-time instructorship (GPTI) roles that include tuition waivers.

No. Graduate students may be enrolled in only one subplan at a time.

While this program concentrates on preparing students for an industry career, enrolled students may still be eligible to apply for a PhD.

Yes. You may apply to switch your master degree program (traditional MS to professional MS or vice-versa) once during your time as a student.

Explore Related Programs

If you’re not sure this is the program for you, we offer several related degrees for you to consider:

This flexible program is designed for working professionals and will give you a solid foundation in embedded systems, power electronics, photonics, optics and more.

Learn the skills neededÌýto build, test and operate state-of-the-art communications systems and devices. 99% of our graduates obtain work as network engineers before finishing their degrees.Ìý

Learn More

This flexible, online degree will give you the practical skills needed to succeed in the aerospace industry, with a focus on astrodynamics, autonomous systems, fluid mechanics, sensors and more.Ìý

Learn More

The Rocky Mountain Advantage

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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