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Admission

Graduate admission

UW Engineering offers graduate programs for engineers to grow their skills, boost their careers, or delve into academic research.

The application process

Admission into our different programs can vary. For some, you may need to apply through the UW Graduate School, while others require that you apply through UW Continuum College. Admissions information, funding opportunities, and requirements for each program can be found on its respective website.

Our program types

Graduate Research Degrees are research-focused graduate programs that can lead to a Ph.D.

Affiliated Certificates are affiliated with a department's existing professional master’s degrees. Students can take these certificates as standalone credentials or apply their graduate credits toward an existing master’s degree in the department.  

Stackable Graduate Certificates are designed to build toward specific stacked master’s degrees. Credits earned through these may apply to other master’s programs, but students must work with an adviser to discuss applying credits toward a non-stacked master’s degree. These certificates can also be standalone credentials. 

Professional Master’s Degrees are designed to support the needs of working professionals. Each program has an established curriculum and may include elective courses. These master’s degrees generally do not require original research or a thesis to graduate. 

Stacked Master’s Degrees are earned by completing two qualifying stackable certificates and an applied capstone project. They are designed so that students can earn meaningful credentials in focused areas of engineering as they progress toward their master’s degree. 

Engineering graduate programs and certificates

Aerospace Composite Structures

Hexagonal grid over a carbon fiber background.

This four-course certificate program will give you proficiency in designing modern aircraft and aerospace composite structures. You'll study the mechanics of composites, learning key concepts like anisotropy and orthotropy that differ from metals' isotropic behavior. The program introduces micromechanics to estimate lamina elastic properties and strength. It then presents lamination theory in-depth for structural design applications. You'll learn laminate-level and micromechanical failure criteria and apply them to structural integrity problems. Finally, you'll explore damage and fracture mechanics for composites, comparing them to metal counterpart theories.

Contact: aeropro@uw.edu    

Aerospace Control Systems

Cockpit dashboard featuring navigation screens and various control buttons and dials.

This four-course certificate program will give you a specialized understanding of aerospace systems and control for aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. Through an intensive curriculum, you'll acquire knowledge and practical skills to design, analyze, and optimize control systems. You'll comprehensively explore flight dynamics and navigation. The program strongly emphasizes safety and reliability in aerospace systems and control, ensuring you graduate well-prepared to address these critical considerations professionally. Additionally, you'll participate in a culminating experience that integrates the analytical tools you've learned for the complete engineering system design cycle.

Contact: aeropro@uw.edu    

Applied Master's Program in Materials Science & Engineering

Student in lab setting wearing eye protection

Gain relevant experience for careers in a variety of fields including aerospace, biomedicine, energy, manufacturing, transportation and more. Graduates of the program pursue careers in research and development, serve as consultants and become entrepreneurs. For those students interested in pursuing a doctorate, AMP can provide a stepping stone into our Ph.D. program.

Contact: karenlw@uw.edu     206-543-2740

Basic Biosciences certificate program

Chemistry formulas

In this four-course certificate program, we’ll investigate the science of molecular and cellular processes. Next, we will investigate disease processes that alter pathophysiology, allowing diseases to develop. Finally, we focus on drug development from drug discovery & design to filing with Regulatory Agencies (FDA,EMA) for approval of new pharmacologic treatments.

Contact: bioeng@uw.edu    

Battery Engineering, Materials, and Manufacturing

Hand holding two batteries

The rechargeable battery industry is experiencing rapid growth due to demand from various sectors like mobile electronics, electric vehicles, and renewable energy storage. However, there's a shortage of qualified engineers with expertise in battery design, materials, and manufacturing, leading to gaps in technological advancement and career mobility. To address this gap, the Certificate in Battery Engineering, Materials, and Manufacturing brings together expertise from Chemical Engineering, Material Science and Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. This remote program aims to fill critical skill gaps identified by the industry, offering specialized education in electrochemical engineering, materials science, and manufacturing methods to students with backgrounds in engineering, chemistry, or physics.

