Mechanical Engineering Master's Program
Student Spotlights
ÌýÌýThe diversity of professors at ÀÏ¾ÅÆ·²è has significantly enriched my educational experience. I've had professors deeply involved in research, industry veterans sharing practical knowledge and dedicated educators focused purely on teaching.ÌýÌý
Dino N.
Professional master's graduate
ÌýÌýGraduate school can be challenging, so it's essential to find a healthy balance between work and play. ÀÏ¾ÅÆ·²è and the surrounding community actively encourage enjoying nature and taking advantage of our proximity to the Front Range.ÌýÌý
Hemant S.
Current PhD and professional master student
Choose Your Pathway in Mechanical Engineering
We offer two customizable degree options to help you achieve your goals and advance your career.
| Professional MS | Traditional MS |
|---|---|
| Industry-focused | Research-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. |
| Choose from 8 highly focused specializations (focus areas) or a Flex track. | Choose from 8 highly focused specializations (focus areas) or a Flex track. |
| 30 credits | 30 credits |
| Coursework-only | Thesis |
| ~130-145 students enrolled per semester | ~25-30 students enrolled per semester |
| Can be pursued full-time or part-time | Generally full-time |
| Majority in-person/on-campus | Majority in-person/on-campus |
Not sure which path is right for you?Contact our graduate advisors at megrad@colorado.edu to discuss your career goals and determine the best fit.
Explore & Apply Your Passions
Choose from eight different specializations to achieve your goals and advance your career. We also offer a Flex option that allows you to take courses across all eight focus areas.
Explore courses and research inÌýair quality monitoring, climate change, atmospheric chemistry dynamics, air pollution engineering, control and policy and more. Our program has unique affiliations with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, National Center for Atmospheric Research, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Learn how to apply quantitative methodologies to develop innovative medical technologies in areas such as biomaterials, tissue engineering, imaging, theragnostics and more. In addition to coursework and research, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with clinical, veterinary and entrepreneurial partners at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus, Colorado State University and numerous local companies.
This specialization will provide you with the theoretical understanding required to model systems such as solid mechanics, thermal-fluids, materials, environmental and multi-physics systems. Those theories will be applied toward the exploration, simulation and optimization of diverse mechanical engineering systems with applications across biomechanics, combustion, composite materials, renewable energy and air quality.
This program will empower you to become aÌýprofessional capable of creatively developing user-centered products that are ready for manufacture. This industry-oriented specialization allows you to choose from a diverse array of design courses. It culminates with the development of a turn-key product geared for immediate application with a sponsoring local company.Ìý
Prepare for a career in the food industry by exploring the science and engineering of various foods, food product design and food sustainability. You’ll take courses focused on the design of coffee, chocolate and beer, and choose from electives that explore fluid dynamics, heat transfer, household energy systems, mass transportation, sustainability, thermodynamics and more.
Learn how to apply theoretical modeling, computational simulation and experimental characterization to the motion and deformation of solid materials when subjected to external stimuli. You’ll work on a wide range of soft materials, including biological tissues, gels and smart polymers, and focus on emerging applications such as stretchable electronics, tissue engineering, medical robots, smart materials and more.
This specialization applies design, development and analysis principles to micro- and nano-electromechanical systems (MEMS and NEMS) for transducers, sensors and actuators. Courses include materials chemistry and structure, fluid dynamics, mechatronics and robotics, biofluids, membrane materials, and more, all with an eye toward applications in industries such as biomedical devices, automotive systems, consumer electronics and more.
Explore methods to identify the fundamental principles and methodologies that enable engineered systems to exhibit intelligent, goal-oriented behavior. You’ll conduct research atÌýseveral major sponsored research centers and apply your findings to industries such as healthcare, security, education, space and ocean exploration, and autonomous systems in air, land and underwater.
The Flex option allows you to take courses from any of the above specializations that meet your professional or academic goals. As long as you meet the program basic requirements, you’re free to explore complementary fields of study or take a broad-brush approach across a wide range of mechanical engineering opportunities and applications.Ìý
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 the ÀÏ¾ÅÆ·²è Bursar's Office.
Admissions Requirements & Application Information
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or mathematics from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA. This degree should include:
- Courses in calculus, linear algebra and differential equations.
- Two semesters of calculus-based physics.
