Applicants to the Environmental Engineering graduate program at CU Boulder must:

• Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, or have done work equivalent to that required for such a degree.
• Show promise in the ability to pursue advanced study and research as judged by your scholastic record.
• Have a 3.00 (3.00=B) undergraduate grade point average. Note: If you cannot meet this undergraduate standard, you may still secure regular admission if you have completed 9 semester hours of relevant graduate course work with at least a 3.25 grade point average.

In addition, successful applicants to the MS and PhD programs in Environmental Engineering typically hold a bachelor's or master’s degree in engineering, natural science, or mathematics from a college or university of recognized standing. Students without a BS or MS degree in chemical, civil, environmental, mechanical or a similar engineering field will be considered on an individual basis, but must have successfully completed courses in:

• Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Differential Equations (4 semesters)
• Probability and Statistics (1 semester)
• Calculus-based Physics (2 semesters)
• General Chemistry (2 semesters, CU Boulder CHEN 1211/CHEM 1221 equivalent)
• Fundamentals of Environmental Engineering (1 semester, CVEN 3414 equivalent)
• A college-level basic or Earth Science (e.g., Biology, Geology) (1 semester)
• Fluid Mechanics (1 semester)
  • One semester of statics is recommended as a prerequisite for fluid mechanics for students lacking an undergraduate engineering degree who wish to pursue licensure after obtaining a graduate degree. However, requirements for licensure can vary by state.

All applicants must submit

1. A completed online application.
2. Three Letters of Recommendation: References can be academic or professional in nature.
3. Curriculum Vitae or Resume
4. Unofficial Transcripts: Upload an unofficial copy of your transcript(s) from all undergraduate and graduate institution(s) you attended. This includes community colleges, summer sessions, and extension programs. Failure to list and submit transcripts from all institutions previously attended is considered to be a violation of academic ethics and may result in the cancellation of your admission or dismissal from the university.
   • Instructions for Uploading Unofficial Transcripts to Your Application 
   • If you receive an offer of admission and confirm your intent to enroll, you will be required to submit your official transcripts. Do not send official transcripts until a final official transcript is available - including all graded coursework and degree with graduation date. Official transcripts must match the unofficial ones submitted with your application.
5. Personal Statement: Limited to two pages and should address the following areas:
   • Why do you want to attend CU Boulder and what is your preparation for this field of study?
   • What are your scientific and professional goals, and other aspects of your background / interests which may aid the admission committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for graduate study
   • If you are interested in pursuing research as part of your degree, please include the following information in your personal statement:
     • What are your research interests?
     • Are there any faculty you are specifically interested in working with?
     • Please include if you have external funding, such as government fellowships, corporate sponsorships, etc.
   • Mortenson Center Graduate Certificate applicants should also include in their statement of purpose:
     • How your previous experience (EWB, Peace Corps, professional, etc.) prepares you for the Mortenson Center in Global Engineering program.
     • A description of language training you have received to prepare yourself for Mortenson Center in Global Engineering-related activities and your level of fluency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in any language other than English.
     • State your clearly defined area of interest for graduate study in engineering for developing communities (i.e., water/sanitation/hygiene, energy, cook stoves, shelter, disaster relief, etc.)
     • An indication of how participating in this program will further your academic and professional ambitions.
6. GRE: The GRE is not required. 

International students must also submit

1. TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score, if applicable.
   • The English proficiency requirement will be waived if you have completed at least one year of full-time study at a US institution (or at an institution in a country where English is the native language) at the time you apply, and are within two years from your desired admission term. Your transcripts are used to confirm this. Non-native English speakers should only provide certification of adequate spoken and written English.
   • Preferred scores for the English proficiency exams are:
     • TOEFL 90 (only internet-based tests are accepted)
     • IELTS 7.0
     • Duolingo 120

If you have any problems or questions during the application process, please contact the department’s graduate program advisor.

Application Fee Waivers

The College of Engineering and Applied Science at CU Boulder is offering a program that allows qualifying PhD applicants to waive their application fees until November 15, 2023. Find out how to qualify at the fee waiver website.

Spring Admissions Applicants: Candidates who would like to begin graduate school in the spring semester must apply by the deadlines below. Candidates should 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. The application closes at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Spring Application Deadline: October 1

Fall Admissions Applicants: Candidates who submit applications by the deadlines below will 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. The application closes at 11:59p.m. EST.

Fall Application Deadline: December 1

The Environmental Engineering graduate committee will look closely at your area of specialization, your undergraduate degree and GPA, your recommendation letters, and your statement of purpose.

When this review is complete, you will receive an admission decision via e-mail.

If accepted, your e-mail will include a message from the Dean of the Graduate School along with an attached acceptance letter from the Graduate Committee. This letter will include the name of your temporary faculty advisor.

If applicable, the letter will also include any prerequisite courses required by your specialization program or provisions to your acceptance.

You must respond to all forms received from the Graduate School to become a student at the University of Colorado Boulder.