Graduate Degrees in Electrical Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Ranked in the top 20 public programs, electrical engineering at CU Boulder gives you the skills you need to imagine, design and build the technology of tomorrow. Under the guidance of leading faculty, you’ll pursue innovative research in everything from computer engineering to solar energy.

The Department of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering offers a variety of degree programs and certificates to prepare you to start your own research-based company, launch your career as an academic or access some of the highest-paying industry jobs.

Pursue impactful research. In 2022, faculty in the Department of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering were awarded $13.6 million in new contract and grant funding.

Personally connect with your instructors. The department has an average student-faculty ratio of 12-to-1.

Gain hands-on experience in 10 unique instructional labs.

Degree Options & Application Requirements

Electrical Engineering


Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

  • Can be completed in 2 years
  • Offers thesis and nonthesis track options
  • Requires 30 credit hours
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 electrical engineering


Master of Science in Electrical Engineering on Coursera

  • Earns same credentials as on-campus MS students
  • Can be stacked into full 30-credit-hour degree
  • Offers 6 sessions total per year
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 online MS in electrical engineering


Professional Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

  • Can be completed in 18 months
  • Minimum of 30 credit hours required
  • Offers both on-campus and online options
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 electrical engineering


Bachelor of Science and Accelerated Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

  • May take up to 12 hours as an undergraduate, which can later be used toward MS 
  • Can double count 6 credits toward BS and MS
  • Must apply to continue with MS early in semester in which you will complete undergraduate requirements
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 electrical engineering


Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering

  • Can be completed in 2–5 years
  • Requires 30 credit hours
  • Can take individual courses online
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 ME in electrical engineering


Dual Master of Engineering in Electrical, Computer & Energy Engineering and Engineering Management

  • Requires 45 total credit hours
  • Requires 21 credits in engineering management and 24 credits in electrical, computer and energy engineering
  • Must be admitted to both engineering management program and electrical, computer and energy engineering program
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 dual ME in electrical, computer and energy engineering, and engineering management


Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering

  • Can be completed in 4–6 years
  • Requires 30 credit hours of graduate-level coursework and 30 credit hours of thesis work
  • Must complete a preliminary exam, comprehensive exam, dissertation defense and two professional development activities
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 electrical engineering.


Graduate Certificate in Photonics

  • May be applied toward full MS
  • Requires 9 credit hours of graduate-level coursework
  • Can choose any 3 of 6 core photonics courses
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 graduate certificate in photonics.

Research Areas

  • Computer Engineering
  • Electromagnetics, RF and Microwaves
  • Learning, Information, Network, Communication and Data Sciences
  • Photonics and Quantum Engineering
  • Power Electronics
  • Systems and Controls

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.  

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

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

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

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

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