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Additive manufacturing engineers are redefining how complex parts are designed, built and delivered. They’re finding new solutions to lightweight aerospace components, medical devices, energy systems and more, enabling customization at scale, shortening supply chains and taking prototype to production.

The Master of Science in Additive Manufacturing (Non-Thesis) at Colorado School of Mines prepares you to harness advanced 3D printing technologies to design, optimize and produce next-generation components for the next era of manufacturing. 

You’ll move up the problem-solving ladder, taking on greater responsibility and a more direct role in the technical decisions that shape product performance and production strategy. With hands-on experience with powder bed fusion, directed energy deposition, binder jetting and polymer printing, you’ll graduate with in-demand expertise in process optimization, material behavior and part qualification.

With a Professional Master’s in Additive Manufacturing from Mines, you’ll be ready to advance your career with in-demand skills that are challenging, valued and impactful.

Program Detail

In the Master of Science in Additive Manufacturing (Non-Thesis), you will complete 30 credits of graduate-level coursework with the option to apply up to six credits toward an applied analytical or professional report. The program is designed for students seeking professional practice or technical leadership roles rather than academic research careers.

Students are expected to have undergraduate preparation comparable to a degree in mechanical engineering, materials science, aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering or a closely related field with strong foundations in materials and design

Core coursework emphasizes AM processes, design for additive manufacturing (DfAM), material behavior, process control and quality assurance with electives that allow you to tailor the degree toward metals, polymers, ceramics or application-specific manufacturing. An optional professional report enables deeper engagement with applied problems, industry-sponsored projects or process qualification studies.

While in residence, students enroll in graduate seminars and colloquia that connect coursework to professional practice, current research and industry applications.

Areas of Specialization

The Master of Science in Additive Manufacturing allows you to align your graduate training with the manufacturing challenges you want to address.

Metal Additive Manufacturing and Process Control

Prepare for roles focused on laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF), electron beam melting (EBM), directed energy deposition (DED), process parameter optimization and defect mitigation using advanced metal AM technologies.

Design for Additive Manufacturing and Topology Optimization

Develop expertise in generative design, lattice structures, multi-material design, support structure optimization and data-driven approaches to exploiting AM design freedom.

Materials Development and Qualification

Prepare for careers supporting new alloy development, material characterization, mechanical testing, microstructure analysis and certification pathways for AM materials through applied materials science.

Average starting salary for recent program graduates is $97,900. Learn more about Mines' comprehensive career development resources and this degree's salary potential.

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Gain a deeper understanding and hands-on working knowledge of the foundational aspects of materials science – materials properties (including characterization and modeling), materials structures, materials synthesis and processing, and materials performance – with a Master of Science in Materials Science (Non-Thesis) from Colorado School of Mines. 

Working alongside peers, faculty and industry partners, you will engage in the design, study and manipulation of materials properties using advanced characterization and modeling techniques complemented by the extensive materials processing and testing capabilities available on the Mines campus. 

Your experiential learning at Mines is enhanced by major materials-focused research centers producing breakthroughs in physical metallurgy, extractive metallurgy, advanced ceramics, polymers and biomaterials, energy materials, materials modeling and advanced manufacturing.

Program Detail

The Master of Science in Materials Science (Non-Thesis) builds on a rigorous foundation of thermodynamics, structure-property relationships, and kinetics, bridging the gap between atomic-scale design and industrial manufacturing. By integrating computational modeling with experimental synthesis, the program develops the technical precision needed to lead in the global tech sector. 

You will master advanced characterization techniques and materials processing, gaining the ability to manipulate microstructure to achieve superior mechanical and electrical performance. Graduates develop the technical expertise and failure analysis acumen required to lead multidisciplinary teams in the aerospace, semiconductor and renewable energy industries, ensuring that next-generation materials meet the demands of extreme environments.

The Master of Science in Materials Science (Non-Thesis) is a good fit for working engineers and scientists with technical laboratory or manufacturing experience looking to upgrade their expertise and responsibility. The interdisciplinary program is open to anyone with at least a Bachelor of Science in engineering or science who seeks to transition to or advance within the diverse field of materials science.

