Dec 01, 2024

2016-2017 Graduate Catalog

2016-2017 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Business

Business School

Please click on any of the following to go right to that information:

General Academic Policies
Academic Programs
Graduate Business Programs (MBA/MS/PhD)
Master of Business Administration Programs
Master of Science Programs

Dual Degree Programs
PhD CSIS Programs
Executive Programs
Programs
Courses

Dean: Gary Kochenberger
Associate Dean of Programs: Dawn Gregg
Associate Dean of Faculty: Clifford E. Young
Assistant Dean Programs: Linda Brooker
Assistant Dean Budget: Connie Amen

Contacts

Dean’s Office
Business School Building
1475 Lawrence Street
Denver, CO 80202
303-315-8000
Fax: 303-315-8040

Mailing Address
The Business School
Campus Box 165
P.O. Box 173364
Denver, CO 80217-3364

Website: http://business.ucdenver.edu

Admissions/Advising
Undergraduate: 303-315-8110
Graduate: 303-315-8110

Application Deadlines

Graduate
Fall- Domestic applications April 15
International applications March 15
Spring-Domestic applications October 15
International applications September 15

Summer-Domestic applications February 15
International applications January 15

Applications received after these dates may not be eligible for scholarships.

Executive MBA
Fall-June 1

11-Month MBA
Fall-June 15

Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountain business community, the Business School at the University of Colorado Denver prepares students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective, responsible business professionals. We’re able to achieve a standard of excellence by bringing together nationally recognized faculty and highly motivated, mature students in an intellectually challenging academic environment. CU Denver’s Business School is a research institution. Because our faculty are nationally recognized for scholarly research as well as for their teaching skills, our students have the opportunity to be on the leading edge of business management theory and practice. Our class schedules and curriculum offer flexibility to meet your needs whether you plan to attend full or part time, day or evening. Whether you’re an experienced working professional seeking an advanced degree or preparing for a new career in the business world, you’ll gain the knowledge and perspective necessary to succeed in today’s challenging business environment.

Educational Goals

The Business School is committed to superb teaching, connecting theory to practice that focuses on:

current and relevant knowledge and skills necessary for success in the highly competitive global business environment
experience in cooperative and team-based work skills
integrated professional and functional expertise
sensitivity to cultural and ethnic diversity

Our graduate programs serve both traditional and nontraditional students who have extensive work experience. The MBA serves the needs of students who desire a general business education. The professionally oriented MS degrees serve the needs of students who desire greater specialization, particularly students who have already obtained an undergraduate business degree. Large numbers of our graduate students will be drawn from national and international locales.

Our undergraduate program, which serves both traditional and nontraditional students, leads to a baccalaureate degree in business with a liberal arts component. The program is closely linked, through articulation agreements, to lower-division programs offered by Colorado’s four-year and community colleges.

Key elements of our academic programs are the provision of top-quality career advising and placement services, as well as flexible schedules and programs to meet a wide range of student needs. We are committed to assisting our students’ efforts to pursue rewarding careers.

Faculty

Our nationally recognized faculty members are vigorous and enthusiastic about teaching and research. Faculty members hold degrees from the nation’s leading business schools, including Berkeley, Harvard, Stanford, University of Chicago, University of Pennsylvania, UCLA and Yale. Many of them also bring years of valuable experience in private industry. Their interdisciplinary expertise, academic achievements, scholarly research and business experience provide students with a dynamic learning environment.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Many programs for financial aid are administered by the Office of Financial Aid . Call 303-315-1850 for detailed information.

Thanks to the generous support of the Colorado business community and others, the Business School has a significant number of scholarships to offer its students. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit and/or financial need. The amount of the award and the number of awards available vary.

Over 30 different scholarships are available to eligible Business School students, with multiple awards from most scholarships.

Further information about these scholarships, including eligibility criteria and application forms, may be obtained by visiting the Scholarship Resource Office website, by calling 303-252-3608, or by viewing scholarship information on the Business School website.

Study Abroad

Transfer credit from study abroad programs requires prior written approval from the Assistant Dean. Students must meet with a business staff advisor to determine course acceptability prior to the semester in which they intend to study abroad. Information on the various programs is available at the Office of International Affairs .