Contact: jacqueh2@uw.edu    

Certificate in AI & Machine Learning for Engineering

Abstract image of digital data wave

The Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for Engineering equips engineers to use data-driven AI and ML methods. The certificate is designed for engineers who want to apply modern AI and ML methods to their field, particularly for applications with physical constraints such as manufacturing, chemical processes, or robotics. Students will advance their careers by building on their traditional engineering expertise and learning how to apply data-driven techniques to engineering use cases.

Contact: ai4eng-advising@uw.edu    

Certificate in Applied Cybersecurity Engineering

Abstract graphic depicting waves and networking lines

From embedded devices and Internet of Things (IoT) networks to critical infrastructure and autonomous vehicles, cybersecurity engineering is critical in ensuring the resilience and safety of interconnected systems that are part of our everyday lives. This three-course hands-on certificate program from the UW department of Electrical and Computer Engineering covers the core principles and real-world applications of cybersecurity engineering.

Contact: pmp@ece.uw.edu    

Certificate in Sustainable Transportation: Planning & Livable Communities

Train station

In this three-course certificate program, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the critical issues surrounding the planning and development of sustainable transportation systems. Designed for professionals who work on transportation and sustainability issues, along with those who want to enter the field. Available online.

Contact: ceginfo@uw.edu     206-685-2227

Civil Engineering: Energy Infrastructure

The online Master of Science in Civil Engineering: Energy Infrastructure program prepares students to plan, design, construct and manage energy related infrastructure projects. The program responds to current changes in the country’s energy infrastructure, which is quickly moving from traditional fossil fuel systems to renewable sources. The changes are driven by both climate change concerns and technological advancements.

This program is designed to be delivered online. 

Contact: ceginfo@uw.edu    

Composite Structures: Materials and Manufacturing

Large wheel

This program is designed to meet the needs of various engineering, manufacturing and quality assurance personnel involved in designing and fabricating aircraft hardware. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in engineering with a background in engineering, physics or chemistry, mechanics of materials, algebra and some calculus. 

This program is in-person at the UW Seattle campus with and Autumn-only start each year.

Contact: compcert@uw.edu    

Construction Engineering

Worker in construction zone

Focusing on the heavy construction industry, this program gives engineers the technical skills and management abilities critical for leading major infrastructure projects. The curriculum covers the most recent developments and fundamental principles in construction engineering, knowledge that is extremely valuable in any professional role.

This program is designed to be delivered online. 

Contact: ceginfo@uw.edu    

Construction, Energy, and Sustainable Infrastructure

Person wearing hard hat working on solar panels

Specific focus areas include sustainable roads, power generation facilities, energy-efficient buildings, social sustainability, engineering in developing communities, and construction engineering. Sustainable community research is an increasing focus for the CESI Group and spans a wide range of topics, including recent work with refugee settlements and their infrastructure needs.

This program is in-person at the UW Seattle campus with an Autumn-only start each year. 

Contact: ceginfo@uw.edu    

Data Analytics for Systems Operations

Conceptual image: a silhouette made of dots and lines

This program will provide engineers with the technical expertise for data-driven analysis of complex engineering systems to improve decision-making and lead to effective execution of processes and operations. By completing this certificate, students will gain the credentials to assume lead technical responsibilities for running large-scale product/process development and project operations.

Contact: isemengr@uw.edu    

Data Science in Materials Engineering

Conceptual image chips with 0s and 1s

This certificate is tailored for professional engineers seeking to accelerate materials development processes in air and space travel, renewable energy, transportation, and computing. Through this certificate, engineers will gain valuable skills in utilizing versatile computational tools to solve complex materials-related challenges and contribute to advancing technology in various industries.

Contact: msegrad@uw.edu    

Doctor of Philosophy Aeronautics & Astronautics

Faculty and students discussing at a table

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program is an advanced engineering degree that prepares students for leadership roles in academia, industry, and research institutions specializing in aeronautics and astronautics.

Available full-time, on campus

Contact: aerograd@uw.edu     206-685-7250

Doctor of Philosophy in Bioengineering

Student wearing protective gear using computer in lab

Students come to this multidisciplinary biomedical research and engineering program from a wide array of backgrounds, and graduates of the program demonstrate high achievement in bioengineering while excelling in intellectual leadership and independence as a scientific researcher.

