Graduate Admissions Information

We offer two master's degrees and two doctoral degrees. The master's of science (MS) and PhD in Civil Engineering are technical degrees intended for students with an undergraduate degree in engineering. The master's of engineering (MEng) and PhD in Civil Engineering Systems are more flexible degrees intended for students with undergraduate degrees in other fields such as science, mathematics, or economics.

In their statement of purpose, applicants must specify their desired degree and specialization:

Master's of Science (MS)

1. environmental and sustainability engineering
2. geographic information systems (GIS)
3. geotechnical engineering
4. hydrologic and hydraulic engineering
5. structural engineering
6. transportation engineering

Master's of Engineering (MEng)

1. geographic information systems (GIS)
2. sustainable infrastructure
3. transportation systems

PhD in Civil Engineering 

        ·   same specializations as MS

See our Degree Programs page for full details. See our Prerequisite Requirements worksheet for the expected undergraduate coursework for each degree and specialization.

Materials

All applicants must submit the following:

1. fee
2. application form
3. statement of purpose (may be included in application form)
4. two official copies of each previous transcript
5. three letters of recommendation (fourth letter optional)

Additional documents are required in special cases:

International applicants must submit an official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) report to Institution Code 4875, Department Code 1102. Strong candidates will have verbal plus quantitative scores exceeding 1200, with a minimum of 1000 required.

Doctoral applicants need a letter of support from one of our faculty, stating a willingness to serve as their research advisor and outlining the plan for their financial support. This letter is usually separate from the three required letters of recommendation. However if the applicant has previously studied under the faculty member who will serve as the research advisor, the letter of support could also be one of the three required letters of recommendation. Applicants who are new to UC Denver should contact the Department of Civil Engineering to find an advisor.

Applicants with undergraduate GPAs below 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) are encouraged to submit official GRE scores to support their applications. Use Institution Code 4875, Department Code 1102.

Deadlines

We have rolling admissions. However, to ensure adequate time for review, complete applications (which include all transcripts, all recommendations, and all other required materials) must be received in the civil engineering office no later than the following dates:

How to Apply

Domestic applicants are encouraged to complete their application form online.

• Prospective Master's Students
• Prospective Doctoral Students 

Graduate Admissions Committee
Department of Civil Engineering
University of Colorado Denver
Campus Box 113
PO Box 173364
Denver, CO 80217-3364

International applicants must apply through International Admissions.

Updated 9/18/2009.