MS Admissions

Master's students in mechanical engineering not only acquire advanced fundamental and leadership skills but also benefit from exposure to a multidisciplinary environment. The modern landscape of mechanical engineering demands a comprehensive understanding of issues such as material interactions, the behavior of materials in diverse conditions, and the intricate design and optimization of highly complex, interconnected systems due to the increasing complexity of modern mechanical systems and equipment.

Proficient mechanical engineers excel in translating scientific and mathematical theories into practical applications, particularly when mentored by globally recognized researchers who are enthusiastic about imparting their knowledge and expertise to their students.

Mechanical engineers holding an MS degree enjoy a spectrum of possibilities. They can pioneer startups derived from their research, secure patents for groundbreaking technologies, conduct research in national labs and diverse industries, and more! 

Post-Graduation Outcomes: Graduates from this degree become engineering professionals in either industry or the government sector. Our students go on to work at companies such as: Ball Aerospace, Apple, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Boeing, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and more! You can learn more about post-graduation career outcomes in this interactve dashboard (look at top tabs of "Top Industries", "Top Occupations", and "Top Employers").

An MS in Mechanical Engineering offers versatility in the job market, enabling professionals to work in renewable energy, biomechanics, air quality, robotics, project management, construction, and more. Choosing mechanical engineering allows exploration across multiple areas of interest, facilitating interdisciplinary research and collaboration. It can be a practical choice for individuals transitioning from related backgrounds, providing flexibility in research focus and professional outcomes.

The CU Mechanical Engineering MS program distinguishes itself through a unique approach that allows students to tailor their degrees by offering the flexibility to take up to four out of ten courses from disciplines outside the Mechanical Engineering department. This customization extends to diverse areas such as the Art department, catering to those with a focus on design engineering. A majority of our students will take courses from other engineering disciplines such as Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, and Engineering Management. Furthermore, within our program, we stand out with the rich variety of class offerings that align with individual interests and aspirations.

Beyond flexibility, our program is designed to nurture adaptability, equipping students for a wide array of career paths, including academia, industry research, consulting, nonprofits, national laboratories, startups, and more. CU Boulder's Mechanical Engineering ensures a robust foundation for students, facilitating diverse and rewarding career trajectories. Emphasizing collaboration, students have ample opportunities to engage with different industries and national labs. This collaborative environment not only enhances research prospects but also augments post-graduation opportunities.

In addition to academic strengths, we foster a strong sense of community among our graduate students. Regular community events such as the fall picnic, heritage feast, spring picnic, a summer Pride event, and coffee hours provide occasions for MS students to connect. Moreover, our program ensures student representation and a voice on the graduate committee, allowing MS students to actively contribute to decision-making and policies, shaping the overall experience for everyone in the program.

Finally, an MS degree in mechanical engineering is not just about studying—it’s about doing. Original research and hands-on experience are a focus of on-campus, experiential courses. 

Tuition is dependent on your residency status, either resident (within Colorado) or non-resident (out-of-state and/or international). Graduate tuition is dependent on credits enrolled in within each semester (the MS degree credit requirement is 30 credits). 

You can view the past and current year rates (by credit) on the Tuition and Fee Rate Sheets on the Bursar's Website. Under the Graduate Heading there, the MS Professional degree program's rates are noted under the "Professional Master's" sheet (view the residency status that matches your own). We recommend to look at the 15-credit amount of tuition and doubling that rate to get an estimate idea of a 30-credit degree cost. There is also a helpful Cost Estimator on the Bursar's Office website which shows tuition based on residency, credit hours, and mandatory student fees

NOTE: If a student obtains a faculty advisor and transitions to the thesis MS program after admission, the student's tuition is noted on the "Graduate" sheet (view the residency status that matches your own). There are potential scholarship programs for non-resident MS Mechanical Engineering Thesis students since the "Graduate" tuition rate is higher than a "Professional Master's" non-resident tuition rate.

You also may be eligible for certain outside fellowship opportunities. Find more information by visiting our MS Funding and Fellowships webpage. 

An MS student will typically take two years to complete the degree. However, it is not uncommon for students to finish both earlier and later than this two-year average. The MS degree credit requirement is 30 credits minimum. With most graduate courses being worth 3-credits, that is an estimated 10 courses to complete the degree. The majority of students take 2-3 courses / 6-9 credits per formal (Fall/Spring) semester. Therefore, taking 2-3 courses / 6-9 credits per formal semester keeps students on track for a two-year / four-semester program completion. 

Please note that if you choose to pursue the Mechanical Engineering / Engineering Management Dual Degree, certificates, and other add-ons to your education, you are likely to extend beyond the two-year timeline. Students who are taking coursework while also working part or full-time jobs sometimes choose to take 1-2 courses in each semester and finish in a 3-4 year timeline. Some students will also choose to complete summer courses to accelerate their degree obtainment. Full-time enrollment for graduate students is 5 credits or above. Master's degree students (MS) have four years from the semester in which they are admitted and begin coursework to complete all degree requirements. 

Regardless of the time taken to complete the MS, primary emphasis is on remaining at CU Boulder while being in good academic standing and taking high-quality and interactive coursework that satisfies the requirements of the MS degree. 

Currently, there is not a formal all-online degree available for application and admission in the MS Mechanical Engineering program.

The majority of Mechanical Engineering courses are on-campus so professors and faculty have an expectation of students to be present in-person. There are remote (synchronous) and hybrid (remote and in-person component) course options in the Mechanical Engineering department but those are minimal compared to the in-person offerings. Finally, with the allowance of up to 12 credits outside of the Mechanical Engineering department applying towards the MS degree, students commonly take remote and online (asynchronous) courses in outside departments (ex/ Engineering Management).