Contact: bioeng@uw.edu     206-685-2000

Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering

Students collaborating in project

Graduate coursework typically includes subjects of importance to all chemical engineers, such as thermodynamics, transport phenomena, reaction engineering, and applied mathematics. Students are encouraged to take additional courses to gain experience in areas relevant to their research.

Contact: jacqueh2@uw.edu    

Doctor of Philosophy in Civil & Environmental Engineering

Student looking at vial with sample

Students in the CEE Ph.D. program work closely with distinguished faculty on research and pursue their own innovative projects, preparing them to make a difference in the world. Students who pursue Ph.D. degrees often obtain high-level jobs in industry or go on to work in academia.

Available on campus.

Contact: ceginfo@uw.edu     206-685-2227

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Engineering

Student working on laptop

The Allen School provides every student accepted to our Ph.D. program with full financial support in the form of teaching and research assistantships or fellowships, from program inception to degree. Students earn an integrated master’s degree on their path to the Ph.D.

Available on campus.

Contact: grad-admissions@cs.washington.edu     206-543-1695

Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering

Student working on machine

The Ph.D. program prepares students for work in academia or industry as independent researchers and scholars. It is the highest degree awarded in the field. Students work closely with distinguished faculty on research and pursue their own innovative projects, preparing them to make a difference in the world.

Available on campus, full-time.

Contact: grad@ece.uw.edu    

Doctor of Philosophy in Human Centered Design & Engineering

Students working together on whiteboard

The HCDE doctoral program prepares students for careers as scholars and researchers through relevant coursework, mentorship from faculty, and collaboration with peers. Early in the program, students may explore different topics and research areas through Directed Research Groups and other independent projects.

Contact: askhcde@uw.edu    

Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial Engineering

Computer showing data

The Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering program prepares students for university-level education roles and leadership in industrial and systems engineering research. In addition to meeting course requirements, students spend one or more years on Ph.D. dissertation research.

Contact: isemengr@uw.edu    

Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Science & Engineering

Students working at lab

This advanced program trains engineers for leadership roles in academia, industry and research institutions.

Contact: karenlw@uw.edu     206-543-2740

Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering

Students wearing lab coats in lab setting

Students must demonstrate strong scholastic ability throughout the program to complete independent research and to contribute creatively to advanced developments in engineering. The degree is approximately 30% course work and 70% research. Ph.D. students can attend the University of Washington on either a full-time or part-time basis.

Available on campus, in-person.

Contact: megrad@uw.edu     206-543-7963

Environmental Engineering

Two people working in a forest taking field notes

The program provides a solid background in both traditional and emerging areas of environmental engineering. These areas include drinking water and wastewater treatment, air and water quality, remediation of contaminated sites and resource recovery. Graduate students work closely with Environmental Engineering faculty who guide and supervise their research and studies. They also interact with leaders in the local professional community, many of whom are UW graduates, through courses taught by practitioners, field trips, seminars and professional society meetings.

This program is in-person at the UW Seattle campus with an Autumn-only start each year. 

Contact: ceginfo@uw.edu    

Geotechnical Engineering

Person measuring large rock

UW CEE’s Geotechnical Engineering Master’s Program is one of the oldest in the United States. Founded in 1935, the program has produced outstanding students who have succeeded in practice and academia. The program provides a solid background in all traditional areas of geotechnical engineering and allows students to focus on areas of particular interest, including geotechnical earthquake engineering, landslide hazards, soil mechanics and foundation engineering. Graduate students work closely with faculty and also interact with leaders in the local professional community, many of whom are UW graduates, through special courses taught by practitioners, field trips, seminars and professional society meetings.

This program is in-person at the UW Seattle campus with an Autumn-only start each year.

Contact: ceginfo@uw.edu    

GPU-Accelerated Computing and Visualization

A digital image of red and blue dots

In this hands-on, project-based certificate program, we’ll explore how GPU Computing and Scientific Visualization support reshaping and reenvisioning the world in novel dimensions. In a series of three online complementary classes, you’ll learn and apply the theory, practical hands-on skills, and undocumented “black art” techniques required to develop optimized parallel GPU software.