Instead of a thesis, you’ll complete a professional case study and all non-thesis students are encouraged to pursue hands-on industrial or lab opportunities through co-ops and other arrangements. The degree requires a minimum of 30 credits, including 24 hours of coursework and six hours of case study.

Median salary for recent program graduates is $84,000. Learn more about Mines' comprehensive career development resources and this degree's salary potential.

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Harness the power of computer simulation to understand how real products and systems behave before they are built, tested or put into service with an Online Graduate Certificate in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) from Colorado School of Mines. 

As products and infrastructure face higher loads, tighter safety requirements and shorter development timelines, finite element analysis has become essential across many industries. Engineers use FEA to improve aircraft structures, design energy equipment, validate pressure vessels and pipelines, reduce failures in manufactured parts and extend the life of critical systems.

Learn how to model parts and structures, evaluate stress and deformation and use simulation results to make safer, more confident design decisions. This certificate gives you practical, job-ready skills to apply simulation where it matters most—reducing risk, improving performance and supporting engineering decisions long before problems become costly or dangerous.

Program Details

The Online Graduate Certificate in Finite Element Analysis is designed for working professionals with backgrounds in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, civil engineering, materials science and related technical fields who want to strengthen their simulation skills and expand career opportunities in analysis-driven roles.

You will gain advanced preparation in the practical use of finite element methods for structural and mechanical analysis. Students develop a strong understanding of modeling assumptions, numerical methods and solution strategies used to evaluate stress, deformation, stability and failure in complex systems.

Coursework emphasizes application and interpretation. Students work with realistic engineering models, nonlinear material behavior and advanced solver techniques that reflect challenges faced in aerospace, energy, automotive, manufacturing and defense industries. Through an applied engineering lens, the program connects theoretical foundations of mechanics with hands-on simulation practices used in professional design and analysis workflows.

The curriculum integrates advanced principles of finite element analysis and computational mechanics, including:

• Linear and nonlinear structural analysis
  
  
• Material modeling and constitutive behavior
  
  
• Contact mechanics and large deformation analysis
  
  
• Failure, fatigue and fracture modeling
  
  
• Verification, validation and interpretation of simulation results

This 9-credit online certificate can be completed in as little as one year while balancing professional and personal commitments. Courses are delivered through Mines’ interactive online learning platform, allowing you to engage with expert faculty and experienced engineering peers from across industry.

Students may apply certificate coursework toward select master’s degree programs at Mines, providing a pathway to advanced graduate study without losing time or credits.

The Master of Science in Quantum Engineering (Non-Thesis) at Colorado School of Mines prepares you to work at the intersection of physics, engineering and computing in a rapidly advancing technical field. Mines is home to one of the nation’s first quantum engineering graduate programs, reflecting a long-standing commitment to translating fundamental science into real-world engineering solutions.

This on-campus program builds on your bachelor’s degree by strengthening your understanding of quantum behavior while focusing on how those principles are engineered into practical systems. You gain the skills to think across disciplines, moving from theory to implementation with confidence.

Quantum engineering is reshaping how industries approach sensing, computation, communication and measurement. Organizations need professionals who understand both the science and engineering constraints behind these technologies. Mines stands apart by grounding quantum education in applied problem solving, engineering rigor and hands-on learning.

The non-thesis format emphasizes advanced coursework and applied experiences, making this program a strong fit if you want to move quickly into technical roles or expand your expertise without pursuing a research thesis. You will be prepared to contribute to emerging technologies while building a foundation for long-term career growth.

Program Detail

The Master of Science in Quantum Engineering (Non-Thesis) program focuses on advanced coursework rather than a traditional thesis. The curriculum is interdisciplinary by design, drawing from physics, electrical engineering, computer science and applied mathematics.

You study foundational quantum concepts alongside engineering-focused topics such as quantum devices, measurement techniques, system modeling and computational methods. Electives allow you to tailor the program to your interests, whether you are focused on hardware, software or system-level applications.

