Graduate Viewbook
TAKE A LOOK
View the Mines digital viewbook below to get a general overview and to learn more about common topics.
You can also pick up a printed version at the Admissions Office located in the Starzer Welcome Center on campus or when you see the Mines graduate recruitment team on the road.
WHICH GRADUATE PROGRAM IS RIGHT FOR ME?
PhD | MS – Thesis | MS Non – Thesis | Certificate
Defining Program Types
PhD
Doctor of Philosophy
A PhD program is often the result of lifelong learning and the pursuit of the pinnacle of the academic experience. The PhD or ‘Doctor of Philosophy’ is the highest level of academic qualification one can achieve. Through multi-semester data and research, students will publish a final thesis of their work and findings. Mines is the only institution in the world that offers doctoral programs in all five of the major earth science disciplines.
MS – Thesis
Master of Science (MS-T)
Thesis programs will involve multiple semesters of focus on data collection and a strong dedication to research. Upon completion, most students will submit a final paper with all findings to be published. This is typically the route that students wil take when they are preparing for a PhD program.
MS Non – Thesis
Master of Science (MS-NT)
Non-thesis programs generally require a submission of a final project or capstone. Even though research wil not be the primary focus of a non-thesis program, it is important to
note that almost all MS programs will have a research component but will rarely have an expectation of papers being published. This is a common degree program for working professionals who may not have the capacity to dedicate time to multi-semester research.
Certificate
GradCert
A graduate-level certificate will utilize advanced, high-level courses without awarding a full degree. Often, certificates are a shorter time commitment with less cost. Earning this credential allows students to acquire specialized knowledge to help advance career goals, prepare for a graduate degree, meet licensing requirements and more. Certificates can be achieved along the way of pursuing a higher degree or independently on their own.
Did you know Mines offers some other of degree types?
GRADUATE ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
ENGINEER YOUR FUTURE.
Colorado School of Mines offers graduate programs designed to help you reach your goals. For 150+ years, Mines has prepared leaders to solve industry challenges and benefit society through impactful education and research. Learn from world-class faculty, collaborate with industry partners, conduct research that addresses real-world challenges and build a robust network of peers, alumni and industry leaders.
At Mines, you won’t just prepare for your future. You’ll engineer it.
graduate programs
online programs
total graduate students
Explore All Grad Programs
Formats That Fit
Get Started
MINERAL AND MINING UNIVERSITY
QS World University Rankings, 2026
PUBLIC INSTITUTION IN THE U.S. FOR 40-YEAR ROI
Georgetown, 2025
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY IN COLORADO
U.S. News & World Report, 2026
CARLOS A. CISNEROS JR.
MS Civil Engineering
MS Engineering and Technology Management
“I felt prepared, not just because of the technical education, but because my communication and organizational skills grew so much during my time here.”
Carlos earned a master’s in Civil Engineering and is now completing a second master’s in Engineering and Technology Management. While working full-time as a design engineer, he’s building on his technical expertise with leadership and business skills that are preparing him for the next step in his career.
MINES ONLINE
Formats that Fit.
Choose the learning environment that’s right for you. Whether you study on campus or online, you’ll earn the same respected Mines degree taught by the same expert faculty. Every program is designed to deliver the rigorous, industry-focused education that prepares graduates to solve realworld challenges.
- Join a global community of Mines graduate students.
- Optional accelerated terms, online courses are also offered in two consecutive eight-week sessions.
RESOURCES
Graduate students have access to a range of Mines resources. No matter what the format of your program is, you will join a community of support with access to resources for success.
Check out these top resources for graduate students.
Visit Campus
Get To Know Mines
On campus, virtually or in your area – we want you to get to know Mines. Check out all the ways to visit campus, meet one-on-one with a recruiter or even explore using the 360 virtual tour.
ADMISSIONS
You Are Ready.
It’s easy to start your graduate program at Colorado School of Mines. You can apply online, any time. After you apply, you’ll be able to log in to your admissions application account and track your application with the Mines personal application tracker. It’s one simplified location to manage your graduate application.