Institute for International Business

The Institute for International Business (IIB) was created in 1988 by the Board of Regents of the University of Colorado to serve as a center for the advanced study and teaching of international business. In 1993, the institute was designated a Center for International Business Education and Research by the U.S. Department of Education, one of only 25 such centers of excellence in the United States. Through the CIBER and other funding sources, the institute strives to help the faculties of the Business School and other university departments to internationalize curriculum, programs, certificates or other student-oriented endeavors. The IIB works in other ways to support faculty in their teaching, research and development activities. In addition, the institute designs and facilitates customized international programs and training for business, cooperates with other organizations to offer seminars and conferences and publishes a quarterly newsletter to familiarize the Denver and regional communities with international business issues. Such initiatives help faculty, students and the business community to acquire the skills and expertise needed to be successful in our increasingly global economy. The institute also conducts and promotes research on the global economic aspects of competitiveness. Call 303-315-8436 for information.

General Academic Policies

Academic policies that apply to all students at CU Denver are described in the Office of the Registrar website and in the Academic Policies and University Policies sections of the catalog. The policies outlined on the following pages are relevant for both undergraduate and graduate students in the Business School. Individual policies appropriate only to undergraduate or graduate students are described under separate headings. Each student is responsible for knowing and complying with the academic policies and regulations established for the school. The school cannot assume responsibility for problems resulting from a student’s failure to follow the policies stated in this catalog. Similarly, students are responsible for all deadlines, rules and regulations stated on the student portal.

Academic Ethics

Students are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the highest standards of honesty and integrity. Cheating, plagiarism, illegitimate possession and disposition of examinations, alteration, forgery, falsification of official records and similar acts or any attempt to engage in such acts are grounds for suspension or expulsion from the university. In particular, students are advised that plagiarism consists of any act involving the offering of the work of someone else as the student’s own. It is recommended that students consult with the instructors as to the proper preparation of reports, papers, etc., to avoid this and similar offenses. Also, actions that disrupt the administrative process, such as misrepresentation of credentials or academic status, other forms of deception or verbal abuse of university staff are grounds for suspension or probation. All discovered acts of dishonesty must be referred to the Business School’s Internal Affairs Committee.

Admission to Business Classes

Enrollment in business classes is limited to students who have been admitted to business degree programs and to other students as described in the separate undergraduate and graduate policy sections. The course registration criteria are designed to meet a number of objectives:

to assure access to business courses for students admitted into a business degree program
to serve students in other colleges who have business-related education objectives or requirements
to serve nondegree students who have specific career or education goals

Refer to the student portal each term for course availability and prerequisites.

Attendance Regulations

Students are required to attend classes, including online classes, on a regular basis. Absences must be arranged with the instructor and must conform with university and instructor policies on attendance.

Prerequisites

Students are expected to know and fulfill all prerequisites when registering. Prerequisites are in place for the benefit of the student. The Business School wants our students to have the best experience in their courses, and having the prerequisites for a course ensures that you are ready for the material that will be covered. See course listings for relevant prerequisites as many are strictly enforced. The Business School reserves the right to administratively drop students who enroll without the correct prerequisites. This action may result in the loss of tuition.

Course Numbering

The course numbering system used at CU Denver identifies the class standing required for enrollment. Students are expected to take 1000-level courses in their freshman year, 2000-level courses in their sophomore year, 3000-level courses in their junior year and 4000-level courses in their senior year. Courses at the 5000 and 6000 level are restricted to master’s-level business students, and courses at the 7000 level are restricted to PhD students.

Adding Courses

Students may add courses to their original schedule through the census date (first 12 days of the fall or spring semester, first eight days of summer session), Instructor and Dean’s signature is required to add a business course after census date.

Dropping Courses

Students may drop a course through the census date and it will not appear on the transcript. After census, a student who wishes to drop must obtain written approval from both the instructor and assistant dean or designate. The course and a grade of W will appear on the transcript. In order to drop beyond the 10th week, it will also be necessary to document circumstances beyond a student’s control. Any student who is failing a class will not be allowed to drop simply because of their grade. See the academic calendar for deadlines and costs involved.

Withdrawal

See the Office of the Registrar chapter of the catalog and website for university-wide withdrawal policies. Note that the Business School normally requires instructors’ signatures on withdrawal forms before the academic assistant dean’s approval is granted. If am undergraduate student is dropping all classes in a particular semester, the student must complete part II of the Schedule Adjustment Form and submit to the undergraduate program director and financial aid (if receiving financial aid) for signatures. If a graduate student is dropping all classes in a particular semester, the student must complete part II of the Schedule Adjustment Form and submit to the academic assistant dean and financial aid (if receiving financial aid) for signatures.