- Two semesters of courses in engineering or physics.
- If your degree does not meet these requirements, please consult our advising team at megrad@colorado.edu before submitting an application.
- Statement of purpose outlining your goals and interests.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Resume/CV highlighting relevant experience.
- Unofficial transcripts from coursework at all post-secondary institutions including community college courses, courses taken for college credit during high school and study abroad coursework, even if this coursework shows as transfer credit on another transcript.
Domestic applicants must apply by:
- Fall admissions: Feb. 1
- Spring admissions: Oct. 15
International applicants must apply by:
- Fall admissions: Feb. 1
- Spring admissions: Oct. 1
- Choose your preferred program and gather the required documents.
- Submit your .
- The review process begins shortly after the application deadlines as long as your application has all required materials submitted.ÌýAll applications must be submitted through our online application system by the application deadline. The graduate committee cannot review any applications that are missing materials, payment, or english proficiency scores (if required). Admission decisions will be made in the weeks after the deadlines.
- In addition to the above materials, international students must also submit unofficial TOEF, Duolingo or IELTS scores using the institution code 4841 for CU. Once admitted, students must then submit official language scores in order to receive an I-20 for their visa application.
- The above requirement is waived for international students who qualify under the following conditions:
- the student native language is English, or
- the student has completed at least one year of full-time study at a U.S. institution (or at an institution in a country where English is the native language), at the time of submission, or within two years from the desired admission.
- Current ÀÏ¾ÅÆ·²è students may be eligible for streamlined application processes by completing the .
- Up to 9 graduate-level credits from another institution may transfer with approval, provided they weren't used toward a previous degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! An MS degree in Mechanical Engineering can often lead to higher earning potential compared to a bachelor's degreeÌý. Many industries place a premium on advanced education, and employers may offer higher salaries to individuals with specialized knowledge and skills.The additional expertise gained during an MS program can make you a valuable asset to employers, potentially leading to quicker career advancement and increased chances of securing promotions. An MS degree also broadens your skill set and knowledge base, making you eligible for a wider range of job opportunities.ÌýMany research and development roles, leadership positions, and specialized engineering positions are often reserved for candidates with advanced degrees.
The field of mechanical engineering is dynamic, with advancements in technology and methodologies occurring regularly. Pursuing an MS allows you to stay current with the latest industry trends, tools, and techniques.
Finally, specializing in a particular area of mechanical engineering through the MS program can make you a sought-after expert in that niche. Specializations such as design, robotics,Ìýmaterials science, and moreÌýcan set you apart from other candidates and enhance your career prospects in those specific fields. Employers often seek individuals with specialized knowledge to address specific challenges and contribute to innovation in their industries.
Master's students in mechanical engineering not only acquire advanced fundamental and leadership skills but also benefit from exposure to a multidisciplinary environment. The modern landscape of mechanical engineering demands a comprehensive understanding of issues such as material interactions, the behavior of materials in diverse conditions, and the intricate design and optimization of highly complex, interconnected systems due to the increasing complexity of modern mechanical systems and equipment.
Proficient mechanical engineers excel in translating scientific and mathematical theories into practical applications, particularly when mentored by globally recognized researchers who are enthusiastic about imparting their knowledge and expertise to their students.
Mechanical engineers holding an MS degreeÌýenjoy a spectrum of possibilities. They can pioneer startups derived from their research, secure patents for groundbreaking technologies, conduct research in national labs and diverse industries, and more!
Post-Graduation Outcomes:ÌýGraduates from this degree become engineering professionals in either industry or the government sector. Our students go on to work at companies such as: Ball Aerospace,ÌýApple, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Boeing, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and more!ÌýYou can learn more about post-graduation career outcomes in thisÌý
An MS in Mechanical Engineering offers versatility in the job market, enabling professionals to work in renewable energy, biomechanics, air quality, robotics, project management, construction, and more. Choosing mechanical engineering allows exploration across multiple areas of interest, facilitating interdisciplinary research and collaboration. It can be a practical choice for individuals transitioning from related backgrounds, providing flexibility in research focus and professional outcomes.
