Colorado School of Mines - Humanitarian Engineering and Science

About this program

As a premier applied science and engineering institution, the Colorado School of Mines is a leader in the advancement of technology innovation for a better tomorrow. Our Humanitarian Engineering and Science graduate program provides a unique combination of social science training for students with backgrounds in STEM, and or those interested in technology for good. Sitting at the intersection of society and technology, this program prepares students to work directly with communities to jointly define problems and create sustainable solutions. Our faculty are pioneers in the study of Humanitarian Engineering, social, environmental, and economic sustainability.

This purpose-driven program is eager to engage returned Peace Corps Volunteers as Coverdell Fellows. We know that returned Peace Corps Volunteers have witnessed both the successes and challenges of technology implementation in a global setting and are motivated to be part of creating sustainable change.

Humanitarian Engineering & Science Coverdell Fellows have the option to specialize in disciplinary tracks like geophysics, environmental engineering, geological engineering, data science, robotics, or to design their own individualized interdisciplinary pathway.

• Year partnership began: 2025
• Fellowships awarded per year (average): 2

Application requirements

a. Online Application, directed through the graduate admissions office link here

b. Curriculum vitae or Resume

c. Transcript for post-secondary degrees

d. Statement of purpose - Strong statements of purpose will explore the role of technology in global humanitarian work, opportunities and critiques.

e. Peace Corps Description of Service (DOS)

Admissions process

• All RPCVs will be considered for Peace Corps Fellows funding. To be considered, they must attach their DOS to the application and notify the program Director once they have submitted their application.
• All Returned Peace Corps Volunteers can be considered for Coverdell Fellowship funding. To be considered, they must attach their DOS to the application and notify the program at the time of application submission.
• No additional steps or forms are required.

Degrees awarded

Master of Science in Humanitarian Engineering & Science

Benefits and opportunities

Net cost is equal to tuition/fees minus fellowship value. For some universities, the fellowship value includes non-tuition/fee benefits such as health insurance or housing. See cost savings details for more.

Estimated annual cost of living: $15,000

Cost savings details

The Colorado School of Mines Humanitarian Engineering program will provide a total scholarship package equaling 43% of the total tuition and mandatory fees. This will come in the form of a $10,000 annual scholarship ($5,000 per semester) for up to two years.

Internship

All Humanitarian Engineering and Science graduate students are required to complete a 165+ hour practicum or a 330+ hour thesis project alongside an organization that supports humanitarian causes through a socio-technical lens. This program requirement will double as the internship requirement.

Fellows will receive 1:1 support and advising from the program’s Coverdell Program Director and adjacent faculty mentors to secure appropriate practicums, and/or internships. Previous students have worked with K12 partners in local school districts, Colorado-based public sector agencies such as National Renewable Energy Labs (NREL) and the Department of Energy and worked with NGOs like International Development Enterprises (iDE), Freshwater Project International, and Engineers Without Borders.

Completion of the practicum/internship requirement is monitored through a one-semester, 3 credit hour practicum course which is usually completed in the second semester of the program. This course and students’ progress through it is supervised by an HES Faculty Member.

Other opportunities

a) Additional resources can be available depending on the fellow’s interest in work study, teaching assistant roles, and/or research availability.

b) These potential benefits are often around $6,500 each semester.

Jobs for alumni

• United Nations Institute for Training and Research
• National Academy of Engineering
• Denver Water
• U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
• National Laboratory of the Rockies (formerly National Renewable Energy Laboratory)
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory
• EPA/FEMA
• The Nature Conservancy
• Environmental Engineering Consulting

Nontraditional options