While a thesis is not required, many courses include projects that reinforce concepts through hands-on problem solving. These projects emphasize design thinking, data analysis and technical communication.

This program is offered on campus, giving you access to specialized facilities, close collaboration with faculty across departments and an immersive academic environment that supports interdisciplinary learning.

Program Opportunities

Interdisciplinary learning:

You engage with faculty and peers across multiple departments, reflecting how quantum technologies are developed in practice.

Applied project work:

Coursework often includes projects that connect theory to engineered systems and real-world constraints.

Emerging industry exposure:

You gain preparation for roles in organizations working to develop and deploy quantum-based technologies.

Median salary for recent program graduates $102,000. Learn more about Mines' comprehensive career development resources and this degree's salary potential.

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If you’re ready to explore what’s next in biology and health through the lens of science and engineering, the Master of Science in Quantitative Biosciences and Engineering (Non-Thesis) at Colorado School of Mines can help you pursue those goals. 

This interdisciplinary program spanning chemistry, physics, computer science, mathematics, engineering and geosciences will give you the skills to tackle challenges at the intersection of biology, health and technology. You’ll gain hands-on experience and computational expertise in areas ranging from bioinformatics, computational biology and systems biology to biomechanics, tissue engineering, biosensors and biofuels. Labs and courses integrate cutting-edge techniques, including laser imaging, CRISPR-Cas9, metabolic engineering and digital healthcare, preparing you to model, analyze and optimize complex biological systems. You will be prepared to lead and innovate in biotechnology, healthcare, environmental biology and beyond or pursue further graduate studies.

With a Master of Science in Quantitative Biosciences and Engineering (Non-Thesis), you will be well-equipped to turn complex biological challenges into actionable solutions that shape the future of biotechnology, healthcare and life sciences.

Program Detail

The Master of Science in Quantitative Biosciences and Engineering (Non-Thesis) gives students a solid foundation in biology, chemistry, mathematics, computer science and engineering to tackle real-world challenges in medicine, biotechnology and emerging biological technologies. This interdisciplinary program draws on more than 35 faculty across campus and integrates expertise from fields such as chemical and biological engineering, mechanical engineering, civil and environmental engineering, physics and applied mathematics.

You’ll build core knowledge in cell biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, systems biology and physical biochemistry, while selecting electives that expand your skills in computational biology, tissue engineering, biosensors, digital healthcare, metabolic engineering and biomechanics. Through coursework and seminars, you’ll gain hands-on lab experience, computational modeling expertise and the ability to analyze complex biological systems.

Median salary for recent program graduates $61,000. Learn more about Mines' comprehensive career development resources and this degree's salary potential.

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Precision and innovation are shaping the future of underground construction as engineers and industry teams in civil, geotechnical, mining, construction and geological fields collaborate to design, build and manage tunnels and other underground structures and subsurface facilities for transportation, energy, water and industrial infrastructure. As the only dedicated graduate program of its kind in North America, the Master of Science in Underground Construction and Tunnel Engineering (Non-Thesis) at Colorado School of Mines, will help you advance your career in this specialized and high-impact field and solve some of today’s toughest subsurface challenges.

In this program, you’ll focus on the systems that support cities and sustain modern life. Through a rigorous and industry-aligned curriculum, you’ll study hard rock and soft ground tunneling, engineering geology and geotechnics, underground construction methods and underground infrastructure construction management with hands-on experiences. You’ll learn from internationally recognized faculty who are experts in design, excavation and risk management and closely collaborate with contractors, consultants and public agencies tackling complex, real-world subsurface challenges. You’ll graduate prepared to lead high-stakes underground projects with advanced technical skills, interdisciplinary perspectives and a breadth of knowledge to deliver infrastructure solutions where precision, safety and performance are paramount.