Contact: pmp@ece.uw.edu    

Hydrology and Hydrodynamics

Two students working in the field near nature

UW CEE’s Hydrology and Hydrodynamics Master’s Program focuses on physical, chemical and biological processes in freshwater systems. The program provides both a solid background in all traditional areas of hydrology and hydrodynamics, as well as technological advances in numerical modeling, environmental observations and monitoring, and satellite remote sensing to address growing challenges in the natural and built environment with global change. Graduate students work closely with faculty and also interact with leaders in the local professional community, many of whom are UW graduates, through special courses taught by practitioners, field trips, seminars and professional society meetings.

This program is in-person at the UW Seattle campus with an Autumn-only start each year. 

Contact: ceginfo@uw.edu    

Machine Learning and Deep Learning

A digital image of green and red web

In this three-course certificate program, we’ll explore how machine learning is reshaping the world — and what tools you’ll need to help make that happen. Students will learn how to implement and evaluate learning algorithms for a broad range of applications and work with state-of-the-art Python libraries for machine learning, such as NumPy and PyTorch.

Contact: pmp@ece.uw.edu    

Master of Aerospace Engineering (MAE)

Student working on machine

The Master of Aerospace Engineering (MAE) is a multidisciplinary professional graduate degree for recent graduates as well as working professionals. The MAE emphasizes the applied skills and experience needed in industry. The MAE is a terminal, coursework-only degree (does not lead to a PhD). This degree is meant to be completed part-time in three years. Courses meet in the evening, once per week, with all students having the option to attend classes online or in person.

Available on campus or online, part-time, with an Autumn-only start each year.

Contact: aeropro@uw.edu     206-543-8919

Master of Applied Bioengineering (MAB)

Student wearing lab coat working with medical equipment

The MAB trains students to apply engineering design to address today’s clinical challenges and fulfill the market-based demands of industry and medicine for biotechnology. Students collaborate with world-class faculty from UW and UW Medicine, and local industry partners to transform biomedical research into technologies for improving patient care. Graduates have in-demand skills for work in biomedical industry and translational research.

Contact: bioeng@uw.edu     206-685-2000

Master of Industrial & Systems Engineering (MISE)

Person holding pen close to laptop

The MISE is a non-thesis degree designed for engineers, scientists, and mathematicians with at least two years of work experience in a technical environment who wish to excel as complex system thinkers in today's global business environment.

Available online and on campus.

Contact: isemengr@uw.edu    

Master of Science in Aeronautics & Astronautics (MSAA)

Students working together in shop

The Master of Science in Aeronautics & Astronautics (MSAA) is intended for students with an undergraduate degree in Aerospace Engineering or closely related field who are interested in pursuing a graduate degree emphasizing technical expertise as well as preparation for advanced, independent research. MSAA courses are offered on a traditional, daytime schedule. The MSAA is generally intended as a full-time program (five-six quarters) but may also be completed on a part-time schedule. MSAA graduates are eligible to continue toward a PhD.

Available full-time, on campus

Contact: gradadvising@aa.washington.edu     206-685-7250

Master of Science in AI & Machine Learning for Engineering

Person looking at projected lights that resemble outer space

The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for Engineering is a flexible master's degree designed for engineers to quickly acquire advanced AI and ML skills and apply these tools to engineering fields. In addition to gaining foundational AI and ML skills applicable to all engineers, students will advance their careers by completing complete domain-specific training to learn state-of-the-art AI and ML techniques specific to their field. The degree is obtained by completing the Graduate Certificate in AI & ML for Engineering, a second domain-specific certificate, and an applied engineering capstone project.

Contact: ai4eng-advising@uw.edu    

Master of Science in Bioengineering (MSB)

Student working at lab

Apply basic sciences and engineering to solve biomedical problems. Gain comprehensive research experience. UW Bioengineering’s thesis-based Master of Science students bring diverse experience from a variety of academic disciplines to solve biomedical problems using basic science and engineering principles while gaining comprehensive research experience.

Contact: bioeng@uw.edu     206-685-2000

Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

Student wearing gloves working with soldering gun

The master of science program prepares students to enter the workforce with advanced skills or to continue on to Ph.D. studies. Master’s degree students include recent undergraduates seeking more technical depth, working engineers who want to advance their career and professionals from other backgrounds seeking to enter the field.