The 2027 Graduate Admissions Application is Open!
If you are ready to continue your education, enhance your research experience and connect with world-class faculty and industry experts, Colorado School of Mines graduate programs will help you achieve your academic and professional goals. Get started today and apply to start your graduate program!
Application Tracker
Know where your application is in the process every step of the way! After you create an admissions application account and application, you will have access to your personalized portal where you will see an application tracker as well as a full list of materials received and ones you need to submit.
Next Steps Checklist
Admitted students will need to log in to their application account and submit their enrollment decision form. After submitted, you will see a next steps checklist within your application account portal. This will include details on orientation, housing options, funding information and more.
Support From Day One.
The Mines Graduate Program Specialist team is here to assist you from start to finish.
IN PERSON
Graduate Admissions in the Office of Graduate Studies
1600 Jackson St.
Suite 380
Golden, CO 80401
PHONE
RESEARCH A GLOBAL LEADER
Mines faculty and students conduct research in renewable energy, oil and gas, groundwater, quantum engineering, underground construction, computational modeling and more. Partnerships with national laboratories, industry and government agencies create opportunities to address complex, real-world challenges.
R1 Research Status
Innovation With Impact
Top 5% of U.S. colleges and universities for research
in total research awards *FY 2025
active research faculty
IT’S WORTH IT TO INVEST IN YOU
If you are ready to continue your education, enhance your research experience and connect with world-class faculty and industry experts, Colorado School of Mines graduate programs will help you achieve your academic and professional goals. You’ll be inspired to further enhance your skills as an innovator, expert and entrepreneur and to address the greatest challenges that face our planet and beyond.
Average starting salary for MS graduate students
Average starting salary for PhD graduate students
Elevate Your Career.
Mines graduate students enter the workforce with the highest of standards of integrity and skill, assuming top positions in industry, government and academia.
%
positive MS and PhD outcomes
best university in Colorado – Niche, 2026
Funding Opportunities
To help support your graduate education, Mines has numerous funding opportunities including fellowships, traineeships, scholarships or teaching and research assistantships. As part of your admissions application, you’ll have the opportunity to indicate your interest in these funding options. You can also contact your academic program to learn more about funding opportunities available.
TUITION AND FEES
BASED ON ANNUAL FULL TIME ENROLLMENT
| Colorado Resident | Out-of-State | Mines Online | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $19,980 | $43,488 | $21,564 |
| Fees | $3,206 | $3,206 | $204 |
| Housing/Meal Allowance | $19,926 | $19,926 | $19,926 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,500 | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Personal Expenses | $1,728 | $1,728 | $1,728 |
| Transportation Allowance | $1,512 | $1,512 | $1,512 |
| Loan Fees | $181 | $181 | $181 |
| TOTAL | $48,033 | $71,541 | $46,615 |
What Does One Credit Cost?
| Colorado Resident | Out-of-State | Mines Online | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition/Fees | $1,110 / $424 | $2,416 / $424 | $1,198 / $102 |
*Based on 2026-2027 Fall and Spring Tuition and Fees.
Nine Credit Hour
For students looking to save even more, tuition and fees stay flat from nine to 15 credit hours for on-campus courses. That means you’ll pay the same tuition and fees whether you take nine, 10, 12 or even 15 credit hours, saving you both time and money by taking a higher semester course load.
*Mines Online does not qualify for the flatline.
Industry and Alumni Network
Transforming technically strong graduate students into well-rounded professionals and leaders
Join a community of 40,000+ alumni, research collaborators, faculty, staff, industry and government partners who share your drive to lead, innovate and make an impact.
Combined Programs allow students to complete a bachelor’s degree at Mines and combine it with a master’s degree program to complete both in as little as 5 years. Or, take a look how you can combine and finish your PhD, too.
Current Mines Undergrad Students
Additional Benefits To Combine
- No application fee
- No required GRE scores
- No required letters of recommendation
- No commitment, you can combine and decide to continue as a graduate student later.