Program Detail

The Master of Science in Underground Construction and Tunnel Engineering (Non-Thesis) is designed for working professionals looking to advance their skill sets and take the next step in their careers. The program requires 18 credit hours of coursework focused on engineering geology and geotechnics and soil behavior. In lab courses, you will also get hands-on experiences with tools and skills used in underground construction. Non-thesis students are also expected to complete a practically focused independent study with an industry partner, which typically involves an internship within the underground construction industry.

The non-thesis option is designed for engineers who want to expand their technical skills through rigorous, applied coursework. It provides a practical path to enhance your expertise, strengthen your credentials and prepare you to take on advanced technical roles or leadership positions in the field.

Median salary for recent program graduates $90,000. Learn more about Mines' comprehensive career development resources and this degree's salary potential.

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The Master of Science in Humanitarian Engineering and Science (Non-Thesis) at Colorado School of Mines is a sociotechnical, interdisciplinary graduate program where engineers and scientists work directly with communities to define problems and co-create sustainable, context-sensitive solutions.

More and more technical professionals are striving to align their careers with social and environmental impact. Simply put, they have a desire to use their technical expertise to make the world a better place. Since 2003, Mines has been at the forefront of humanitarian engineering education in the U.S. – now offering advanced graduate opportunities through the Humanitarian Engineering and Science program.

This unique degree is built on the understanding that engineering impact requires both technical proficiency and contextual awareness of the social, environmental and cultural dimensions of problem-solving. By integrating rigorous academic training with transformative field engagement, the Humanitarian Engineering and Science program equips graduates to lead ethical, inclusive and resilient development efforts worldwide. Whether working for a nonprofit, government agency or corporation, you’ll graduate prepared to contribute meaningfully to global development goals and design resilient, equitable solutions for the most pressing challenges of our time.

Program Detail

The Master of Science in Humanitarian Engineering and Science (Non-Thesis) builds on a rigorous foundation of engineering design, social science and ethical frameworks, bridging the gap between technical innovation and community-driven development. By integrating co-design principles with socio-technical analysis, the program develops the precision needed to address global inequality.

You will master collaborative problem-solving and corporate social responsibility modeling, gaining the ability to design resilient infrastructure that honors local knowledge and culture. Graduates develop the technical expertise and cross-cultural communication skills required to lead multidisciplinary teams in NGOs, government agencies, and global industries focused on sustainable, equitable development.

As a student in Humanitarian Engineering and Science, you will complete 30 credits of graduate-level coursework, including a hands-on practicum where you get the opportunity to apply what you have learned to a real-world challenge. Students in the program can also choose a specialized track of study to pursue, including Environmental Engineering, Robotics, Geological Engineering, Data Science and Geophysics.

Median salary for recent program graduates is $80,000. Learn more about Mines' comprehensive career development resources and this degree's salary potential.

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Develop advanced technical expertise in designing, analyzing, and managing infrastructure and environmental systems with a Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering (Non-Thesis) from Colorado School of Mines. This program is designed for you if you want to solve complex engineering challenges affecting communities, industry, and the built environment through advanced coursework and applied learning.

At Mines, you will strengthen skills in analysis, modeling, design, and systems thinking across civil and environmental engineering disciplines. As industries and public agencies face aging infrastructure, growing resource demands, and evolving environmental conditions, engineers who can evaluate systems holistically and apply rigorous engineering methods are increasingly valuable.

What sets Mines apart is its applied, industry-focused approach. Through specialized coursework and project-based learning, you will gain practical experience using modern engineering tools and techniques while developing the technical and professional skills needed for leadership roles in consulting, industry, and public-sector organizations.

Program Detail

The Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering (Non-Thesis) combines advanced coursework with practical application. You'll take graduate-level courses aligned with your technical interests and career goals, selecting one of three emphasis areas:

Average starting salary for recent program graduates $75,000. Learn more about Mines' comprehensive career development resources and this degree's salary potential.

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Nuclear energy is entering a new era. With global nuclear capacity projected to grow dramatically by 2050, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency, the world needs professionals ready to design, operate and lead the next generation of nuclear systems.