Administrative Drop

The school reserves the right to administratively drop students who are incorrectly enrolled in business courses. Instructors also may recommend that students who fail to meet expected course attendance or course prerequisites be dropped from the course. While we do our best to administratively drop students prior to the census date to avoid tuition charges, time may not always allow for that timeline and tuition charges may apply.

Note that students who never attend class are not automatically dropped from the course. The student is responsible for dropping courses and failure to do so will result in a tuition charge for the class and an “F” grade.

Appeal Procedure

Students should contact a staff advisor in the Business School’s programs office (303-315-8200 for graduate students and 303-315-8100 for undergraduate students) for appeal and petition procedures pertaining to rules and regulations of the school.

Grade Appeal Procedure　

Students must follow the process below. .

If the issue is not resolved after a conversation with the faculty member, discuss concerns with the Department Chair.
If the issue is not resolved after a conversation with the Department Chair, discuss concerns with the Associate Dean.

Neither the Dean, nor any director, will offer an opinion with respect to the qualitative assessment of a student’s work, but, may consider whether the procedures used to determine a grade were consistent with the syllabus and written amendments to the syllabus. No passing grade will be changed after one year. Requests for grade adjustments/appeals must be made in the semester immediately following the semester in which the disputed grade was earned.

General Grading Policies

Plus/Minus Grading. Faculty have the option to use plus/minus grading.

Incomplete Grades. The only incomplete grade given in the school is an I. An I grade is assigned only when documented circumstances clearly beyond the student’s control prevent completion of course requirements (exams, papers, etc.). Students must sign a contract outlining how they will make up the missing work with the instructor giving the I. If and I is assigned, students do not register for the course a second time. Instead they work with the faculty member to make up the remaining requirements. All I grades must be made up within the contract period (which may not exceed one year), or the I will automatically be changed to the grade of F.

The student is responsible for contacting the instructor to schedule the completion of the coursework.

Grade Changes. Grades as reported by instructors are final. Grade changes will be considered only in cases of documented clerical errors or when a student is making up an incomplete grade (I). All changes must be made within one year after the course has been taken, unless highly unusual circumstances can be documented and the change has been approved by the school.

Pass-Fail or No Credit (Audit). With the exception of internships, experiential learning and travel study courses, the Business School does not permit election of pass-fail grading for any business course required for the student’s degree. Students are not allowed to audit business courses.

Academic Programs

A carefully designed curriculum to prepare students for success in business administration is available for the student seeking either an undergraduate or graduate degree. The school offers courses leading to the bachelor of science in business administration (BS), master of business administration (MBA), the master of science (MS) and doctor of philosophy (PhD) degrees.

It is possible to pursue two graduate degrees simultaneously, such as an MBA and an MS, or two MS degrees, through our dual degree programs. In addition to the programs in the Business School itself, we partner with other university departments to offer dual programs in MS finance and risk management/economics and the MBA in combination with graduate programs in architecture, bioengineering, economics, political science, urban planning and the MD. We also have a joint MBA/MS in international management degree with the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Glendale, Arizona.

Graduate Business Programs (MBA/MS/PhD)

Associate Dean: Dawn Gregg
Assistant Dean: Linda Brooker
Telephone: 303-315-8110
Fax: 303-315-8199
E-mail: bschool.admissions@ucdenver.edu

The Business School offers programs leading to a doctor of philosophy, the master of business administration and the master of science in specific fields of business and health administration. In addition, the master of business administration for executives (executive MBA) is offered as a multi campus program of the University of Colorado business schools, and the executive program in health administration (executive MBA/HA) is offered through the executive health network.

The PhD, MBA, executive MBA, MS and BS degrees in business are accredited by AACSB International, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The health administration MBA and MS degrees are also accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME). In addition, the accounting programs have earned a separate AACSB International accreditation.

For a list of graduate business programs, see Program Curricula below.

Requirements for Admission to the MBA and MS Programs

Admissions/Advising

Persons contemplating graduate study are encouraged to learn about admission and program requirements by scheduling an appointment with a graduate advisor or attending one of the regularly scheduled prospective student information meetings. Call 303-315-8110 to schedule an appointment.

Admission to the graduate programs in business is granted only to students showing high promise of success in graduate business study. Admission is based on the following indicators of the candidate’s likelihood to succeed in the program.

