Network Engineering Master's Program
Enhance your career in one of the nation premier network engineering programs at ÀϾÅÆ·²è. Our graduates are shaping the future at top IT, telecommunications, financial services, and technology companies across the globe—and you can be next.
The ÀϾÅÆ·²è master in network engineering is more than a degree—it your gateway to one of today most dynamic and in-demand careers. This lab-intensive program gives you the skills to design, build, and operate advanced communication systems and devices, preparing you to lead in a world where connectivity powers everything.
Here, you’ll train inside one of the largest academic data center labs in the world, working with the same tools and challenges you’ll face in industry. Every course is built around real-world applications, ensuring you graduate with knowledge that immediately relevant and highly marketable.
Whether you’re continuing from your undergraduate studies, bringing experience from military service, or ready to pivot into a high-tech career, this program delivers the foundation, the hands-on expertise, and the professional network you need to succeed.
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Career Outcomes
99% of our grads gain employment as network engineers and typically earn over $130,000/year.
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Reputation
ÀϾÅÆ·²è is the #11 ranked public graduate engineering school in the nation.
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Lab-Based Learning
Practical, hands-on learning in state-of-the-art facilities.
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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.
Company Testimonials
ÌýÌýThe technologies taught in this program — both via theory and hands-on labs, including network automation, software-defined networking, and network virtualization and orchestration — enable graduates to start making an impact from day one.ÌýÌý
Rahil Gandotra, PhD
Lead Architect, CableLabs
ÌýÌýThe network engineering program at ÀϾÅÆ·²è is one of the finest programs in the country that nurtures a novice or experienced candidate NE skills with the next generation cloud and virtualization (NFV/SDN) technologies employed by some of the industry leaders.ÌýÌý
Dewang Gedia, PhD
Senior Software Engineer, Cisco
ÌýÌýWhat is unique about the network engineering program at ÀϾÅÆ·²è is that the faculty use real-world experience combined with input from industry to prepare the next generation of engineers.ÌýÌý
Joe McManus
Chief Security Officer at Drizly (Uber)
ÌýÌýThe network engineering curriculum is very hands-on oriented, providing students with exposure to the latest networking technologies within real-world lab environments. It the access to the latest technologies that makes CU students so well-versed on advanced network engineering principles — and why network engineering students are highly sought-after within the digital workforce.ÌýÌý
Kevin Epperson
Director of Network Architecture and Infrastructure Strategy, Netflix
Program at a Glance
Network engineers work in a wide range of industries, including telecommunications, consulting, IT, government and more.
Program is only offered on-campus.
Our Network Engineering Data Center Lab is the largest teaching lab in the world.
All cohorts begin in the fall.
30 credits required to graduate.
Coursework-only program, no research requirement.
Not sure if this path is right for you? to discuss your career goals and determine the best fit.
Deepen Your Knowledge and Expand Your Horizons
Our professional master program is built to give you the skills today network-driven world demands—and the edge to stand out in a competitive job market. You’ll gain a powerful mix of theory and practice, learning directly from faculty who are shaping the field and driving innovation.
From day one, you’ll dive into hands-on, lab-intensive training across multiple disciplines, building the expertise to design, secure, and manage advanced communication systems. You’ll also benefit from our strong ties to industry, giving you access to real-world projects, mentorship, and opportunities that can accelerate your career and boost your earning potential.
With a ÀϾÅÆ·²è master, you don’t just learn the fundamentals—you master the tools, technologies, and strategies that define the future of network engineering.
Explore Some of the Amazing Things You’ll Learn
You’ll start by mastering the fundamentals of network engineering through core courses that blend networking, coding, systems, and software design. This strong foundation ensures you’re ready to tackle the complex challenges of modern connectivity.
From there, you’ll have the freedom to shape your education with advanced electives in areas such as:
- Network virtualization and orchestration
- Wireless and cellular systems
- Cloud technologies
- Advanced network automation
- Data center engineering
- Internet service provider operations
And that just the beginning. With the flexibility to explore emerging technologies, you’ll graduate prepared to thrive in a field that constantly evolving.
Most learning takes place in ourÌýNetwork Engineering Data Center Lab, the largest teaching lab in the world, which features:
- Over 50 racks of equipment dedicated to enterprise/service provider, cloud and software-defined networking.
- A data center featuring 400 amps of power and 18 tons of eco-friendly cooling.
- More than 1,000 hardware components from multiple industry partners, including routers, switches, wireless access points, VoIP, bare-metal boxes and servers (stand-alone and cloud).
- Dedicated workstations via adjacent lab rooms.
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.
- 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 ÀϾÅÆ·²è Bursar's Office.
Admissions Requirements & Application Information
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- It is recommended that candidates have experience in network engineering, system administration or network programming.
- Statement of purpose outlining your goals and interests.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Official transcripts.
- Resume/CV highlighting relevant experience.
- Fall admission: December 15
- We do not offer spring admissions.
- Whether you’re a US citizen or international applicant, the computer science admissions page contains all the relevant information and links you’ll need to submit your application electronically.
- All applications are evaluated by faculty in the spring and admissions decisions are announced by the end of March.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Related Programs
If you’re not sure this is the program for you, we offer several related degree options for you to consider:
This 100% online degree will establish a solid foundation in computer science basics while allowing you to choose from electives in electrical engineering, data science and engineering management.
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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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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