CEAE Graduate Studies

Prospective graduates hero

The fields of civil, environmental, and architectural engineering encompass careers in the planning, design, construction and management of the built environment, as well as the critical interplay between built and natural systems. Ranked among the top 10 public graduate engineering programs by U.S. News & World Report, the Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering offers doctoral and master's programs that prepare students for academic research and professional practice. These programs focus on advancing engineering solutions that benefit society while preserving and enhancing Earth's physical and biological resources.

Our mission is to excel in education and research related to the sustainable development, management and safety of civil and architectural infrastructure systems, as well as addressing pressing environmental challenges. Our graduate program fosters a rich diversity of knowledge, perspectives and methodologies. By cultivating an inclusive and collaborative academic community, we are uniquely positioned to develop innovative solutions to the most significant challenges facing our communities and the world.

Explore CEAE Degree Options

Doctor of Philosophy

Prepare for a career in research or academia.

Learn more about PhD program 

Master of Science

Complete a thesis or pursue a coursework-based MS.

Learn more about MS program 

Professional Master's

For working engineers looking to expand their skillsets. 

Learn more about PMP program 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

CU Boulder鈥檚 College of Engineering & Applied Science is ranked among the top 12 public graduate engineering programs in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report, including a #9 ranking for our graduate civil engineering program in 2025. 

Our MS and PhD programs prepare future leaders in research, industry and academia through interdisciplinary coursework, advanced labs and collaborative projects. Students address critical issues in infrastructure, climate resilience and sustainable design while working with world-renowned faculty. In 2023, our faculty secured over $26.6 million in research funding, driving groundbreaking studies on topics ranging from climate change and earthquakes to fluid physics and ecology. The dynamic environment fosters discovery and real-world solutions in energy, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability.

In a recent survey, 90 percent of CU Boulder engineering graduates reported being satisfied or very satisfied with their experience as a graduate student.

In another recent survey, more than 80 percent of our civil and architectural graduate alumni reported securing job offers or continuing their education within six months of graduation. 

As civil and architectural engineers, our students pursue careers that positively impact society. This ranges from providing reliable access to clean water in developing countries to designing hospitals where people receive life-saving treatments. Our engineers design buildings and infrastructure that improves life in our communities and even work towards building infrastructure on Mars to enable multi planetary civilizations. Put simply, wherever humanity exists 鈥攐r might exist in the future our engineers make it better!

According to the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Colorado ranks among the top 10 best places for civil engineers, with Denver securing the 6th spot in the 2024 rankings, based on factors like salary, job availability and cost of living.

Our alums are shaping the future at organizations like Edward Kraemer and Sons, Milender White Construction, S.A. Miro, Martin/Martin Consulting Engineers and Kiewit Corporation and prestigious academic institutions worldwide. CEAE graduates also hold leadership positions in research labs like the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) or government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and US Bureau of Reclamation, contributing to advancements in their fields.

  • Architectural Engineering 
  • Civil Systems 
  • Construction Engineering Management 
  • Dual Track Prof MS 
  • Engineering Sciences 
  • Geotechnical Engineering and Geomechanics 
  • Global Engineering 
  • Hydrology, Water Resources and Environmental Fluid Mechanics 
  • Structural Engineering and Structural Mechanics 
  • Water Engineering Management 
     

As a master鈥檚 student in civil or architectural engineering, you鈥檒l start with core courses in our designated research areas, building a strong foundation in your chosen field. You鈥檒l also have the flexibility to choose electives and specialized tracks that align with your career goals. Our curriculum blends rigorous academic learning with real-world applications, preparing you for a meaningful impact in industry or research.

As a PhD student in civil or architectural engineering, you will focus on advancing original research in sustainable development, management and safety of civil and architectural infrastructure systems and environmental challenges. You鈥檒l engage in a combination of foundational courses and in-depth research activities, collaborating with faculty to contribute to pioneering discoveries in the built and natural environment. Your experience will culminate in producing innovative research that drives innovation and addresses critical challenges in planning, design, construction and management of the built environment, preparing you for leadership roles in academia or industry. 

All students benefit from hands-on projects, lab work, and research opportunities that apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges. CU Boulder鈥檚 state-of-the-art facilities and research centers ensure you鈥檒l graduate with the practical skills and experience needed to excel in your chosen field. 

Fall Admission Deadlines
Dec. 1: International PhD

Dec. 15: Domestic PhD New!

Feb. 1: MS students鈥攊nternational and domestic New!

All applications close at 11:59 p.m. EST on the above dates.

Candidates who submit applications by these deadlines 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.

Spring Admission Deadline
Oct. 1. The application closes at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Candidates who would like to begin graduate school in the spring semester must apply by this deadline. 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.

Community and Culture

We are strongly committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in our community. To meet our commitment to creating and maintaining a community that upholds these values, we are committed to

  • Prioritizing actions toward an inclusive environment for all students, faculty, and staff;
  • Providing evidence-based and equity-enhancing support and opportunities, including mentorship, fellowships, and research support;
  • Providing educational experiences for our students that engages the interrelationship between engineering and social justice;
  • Developing and implementing a departmental and program Inclusion, Diversity and Excellence in Academics (IDEA) plan in alignment with University of Colorado Boulder; and
  • Listening to members of our community so that we can continuously improve.