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
When you apply to Colorado School of Mines, you are applying to Colorado’s premier engineering and applied science university. For 150+ years, we have produced the talent, knowledge and innovations to serve industry and benefit society through transformative education and research. You will be joining a community of entrepreneurial thinkers who revel in the process of solving problems together, while shaping the future. At Mines you won’t just prepare for your future – you’ll engineer it.
graduate programs
online programs
total graduate students
Programs to consider
- Business Analytics
- Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS)
- Chemical Engineering Process in Energy Transition
- Computer Science
- Cybersecurity
- Data Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Energy Geophysics
- Engineering and Technology Management
- Geographic Information Systems and Geoinformatics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mining Industry Management
- Product Management
- Space Resources
- STEM Teaching
Explore the full list of programs
MINES ONLINE
It’s Flexible. Formats that Fit.
The benefit of a future-forward university is understanding that students have lives beyond the classroom.
Study with Mines from anywhere in the world. Online programs give you the flexibility in formats that fit your life. Explore shortened semesters taught by the same world-class faculty that teach on-campus.
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.
GET TO KNOW MINES
Visit Campus
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 2026 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.
We Are Here When You Need Us.
The Office of Graduate Admissions is here to support you through the entire process. From preparing to apply to the time you start classes, we are here to help.
IN PERSON
Starzer Welcome Center
1812 Illinois St.
Golden, CO 80401
PHONE
TALK TO MINES
Chat with graduate students and staff online.
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 outcome for MS graduates one year post-graduation
%
positive outcomes for PhD graduates one year post-graduation
Funding Opportunities
To support your journey, Mines has numerous funding opportunities including fellowships, traineeships, scholarships or teaching and research assistantships. You will be asked on your admissions application to indicate your interest.
TUITION AND FEES
Based on 6 credits
Semester At a Glance
| Colorado Resident | Out-of-State | Mines Online | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $6,564 | $14,280 | $7,080 |
| Fees | $1,579 | $1,579 | $102 |
| TOTAL | $8,143 | $15,859 | $7,182 |
What Does One Credit Cost?
| Colorado Resident | Out-of-State | Mines Online | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition/Fees | $1,094 / $417 | $2,380 / $375 | $1,080 / $102 |
*Based on 2025-2026 Fall and Spring Tuition and Fees. Does not include books, materials, supplies, etc.
Western Regional Graduate Program
Students in qualifying states may be eligible for the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) and could receive a discounted, non-resident tuition rate if they are part of a qualifying academic program at Mines.
U.S. States
Territory or Commonwealths
RESEARCH A GLOBAL LEADER
Colorado School of Mines faculty and students are conducting research in many areas, including renewable energy, conventional and unconventional oil and gas, groundwater contaminants, human-device interactions, quantum engineering, underground construction and computational modeling, just to name a few.
Through partnerships with national laboratories, industry funding agencies and more, you can be confident that the research you do at Mines will have a significant impact on real-world issues.
R1 Research Status
Innovation With Impact
Mines is one of 146 universities out of over 4,000 in the U.S. at the forefront of research.
affiliated research centers and institutes
in total research awards *FY 2024
active research faculty
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.