University of Colorado, Boulder

Designed to equip engineers, applied scientists, and technical professionals with the leadership and management skills they need to stand out in their respective technology-driven industries, The Master of Engineering in Engineering Management (ME-EM) program at the University of Colorado Boulder has flexible options for both full and part-time enrolment. Located  in Boulder, Colorado, a hub for innovation and technology, students at UC Boulder have access to a vibrant ecosystem of startups, established tech companies, and research institutions in their academic community.

Program Overview

The University of Colorado Boulder’s ME-EM program is tailored for professionals aiming to advance into leadership roles without pausing their careers.

• Format: Flexible. Students can choose between full-time and part-time enrollment, with courses available as evening classes, remote live sessions, and recorded lessons.

• Credits: 30 credit hours of coursework

• Duration: Students are encouraged to progress at their own pace, with the typical duration varying based on individual course loads. 

• Cost: $667 per credit hour

In all its coursework, the program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating engineering principles with management strategies and innovation. 

Specializations and Academic Pathways

The core curriculum encompasses core disciplines such as project management, finance, leadership, and data science, including courses like:

• Finance for Technical Managers 
• Project Management
• Leading Oneself
• Technical Communication

In addition to the topics covered by the core curriculum, students have the opportunity to specialize further through their selection of elective courses, enabling them to tailor their education to specific industry needs. These electives include:

• The Data-Driven Manager
• Principles of Leadership: Leading Technical Organizations
• Global Perspectives of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace
• Principles of Leadership: Leading Technical Teams
• Neuroscience of Leadership: Leading with Your Brain
• Ethical Decision-Making in the Tech Industry
• Technology Entrepreneurship
• Marketing and Technology Ventures
• Product Development
• Introduction to Systems Engineering
• Applied Sustainability for Technical Managers
• Sustainable and Circular Product Development        
• Resilience Engineering and Leadership in Crisis
• Sustainable and Resilient Operations and Supply Chains
• Transformative Leadership in the Circular Economy

Students may also take p to 9 credits worth of outside electives.

Experiential learning is a cornerstone of the program, with practical applications through case studies, projects, and collaborations with industry partners.

Career Outcomes

The University of Colorado-Boulder doesn’t share specific post-graduation employment statistics, such as average starting salaries or employment rates within a certain timeframe, on their official website. However, they do say that the program is designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles across various industries, including technology, engineering, and applied sciences. Contact the university directly for more detailed career outcome information.

Admissions Process

• Eligibility: A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in undergraduate degree in engineering, science, or a technical field, or relevant  work experience and career goals.

• GRE/GMAT: Applicants with a cumulative undergraduate GPA that does not meet the 3.0 requirement can potentially be admitted by submitting strong GRE scores. The program does not accept GMAT scores.

• Required Materials: Completed graduate school application and application fee, official transcripts from all institutions previously attended, and a one page statement of purpose.

• English Proficiency: Verification of English proficiency is required if native language is not English 

• Current resume: Applicants should upload a current resume, but relevant work experience is not required.
  
  
• Application Deadlines: The university reviews applications on a rolling basis starting about 2-3 months before these deadlines:
• Domestic: May 1, November 15
• International: January 15, September 1

Tuition, Financial Aid and Scholarships

Tuition to the University of Colorado Boulder’s MEM program is $667 per credit hour for in-state, out-of-state and international students, costing 20,010 total for the full 30-credit master’s degree. While there are no scholarships specifically available to MEM students, many employers pay for the cost of obtaining these degrees. Additionally, MEM students are eligible for some university wide scholarships.

Online Experience

Designed for students interested in growing their management careers in the engineering and technical sectors while maintaining full time employment, the program offers a dynamic learning environment with both online and in-person options. Students can also pursue learning at their own pace, engaging with recorded lectures asynchronously whenever and wherever they happen to be, as long as they manage to complete all coursework by the end of the eight week course period.

Program Highlights

Whether you opt for online or in person instruction, the University of Colorado, Boulder prides itself on the accessibility of their faculty members, who support students throughout their coursework. The program's integration with Boulder's tech community also creates potential opportunities for industry engagement.

Why Choose This MEM Program

The University of Colorado Boulder's MEM program stands out due to its flexible course delivery methods, which makes the program accessible for both full-time students and working professionals learning on their own time. 

One unique aspect of this program is the university’s strong ties to the local tech industry. This relationship provides students with opportunities to engage with leading companies and innovators in the greater Boulder area, which is known for being a hub for tech innovation.

While specific testimonials were not found on the university website, the program's longstanding reputation suggests a history of successful alumni.

Class Profile

Specific information regarding class size, demographics, or professional backgrounds of current students are not currently available on the University of Colorado, Boulder’s website. 

However, the enrolled student population at University of Colorado Boulder as a whole is 64.6% White, 12.2% Hispanic or Latino, 6.26% Asian, 5.92% Two or More Races, 1.77% Black or African American, 0.227% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.0884% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders.1 

Program Rankings and Recognition

According to U.S. News and World Report’s Best Engineering Schools rankings for 2024-25, the University of Colorado Boulder is among the top 25 programs in the U.S.2 

Next Steps

With a flexible learning schedule and rolling application dates throughout the year, applying to the University of Colorado, Boulders MEM program could fit into your professional journey. Visit the program's admissions page for information or to begin your application.

Sources

• https://datausa.io/profile/university/university-of-colorado-boulder#:~:text=The%20enrolled%20student%20population%20at%20University%20of%20Colorado%20Boulder%20is,Hawaiian%20or%20Other%20Pacific%20Islanders
• https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-engineering-schools/university-of-colorado-at-boulder-02032 

Additional Sources

• https://www.colorado.edu/emp/coursera
• https://www.colorado.edu/emp/graduate-programs/traditional-semester-based-me-engineering-management
• https://www.colorado.edu/emp/media/333
• https://www.colorado.edu/graduateschool/admissions/where-begin
• https://www.colorado.edu/emp/graduate-programs/costs-financial-assistance
• https://www.colorado.edu/emp/graduate-programs/graduate-admissions
• https://www.colorado.edu/emp/graduate-programs/frequently-asked-questions
• https://catalog.colorado.edu/courses-a-z/emen/
• https://www.colorado.edu/engineering/2024/06/18/cu-boulder-top-25-engineering-program-according-best-graduate-school-rankings#:~:text=The%20University%20of%20Colorado%20Boulder,12. 

Disclaimer
All information about this program was found on the University of Colorado, Boulders MEM program website March 2025. Information is subject to change, so we advise that you confirm all program details, costs, and financial aid information with the university’s admissions office before applying. You can reach the university directly by emailing CUBoulder-MEEM@coursera.org for prospective online students, or emp@colorado.edu for applicants interested in the traditional program.