University of Colorado Boulder

What you'll study

The MS in Civil Engineering provides a flexible programme of study that balances advanced coursework, laboratory experience and research or design practice. Students choose between research (thesis) and professional (non‑thesis) tracks, allowing concentration in areas such as structural engineering and earthquake engineering, geotechnical engineering, environmental and water resources engineering, transportation systems, and construction engineering and management.

Typical core and elective modules include:

• Advanced Structural Analysis and Design — finite element methods, seismic design and performance‑based engineering.
• Geotechnical Engineering — soil mechanics, foundation design, slope stability and ground improvement techniques.
• Hydrology and Water Resources — watershed modelling, hydraulics, urban stormwater management and water quality.
• Transportation Systems — traffic flow theory, transport planning, multimodal systems and infrastructure asset management.
• Environmental Engineering — contaminant transport, advanced water and wastewater treatment, and sustainable infrastructure solutions.
• Construction Engineering & Management — project delivery, construction materials, scheduling and cost control.

Lab and field work feature prominently, using state‑of‑the‑art facilities for materials testing, structural experimentation, geotechnical instrumentation and environmental monitoring. Research opportunities are available with faculty groups working on resilience, sustainability, climate‑adapted infrastructure, and smart and connected civil systems. Students complete a capstone experience that may be a thesis, a research project, or an industry‑oriented design project, depending on the chosen track.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a closely related engineering discipline. Typical application materials include official transcripts, a curriculum vitae, a statement of purpose outlining academic and professional objectives, and two or three letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees.

Academic performance is assessed holistically; most successful applicants present strong undergraduate preparation in mathematics, mechanics, fluid mechanics and materials. Depending on background, applicants may be asked to take specified prerequisite courses before or during the programme. Some applicants submit GRE scores where required or recommended by the department; international applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through an accepted test unless exempt.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of roles across private consultancy, construction, public agencies and research. Common job titles include structural engineer, geotechnical engineer, transportation planner/engineer, water resources engineer, environmental consultant, construction project manager and infrastructure resilience specialist. The programme also prepares students who wish to continue to doctoral study or pursue research positions.

Alumni work for engineering firms, infrastructure owners and operators, transportation departments, environmental consultancies, utilities and technology companies developing sensors and analytics for built assets. The blend of theory, hands‑on lab experience and project work equips graduates to contribute to design, analysis, policy development and field implementation focused on sustainable and resilient infrastructure.

Why study at University of Colorado Boulder

The Department of Civil, Environmental & Architectural Engineering at CU Boulder is known for interdisciplinary research and close ties between teaching and practical application. Students benefit from access to modern laboratories, field testing sites and collaborative research centres. The campus’s proximity to regional industry, government agencies and national research organisations provides opportunities for internships, practicum projects and collaborative research.

CU Boulder’s location in the mountain west supports research on climate resilience, mountain hydrology, and infrastructure performance under extreme conditions, and the department emphasises sustainability and innovation in civil infrastructure. Smaller class sizes, active faculty mentoring and a configurable curriculum let students tailor their programme to technical specialisation or professional advancement.