Leaders in Global Engineering Education, Research & Practice

Prospective Global Engineers

Why Choose the Mortenson Center?

The Mortenson Center was founded by Dr. Bernard Amadei, who is also the Founder of Engineers Without Borders-USA. Our current Director Dr. Evan Thomas leads groundbreaking research in results-based financing for water security and implementation science for global poverty reduction. Research by Mortenson Center faculty and staff has been funded by NASA, NSF, the World Bank, USAID, the UN Foundation and more.

The Mortenson Center has been the leader in Global Engineering, Resilience & Sustainability education since 2009, with world class faculty and 80+ partner organizations where students conduct their hands-on, field practicum. There is no place better than CU Boulder to learn to work in international development and make an impact.

Leaders in Global Development and Climate Resilience Education, Research & Practice

Professional Master's Degrees
Graduate Certificate in Global Engineering
Online Graduate Certificate in Global Engineering
Practicum Program
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Undergraduate Programs
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CU Boulder is a Top 25 Engineering Program in U.S. News and World Report Best Graduate Schools rankings for 2024-25.

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About the Mortenson Center

What Our Students Are Saying:

"The Mortenson Center program has been the highlight of my academic experience. The community is very supportive, the classes prepare you for a career in global development, and the practicum is a unique opportunity for you to gain experience. I am thankful for my time with this program." - J. Darby MCivEngr'24

The Mortenson Center trains engineers to work in partnership with institutions and communities worldwide to develop improved tools, technologies and methods to address global challenges. 

 

Our program is based on the principle that students educated in Global Engineering should be prepared to solve engineering and science problems within the socioeconomic, environmental and political constraints often encountered in low-resource settings. 

 

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What our students are saying:

“What I treasure most about the Mortenson Center is the community—both faculty and students foster an environment ripe for meaningful discussions on pressing global issues. The conversational approach to learning in the program encourages us to apply our knowledge to real-world problems, especially the integrative approach to climate change across all courses.” —D. Valdivieso, PhDCivEng'24

Alumni Advice

Erica Brandt, Senior Program Manager, Bridges to Prosperity

"Tap into the Mortenson Center's community including fellow students, professors and alumni. Do work that interests you, not necessarily what you think you should do."

Diego Sanchez, Floodplain Administrator, County of Maui

"Think outside the box and reach out to people who have your 'dream job'. "