Academic Record

The bachelor’s degree must be earned from a regionally accredited university. The total academic record is considered, including the GPA, the course of study, and the quality of the program.

Required Testing

The GMAT or GRE is required for admission consideration for any applicant who does not have a previously awarded master’s degree. The GMAT or GRE is administered at numerous centers throughout the world. For information and to register for the test, write to: GMAT/GRE, Educational Testing Service, CN 6103, Princeton, NJ 08541; or phone 1-800-GMATNOW; or visit www.mba.com. The code numbers for CU Denver’s graduate business programs are as follows:

MBA: MPB-OG-78
11-Month MBA: MPB-0G-65
MS: MPB-OG-75
PhD: MPB-OG-29

GMAT is required for the 11-Month MBA and preferred for all the graduate business programs. Students may submit a GRE score for any of the graduate degree programs, but the decision to accept the GRE is on a case by case basis. If you have not taken either the GMAT or the GRE, we strongly recommend the GMAT. Other graduate admission exams such as the MCAT and LSAT may also be considered, but, some programs will not accept either. See individual program information for specifics. The MS in business analytics program does not accept the LSAT or MCAT in place of the GMAT or GRE without extensive verifiable evidence of the student’s prior mathematical preparation and coursework. For more detailed information on admissions requirements, phone the graduate programs office 303-315-8110 or email them at: bschool.admissions@ucdenver.edu.

Work Experience

While we do not require work experience, a record of appropriate employment at increasing levels of responsibility is considered a positive indicator of the likelihood of successful completion of graduate work. A resume must be submitted with the application materials.

Background Requirements

Students applying for graduate programs in business do not need an undergraduate degree in business. The MBA program is specifically designed so that the required courses cover the material needed for completion of the degree. There are no prerequisites needed to start the MBA program. Students with non-business backgrounds have completed the program successfully. Applicants for the MS degrees, however, may be required to take background or common body of knowledge business courses, depending on the individual’s academic background. For more detailed information on which background courses may be needed refer to the individual program information in this catalog or on our website, or phone the graduate programs office to schedule an appointment with a graduate academic advisor, 303-315-8110 or email the advisors at: grad.advising@ucdenver.edu.

It is expected that students have an adequate level of personal computer proficiency in a word processing and spreadsheet software, as well as a good working knowledge of basic algebra and English grammar.

Letters of Recommendation

Some programs require letters of recommendation while others do not. Please see individual graduate program details for specifics.

The Admission Process

Mailing address for applications:

Graduate Admissions
The Business School
University of Colorado Denver
Campus Box 165, P.O. Box 173364
Denver, CO 80217-3364

Students seeking admission to the 11-Month MBA, MBA with an emphasis in health administration, MS in health administration or executive programs should consult with the relevant catalog sections for additional application criteria or requirements.

Domestic Application Requirements

Complete parts I and II of the application for graduate admission and the four essay questions.
Have required GMAT or GRE scores sent directly to the graduate business admissions office from the Educational Testing Service. The code for CU Denver’s graduate business programs are as follows:

MBA: MPB-OG-78
11-Month MBA: MPB-0G-65
MS: MPB-OG-75
PhD: MPB-OG-29

Have two official transcripts (not student copies) mailed directly from each school, college, and university ever attended past high school. Transcripts must be sent even if credit course work completed was not part of a degree program or was taken after an undergraduate degree was earned.
Resumé
Enclose a check for $50 for the MBA, MS or PhD programs, or $80 for the dual MBA/MS or dual MS/MS, made payable to the University of Colorado. Personal interviews are not required, except for the 11-month MBA and the MBA and MS in health administration. You will be contacted to schedule the interview.

Deadlines. To be considered for admission, applicants for graduate programs must submit all materials prior to the following dates:

Fall- Domestic applications April 15
International applications March 15
Spring-Domestic applications October 15
International applications September 15

Summer-Domestic applications February 15
International applications January 15

The 11-Month MBA option only admits students each fall. The application deadline for the 11-Month MBA is June 15.

Early applications are encouraged because, if admitted, the student receives priority for registration time assignment. Applications received after published deadlines with complete supporting documentation, scores, fees and transcripts will be considered; however, those students may not meet scholarship deadlines and in some cases, course availability is limited for the later applicants.

International Application Requirements

See International Students .