Available on campus, with full-time and part-time options.

Contact: grad@ece.uw.edu     206-616-1351

Master of Science in Human Centered Design & Engineering

Students sitting around table on laptops listening to lecture

This program prepares its graduates for leadership roles in user experience research and design, interface design, interaction design, product design, and human-computer interaction. A flexible schedule allows students to attend part time or full time.

Available on campus with full-time and part-time options.

Contact: askhcde@uw.edu    

Master of Science in Industrial Engineering (MSIE)

Person in flying  simulator

The MSIE is intended for students who are interested in pursuing an advanced, research-oriented degree for a career in industry, government, or the engineering sciences or in preparation for a Ph.D. The Master of Science program is intended for full-time, on-campus students.

Contact: isemengr@uw.edu    

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME)

Student working on EcoCar

The Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) will prepare graduates for professional careers in Mechanical Engineering. We offer coursework in a variety of areas including robotics, health, renewable energy, material science, and manufacturing. This degree is intended for students with undergraduate degrees in mechanical engineering or a closely related field. However, if you have completed standard math, natural science, and engineering fundamental courses, you may qualify for admission to the MSME degree.

Available on campus and online. Flexible part-time and full time options.

Contact: megrad@uw.edu     206-616-0981

Master of Science in Technology Innovation (MSTI)

Groups of people working on tables in a workshop-style setting

This 18-month, full-time program offers a fast-track into a tech-sector career through practical, project-based learning in engineering, business, and design. Learning alongside top experts from tech companies in Seattle’s innovation ecosystem, students integrate and apply their knowledge during six-month, sponsored capstones. The program is offered by UW’s Global Innovation Exchange in Bellevue, where students have exclusive access to fully staffed labs, design studios, and workspaces – housed in an environment where emerging technology leaders can transform their ideas into world-changing innovations. Graduates from the program typically secure roles in product management, technical program development, software engineering, and user experience design.

Contact: msti@uw.edu    

Master’s of Science in Chemical Engineering: Data Science Option

Working at lab with machines

The intensive 1-year M.S. program pairs applied data science instruction with real-world project experience in a chemical engineering and molecular science context. Students complete fundamental ChemE coursework and participate in an industry-sponsored capstone project. Master’s students also have the option of a 2-year research-focused program intended as a bridge to a Ph.D. in chemical engineering.

Contact: jacqueh2@uw.edu    

Modern Aerospace Structures

A commercial airplane from below against a partly cloudy sky.

This four-course certificate program will give you a solid foundation for designing and analyzing modern aerospace structures. You'll cover general concepts, theory, and applications of solid mechanics, including elastic, plastic, and viscoelastic constitutive equations applied to practical examples. You'll learn finite element (FE) theory for structural analysis, diving into element technology, interpolating functions, constructing element stiffness matrices, and assembly. You'll apply this theory using commercial FE software. The program covers analyzing fatigue behavior of metallic aerostructures, acquainting you with structural integrity and durability concepts. Finally, subject matter experts from academia and industry will present and discuss design examples of practical aircraft components and structures.

Contact: aeropro@uw.edu    

Online Master of Pharmaceutical Bioengineering (PharBE)

Students working in lab

The Master of Pharmaceutical Bioengineering program (PharBE) is an online degree program designed to enable working engineers, scientists, researchers and professionals in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and related industries to explore advanced education in the areas of drug discovery and design, pharmaceutics and translational pharmaceutics, clinical drug and device development, molecular and cellular biology, pathophysiology and pharmacology.

Available online.

Contact: bioeng@uw.edu     206-685-2000

Professional Master's Program in Electrical Engineering

conceptual image of a computer chip

The Professional Master’s Program (PMP) focuses on cutting-edge technical topics and the latest university research, giving students the expertise needed to drive innovation. Designed for full-time students as well as professionals already working in the field, the PMP prepares graduates for new and rewarding career opportunities. The program leads to a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (MSEE) degree.

Evening classes available with full-time and part-time options.

