CEAE Graduate Studies

As civil and architectural engineers, our students pursue careers that positively impact society. This ranges from providing reliable access to clean water in developing countries to designing hospitals where people receive life-saving treatments. Our engineers design buildings and infrastructure that improves life in our communities and even work towards building infrastructure on Mars to enable multi planetary civilizations. Put simply, wherever humanity exists —or might exist in the future our engineers make it better!

According to the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Colorado ranks among the top 10 best places for civil engineers, with Denver securing the 6th spot in the 2024 rankings, based on factors like salary, job availability and cost of living.

Our alums are shaping the future at organizations like Edward Kraemer and Sons, Milender White Construction, S.A. Miro, Martin/Martin Consulting Engineers and Kiewit Corporation and prestigious academic institutions worldwide. CEAE graduates also hold leadership positions in research labs like the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) or government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and US Bureau of Reclamation, contributing to advancements in their fields.

• Architectural Engineering 
• Civil Systems 
• Construction Engineering Management 
• Dual Track Prof MS 
• Engineering Sciences 
• Geotechnical Engineering and Geomechanics 
• Global Engineering 
• Hydrology, Water Resources and Environmental Fluid Mechanics 
• Structural Engineering and Structural Mechanics 
• Water Engineering Management 
   

As a master’s student in civil or architectural engineering, you’ll start with core courses in our designated research areas, building a strong foundation in your chosen field. You’ll also have the flexibility to choose electives and specialized tracks that align with your career goals. Our curriculum blends rigorous academic learning with real-world applications, preparing you for a meaningful impact in industry or research.

As a PhD student in civil or architectural engineering, you will focus on advancing original research in sustainable development, management and safety of civil and architectural infrastructure systems and environmental challenges. You’ll engage in a combination of foundational courses and in-depth research activities, collaborating with faculty to contribute to pioneering discoveries in the built and natural environment. Your experience will culminate in producing innovative research that drives innovation and addresses critical challenges in planning, design, construction and management of the built environment, preparing you for leadership roles in academia or industry. 

All students benefit from hands-on projects, lab work, and research opportunities that apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges. CU Boulder’s state-of-the-art facilities and research centers ensure you’ll graduate with the practical skills and experience needed to excel in your chosen field. 

Fall Admission Deadlines
Dec. 1: International PhD

Dec. 15: Domestic PhD New!

Feb. 1: MS students—international and domestic New!

All applications close at 11:59 p.m. EST on the above dates.

Candidates who submit applications by these deadlines have the highest chance of being considered for funding, and will have the best chance of being admitted in time to be invited to our Visit Day in spring for accepted students.

Spring Admission Deadline
Oct. 1. The application closes at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Candidates who would like to begin graduate school in the spring semester must apply by this deadline. Be aware that there may be fewer funding opportunities in the spring admissions cycle, and that the curricula for most graduate programs are designed to begin in the fall semester. However, a small number of students each year elect to start graduate school in the spring semester.