Academic Policies for Graduate Students

Advising

As soon as possible, after being admitted, students should schedule an appointment with a graduate advisor to discuss general degree requirements and determine if any background course work may be required and/or what common body of knowledge business courses or prerequisites might be waived for the MS degrees. Call 303-315-8110 to schedule an appointment or email them at grad.advising@ucdenver.edu.

Degree Plan

All students are encouraged to meet with a graduate advisor during their first semester to review their degree plan. Students are also encouraged to meet with a graduate advisor throughout their program to ensure the correct sequencing of courses. In order to ensure that registration runs smoothly, an advising hold will be placed on newly admitted students in our MS in accounting, MS in health administration, MBA in health administration and MS in information systems programs. Those student must schedule a time to meet with an advisor prior to registration in their first semester. Call 303.315.8110 to schedule an appointment.

Course Load

The normal course load for full-time graduate students is 9-12 semester hours. However, because many students are also pursuing a career, it is possible to attend classes on a part-time basis by enrolling in 3-6 semester hours. For financial aid purposes, 5 semester hours of graduate study is considered full time during the fall and spring terms and 3 semester hours for the summer term. Graduate courses are scheduled primarily in the evening or online to accommodate work schedules. Students wishing to take more than 12 credits in one semester must get approval from the assistant dean. Contact grad.advising@ucdenver.edu for details.

Transfer of Credit

Upon approval of the program specific director, a maximum of 12 semester hours of graduate business course work may be transferred to the MBA and 9 semester hours for the MS degrees (9 semester hours for each the MBA and MS degree for a dual MBA/MS degree program). Note: for the MS in business analytics only 6 semester hours may be transferred into the program. Courses must have been taken from another AACSB accredited graduate school of business or one of the top 200 universities in the country and courses must have been completed within the last five years with a grade of at least B (not B-). No transfer courses will be accepted if they have been used to satisfy degree requirements of a previously awarded degree. Graduate business courses taken at other University of Colorado Business Schools are considered transfer hours and are included in the transfer limit. Transfer of quarter hours of graduate business credit may satisfy a course requirement, but may not satisfy the total number of hours requirement. One quarter hour equals .667 semester hour.

Transfer to Another Business School Program

Because admission standards vary between degree programs, students who wish to transfer from one CU Denver Business School degree program to a different Business School degree program must meet the admissions standards for the program they wish to apply. There are no automatic transfers between programs and admission into one program does not guarantee admission into another program. Also, graduation from one program does not guarantee admission into another program because the admissions standards vary between programs.

Time Limits

Master’s students are required to complete all degree requirements within five years and one semester (seven years and one semester to earn dual MBA/MS or MS/MS degrees, or a PhD).Courses completed outside of these time limits will not be accepted toward the degree without an approved petition. Time-limit extensions are given only for external situations that restrict a student’s ability to complete the program in a timely manner. If you do not take graduate business courses for more than three consecutive semesters, you will need to reapply for admission and meet the admission standards in place for the new application term. At the time of re-admission your time limit will also be evaluated to determine which courses may meet the time limits listed above.

Former Students

Any Denver campus graduate student who has not been enrolled in his or her admitted program of study for three consecutive semesters (summers included) is considered a former student and must reapply for admission to the program by submitting part I of the application for graduate admission, in-state tuition classification form, along with the applicable fee. Readmitted students must conform to degree requirements in effect during the term in which they are readmitted. If the new requirements differ significantly from the former degree plan, a petition may be submitted requesting exceptions.

Graduation

Students must complete the online intent to graduate form on the Registrar’s website (www.ucdenver.edu/registrar) when they register for their last semester. Contact the graduate advising office with questions at grad.advising@ucdenver.edu.

Grade Point Average Requirements

A minimum cumulative graduate business GPA of 3.0 must be achieved and maintained for courses taken toward a graduate business degree. All CU Denver graduate business courses, regardless if the coursework pertains to the current degree and including courses taken as a graduate non-degree seeking business student, are computed in the graduate business cumulative GPA. Transfer hours and grades from other institutions and/or from University of Colorado courses taken on the Boulder Campus, Colorado Springs Campus, or the Anschutz Medical Campus, are not computed in the business GPA. However, degree credit may be awarded for those transfer courses through a petition process. If the required cumulative GPA does not met the minimum requirement of 3.0 or higher when degree requirements have been met, the Business School cannot confer the degree. Note: students may not take extra courses for the sole purpose of improving their cumulative GPA.