Contact: pmp@ece.uw.edu    

Professional Master's Programs in Computer Science & Engineering

Master's students at graduation ceremony

The Allen School’s Professional Master’s Program (PMP) is designed for fully-employed professionals who are interested in continuing on their career paths while acquiring critical skills to move them into positions and projects of greater responsibility and impact. The PMP offers unique benefits to working professionals, including an opportunity to interact with other talented area professionals in a flexible, part-time learning environment that blends focused academic coursework and exciting colloquia offering practical engineering and development insights and tools.

On campus, evening option available.

Contact: masters@cs.washington.edu     206-543-1695

Stacked Master’s Degrees in Engineering

A young woman with long brown hair, wearing a white shirt, smiling and standing on a pedestrian walkway.

Designed for working engineers looking to enhance their skills or advance their careers, stacked degrees offer a flexible, strategic pathway with industry application in mind. All stackable certificates are available part-time, with online and hybrid options. With 12 stackable graduate certificates across seven engineering disciplines, you can choose to study emerging topics, highly specialized areas, or both. Then synthesize your coursework with an applied capstone project that demonstrates your skills.

Contact: engr-professional@uw.edu    

Structural Engineering and Mechanics

Bridge

UW CEE’s Structural Engineering and Mechanics Master’s Program offers students a comprehensive, practical and theoretical background that prepares them be successful in engineering practice or a future Ph.D. program. The program offers graduate students a wide range of courses in structural design, multi-hazard structural response, classical theory and advanced structural analysis techniques. The structures faculty members have expertise in each of these areas, with ongoing research related to many of these topics and collaboration with the local professional community.

This program is in-person at the UW Seattle campus with an Autumn-only start each year. 
 

Contact: ceginfo@uw.edu    

Supply Chain Transportation and Logistics

Shipping container

The University of Washington online Master of Supply Chain Transportation & Logistics is for working professionals who want to advance their careers in supply chain transportation and logistics. This program is also a great fit for business systems analysts, process analysts, project managers or people interested in transportation or logistics consulting. Featuring a balance of engineering and business courses, the curriculum emphasizes four cornerstone themes: AI/ ML and Optimization; Data-driven decision making; integration and collaboration; and critical thinking.

This program is designed to be delivered online. 

Contact: ceginfo@uw.edu    

Sustainable Transportation

Lights created by cars driving on highway

The UW Online Master of Sustainable Transportation prepares students to tackle sustainable transportation and land use planning challenges through interdisciplinary study of key topics in transportation planning, policy and analysis. Students will explore topics in mass transit, economic development, livable communities, population density, climate change, alternative energies and more.

This program is designed to be delivered online.
 

Contact: ceginfo@uw.edu    

Systems Engineering Leadership

Two people wearing hardhats in a factory workplace

This certificate program will allow the students to manage all the moving parts of a large technical project and ensure satisfaction with the established project requirements and objectives. The program will also offer guidance on financial planning, marketing strategies and conflict resolution, which other engineering certificate programs typically do not cover. By completing this certificate, students will gain the experience to assume new engineering and technical leadership roles or enhance their leadership skills significantly. 

Contact: isemengr@uw.edu    

Transportation Engineering

Person standing in front of train

Courses provide a solid background and skill set in intelligent transportation systems, ride-source sharing, transit system planning, transportation data analytics, travel demand forecasting, traffic systems operations, freight transportation, human factors and analytical methods in transportation. Students also obtain hands-on experience in particular areas of interest, including traffic simulations, smart transportation system control and traveler information systems. Graduate students work closely with faculty and interact with leaders in the local professional community, many of whom are UW graduates, through special courses taught by practitioners, field trips, seminars and professional society meetings.

This program is in-person at the UW Seattle campus with an Autumn-only start each year. 

Contact: ceginfo@uw.edu    

User-Centered Design Certificate

Person working on mobile wireframes

In this five-course certificate program, students explore how usability studies and interaction design can influence web design and product development and examine the latest innovations in the field. UCD Certificate students study the latest theories and practices to keep user needs at the forefront of each stage of the design process. Students learn through hands-on project learning experiences and a culminating experience. They will synthesize the knowledge they have gained through their coursework and connect it to current issues.

Contact: askhcde@uw.edu