Graduate Degrees in Architectural & Civil Engineering

Architectural & Civil Engineering

Ranked among the top engineering schools in the nation, CU Boulder’s College of Engineering and Applied Science trains architectural and civil engineers to improve built and human environments.

With more than 50 faculty holding over $10 million in annual grants, the Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering gives you the opportunity to work alongside leading researchers as you advance knowledge related to the sustainable development, management and safety of civil and architectural infrastructure systems.

Degree Types

MS ᐧ Professional MS ᐧ PhD ᐧ BAM

Exercise creativity in the cutting-edge civil and architectural engineering laboratories.

Be part of a fast-growing college. Over the last five years, the College of Engineering and Applied Science has achieved 74% growth in research funding.

Learn from the best. U.S. News & World Report ranks CU Boulder’s civil engineering program among the top 10 graduate programs in the country.

Degree Options & Application Requirements

Architectual Engineering Civil Engineering 
Architectual Engineering

Architectural Engineering 

Master of Science in Architectural Engineering

  • Can be completed in 18–30 months
  • No focus area required
  • Requires thesis or project
GRE/GMAT Requirements
  • None
Application Deadlines
  • Spring admission—Oct. 1 for international and U.S. applicants
  • Fall admission—Dec. 1 for international and U.S. applicants

   For program details, review the course catalog for the MS in architectural engineering. 

Professional Master of Science in Architectural Engineering

  • Can be completed in 12–18 months
  • Two-semester cooperative/internship required
  • Focuses on 3 disciplinary areas: building systems engineering, intelligent building systems, and construction engineering and management
GRE/GMAT Requirements
  • None
Application Deadlines
  • Spring admission—Oct. 1 for international and U.S. applicants
  • Fall admission—Dec. 1 for international and U.S. applicants

   For program details, review the course catalog for the professional MS in architectural engineering.

Bachelor of Science and Accelerated Master of Science in Architectural Engineering

  • Must begin master’s program within 1 year of completing baccalaureate degree
  • Can double count 6 credits toward both BS and MS
  • May continue working with your established faculty mentor from your bachelor’s
GRE/GMAT Requirements
  • None
Application Deadlines
  • Spring admission—Nov. 1 for current undergraduate students
  • Fall admission—April 1 for current undergraduate students

  For program details, review the course catalog for the BAM in architectural engineering.

Doctor of Philosophy in Architectural Engineering

  • Must be completed in 6 years
  • Focus areas include: building energy engineering, illumination engineering, materials and carbon, and construction engineering and management
  • Must successfully complete a preliminary exam, comprehensive exam and final dissertation defense
GRE/GMAT Requirements
  • None
Application Deadlines
  • Spring admission—Oct. 1 for international and U.S. applicants
  • Fall admission—Dec. 1 for international and U.S. applicants

   For program details, review the course catalog for the PhD in architectural engineering. 

Civil Engineering 

Master of Science in Civil Engineering

  • Can be completed in 1–2 years
  • Focus area required
  • Offers thesis and nonthesis options
GRE/GMAT Requirements
  • None
Application Deadlines
  • Spring admission—Oct. 1 for international and U.S. applicants
  • Fall admission—Dec. 1 for international and U.S. applicants

   For program details, review the course catalog for the MS In civil engineering. 

Professional Master of Science in Civil Engineering

  • Can be completed in 1 year
  • Can choose area of emphasis in water engineering and management, or global engineering
  • May take individual courses toward the master’s degree online 
GRE/GMAT Requirements
  • None
Application Deadlines
  • Spring admission—Oct. 1 for international and U.S. applicants
  • Fall admission—Dec. 1 for international and U.S. applicants

   For program details, review the course catalog for the professional MS in civil engineering. 

Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering

  • Can be completed in 4–5 years
  • Must successfully complete a preliminary exam, comprehensive exam and final dissertation defense
  • Highly qualified students may be able to enter PhD program without a master’s degree
GRE/GMAT Requirements
  • None
Application Deadlines
  • Spring admission—Oct. 1 for international and U.S. applicants
  • Fall admission—Dec. 1 for international and U.S. applicants

   For program details, review the course catalog for the PhD in civil engineering. 

Graduate Certificate in Water Engineering and Management

  • Can be completed in 12–18 months
  • Certificate courses count can toward MS in civil engineering
  • Can be completed on campus or through distance learning
GRE/GMAT Requirements
  • None
Application Deadlines
  • None

   For program details, review the course catalog for the graduate certificate in water engineering and management. 

Research Areas

  • Architectural Engineering
  • Construction Engineering & Management
  • Geotechnical Engineering & Geomechanics
  • Hydrology, Water Resources & Environmental Fluid Mechanics
  • Structural Engineering & Structural Mechanics

Learn More About Research Areas at CU Boulder

Funding Opportunities

We understand funding opportunities play a major role in helping you to decide whether a program is right for you. At CU Boulder, PhD students are supported through research and teaching assistantships. Students are also encouraged to apply for their own sources of funding.

Explore General Funding   Explore Department-Specific Funding

Graduate Student Resources

Student success is best met with holistic support and resources. CU Boulder offers robust resources, programming and opportunities to help students establish meaningful connections, adjust to graduate student life and find assistance when they need it. Whether it’s academic, social, or health and wellness support, the university provides an array of resources to meet the diverse needs of our students.  

Graduate Student Organizations

Explore ways to connect with other graduate students on campus, online and off campus, locally and internationally.

Diversity, Equity, Access & Inclusion

Learn about our commitment to ensuring our graduate education is accessible and welcoming for all students.

Health & Wellness

Find resources with contact and location information for a broad range of services.

Leadership Development

Attend regular, graduate-specific workshops and seminars to hone practical and professional skills before entering the job market.

Peer Mentoring Program

Connect with an established graduate peer mentor who serves as your guide through the graduate student experience.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Go to Admissions