Graduate Degrees in Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

CU Boulder’s top-ranked mechanical engineering programs show you how to solve problems by improving human health, enabling security and promoting sustainability.

With more than 1,300 students and 80 faculty and staff, the Paul M. Rady Department of Engineering is internationally known for its high-impact research in air quality, energy systems, functional materials and other fields.

Degree Types

MS ᐧ Professional MS ᐧ PhD ᐧ BAM

 

Top Green College

(Princeton Review, 2025)

 

No. 46 among public universities in the country

(U.S. News & World Report, 2026)

 

5 Nobel Laureates

Since 1989

Excel in the classroom and professionally. Students are encouraged to attend professional development opportunities to develop well-rounded skill sets.

Experiment, design and prototype in state-of-the-art facilities, including 660,000 square feet of classrooms, computing facilities, faculty offices and research labs.

Collaborate with leading industry organizations, such as the National Center for Atmospheric Research, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association and more.

Degree Options & Application Requirements

Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

  • Must complete 30 graduate-level credit hours
  • Written thesis and thesis defense required
  • Focus area required
Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

   For program details, review the course catalog for the MS in mechanical engineering. 

Professional Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

  • Must complete 30 credit hours of graduate-level coursework
  • Thesis not required
  • Offers courses in 5 focus areas
Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

   For program details, review the course catalog for the professional MS in mechanical engineering. 

Master of Engineering in Engineering Management and Professional Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

  • Must complete a total of 45 credit hours of graduate-level coursework
  • Must take 21 credit hours in engineering management and 24 credit hours in mechanical engineering
  • Must apply and be admitted to both programs
Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

   For program details, review the course catalog for the dual degree in engineering management and mechanical engineering.

Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering

  • Can be completed in 5 years
  • Must complete oral preliminary exam and research comprehensive exam
  • Written dissertation and dissertation defense required
Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

   For program details, review the course catalog for the PhD in mechanical engineering. 

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering and Accelerated Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

  • Open to currently enrolled CU Boulder undergraduate students
  • May take up to 12 credit hours of graduate courses as an undergraduate
  • Can double count 6 credit hours toward BS and MS
Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

   For program details, review the course catalog for the BAM in mechanical engineering. 

Research Areas

  • Air Quality 
  • Biomedical 
  • Materials 
  • Mechanics of Materials 
  • Micro/Nanoscale 
  • Robotics and Systems Design
  • Thermo Fluid Sciences

Learn More About Research Areas at CU Boulder

Funding Opportunities

We understand funding opportunities play a major role in helping you to decide whether a program is right for you. At CU Boulder, PhD students are supported through research and teaching assistantships. Students are also encouraged to apply for their own sources of funding.

Explore General Funding   Explore Department-Specific Funding

Graduate Student Resources

Student success is best met with holistic support and resources. CU Boulder offers robust resources, programming and opportunities to help students establish meaningful connections, adjust to graduate student life and find assistance when they need it. Whether it’s academic, social, or health and wellness support, the university provides an array of resources to meet the diverse needs of our students.  

Graduate Student Organizations

Explore ways to connect with other graduate students on campus, online and off campus, locally and internationally.

Diversity, Equity, Access & Inclusion

Learn about our commitment to ensuring our graduate education is accessible and welcoming for all students.

Health & Wellness

Find resources with contact and location information for a broad range of services.

Leadership Development

Attend regular, graduate-specific workshops and seminars to hone practical and professional skills before entering the job market.

Peer Mentoring Program

Connect with an established graduate peer mentor who serves as your guide through the graduate student experience.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Go to Admissions