The Master of Engineering in Nuclear Science and Engineering (Non-Thesis) from Mines will help you lead that future. Learning from one of the top-ranked nuclear science programs in the nation, you’ll be immersed in a true interdisciplinary education that provides a broad perspective into the world of nuclear engineering. This industry-focused program delivers rigorous training grounded in real-world application and systems thinking while closely collaborating with national labs and industry partners to find the best energy solutions.

In this program, you’ll learn from top faculty across disciplines, engage with cutting-edge facilities and gain the practical expertise that strengthens your technical depth while expanding your leadership potential. With a Master of Engineering in Nuclear Science and Engineering (Non-Thesis) from Mines, you will be ready to stand at the forefront of a growing global industry and provide solutions for the next era of energy.

Program Detail

The Master of Engineering in Nuclear Science and Engineering (Non-Thesis) builds on a rigorous foundation of nuclear physics and industrial application. You’ll gain the necessary knowledge of the complete nuclear fuel cycle and become an expert in areas such as uranium exploration and fuel processing, nuclear power system production and operation, fuel recycling, storage and waste remediation, radiation detection and related policy issues.

Graduates develop the technical expertise required to lead multidisciplinary teams in sectors such as energy, national security, research and more, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of complex nuclear systems.

Median salary for recent program graduates is $88,000. Learn more about Mines' comprehensive career development resources and this degree's salary potential.

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The future of space exploration depends on what we can build, produce and sustain beyond Earth. The Master of Science in Space Resources (Non-Thesis) at Colorado School of Mines prepares you to help unlock that future by developing the knowledge and systems needed to identify, extract and utilize resources across the solar system.

With the world’s first graduate program dedicated to space resources, Mines brings engineering, science, economics and policy to address one of the most critical challenges in space exploration and development: enabling sustainable human activity beyond our planet. You’ll explore how extraterrestrial materials can support propulsion, infrastructure, manufacturing, energy production and life-support systems, transforming space into an operational environment.

In this fully online program, you’ll learn from a multidisciplinary network of faculty and industry experts spanning aerospace engineering, mining, robotics, energy systems, resource economics and policy. Drawing on Mines’ globally recognized leadership in terrestrial resources and energy systems, the program translates decades of Earth-based expertise into solutions for lunar, planetary and asteroid environments. You’ll be ready to design technologies for resource prospecting, develop infrastructure concepts for off-world operations and advance sustainable space policy with the technical perspective and systems-level understanding needed to help define humanity’s next steps in tomorrow’s space economy. 

Program Detail

The Master of Science in Space Resources (Non-Thesis) is built for professionals who want to help design and enable the infrastructure of the emerging space economy. Delivered fully online and requiring 31 credit hours of coursework, the program equips you to understand, evaluate and develop the technologies and systems needed to locate, extract and utilize resources beyond Earth.

You’ll build depth across key areas including in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), space systems engineering and the technical, economic and policy frameworks that guide responsible exploration and development of planetary resources. Grounded in Mines’ longstanding leadership in terrestrial resources and energy systems, the curriculum translates Earth-based expertise into off-world applications.

The non-thesis option is ideal for engineers and scientists seeking focused, applied coursework that strengthens technical fluency without stepping away from their careers. It’s a strategic pathway to expand your capabilities, enhance your professional credibility and position yourself to contribute immediately within government agencies, commercial space ventures, research organizations and policy institutions shaping humanity’s next era of exploration and development.

Median salary for recent program graduates $109,000. Learn more about Mines' comprehensive career development resources and this degree's salary potential.

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The Optics for Engineering graduate certificate at Colorado School of Mines is designed for recent graduates or mid-career professionals who want practical, engineering-focused expertise in optical systems and technologies. Offered through the Physics Department, this on-campus graduate certificate strengthens your bachelor’s degree by building a working understanding of how light is generated, manipulated and measured in real engineering applications.

Optical technologies are central to sensing, imaging, communications, manufacturing and instrumentation. Employers need engineers and scientists who can apply optical principles to design reliable systems and interpret optical data accurately. This certificate helps you develop that capability. You learn how optical components and systems behave and how design choices affect performance, accuracy and reliability.

