Graduate Degrees in Environmental Engineering

Environmental Engineering

CU Boulder’s Environmental Engineering Program equips you to contribute to world-leading research that helps protect human health, welfare and the environment.

As a graduate student in the program, you’ll benefit from its long-standing relationships with federal laboratories and other leading research institutions. Join the program’s 35 faculty and 70 graduate students who are actively developing solutions to issues ranging from wastewater treatment and ecosystems processes to alternative energy and air quality.

Degree Types

MS ᐧ Professional MS ᐧ PhD ᐧ BAM

Gain hands-on laboratory experience. The 14,000-square-foot environmental engineering research facility includes a variety of instrumentation to help you conduct research.

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 environmental engineering program among the top 10 graduate programs in the country.

Degree Options & Application Requirements

Environmental Engineering

Master of Science in Environmental Engineering

Must complete at least 30 credit hours
Thesis and nonthesis options available
Recommended emphasis areas: general environmental engineering, drinking water, wastewater and water reuse treatment, natural waters, global engineering, air quality, and water and engineering management

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 environmental engineering.

Professional Master of Science in Environmental Engineering

Coursework-only program
Requires 30 credit hours of graduate-level courses
Offers 3 tracks: general environmental engineering, water reuse and global environmental engineering

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 environmental engineering.

Bachelor of Science and Accelerated Master of Science in Environmental Engineering

Open to currently enrolled CU Boulder undergraduate students
Can begin taking graduate coursework senior year
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 environmental engineering.

Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Engineering

Can be completed in 5 years
Requires 30 credit hours of graduate-level coursework and 30 credit hours of thesis work
Must successfully complete a preliminary exam, comprehensive exam and final 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 environmental engineering.

Research Areas

Aerosols and Air Quality
Contaminant Fate and Transport in Natural Waters
Drinking Water Quality and Treatment
Environmental Processes
Urban Air Quality: Health Impacts, Sources, and Control

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