Graduate Programs
Continue down the path
Whether you're looking for a certificate, master's or doctorate, our 10 schools and colleges offer graduate degree programs that integrate independent study, research and professional development.
Colorado residents will get their application fee waived automatically for Master's degree programs from October 15-December 1. Note: The free applications are for Master’s degree programs only, and do not include law degrees, or programs facilitated through 2U (including the MSW@Denver, MLIS@Denver, and SchoolCounseling@Denver programs).
- Master's
A master’s degree is the first level of graduate study, typically requiring one to two years of full-time study. To pursue a master’s, you’ll need an undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree. Many degrees are specialized to prepare you to enter the job market as a highly qualified applicant or work as an educator in your field.
- Doctoral
A doctoral degree is the highest achievable graduate degree, preparing students to work in the upper echelons of their field as either practitioners or educators. Many doctoral candidates complete a dissertation, thesis or project based off original research, defending their work in front of a committee of experts. Others take rigorous coursework that prepares them for professional practice and licensure.
- Certificate
A graduate certificate is approximately equivalent to a bachelor’s or master’s degree, but with a more limited scope. Most can be achieved in a year or less, and many confer professional benefits such as licensure. Learn more about federal-aid designated certificates.
- MA
- Master of Arts
- MFA
- Master of Fine Arts
- MS
- Master of Science
- MLS
- Master of Legal Studies
- MSW
- Master of Social Work
- LLM
- Master of Laws
- Macc
- Master of Accountancy
- MBA
- Master of Business Administration
- MLIS
- Master of Library and Information Science
- MM
- Master of Music
- MPP
- Master of Professional Psychology
- MSL
- Master of Legal Studies
- PSM
- Professional Science Masters
- MSLA
- Master of Science in Legal Administration
- MT
- Master of Taxation
- EdD
- Doctorate of Education
- EdS
- Educational Specialist
- PhD
- Doctor of Philosophy
- PsyD
- Doctorate of Psychology
- Juris Doctor
- Doctor of Jurisprudence
Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science
Bioengineering
About this Program
The Master of Science in bioengineering program couples engineering with biomedical science to help prepare students for work in bioscience research and development. Students explore a variety of medical treatments and devices, including biomechanical smart devices and wearable technologies. Our curriculum also includes advanced engineering mathematics, reliability and optimization courses. A cross-disciplinary degree between the Ritchie School and the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, we welcome students from engineering, chemistry, biological sciences and physics backgrounds.
Bioengineering students and faculty work together to address the grand challenge of aging. Coupling in-class learning with clinical practice, students may find opportunities to work in either the Center for Orthopaedic Biomechanics or the Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging. Program graduates can pursue opportunities with bioscience companies in the private sector or work to apply their knowledge and expertise toward further graduate studies, as well as nonprofit and academic research.
Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science
Biomedical Engineering
About this Program
In this program, you'll combine coursework in engineering and life sciences to conduct independent research in the human health and well-being fields. You'll learn to merge engineering principles with science to understand health-related problems and design innovative solutions, including methods, devices and software.
As a biomedical engineer, you'll focus on technological and medical advancements to develop new devices and equipment that improve human health. You might design software for medical equipment, create computer simulations to test new drug therapies, build artificial body parts like hip and knee joints, develop materials for replacements or design rehabilitative exercise equipment.
Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science
Computer Engineering
About this Program
From smartphones to cars to medical devices, computers are changing our lives. The master of science in computer engineering challenges students who want to improve the world around them through continuous technological advancement. Graduate students expand on their computer architecture foundation by advancing their math and science skills and improving their ability to articulate why their work matters. Courses cover program design, troubleshooting, hardware design systems testing and more.
Students have the opportunity to work within Colorado's computer and electrical engineering fields while taking specialized, flexible courses that don't conflict with regular business hours. Program graduates work as computer software engineers, computer hardware engineers and systems engineers spanning several industries, corporations and countries.
Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science
Computer Science
About this Program
Our PhD program in computer science prepares students to lead within computer science and related fields at the highest technical and academic levels. Students take part in advanced, original research, sharpen their skills at modern software engineering, study cutting-edge technology and tools, and focus their efforts on a specialization of their choice. We support specializations in artificial intelligence, computational geometry, humane games, graphics, networks, parallel and distributed algorithms, security and privacy, and software systems engineering.
With small classes and faculty who themselves pursue nationally recognized research efforts, you will find the support you need to excel. In addition to specialization, courses on web technology, multimedia, networks, databases, data science, cybersecurity and computer game development ensure your education has ample breadth as well. You'll leave DU well equipped to professionally pursue your field of specialization, assume leadership roles in corporations or organizations, or contribute at the highest levels of academia.
Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science
Electrical and Computer Engineering
About this Program
Students in this program are advised and supported to develop the ability to contribute to the advancement of science, engineering and technology through independent research. Research requires an in-depth study of engineering problems with a broad knowledge base in science and engineering. Opportunities to develop individualized plans of study based on students' previous experience and desired research areas are also provided. Graduates may pursue academic, research, entrepreneurial and/or industrial careers.
Working closely with a faculty advisor, students will perform in-depth research in cutting-edge technological development areas related to electrical and computer engineering. Graduates utilize their degree to find careers in energy, transportation, aerospace, manufacturing, IT, finance and logistics, to name a few.
Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science
Electrical Engineering
About this Program
The Master of Science in electrical engineering offers students the opportunity to enhance their understanding of specialized electrical systems such as search and rescue robotics, sustainable energy and power systems, unmanned vehicle systems and social emotive robots. Students can work alongside professionals in Colorado's electrical engineering industry to enhance their skills in analysis and design of engineering systems.
Program graduates have gone on to spearhead technological advancements across the public and private sectors in aerospace, utilities, transportation, military and manufacturing, to name just a few. Others have utilized their degrees to find jobs in management, IT, finance, logistics or technical publishing.
Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science
Engineering
About this Program
A Master of Science in Engineering will help you advance your career and provide you with a strong foundation in engineering and innovation. Whether you are looking to expand your career options or develop your expertise in engineering, your MS in Engineering will be tailored to you with relevant career paths and interdisciplinary skillsets in mind. You will enhance your core skills while expanding the breadth of your knowledge with flexible elective requirements and an optional concentration in management.
Our graduates enter the workforce with a strong foundation in innovation and entrepreneurship, and the ability to use concrete tools to translate ideas and initiative into marketplace success. Our students have gone on to become leaders in various engineering fields with top-rated companies in both the public and private sectors. Career opportunities span a variety of fields, including software development, construction project management, and product engineering.
Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science
Engineering
About this Program
Our PhD in Engineering is designed to help you develop the ability to contribute to modern scientific discourse through independent research. You will take part in rigorous coursework, utilize cutting-edge technology and collaborate with peers and instructors in small, participatory classes. We encourage our students to work toward their own career goals with a multi-disciplinary approach to engineering, developing plans of study from courses such as: mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, nanoscale science and engineering, materials science and bioengineering.
In addition to our stand-alone PhD in Engineering, we also offer an interdisciplinary PhD program with opportunities for you to develop a plan of study combining engineering and a complementary discipline (e.g. natural sciences).
The flexible, personalized focus of the program ensures our students can develop the skills needed for a variety of careers in engineering. The city of Denver, and the Denver Tech Center which is only minutes away from campus, provides a first-rate environment for engineering expertise. The Front Range is consistently rated as one of the top high-tech areas in the country. We’re committed to maintaining active connections with industry leaders, allowing you to graduate with useful experience and a well-developed professional network.
Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science
Fundamentals of Systems Engineering
About this Program
Systems Engineering is a multidisciplinary degree that fuses engineering knowledge, project management, and best practices in integrated engineering approaches through three professional certificates. The certificates focus on the fundamentals of systems engineering, systems design and architecture, and systems analytics to provide a well-rounded and in-depth exploration of the specialty and strengthen leadership skills.
This certificate showcases the fundamentals needed for engineering professionals across numerous industries. Though examining collaborative practices like needs assessment, risk analysis, and test planning, students learn how to partner with stakeholders and execute key tasks.
Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science
Materials Science
About this Program
Our PhD in Materials Science provides an enhanced foundation in the theory of materials construction and a depth of understanding in the research strategies necessary to develop new materials. Through a diverse academic approach integrating physics, mathematics, chemistry, and electrical and computer engineering, you will explore advanced concepts in the materials field complemented by extensive research experience.
Our program reflects the multidisciplinary nature of our approach by providing a thorough grounding in each of the field’s basic disciplines. You will gain research experience in specialized areas through faculty research in each of the participating departments. With an increasing number of technological fields becoming materials-limited in various ways, our program seeks to prepare you to meet the challenges of property improvement and new materials development with a broad-based curriculum that emphasizes fundamentals.
Upon completion of the doctoral program, you will be prepared to enter the materials science field in various roles, from the research and development of new advanced materials to instruction at the university level, among other opportunities.
Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science
Materials Science
About this Program
Our world depends on scientific innovation to drive new technologies and services. It is impossible to ignore the necessity of new materials and fabrication techniques. Our MS in Materials Science program provides students with an interdisciplinary background in the behavior and construction of materials rooted in engineering, chemistry and physics. In addition to the breadth of our program, you will have the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of individual specializations within the field, with coursework branching into topics like composites and nanomaterials.
To complement the coursework portion of the degree, you may undertake research to explore various topics within the major. You will be able to work closely with faculty to examine new techniques and develop a deep understanding of the challenges inherent in materials fabrication. With your master's in hand, you'll be prepared to tackle research and new materials development in a wide variety of those fields, including those technological fields that are becoming materials-limited. You will also be well-positioned to begin a PhD-level course of study if a career in academia is your goal.
