How to Apply

Academic Background

Successful applicants typically have completed:

  1. Undergraduate courses in calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations.
  2. Two semesters of undergraduate calculus-based physics.
  3. At least two semesters of upper-division undergraduate courses in engineering or physics.
  4. An undergraduate degree from an accredited institution in any area of engineering, mathematics, physics, chemistry or other physical sciences.

The following steps apply both to on-campus and off-campus distance student applicants.

All applicants must submit

  1. A completed online application.
    • If you have questions or problems with the online application, email technical support at gradadm@colorado.edu. DO NOT contact the department as we are unable to assist you.
  2. The GRE is optional for PhD applicants and not accepted for Master's and Professional Master's applicants. Not taking the GRE will not negatively impact your application consideration.
  3. An unofficial copy of your transcript(s).
    • We require transcripts from each undergraduate and graduate institution you attended, including community colleges, summer sessions, and extension programs. While credits from one institution may appear on the transcript of a second institution, unofficial transcripts must be submitted from each institution, regardless of the length of attendance, and whether or not courses were completed.
    • Official transcripts will be required upon admission to the program. Do not have official transcripts sent until requested. Note: If you are admitted and do not submit official transcripts, you will be unable to register for classes until official transcripts are received. Detailed instructions for submitting official transcripts are on the admissions website.
  4. Contact information/email addresses for three persons who will supply your three letters of recommendation.
    • Secured links are sent directly to recommenders once you add their information and click the 'send to recommender' button in the application. For current students and recent graduates, recommendations from faculty members are particularly important.
  5. Upload the Personal Statement. In addition to the question asked in the application, the admission committee finds it helpful to know how your graduate interests fit within our department.

International students must also submit

  1. Official English proficiency scores, if applicable. Full information on required scores and applicable countries is available at the Graduate School website.

Once You're Admitted

You’ve been accepted to the program and want to know what is next? First, congratulations on a job well done! Complete the steps below to start your master's or PhD at CU Boulder off on the right foot.

  • Follow the instructions on the Graduate School’s Admitted Students page (uploading official transcripts, activating your Identikey, etc.). Questions about these tasks can be directed to Graduate Student Services (gradinfo@colorado.edu).
  • Incoming PhD students should also reach out to their faculty advisor, and MS students should reach out to their Focus Area lead, to discuss course selection and registering for classes. Graduate courses fill up quickly, so do this early.
  • The AES Graduate Student Handbook will be your reference for department guidelines and curricular requirements for your Focus Area. A new handbook is published each summer for the upcoming fall term. The academic year in which you join the department is the Handbook that will apply to you.
  • You should also begin checking your CU Boulder email as that is the primary method of communication that will be used once you are admitted. 

Orientation

There are mandatory orientations for new students to attend, typically held one week before classes begin in the fall term. More information on each will be provided to you closer to the start of your first semester.

  • The Graduate School’s New Student Orientation: information can be found on the New Student & Family Programs page when it’s available for the upcoming term.
    • This is for any PhD, MS, and ProMS students joining CU Boulder’s Graduate Program.
  • The College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) TA/RA Orientation.
  • PhD students on an RA or TA.
  • Smead AES New Graduate Student Orientation.
    • PhD, MS, and ProMS students joining AES.
  • Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) Fall Intensive Workshops.
    • Required for all PhD students joining CEAS as an RA or TA.

International students can find additional information on the New Student & Family Programs page.

Want to know more? Contact us.