COURSE CURRICULUM

The transportation engineering program at the University of Colorado Denver is designed as a multidisciplinary and human-centered graduate field focused on building safer, more sustainable, and more equitable mobility systems, while also integrating closely with urban planning through an optional dual Master of Engineering and Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MEng + MURP) pathway that allows students to complete both degrees with reduced total credit requirements compared to pursuing them separately. The program is intentionally open to students from diverse academic backgrounds such as public policy, public health, computer science, geography, anthropology, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering, reflecting the increasingly cross-disciplinary nature of modern transportation challenges. After completing at least two of four foundational courses, students can specialize in one of several applied focus areas that align with contemporary transportation priorities. The Healthy Active Communities track emphasizes the design and integration of pedestrian and bicycling infrastructure, with a focus on promoting active transportation behaviors and embedding these systems within broader urban mobility networks. The Equitable Road Safety track focuses on reducing traffic injuries and fatalities through data-driven safety analysis, policy development, and the implementation of evidence-based road safety programs aimed at improving outcomes for all road users. The Smart Sustainable Mobility track explores advanced transportation technologies, including intelligent transportation systems, transportation demand management strategies, and the use of digital tools and data to optimize mobility efficiency and environmental sustainability. The curriculum is structured around a blend of foundational coursework and skill-based training in design, data science and GIS, communication, and community engagement, ensuring that students develop both technical competencies and the ability to work effectively with stakeholders and communities. In addition, a broad selection of elective courses provides flexibility for students to tailor their academic experience toward specific career goals or research interests. Overall, the program emphasizes a holistic approach to transportation engineering and planning, combining technical analysis, human-centered design, and policy-oriented thinking to address complex mobility challenges in urban and regional contexts.