Probation and Suspension

If after completing 9 semester hours a student’s cumulative graduate business GPA falls below 3.0, the student will be placed on academic probation and given three semesters (one calendar year) or 9 semester hours of graduate business course work (whichever occurs first) in which to achieve the required 3.0 cumulative average. If the student achieves that required cumulative GPA, they are cleared from probation and can continue their studies with us. Failure to achieve the required GPA within the allotted time period may result in suspension for one year. Suspended students may not attend any campus of the University of Colorado including continuing education/extended studies. Students on suspension may petition for readmission to the school after waiting a minimum of one year from the term in which they were suspended. Any suspended student readmitted to the school will be placed on continued probation status to monitor required progress. To be considered for readmission, a petition form plus a new graduate application part I and in-state tuition classification form must be submitted along with the appropriate fee. Generally, petitions are granted only on rare occasions. Re-admitted students must meet any new admission requirements that may be in place. In addition, if a student cannot mathematically achieve the required 3.0 cumulative GPA with the remaining required courses, the petition to return will not be approved. Students may not take additional courses for the sole purpose of increasing their cumulative GPA.

Passing Grades

Any grade below a C (2.0) is a failing grade for graduate students (C is passing; C-, D+, D, D- and F are failing). Graduate students must repeat a required course for which they have received a grade below a C. Both the original grade and the grade for the repeated course count in the computation of the business GPA. If a grade lower than a C is earned in an elective course, the student may repeat that course or select another course. NOTE: C is passing, C-, D+, D, D- and F are failing.

Repeating Graduate Business Courses

A failed course (any grade below a C such as C-, D+, D, D- or F) must be repeated if it is a required course. Both the original and the repeated grade will remain on the student’s transcript and both grades will be calculated into the students cumulative GPA. A course in which a grade of C or better is obtained may not be repeated. Graduate business courses repeated without approval may not be used in the graduate business GPA calculation.

Drop/Withdrawal

Classes dropped prior to census date will not appear on the transcript. Thereafter, to drop after census date, with a grade of W, a student must be earning a grade of C or better; otherwise, an F will appear on the transcript. Students will not be permitted to drop a course or withdraw from all courses after the 10th week of the semester, unless circumstances outside the student’s control are documented. The late request to drop or withdraw must be approved by the assistant dean and the course instructor(s). If a student requests to drop a course after the 10th week, solely due to a failing grade, the request will be denied.

Registration for Graduate Business Courses

Students admitted to graduate business degree programs have priority for graduate business course registration. Nondegree students and graduate students from other University of Colorado schools or colleges may be permitted to attend on a space-available basis by meeting the qualifications and submitting a nondegree application form. (See the college website for the form.) Some graduate-level (6000-level) courses may be offered simultaneously with undergraduate 4000-level courses. However most 6000-level courses are reserved exclusively for graduate business students.

Master of Business Administration Programs

The master of business administration (MBA) program provides a general background in management and administration. This background enables the student to have the breadth of exposure and depth of knowledge required for an advanced-level management career. The program is devoted to developing the concepts, analytical tools and communication skills required for competent and responsible administration of an enterprise viewed in its entirety, within its social, political and economic environment.

The professional MBA program allows the scheduling of classes with maximum flexibility so students can progress through the program at their own pace, by taking as little as one class per semester or as many as five classes per semester, at times that are convenient to their work schedule. The program can be completed in as little as 16 months or as long as five years plus one semester.

Online courses add additional flexibility. Students may complete all degree requirements online, or combine online and campus courses to broaden the choice of electives or to fit a business travel schedule or personal learning style. All the core courses are offered online in the fall and spring terms, with limited online offerings in the summer semester. Your choice of online electives is limited.

The MBA program is also available in different configurations: 11-Month (full time, see relevant section), health administration and the executive MBA (see relevant section). All MBAs have the same curriculum requirements; they differ only in their focus, the choice of electives, the flexibility of course scheduling and the time required to complete the program. The 11-Month and executive MBAs are lockstep programs (no open electives, no specialized tracks), where all the students complete all program requirements together. No course transfers, waivers or substitutions are permitted in the lockstep programs.

For a list of MBA programs, see Program Curricula below.

Master of Science Programs

Master of science degrees (MS) are offered in the fields of accounting, business analytics, finance and risk management, global energy management, health administration, information systems, international business, management, marketing, and taxation.

