Graduate Studies

Virtual Info Session

Find out more about the Environmental Engineering Grad Program! We held a Virtual Info Session Nov. 16, 2023. Watch it on YouTube.

An advanced degree in environmental engineering from CU Boulder will offer you the opportunity to further your education in a critical area for humanity.

Our Master of Science, Professional MS and PhD degrees focus on fundamental and applied understanding of natural and engineered systems and the effects they have on human and ecosystem health. The program includes more than two dozen primary faculty covering topics ranging from ecosystem processes, fate and transport of organic contaminants, alternative energy, air quality, sustainability, and water and waste water treatment.

The CU Boulder EVEN graduate program is administered by faculty from departments across the College of Engineering and Applied Science, including Aerospace Engineering Sciences; Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering; and Mechanical Engineering.

Our program benefits from long-standing relationships of faculty with researchers in CU Boulder institutes and nearby federal laboratories. We are highly ranked by U.S. News and World Report for Environmental Engineering and for the college of engineering as a whole.

The Environmental Engineering Program particularly encourages applications from students who would broaden the diversity of our community. We know diversity is essential to academic and workplace success and we are committed to creating an inclusive and collaborative community. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder Diversity Initiative.

Research areas of interest

Water Sustainability

  • Drinking water
  • Wastewater
  • Water reuse
  • Energy and resource recovery
  • Physical, chemical and biological treatment

Natural systems / Non-point Source

  • Acid mine drainage
  • Colloids, surfaces and organic matter
  • Aquatic ecology
  • Wild fires and floods

Air Quality Monitoring and Modeling

  • Indoor contaminants
  • Bioaerosols
  • Global modeling
  • Energy impacts