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Mathematics
About this Program
The University of Denver's MS in mathematics is a more intensive mathematics experience than our MA, making it an ideal fit for students interested in science and engineering. The program's curriculum provides students the opportunity to improve their logical and analytical problem-solving skills through courses such as differential geometry and functional analysis. Students from this program can leave well prepared for further graduate study in mathematics or cognate disciplines. They also can leave prepared to pursue advanced careers in industry, the financial sector or government.
MS mathematics students must deliver an oral presentation. In addition to 45 credit hours of coursework in both mathematics and a cognate area, students must demonstrate competency in one of the following mathematics tools:
- Using a modern computing typesetting system
- Outside courses approved by the department
- Experience in a laboratory setting
- Reading French, Russian or German
Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science
Mechanical Engineering
About this Program
Students in the Master of Science in mechanical engineering program pursue advanced study of design, construction and technology. Our program is customizable, with a technical elective requirement that offers students the opportunity to study topics including, but not limited to, fluid mechanics and heat transfer, mechanical design and analysis, and bioengineering.
This program is designed to prepare students for academic and industrial advancement. Mechanical engineering graduates enter the workforce with the expertise to build and use a variety of technologies, from aerospace systems to industrial equipment.
Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science
Mechanical Engineering
About this Program
Students in the PhD in mechanical engineering program hone in on specific aspects of the design, construction and use of technology in a specific field or application selected in conjunction with an advisor. Graduate-level coursework provides students with expertise in biomechanics, biofluids and composites.
The PhD in mechanical engineering program's focus is independent, academic research. Students work to complete a dissertation based on original research. After leaving DU, graduates may go on to pursue job opportunities in academia, research or in the private sector.
Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science
Mechatronic Systems Engineering
About this Program
Students in the Master of Science in mechatronic systems engineering program study, research and practice across the fields of electrical, mechanical and computer engineering. This cross-disciplinary major is customizable with specialization areas and thematic course sequences to align with your specific areas of interest and career goals.
With curricula geared toward today's grand challenges, graduates of the mechatronic systems engineering program will find that they will enter a workforce where their skills are in demand. Graduates can pursue careers as multidisciplinary engineers or go on to work in electrical, computer or mechanical engineering. From developing service robots to aid children with special needs, to inventing unmanned vehicle systems to monitor traffic congestion, there are many ways for mechatronic systems engineers to apply their knowledge in the public and private sectors.
Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science
Mechatronic Systems Engineering
About this Program
As our modern world leans more and more heavily on advancements in computer and mechanical technology, the demand for skilled mechatronic systems professionals has never been higher. The PhD program in mechatronics systems engineering provides students with rigorous training with an eye toward research and development. Students will delve into the theory and creation of sensors, transducers and a wealth of other concepts.
Working independently and with faculty, you'll conduct in-depth research to explore new technologies in everything from consumer products to autonomous vehicles. You will emerge with an advanced understanding of how mechanical, electrical and computer systems integrate to create solutions for today's most cutting-edge technological developments. Students who achieve the PhD will be well-equipped to pursue careers in corporate or government research as well as instruction at the university level.
Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science
Systems Analytics and Practice
About this Program
This certificate focuses on practical exposure to the analytical and digital tools necessary within systems engineering, such as applying a working knowledge of probability, statistics and data science. Learn to cleanse complex data sets, visualize patterns in the data and describe characteristics of data sets to extract system performance insights.
Apply machine learning techniques, which are paramount to the digital transformation of advanced systems integration; derive figures of merit required to characterize and to model processes that need improvement, and trace validation and verification test results to system requirements based on statistically relevant quantitative analysis.
Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science
Systems Design & Architecture
About this Program
Systems Engineering is a multidisciplinary degree that fuses engineering knowledge, project management, and best practices in integrated engineering approaches through three professional certificates. The certificates focus on the fundamentals of systems engineering, systems design and architecture, and systems analytics to provide a well-rounded and in-depth exploration of the specialty and strengthen leadership skills.
This certificate emphasizes support for proposals after contract awards. It explores the design and architectural aspects of systems engineering through case studies across numerous industries and how to collaborate with others using those aspects.
Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science
Systems Engineering
About this Program
Expand your career opportunities with an MS in Systems Engineering. Our flexible, online master's degree program consists of three stackable certificates that can be completed in less than two years. Balance your studies with your personal and professional commitments from anywhere in the world with our entirely online, synchronous program.
As a systems engineer, your primary focus involves defining and harmonizing the objectives of various stakeholders through facilitation, guidance and leadership. You'll blend multiple areas of expertise to create systems solutions that can help meet the needs of popular industries such as aerospace, automotive, biomedical and defense.
