The certificate provides training in engineering mechanics that goes beyond the typical undergraduate curriculum in two aspects. First, students will have the opportunity to establish systematic fundamental knowledge in advanced engineering mechanics through the courses on solid mechanics, finite element analysis and continuum mechanics. Second, students will be able to learn specialized methods in failure analysis, composite materials, soft materials, and vibration to address challenging problems in engineering design.
Students who complete this certificate will have the necessary knowledge and skills for a broad range of industrial sectors that involve structural design and reliability assessment.
Requirements
Admission Requirements
Applicants who are not degree-seeking students at the university may apply for a graduate certificate through Continuing Education by submitting a Nondegree Graduate Certificate Application. Eligible candidates must hold an undergraduate degree in engineering, sciences or mathematics from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Our preferred minimum GPA is 3.0.
Internal applicants who are enrolled bachelor's–accelerated master's (BAM) students at graduate standing or graduate students at CU Boulder in engineering, sciences or mathematics and have a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher are eligible to apply. We accept applications on a rolling basis.
For more information on applying, visit the department's graduate certificates webpage or contact megrad@colorado.edu.
Required Courses and Credits
To complete the certificate program, students will be required to complete 9 graduate level credits. These credits can be chosen by the student, in consultation with certificate program faculty and the graduate advisors, based on the available courses and description of curriculum in subsection b) below. Courses offered each semester will depend on the availability of faculty. At least one relevant course will be offered each fall and spring semester to ensure that students are able to make progress toward completion of the certificate. In accordance with university policy, degree-seeking students will only be eligible for award of the certificate upon completion of their MS degree.
All degree and non-degree seeking certificate students must meet the following minimum academic standards for successful completion of the certificate:
- Students must receive a minimum grade of a B or higher in each course applied towards certificate requirements; and
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in certificate courses.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| Students must take two of the following three courses: | ||
| Special Topics in Mechanical Engineering (Continuum Mechanics) | ||
| Solid Mechanics 1 | ||
| Finite Element Analysis | ||
| Special Topics in Mechanical Engineering (Fracture Mechanics) | ||
| Electives | ||
| Students may complete the certificate by completing three of the required courses or may choose a third course from the list below. | ||
| Failure of Engineering Materials | ||
| Mechanics of Composite Materials | ||
| Special Topics in Mechanical Engineering (Vibrations) | ||
| Mechanics of Soft Matter | ||
| Other electives may be considered in consultation with the certificate director. | ||
Learning Outcomes
By the completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Apply knowledge and skills to a broad range of industrial sectors that involve structural design and reliability assessment.
- Demonstrate systematic fundamental knowledge of advanced engineering mechanics including solid mechanics, finite element analysis and continuum mechanics.
- Demonstrate mastery of specialized methods to address challenging problems in engineering design, including methods for failure analysis, composite materials, soft materials and vibration.