Graduate Degrees in Computer Science

Computer Science

Ranked in the top 10% of computer science programs nationwide, CU Boulder’s Department of Computer Science gives you the skills needed to drive innovation and lead global progress.

In this discipline, you’ll build the foundation that personal devices run on, develop software to power entire industries and facilitate how people interact with modern technology. Graduate-level research in machine learning, robotics, natural language processing, cognitive science and more makes this one of the most prominent departments nationally.

Degree Types

MS ᐧ Professional MS ᐧ PhD ᐧ BAM

Partner with established companies, start-ups, and academic and national labs all within 30 minutes of campus.

Gain hands-on experience building, testing and operating state-of-the-art communications systems and devices in the network engineering lab facilities.

Land a high-paying job after graduation. The average reported salary was $100,000 for PhD graduates and $90,000 for MS graduates.

Degree Options & Application Requirements

Computer Science Network Engineering

Computer Science

Master of Science in Computer Science

Traditional, research-based master’s degree option
Must complete 24 credit hours of coursework
Must complete 6 hours of thesis or independent study credit

Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

For program details, review the course catalog for the MS in computer science.

Professional Master of Science in Computer Science

Course-based master’s option for working professionals
Can pursue a general course track or choose from 8 sub-plans to specialize in a specific field
Must complete 30 credit hours of coursework

Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

For program details, review the course catalog for the professional MS in computer science.

Bachelor of Science and Accelerated Master of Science in Computer Science or Network Engineering

Open to currently enrolled CU Boulder undergraduate students
Must apply to graduate with the BS first, then apply to continue with MS
Can double count 6 credit hours toward BS and MS

Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

For program details, review the course catalog for the BAM in computer science.

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science

Can be completed in 6 years
Requires 30 credit hours of graduate-level coursework and 30 credit hours of thesis work
Must complete a preliminary exam, comprehensive exam and dissertation defense

Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

For program details, review the course catalog for the PhD in computer science.

Network Engineering

Professional Master of Science in Network Engineering

Coursework-only professional master’s program
Must complete 30 credit hours
Common focus areas: network design and configuration, network programmability and automation, Linux system administration, wireless networking and comprehensive networking solutions

Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

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

Research Areas

Artificial Intelligence
Complex Systems
Computational Biology
Cyber-Physical and Autonomous Systems
Human-Centered Computing

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 Departement-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