MS Admissions

MS in Mechanical Engineering

With a mechanical engineering graduate programranked 16thamong public university peersbyU.S. News & World Report,our program is one of the top-ranked in the nation.We offer paths to customize yourdegree in support of your unique interests and career goals, a variety of specialty courses taught by experts in the field,entrepreneurship resources and events likeNew Venture Challenge, and opportunities forinair quality, biomedical,materials, mechanics of materials, micro/nanoscale, robotics and systems design, and more!

Venture Partners at CU Bouldernotes that theUniversity of Colorado hasranked fifth for startup creation, according to the latest report by the Association of University Technology Manager (AUTM). The National Academy of Inventors (NAI)the CU system 14th among the “Top 100” institutions nationwide for recent patent activity.

If you are interested in conducting research during your time at CU Boulder, be sure to check out ourResearch Overview Slides.This resources will help you get to know our faculty members and their unique capabilities and areas of expertise.

We hope to see your application during our active application periods!

MS Degree Overview

MS Professional

The Master of Science Professional is a degree program that offers possibilities for a wide range of prospective students. This coursework-focused degree program emphasizes both project-basedand curriculum-driven learning. It is intended for working engineers and undergraduates considering, oralready pursuing, a career in industry, but can also be completed with the ultimate goal of matriculatingin a PhD program.

A thesis is not required to earn this degree. If a student plans to earn a master's degree and then immediately continue on to a PhD, they can apply directly to the ; it is not necessary to earn a master's degree separately.

All students apply to the professional MS program ONLY. To switch to the MS Thesis program, please see drop down below about the MS Thesis program. Course requirements and more information about the MS Professional program can be found on our MS Professional Program webpage.

The Master of Science Thesis is a degree program that is well suited for students pursuing a career in academia or industry with a research component. MS Thesis students may choose from focus areas including (but not limited to) air quality, biomedical, design, energy and environment, materials, mechanics of materials, microsystems, and robotics/control. Students declare the MS Thesis program only after confirmation of a faculty member willing to serve as their thesis advisor. With support from the thesis advisor, students in this program have the option of smoothly transitioning into the PhD program.

For more information on how to obtain an MS Faculty Thesis Advisor, visit the department’s Master of Science Thesis webpage and see Milestone 1

If a student plans to earn a master's degree and then immediately continue on to a PhD, they can apply directly to the ; it is not necessary to earn a master's degree separately.

A student who applies to the Professional MS degree in Mechanical Engineering and wishes to also applythe Master’s of Engineering in Engineering Management degree can at time of application submission. Students can also be admitted first to the ME MS Program and then internally apply to the Engineering Management Program (EMP) after beginning their degree program. Students cannot complete the dual degree program with the MS ME Thesis program, it can only be combined with the MS ME Professional program.

Enables students to merge their technical master’s degree with a leadership-focused master’s degree. This program is intended for students seeking a strong education in both technical and fundamental topics as well as the unique skills required to be a successful leader in industry and the public sector.

Graduate students in the dual degree program must complete a total of 45 credit hoursof coursework at the5000 level or above. Students must count 21 of those credit hours toward the Engineering Management Program (EMP). In addition, students must count24 credits hours toward the Mechanical Engineering graduate program; 18 of those credits must be taken from the Department of Mechanical Engineering and six of those credits can be taken in other graduate programs at the University of CO Boulder. More information about course requirements and more information about the Dual Degree MS/ME program can be found on our Dual Degree Program webpage.

The BAM program offers currently enrolled CU Boulder undergraduate students the opportunity to receive both bachelor’sand master’s degrees in a shorter period of time. Students receive the bachelor’s degree first, but begintaking graduate coursework as undergraduates, typically in their senior year. Because some courses are allowedto double-count for both the bachelor’s and the master’s degrees, students receive a master’s degree in less timeand at a lower cost than if they were to enroll in a stand-alone master’s degree program after completion oftheir BS. In addition, staying at CU Boulder to pursue a BAM program enables a studentto continueworking with their established faculty mentors.

All BAM students apply to the MS ME Professional program. Admitted BAM students have the option to pursue the BAM/MSME Thesis program with obtainment of a faculty thesis advisor.

More information about course requirements and more information about the BAM program can be found on the Bachelor's-Accelerated Master's Program webpage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is an MS in Mechanical Engineering worth it?

Yes!

An MS degree in Mechanical Engineering can often lead to higher earning potential compared to a bachelor's degree . 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.Many 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,materials science, and morecan 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 degreeenjoy 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:Graduates 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,Apple, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Boeing, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and more!You can learn more about post-graduation career outcomes in this

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 standout with therich 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. CU Boulder'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 industriesand 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 degreein mechanical engineering is not just about studying—it’s about doing. Original research and hands-on experience are a focus of on-campus, experiential courses.

Tuition is dependent on your residency 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 the Tuition and Fee Rate Sheets on the Bursar's Website. Under the Graduate Heading there, the MS Professional degree program's rates are notedunder 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 degreecost. There is also a helpful Cost Estimator on the Bursar's Office website which shows tuition based on residency, credit hours,andmandatory student fees

NOTE: If a student obtains a faculty advisor and transitions to the thesis MS program after admission, the student's tuition isnoted 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 ourMS Funding and Fellowships webpage.

An MS student will typically take twoyears to complete thedegree.However, 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.Some students will also choose to complete summer courses to accelerate their degree obtainment. Full-time enrollment for graduate students is 5 credits or above.

Regardless of the time taken to completethe MS, primary emphasis is on remaining at CU Boulder while being in good academic standing andtaking high-quality and interactive courseworkthatsatisfies 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 takeremote and online (asynchronous) courses in outside departments (ex/ Engineering Management).

Our Community

Our graduate community is truly special. You will join a multicultural graduate program that includes faculty, staff, and students from all over the world.Our faculty, staff, and student leaders will frequently advertisecommunity events andprofessional developmentactivities to support youand your unique experience.You will also have access to seminars, colloquia, andworkshops delivered by notable engineering leaders in education, research, and industry.

Our graduate program leadership is committedto cultivatingan environment of respect and belonging. We actively partner with our graduate student-ledorganizations, including the Committee for Equity in Mechanical Engineering (CEME), our K-12 outreach student organizers, and theGraduate Student Advisory Board (GSAB). If you join us in Boulder, we hope that you will particiate inof these groups; they are a great way to make lifelong friends and to contribute to our graduate program's unique and supportiveculture.

Graduate Students Stories

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Meet with an MS Ambassador!

Ryan Nelson

Email Ryan Nelson with questions at ryne2799@colorado.edu or make an

  • MS Professional (Bachelor's-Accelerated Master's Degree/BAM)
  • Energy & Environment Focus
  • Domestic U.S Student
MS Ambassador Ryan Nelson, professional picture, smiling

Hadi Hasbini

Email Hadi Hasbini with questions at hadi.hasbini@colorado.edu or make an

  • MS Professional Dual Degree with Engineering Management
  • International Student
MS Ambassador Hadi Hasbini, professional picture, smiling

Upcoming Prospective Graduate Student Events

#2

Tech HubTownin America
(Forbes Magazine 2016)

16th

Best Public Graduate
Mechanical Engineering Program
(US News and World Report)

$19.2M

in Research Awards
for FY 2020