University of Colorado Boulder: A Comprehensive Guide to Graduate Programs

The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) stands as a top-ranked Tier 1 research institution, offering a wide array of graduate programs across diverse fields. With 124 master's, doctoral, and professional degree programs, CU Boulder caters to students seeking advanced education in arts and sciences, business, education, engineering, law, music, and more. This article provides a detailed overview of the graduate programs available at CU Boulder, highlighting key aspects such as program offerings, research opportunities, and resources for graduate students.

About the Graduate School

The Graduate School at CU Boulder is dedicated to assisting graduate students in successfully navigating their academic journey. It offers academic resources, forms, and essential graduation information to support students in meeting their degree requirements. The Graduate School also provides funding opportunities to help students meet educational and living expenses.

Mission and Vision

The Graduate School aims to provide a supportive and enriching environment for graduate students, fostering their academic and professional growth. It strives to maintain high standards of academic excellence and research innovation.

Key Resources

Academic Resources: The Graduate School offers a variety of academic resources, including degree checklists, academic forms, and information on thesis and dissertation submission.
Funding Opportunities: CU Boulder provides numerous sources of financial assistance to help students cover educational and living expenses.
Graduate School Bulletin: The Graduate School Bulletin contains important information about academic policies, procedures, and program requirements.

Admissions

Prospective graduate students can explore the admissions process, find answers to frequently asked questions, and learn about the required steps for incoming students. Information is available for both domestic and international students.

Application Process

The application process for graduate programs at CU Boulder involves several steps, including submitting an online application, uploading unofficial transcripts, and providing letters of recommendation. International students may have additional requirements, such as submitting TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements vary depending on the specific graduate program. However, general requirements include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, a competitive GPA, and satisfactory scores on standardized tests such as the GRE or GMAT.

Once Admitted

Once admitted, students must take several required steps, including submitting official transcripts and completing any necessary paperwork.

Academics

CU Boulder offers a wide range of graduate programs across various disciplines. The Graduate School provides resources and support to help students succeed in their academic pursuits.

Degree Progress

The Graduate School provides checklists for both master's and doctoral degrees to help students track their progress and ensure they meet all requirements for graduation.

Graduation Requirements

Students must fulfill specific graduation requirements, including completing all required coursework, passing comprehensive exams (if applicable), and successfully defending a thesis or dissertation.

Academic Policies and Procedures

The Graduate School has established academic policies and procedures to ensure fairness and consistency in the administration of graduate programs. These policies cover topics such as academic integrity, grading, and student conduct.

Funding Opportunities

CU Boulder offers various funding opportunities to help graduate students finance their education. These include scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, and loans.

Scholarships and Fellowships

Scholarships and fellowships are merit-based awards that do not require repayment. They are typically awarded based on academic achievement, research potential, and other criteria.

Assistantships

Assistantships provide financial support in exchange for work performed for the university. There are two main types of assistantships: teaching assistantships (TAs) and research assistantships (RAs).

Loans

Loans are available to help students cover educational expenses. However, loans must be repaid with interest.

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School of Education Graduate Programs

CU Boulder's School of Education offers top-ranked graduate programs that prepare engaged educators, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders. These programs emphasize collaboration, innovation, and equity.

Equity, Bilingualism & Biliteracy

This program focuses on the education of culturally and linguistically diverse students and students with disabilities. It examines language and literacy development, school culture, language policies, and the social and political context of schooling.

Literacy Studies

The Literacy Studies program explores the dynamics of literacy learning from childhood through adulthood. It examines literacy practices both in and out of school and studies literacy needs across change.

Research & Evaluation Methodology

This program is designed for students who want to learn quantitative research methods for analyzing education policy and practice. The goal is to facilitate learning and increase equity, particularly for marginalized groups.

STEM Education

CU Boulder is a national leader in STEM education, offering tracks to support educators interested in developing expertise in teaching mathematics and science.

Teacher Learning, Research & Practice

This doctoral program focuses on how scholars conduct research into how preservice and practicing teachers learn. It also examines how teacher educators learn and how to transform teaching and teacher education toward equity and justice.

Featured Program: Online Program in Teacher Leadership

This program is designed for teachers who want to make a difference in their classroom, district, and community. It is offered entirely online and features stackable graduate certificates that can lead to a full Master's degree.

Featured Program: Master's Plus Teacher Licensure

The MA + Teacher Licensure program leads to a Colorado initial teacher licensure in secondary education (grades 7th-12th) in English, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, or Music, plus a Master’s of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction. Most tracks can be completed in one year with a summer start and finish.

Department of Computer Science Graduate Programs

The Department of Computer Science offers graduate programs that prepare students for a wide range of careers in academia and industry. Located in the Denver-Boulder corridor, students have opportunities to partner with established companies, start-ups, academia, and national labs.

Research Focus Areas

The department's research focus areas include artificial intelligence, data science and engineering, and human-centered computing.

Program Options

Traditional, Research-Based Master’s Degree: This program includes thesis or independent study options.
Course-Based Master’s Option: Tailored for working professionals, this option does not require a thesis. Launching in fall 2026.
Course-Based Master’s in AI Engineering: This program prepares engineers, applied scientists, and technical professionals for career advancement in AI engineering.
Master’s in Internet, Cloud, and Intranet Networking: This program prepares students to become leaders in Internet, cloud, and Intranet networking.
Concurrent Master’s in Computer Science and Engineering Management: This program allows students to pursue a computer science master’s concurrently with engineering management.
Interdisciplinary Skills Program: This program allows students to explore interdisciplinary skills related to computer science without pursuing a full degree.

Graduate Student Stories

Graduate students in computer science enjoy interdisciplinary research opportunities in fields such as cognitive science, aerospace engineering, and information sciences. They also have opportunities to launch their own startups on a campus focused on entrepreneurship. PhD students are fully funded upon admission, including stipend, tuition, and health insurance payment.

Additional Opportunities

CU Boulder offers numerous interdisciplinary research opportunities and encourages entrepreneurship.

Interdisciplinary Research

Students can engage in interdisciplinary research in fields such as cognitive science, aerospace engineering, and information sciences.

Entrepreneurship

CU Boulder is located in one of the most entrepreneurial cities in the nation, providing students with opportunities to launch their own startups.

Funding for PhD Studies

PhD students are fully funded upon admission, including stipend, tuition, and health insurance payment.

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