Architectural Engineering Professional MS Degree

Nick demonstrates a piece of equipment in the Larson Lab

The Architectural Engineering Professional Master's Program focuses on seven disciplinary areas (subplans):Ìý

  • Building Energy
  • Data Science for Buildings
  • Building Decarbonization
  • Lighting and Day Lighting
  • Indoor Environmental Quality for Buildings
  • Structural Engineering
  • Construction Engineering and Management

Students are expected to complete 30 credit hours to meet the requirements of the Architectural Engineering Professional MS degree. Typically, students can successfully complete the degree requirements within 12 - 24 months. Each subplan in the Architectural Engineering Professional MS curriculum comprises core (required) courses and a set of elective coursesÌýdepending on the desired focus area.Ìý
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Program Prerequisites

It is expected that AREN graduate students will have a solid background in Engineering. Students with an MS degree in Engineering are considered to meet our prerequisites. Students without an MS degree in Engineering should meet the following undergraduate prerequisite courses:

  1. Ordinary Differential Equations
  2. Physics I or Physics II
  3. Thermodynamics
  4. Any other prerequisite courses identified by the academic advisor

All deficiencies must be completed before a graduate degree is awarded.
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Architectural Engineering Professional MS Degree

Subplan Details

Each subplan is summarized below, outlining the program goals and specific focus of each area.

For a detailed outline of the required courses in each subplan, see theÌý

Building Energy

TheÌýBuilding Energy subplan focuses on the design and operation ofÌýsustainableÌýbuildingsÌýsystems. Focus is paid to modeling energy systems within buildings, and designing control systems. Students explore specific areas of interest such as building to grid integration, computational fluid dynamics, and sustainable building design.

Data Science for Buildings

Buildings are generating large amounts of data about their performance. TheÌýData Science for Buildings subplan focuses on how to apply artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced data analysis techniques to harness this data to improve the design of new buildings and the operation of existing buildings.

Building Decarbonization

Decarbonizing the construction and operation of buildings is a key challenge. TheÌýBuilding Decarbonization subplan equips graduates with the skills necessary to design and operate low-carbon buildings. Courses in this subplan explore the topics of both embodied carbon and operational carbon. This subplan is ideal for those looking to work in sustainability-focused roles.

Lighting and Daylighting

Effectively lit spaces improve the health and well-being of building occupants. TheÌýLighting and Daylighting subplan offers a comprehensive focus on the technical and design aspects of illumination engineering. Focus is paid to indoor and outdoor lighting design, preparing graduates for diverse roles in the lighting industry.

Indoor Environmental Quality for Buildings

As people spend about 90 Ìýpercent of their time inside of buildings, it is essential to ensure that these environments are healthy. TheÌýIndoor Environmental Quality for Buildings subplan emphasizes the creation of indoor spaces that are comfortable, healthy and productive while minimizing energy consumption and environmental impact.

Structural Engineering

TheÌýStructural Engineering subplan focuses on the design, analysis, and evaluation of building structures to ensure that buildings are designed in a safe, resilient, and sustainable manner. This subplan focuses on core structural mechanics and structural design courses, to prepare graduates to become licensed structural engineers.

Construction Engineering & Management

Graduates of theÌýConstruction Engineering & Management subplan are equipped with the skills necessary to lead and innovate in the construction industry. The subplan combines engineering principles with management strategies, covering topics such as construction engineering fundamentals, project management, legal aspects, safety, risk analysis, and emerging technologies.

FAQs

A Professional Master's ProgramÌýdegree offers professionals new opportunities for career advancement and equips them with a broader skill set, enabling them to handle more responsibilities in their professions. This often leads to substantial increases in responsibilities and salary. Additionally, working professionals frequently benefit from financial support from their employers, with many companies covering a large portion of their employees’ master's degree expenses.

Costs vary depending on whether you are a Colorado resident and how many credits you takeÌýeachÌýsemester.Ìý Visit this pageÌýfor up-to-date information on tuition and fees.Ìý

Be sure to check with your employer to see if they offer a program that covers all or part of your tuition.

Fall Admission Deadline

Feb. 1: MS students—international and domestic New extended deadline!

Spring Admission Deadline

Oct. 1.

Applications close at 11:59 p.m. EST for both dates.

Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page, watch our video below and don't hesitate to contact our graduate advisors at ceaegrad.advising@colorado.edu.

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Graduate program information session. ÌýWatch Now!

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2025 Virtual Graduate Information Session

Virtual Information Session — Jan. 28, 2025 Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý11 a.m. - 12 p.m. MST
The Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering (CEAE) graduate programs are excited to host for prospective MS and Professional Master's (PMP) students.

In the first half of the session, we’ll provide an overview of the CEAE programs, application requirements and life at CU Boulder. In the second half, you’ll have the opportunity to join breakout rooms to explore your specific Subplan/Track of interest in more detail.
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If you have questions, please contact us at ceaegrad.advising@colorado.edu. ÌýWe look forward to connecting with you!

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