Degree Options

What degree programs do you offer?

Research-Based Master of Science

• Designed for students interested in a short-term research experience, leading to the preparation and defense of a research-based thesis. The program emphasizes education through high-quality research for students interested in careers in industry and the public sector.
• Earning an MS degree requires a total of 30 semester hours of course work which includes six thesis hours.

Professional Master of Science

• Designed for early to mid-career professionals who want to expand on their BS education, focusing on acquiring new skills for your professional growth. 
• Four tracks are available in the Professional MS degree: 
  • Air Quality, Energy, and Climate
  • General Environmental Engineering
  • Global Environmental Engineering
  • Water Reuse
• Requirements for the Professional Master of Science are thirty semester hours of graduate-level courses.  The courses for this degree can be taken either in person or remotely.

Doctor of Philosophy

• Environmental engineering PhD students at CU Boulder take part in cutting-edge, innovative research, as well as an intensive course of study. You will focus heavily on research and partake in graduate courses as well as graduate seminars to prepare your dissertation.
• The PhD requires 30 semester hours of coursework plus 30 hours of thesis credit. You will also be required to successfully complete a preliminary exam, a comprehensive exam and a final dissertation defense.

Do you offer graduate certificates?

Yes! We have two graduate certificate programs:

• Graduate Certificate in Global Engineering - (Only open to degree seeking students)
• Graduate Certificate in Water Engineering and Management