FAQ

While you're looking at MENV...

As of 2022, MENV does not offer a Spring admission.Ìý

Our curriculum is designed to take applicants from a variety of backgrounds and give them all the knowledge and skills they need to become leaders in the environmental sector. We do not require any pre-requisite courses before entering the program.Ìý

Students in the MENV program come from a wide range of backgrounds, which creates a diverse set of perspectives in the classroom. While many of our students do have an academic or professional background in the environmental sector, up to half of each class enters the program with experience in another discipline (e.g. finance, engineering, education).Ìý

Unlike a traditional MS program, you do not need to seek out a faculty advisorÌýbefore applying to the MENV program. Specialization leads, our academic advisor, Capstone advisors, and career coaches serve as advisors and mentors for students as they move through the program.Ìý

The MENV program is a full-time, in-residence program. Students can take a decreased course load but must complete the program in four years. Students must also complete the Capstone Innovation Lab courses sequentially. MENV does not offer an online option at this time.Ìý

You can transfer up to 9 credit hours towards the MENV degree.ÌýTransfer credit is defined as any credit earned at another accredited institution, credits earned at another campus of the CU System, or credits earned as a non-degree student within the CU System.ÌýFor more information about transferring credit hours, please contact Brendan Park, MENV Academic Advisor, at Brendan.Park@colorado.edu.

MENV courses are offered both during daytime and in the evening hours. MENV core and specialization classes are offered Monday - Friday.

MENV offers specific course sequences for eachÌýspecialization; you can see those schedules on the AcademicsÌýpage on our website.ÌýYour exact schedule will depend on whatÌýelectives you choose to take and when they are offered.

Application deadlines can be found on the MENV ÌÒÉ«ÊÓÆµ Page. All other dates, including tuition deadlines, campus breaks, and holidays, can be found on the ÌÒÉ«ÊÓÆµ Academic Calendar.

It depends on the student. MENV students are engaged in full-time, intense, and rigorous studies for the entirety of the program. Given both the time commitment and schedule of coursework and professional development opportunities, the majority of our students work around 10-20 hours a week. We do have some students who hold full-time jobs while attending MENV. Things to consider include: employer flexibility in what hours you work, Capstone Project time commitments, and group communication around priorities.Ìý

The MENV program offers a small number of scholarships.

Prospective students can learn more about deadlines applying and what deadline corresponds with scholarship dissemination here on our website.Ìý

At the bottom of the Financial Information page of our website, you can find more information about ways students fund their education.Ìý

The MENV program is different than traditional research-track graduate programs that you might be familiar with, whereÌýstudents do research and work in a lab for a thesis project. As a professional program, MENV students substitute practical experience and professional development for the research component; therefore, teaching assistantships are not available for MENV students.Ìý

The MENV program offers graduate student assistantship positions within the department. These positions are roughly 10-15 hours per week and offer students a chance to become involved with staff, faculty, and external partners. You will receive more information about these positions and how to apply when you arrive on campus.

While you're applying to MENV...

For Fall 2026Ìýapplications, there is a priority, early and a final deadline. For The priorityÌýdeadline is December 1, 2025. December 1 is also the MENV scholarship deadline. Space is limited for this program, and we will prioritize applicants who apply by the priority deadline.Ìý

The early deadline for Fall 2026Ìýis February 5, 2026. After this date, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until March 1, 2026 or until the cohort is filled.Ìý

The MENV program does not consider the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) as part of its review process. After extensive review, the admissions committee has decided that these tests, although a useful indicator for some graduate programs, does not accurately predict the success of a student pursuing a professionalÌýprogram such as the MENV program. Your score will not be taken into account in the application review process even if you include it on your application.Ìý

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The MENV Graduate Program does not require interviews for applicants.Ìý

For questions regarding the online application and any technical difficulties, please contact the Graduate ÌÒÉ«ÊÓÆµ team at gradadm@colorado.edu. For general questions about MENV admissions, please contact MENVÌÒÉ«ÊÓÆµ@Colorado.edu.Ìý

Information on student loans and other sources of financial aid, as well as all important deadlines, can be found at the University's Office of Financial Aid:Ìý. All questions regarding the FAFSA form should be directed to that office, as well.Ìý

To make sure the video essay is an option in your application, please make sure you are in the correct application. To do this, go to the "Program Details" section of your application.ÌýApplicants must select the following from this section's drop down menus:Ìý

  • Department/Program (required): "Masters of the Environment"
  • Degree (required): "Masters of the Environment - MENV"
  • Subplan/Track (required): please select your desiredÌýSpecialization
  • Entry Term (required): "Fall 2026"

If you are still running into issues after completing the above requirements, feel free to reach out to the us at MENVÌÒÉ«ÊÓÆµ@colorado.edu to troubleshoot.Ìý

MENV does not require applicants have a faculty sponsor prior to applying to the program. Often times seeing this in the application means you are in a different application than MENV.ÌýTo do this, go to the "Program Details" section of your application.ÌýApplicants must select the following from this section's drop down menus:Ìý

  • Department/Program (required): "Masters of the Environment"
  • Degree (required): "Masters of the Environment - MENV"
  • Subplan/Track (required): please select your desiredÌýSpecialization
  • Entry Term (required): "Fall 2026"

If you are still running into issues after completing the above requirements, feel free to reach out to the us at MENVÌÒÉ«ÊÓÆµ@colorado.edu to troubleshoot.Ìý

As you are filling out your application, please attach all academic trasncripts to your application. To do this, open the "Academy History" tab of the application, click "Add Institution", and upload a .PDF file of your transcripts from EVERY institution you’ve attended.Ìý

Unofficial transcripts are okay to use for your application. If you are accepted and choose to enroll in MENV, we will need you to submit official transcripts prior to class registration.Ìý

In the "Letters of Reference" section of the application, you will upload your referencers' information. This includes their name, organization, job title, relationship to them, telephone number, and email. You are also asked if you you'd like to waive your right to see their letter. From there, click "Send To Recommender" and they will be notified via email about your application.Ìý

Your referencer will receive all the information and resources they need to upload their letter directly to your application.Ìý

No, your referencer does not have to be from the environmental sector.ÌýReferences should be requested from individuals qualified to judge your potential for success in graduate school.Ìý

Yes, MENV is considered a STEM qualified program.Ìý

Once you've applied...

Once you've enrolled...

Students who do not already qualify for in-state tuition can become eligible after one full year of living in Colorado. To qualify for in-state tuition you must complete a Petition for In-State Tuition Classification. The petition requires proof of residence in Colorado for one full year, such as a signed lease, as well as documentation that you have registered to vote, obtained a Colorado driver’s license, registered your vehicle and filed Colorado state income taxes. Residency Guidelines can be found through the Office of the Registrar.

We recommend you choose the specialization on your application thoughtfully, taking into account your current interests and professional goals. However, we recognize that plans can change and therefore, you are able to change your specialization up until the start of your first semester.