Mines approaches optics with a strong applied learning foundation. Coursework emphasizes physical understanding, experimentation and problem-solving rather than theory alone. You learn from faculty with experience in research and applied work who focus on how optics functions in practical engineering environments.

If you want to expand your technical breadth, strengthen your design skills or prepare for roles that rely on optical technologies, this certificate offers focused, hands-on training grounded in the strengths Mines is known for.

Program Detail

The Optics for Engineering graduate certificate offers a curriculum centered on applied optics for engineering use. Coursework emphasizes system design, measurement techniques and interpretation of optical data.

This is an on-campus program that relies on hands-on learning and direct interaction with faculty and peers. Laboratory work plays an important role in connecting theoretical concepts to real systems and measurements. Research is not required for this certificate, though many courses include lab-based projects or applied assignments that reflect professional practice.

The program is geared toward individuals with a bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics or a closely related field. Certificate degree requirements include a core class in laser physics and completion of two additional electives, for a total of nine credit hours.

Be ready to embrace – and lead – the multidisciplinary challenges of tomorrow in robotics, biomechanics, materials or energy systems with a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (Non-Thesis) from Colorado School of Mines.

At Mines, you will master new skills, work in interdisciplinary teams and learn to reason your way from analysis to synthesis and bring others along. Reimagine and accelerate your careers by acquiring specialized, industry-ready problem-solving skills, hands-on experience and a strong professional network.

If you’re looking for a graduate degree based on hands-on learning and one that turns theory into practice by solving real-world engineering problems, you’ve come to the right place. 

Program Details

The Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (Non-Thesis) builds on a rigorous foundation of solid mechanics, fluid dynamics and thermodynamics, bridging the gap between theoretical modeling and industrial-scale implementation and preparing you to tackle a wide array of multidisciplinary technical engineering challenges.

The on-campus degree provides access to innovative research experiences to complement rich classroom learning in four focus areas: biomechanics, robotics and automation, solid mechanics, materials, and manufacturing, and thermal fluid and energy systems. The online degree supports your professional goals with a schedule that fits your life, with the exact same rigor, degree requirements, instructors, and classes as in our on-campus program. Both require 30 credit hours of flexible, career-focused coursework.

Median salary for recent program graduates is $85,000. Learn more about Mines' comprehensive career development resources and this degree's salary potential.

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If you’re ready to deepen your expertise and expand your professional impact, the Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (Non-Thesis) from Colorado School of Mines offers a powerful next step. Designed for working professionals, this 30-credit program delivers advanced technical depth in high-demand areas such as antennas and wireless communications, power and energy systems, signal processing, control systems and information sciences, positioning you at the forefront of innovation.

At Mines, you’ll help shape the systems that power and connect the modern world. From smart grid technologies and next-generation communications to advanced sensing and digital infrastructure, you’ll gain the expertise to contribute to industries that define the future, including aerospace, quantum, defense, semiconductors, biomedical devices, remote sensing and more.

This professionally focused, non-thesis degree emphasizes rigorous coursework and real-world application, allowing you to tailor your studies to your goals while maintaining career momentum. You’ll learn from internationally recognized faculty who are deeply engaged with industry partners, national laboratories and leading research centers, bringing current challenges and emerging technologies directly into the classroom. You’ll graduate with advanced technical skills, an expanded professional network and the ability to lead in complex, high-impact engineering environments.

Program Detail

The Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (Non-Thesis) is designed to prepare students for technical careers in industry or government. Requiring 30 credits of coursework, some of which are available to be taken online, you can choose between three specialized tracks: antennas and wireless communications, power and energy systems and information and systems sciences.

The non-thesis option is well-suited for engineers who want to advance technical expertise through structured coursework and can be an excellent pathway to strengthen your credentials and capabilities for leadership or specialized technical roles.

Median salary for recent graduates of this program is $96,600. Learn more about Mines' comprehensive career development resources and this degree's salary potential.

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