COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Colorado Denver requires a total of 30 credit hours of graduate-level coursework and is structured to give students flexibility in how they complete their degree through three distinct completion plans, each designed to match different academic and professional goals. Plan I, the Master’s Thesis option, consists of 24 credit hours of formal coursework combined with 6 credit hours of thesis work, and is typically suited for students who want to engage in independent research and potentially continue toward doctoral study or research-intensive careers. Plan II, the Master’s Report option, requires 27 credit hours of coursework plus 3 credit hours dedicated to a final project that culminates in a written report, offering a balance between applied research and structured coursework for students interested in practical engineering problem-solving. Plan III, the Course-Only option, requires completion of 30 credit hours of formal coursework along with a final comprehensive examination that assesses mastery of core mechanical engineering concepts without requiring a formal research project. Across all three plans, students build advanced knowledge in mechanical engineering while tailoring their academic path to their interests in areas such as mechanics, thermal sciences, biomechanics, or general mechanical systems. The structure allows students to align their graduate education with either research, industry practice, or a combination of both, depending on their career direction. By offering multiple pathways, the program supports both depth and flexibility, ensuring that graduates are prepared for roles in engineering design, analysis, product development, energy systems, and other technical fields. Overall, the degree structure emphasizes both academic rigor and adaptability, enabling students to shape their learning experience while meeting consistent graduate-level standards in mechanical engineering.