Graduate Programs

Our traditional graduate programs in engineering and computer science focus on advanced, cutting-edge research. We proudly highlight projects with the potential to contribute to the common good, whether localized to our Denver community or on a global scale.

For those interested in taking their career to the next level, the Ritchie School offers master's programs in data science, cybersecurity, and systems engineering with courses that offer flexibility for professionals. View more on our Graduate Professional Programs.

It was really an opportunity to be creative in a design aspect and also learn a lot. It seemed to me like there was no downside to continuing on for a PhD.

Steven Conyers, PhD Candidate, Electrical & Computer Engineering

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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.
MA
Master of Arts
MS
Master of Science
PhD
Doctor of Philosophy
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science

Bioengineering

MS

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

Computer Engineering

MS

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

PhD

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

Computer Science

MS

About this Program

Our Master of Science in computer science program gives students the chance to develop essential skills for both academic and industrial applications. Participants will gain a wide breadth of advanced knowledge in the design, programming and application of modern computer technology. They also will establish a deeper understanding of the discipline's fundamentals and explore their own particular areas of interest in the field.

Graduates of the program often pursue careers based on their chosen specialization, but the strong and varied knowledge base they develop throughout can make them attractive to a wide range of employers. The master's also serves as an excellent foundation for students who wish to continue into a PhD program.

Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science

Cybersecurity

MS

About this Program

While increased access to technology enhances our lives, it also presents significant threats to personal information and confidential data. That's why our Master of Science in cybersecurity prepares students for a career in one of the most important emerging industries in the world. Students with an analytical bent learn the fundamentals of cybersecurity in our accelerated one-year program. Regardless of their undergraduate field of study, students acquire skills in network security, data privacy, software engineering, security research, policy analysis, and computer forensics. They graduate ready to take on one of the many exciting opportunities in this rapidly expanding, in-demand field.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts there will be a 35% growth rate in cybersecurity jobs between 2021 and 2031. Our graduates fill those openings in positions across a variety of industries such as finance and defense. Positions include chief information security officer, counter-threat analyst and information security engineer.

Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science

Data Science

MS

About this Program

Sharpen your skills in data modeling, analytics and decision-making to help shape the future of any business or organization. This program will show you how to transform raw data into compelling insights and master the art of narrating impactful storylines to propel organizational strategy to new heights. 

Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science

Electrical and Computer Engineering

PhD

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

MS

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

PhD

About this Program

Our PhD in Engineering helps students develop the ability to contribute to modern scientific discourse through independent research. Participants take part in rigorous coursework, utilize cutting-edge technology and collaborate with peers and instructors in small, participatory classes. We encourage students to work toward their own career goals with a multi-disciplinary approach to engineering, developing plans of study from courses on mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, nanoscale science and engineering, materials science and bioengineering. 

The flexible, personalized focus of the program ensures students can develop the skills needed for a variety of careers in engineering. In addition, the city of Denver provides a first-rate environment for engineering expertise, with the Colorado Front Range consistently rated as one of the top high-tech areas in the country and the Denver Tech Center located just minutes from DU. We’re committed to maintaining active connections with industry leaders, allowing our students to graduate with useful experience and a well-developed professional network.

Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science

Engineering

MS

About this Program

The Master of Science in engineering provides individualized advancement for students with an established foundation in engineering and a passion for innovation. Our interdisciplinary approach invites bachelor's degree holders in computer science, mathematics, natural science and engineering to specify their area of focus based on personal interests. Students will enhance their core skills while expanding the breadth of their subject matter knowledge with flexible elective requirements and an optional concentration in management.

Program graduates have gone on to become leaders in various engineering fields with top-rated companies in both the public and private sector. 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

Fundamentals of Systems Engineering

Certificate, Online

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

MS

About this Program

In a world that consistently depends on scientific innovation to drive new technologies and services, it is impossible to ignore the necessity of new materials and fabrication techniques. Our Master of Science in materials science delivers an interdisciplinary background in the behavior and construction of materials rooted in engineering, chemistry and physics. Students develop a deep understanding of specializations within the field, with coursework branching into such topics as composites and nanomaterials.

To complement the coursework portion of the degree, students may undertake research to explore various topics within the major, working 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 development in a variety of engineering fields. You'll also be well-positioned to begin a PhD-level course of study if a career in academia is your goal.

Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science

Materials Science

PhD

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, students will explore advanced concepts in the materials field complemented by extensive research experience.

Upon completion of the doctoral program, candidates will be prepared to enter the materials science field in various roles, from research and development to instruction at the university level. Outside of faculty roles, graduates will be equipped to explore career opportunities in the development of new advanced materials, among others.

Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science

Mechanical Engineering

MS

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

PhD

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

PhD

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

Mechatronic Systems Engineering

MS

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

Systems Design & Architecture

Certificate, Online

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

MS, Online

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: Fundamentals of Systems Engineering, Systems Design & Architecture, and Systems Analytics & Practice. Industry professionals instruct each certificate’s courses and provide students with applicable skills that translate across multiple sectors including aerospace, defense, automotive, and biomedical industries.  

Our stackable certificates provide a well-rounded and in-depth exploration of standard and emergent engineering applications while strengthening leadership skills. 

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