The CU Mechanical Engineering MS program distinguishes itself through a unique approach that allows students to tailor their degrees by offering the flexibility to take up to four out of ten courses from disciplines outside the Mechanical Engineering department. This customization extends to diverse areas such as the Art department, catering to those with a focus on design engineering. A majority of our students will take courses from other engineering disciplines such as Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, and Engineering Management. Furthermore, within our program, we stand out with the rich variety of class offerings that align with individual interests and aspirations.
Beyond flexibility, our program is designed to nurture adaptability, equipping students for a wide array of career paths, including academia, industry research, consulting, nonprofits, national laboratories, startups, and more. ÀÏ¾ÅÆ·²è's Mechanical Engineering ensures a robust foundation for students, facilitating diverse and rewarding career trajectories. Emphasizing collaboration, students have ample opportunities to engage with different industries and national labs. This collaborative environment not only enhances research prospects but also augments post-graduation opportunities.
In addition to academic strengths, we foster a strong sense of community among our graduate students. Regular community events such as the fall picnic, heritage feast, spring picnic, a summer Pride event, and coffee hours provide occasions for MS students to connect. Moreover, our program ensures student representation and a voice on the graduate committee, allowing MS students to actively contribute to decision-making and policies, shaping the overall experience for everyone in the program.
Finally, an MS degree in mechanical engineering is not just about studying—it about doing. Original research and hands-on experience are a focus of on-campus, experiential courses.
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Tuition is dependent on yourÌýresidency status, either resident (within Colorado) or non-resident (out-of-state and/or international). Graduate tuition is dependent on credits enrolled in within each semester (the MS degree credit requirement is 30 credits).
You can view the past and current year rates (by credit) on theÌýTuition and Fee Rate Sheets on the Bursar's Website. Under the Graduate Heading there, the MS Professional degree program's rates are notedÌýunder the "Professional Master's" sheet (view the residency status that matches your own). We recommend to look at the 15-credit amount of tuition and doubling that rate to get an estimate idea of a 30-credit degreeÌýcost.ÌýThere is also a helpful Cost Estimator on the Bursar's Office website which shows tuition based on residency, credit hours,ÌýandÌýmandatory student fees
NOTE: If a student obtains a faculty advisor and transitions to the thesis MS program after admission, the student's tuition isÌýnoted on the "Graduate" sheet (view the residency status that matches your own). There are potential scholarship programs for non-resident MS Mechanical Engineering Thesis students since the "Graduate" tuition rate is higher than a "Professional Master's" non-resident tuition rate.
You also may be eligible for certain outside fellowship opportunities. Find more information by visiting ourÌýMS Funding and Fellowships webpage.Ìý
An MS student will typically take twoÌýyears to complete theÌýdegree.ÌýHowever, it is not uncommon for students to finish both earlier and later than this two-year average. The MS degree credit requirement is 30 credits minimum. With most graduate courses being worth 3-credits, that is an estimated 10 courses to complete the degree. The majority of students take 2-3 courses / 6-9 credits per formal (Fall/Spring) semester. Therefore, taking 2-3 courses / 6-9 credits per formal semester keeps students on track for a two-year / four-semester program completion.
Please note that if you choose to pursue the Mechanical Engineering / Engineering Management Dual Degree, certificates, and other add-ons to your education, you are likely to extend beyond the two-year timeline. Students who are taking coursework while also working part or full-time jobs sometimes choose to take 1-2 courses in each semester and finish in a 3-4 year timeline.ÌýSome students will also choose to complete summer courses to accelerate their degree obtainment. Full-time enrollment for graduate students is 5 credits or above.Ìý.
Regardless of the time taken to completeÌýthe MS, primary emphasis is on remaining at ÀÏ¾ÅÆ·²è while being in good academic standing andÌýtaking high-quality and interactive courseworkÌýthatÌýsatisfies the requirements of the MS degree.
Currently, there is not a formal all-online degree available for application and admission in the MS Mechanical Engineering program.
The majority of mechanical engineering courses are on-campus so professors and faculty have an expectation of students to be present in-person. There are remote (synchronous) and hybrid (remote and in-person component) course options in the Mechanical Engineering department but those are minimal compared to the in-person offerings. Finally, with the allowance of up to 12 credits outside of the Mechanical Engineering department applying towards the MS degree, students commonly take remote and online (asynchronous) courses in outside departments (E.g., Engineering Management).
Explore Related Programs
If you’re not sure this is the program for you, we offer several related degrees for you to consider:
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