The Value of a Master's Degree
Student Testimonials
If you're looking for coursework that will not only deepen your theoretical knowledge and also provide practical training, look no further. This [high-speed digital engineering] specialization built my confidence in working on real-time projects in the industry and taking my engineering skills to a new level.
Neha Pazare,MS Electrical & Computer Engineering
The courses spanned a wide variety of domains and the faculty had an amazing grasp on the subject matter. I formed a great network with peers in my cohort, and there were lots of internship opportunities and department jobs available. The best part was living in Boulder — you can’t ask for more than that!
Raj Chandax,MS Computer Science
The faculty that makes up the EVEN program has created a welcoming environment for students of all backgrounds. I had such a positive experience during my undergrad that I decided to stay for a master's!
Claire Farmer,MS Environmental Engineering
The thing I love most about ϾƷ are the vast resources and freedom to pursue my topics of interest. The Aerospace Engineering Sciences Building is equipped with various laboratory facilities, fabrication equipment and testing environments to accommodate all sorts of projects!
Roland Barnabas Ilyes,MS Aerospace Engineering
Professional MS: Career-Focused Excellence
Our professional master's programs are designed for engineers seeking immediate career advancement through specialized technical knowledge and practical skills. With coursework tailored to industry needs and flexible delivery options, these programs help develop expertise that directly translates to workplace leadership and innovation—without requiring a research thesis.
Ideal For
- Working professionals seeking career advancement
- Engineers transitioning to specialized technical roles
- Those looking to pivot to a new engineering discipline
- International students seeking internship opportunities
- Professionals balancing work, family and education commitments
Key Benefits
- Gain specialized technical knowledge directly applicable to industry
- Develop advanced problem-solving and project management skills
- Build professional networks with industry partners and peers
- Complete your degree while maintaining employment
- Enhance career advancement opportunities and earning potential
Program Structure
- 30 credit hours, typically completed in 1.5-2 years full-time or 2-3 years part-time
- Entirely coursework-based with no thesis requirement
- May include capstone projects, industry-sponsored challenges or comprehensive exams
- Flexible delivery options including online and hybrid formats
- Focused on practical application of advanced engineering principles
Industry-Relevant Focus Areas
- Advanced electrical and embedded systems
- Water engineering and management
- Creative technology and design
- Data science and AI applications
- Environmental engineering
- Network and cybersecurity
- Energy systems and sustainability
Professional Master's Degree Programs
* Indicates programs with specializations available
Traditional MS: Research-Driven Innovation
For those passionate about advancing engineering knowledge, our traditional master pathway combines rigorous coursework with faculty-mentored research opportunities. Develop specialized expertise through original thesis work that prepares you for research-intensive careers or advanced doctoral studies.
Ideal For
- Engineers seeking careers with significant research components
- Those considering future doctoral studies
- Students interested in academia or national laboratory positions
- Professionals wanting deep theoretical understanding of engineering principles
- Those who enjoy exploration and discovery of new knowledge
Key Benefits
- Develop specialized research expertise in your chosen field
- Learn advanced research methodologies and analytical techniques
- Create original contributions to engineering knowledge
- Receive personalized mentorship from faculty experts
- Build credentials for research-intensive careers or PhD programs
Program Structure
- 30 credit hours, typically completed in 2 years full-time
- Combination of advanced coursework and original research
- Culminates in a master's thesis and defense
- Opportunity to publish findings in academic journals
- Faculty advisor mentorship throughout program
Research Spotlights
- Quantum engineering and computing
- Climate technology and sustainable systems
- Advanced aerospace and space systems
- Biomedical innovations and health technologies
- Materials science and nanotechnology
- Robotics, AI and autonomous systems
Traditional Master's Degree Programs
* Indicates programs with specializations available
Professional Impact
Career Outcomes for Master's Graduates
Job Market Advancement
Our master programs deliver exceptional career outcomes, with 92% of graduates securing positions within 6 months—substantially outperforming national averages for professional placement.
Seamless Industry Transition
Our professional master programs prepare graduates for immediate industry impact, with 80% of graduates securing employment by graduation.
Return on Investment
The typical master graduate recoups their educational investment within 2.5 years of employment, making it a sound financial decision for career advancement.
Where Our Graduates Work
57% of graduates build their careers in Colorado's vibrant tech corridor, while others leverage their ϾƷ credentials at leading companies nationwide and globally.
Industry Destinations
Leading employers of our master graduates include some of the most respected blue chip and start-up companies across the world, including:
Aerospace & Defense
Ball Aerospace / BAE Systems
Blue Origin
Lockheed Martin
NASA
Sierra Space
Technology
Amazon
Apple
Google
Intel
Microsoft
Qualcomm
Energy &Environment
National Renewable Energy Lab
Rivian
Tesla
Xcel Energy
Healthcare & Biotech
Abbott Laboratories
Amgen
Boston Scientific
KBI Biopharma
Medtronic
Stryker
Key Admission & Application Information
Our master programs maintain high academic standards while considering your full potential as a future engineer and innovator. While specific requirements vary by program, here's what you need to know to get started.
Most master programs require:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or related STEM field from an accredited institution.
- Minimum 3.0 GPA (though 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 (Priority): December 15 - February 15
- Fall admission (Final): June 1
- Spring admission: September 1 - October 1
Deadlines vary by program. See department websites for specific dates.
- Research - Explore program options and identify your best fit.
- Prepare - Gather required documents and secure references.
- Apply - Submit your.
- Review - Applications are evaluated by faculty committees.
- Decision - Admission decisions typically within 4-6 weeks.
International students make up 36% of our masters community and bring valuable global perspectives. Additional requirements include:
- English proficiency scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo).
- Financial documentation for visa purposes.
- International credential evaluation (if applicable).
- Up to 9 graduate-level credits from another institution may transfer with approval, provided they weren't used toward a previous degree.
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.
- 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
- 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 theϾƷ Bursar's Office.
Meet Our Faculty
Our faculty is renowned for their collaborative efforts and interdisciplinary achievements, leadership in education and groundbreaking research.
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Build Your Future
Boulder is rich with industry opportunities in aerospace, technology, renewable energies, defense, quantum computing and more.
Build Your Community
Be part of a collaborative community while studying at one of the nation preeminent engineering programs.
Build Your Life
Boulder provides an amazing quality of life with easy access to the outdoors and a vibrant downtown.
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.