The MS degree affords the opportunity for specialization and depth of training within a particular field. The specialization and expertise developed within the MS program prepares the student for more specialized staff positions in industry, the nonprofit sector and government.

The course requirements for the MS degree in each of the fields are divided into different components-common body of knowledge (CBK), graduate core, and elective requirements. The CBK requires business courses to develop general breadth and competence in the fields of business administration. These requirements differ among MS degree programs and some MS degree programs have eliminated CBK requirements. Some CBK requirements may be waived if evidence of equivalent undergraduate or graduate-level coursework is shown and the course work has been completed within the past 10 years. An undergraduate degree in business administration earned from an AACSB or regionally accredited university will meet most of the CBK requirements. The graduate core and elective courses require at least 30 semester hours of graduate-level coursework. BUSN courses lower than 6800 may not be used as free electives in the MS programs. Contact a graduate staff advisor for any exceptions at grad.advising@ucdenver.edu.

No comprehensive exams are required.

For a list of graduate MS programs, see Program Curricula below.

Dual Degree Programs

Dual degree program options within the Business School include:

Please be aware that admission into one of our programs does not guarantee admission into another program. If adding a dual, you must meet the admission requirements for both programs. All programs have their own unique admissions requirements. Graduation from one program does not guarantee admission into another program.

PhD CSIS Program

Program co-directors: Gita Alaghband and Mike Mannino
Telephone: 303-556-4314 (Alaghband), 303-315-8427 (Mannino)

The computer science and engineering (CSE) department in the College of Engineering and Applied Science and the Business School offer a joint doctor of philosophy degree program in computer science and information systems (CSIS). The program targets students who have a master’s-level education in computer science, information systems, or related disciplines although highly qualified students with undergraduate degrees may also apply. The program provides research training combining computer science and information systems along with strong industry interaction. Students completing the joint PhD program may qualify for academic positions, industrial research positions and senior consulting positions. The specific goals of the program complement these general goals:

create a pool of graduates with CSIS research training who are qualified for academic and non-academic careers
meet student demand for advanced training in CSIS with accommodations for full-time and part-time students
promote interdisciplinary research between the computer science and engineering department and the Business School
enhance technology transfer between CSIS academic units and front range technology businesses through joint research, student internships, faculty externships and committee participation

Admission

Prospective students apply to either the Department of Computer Science and Engineering or the Business School. Applicants who pass the initial screening are reviewed by a joint committee consisting of the two co-directors of the program for the final admittance decision.

Admission criteria include GPA (undergraduate and graduate), standardized test scores (GMAT or GRE), letters of recommendation, prior achievements in academia and industry and the application portfolio essay describing an applicant’s motivation and an initial plan for doctoral study. The application portfolio is important to gauge an applicant’s motivation for research training.

Because of the program’s goals, preference is given to students with a master’s degree in either computer science or information systems. Students without a master’s degree in either area will need to take additional course work depending on the student’s background.

Program Organization

Supervision of the PhD Program

The PhD program is supervised by co-directors from the Business School and the CSE department. The duties of the co-directors include scheduling of doctoral courses, setting program policies subject to approval of the Business School and the CSE faculty, working with advisors and doctoral committee chairs to ensure compliance with the program guidelines, resolving disputes, measuring performance of the program over time and providing the final decision on admittance of students.

Advisor

Upon entering the program, each student chooses an advisor who will provide mentoring and guidance in the course of the entire program. The advisor will work with the student to prepare a program of study in the course work part of the program. The advisor will also work with the student in the preparation of the first- and second-year papers. Requests to change the advisor must be approved by the co-directors of the PhD program.

Dissertation Committee

The advisor and four other members form a dissertation committee. To foster interdisciplinary work, you may have your dissertation research co-advised by two faculty members. At least one co-advisor must be a full-time current graduate faculty member in the CSE department or the Business School. The committee must contain at least one faculty member from the CSE department and at least one from the Business School. At least one committee member is from outside of the CSE department and the information systems faculty.

Executive Programs

Executive MBA

Faculty and Resources

The faculty are senior faculty of the Business Schools from three of the university’s campuses. The executive MBA program is offered jointly by the Graduate Schools of Business Administration in Boulder and Colorado Springs and the Business School in Denver. Faculty are nationally recognized, and all possess both practical managerial experience and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with executive-level students.

Admission Requirements

The executive MBA program is designed for men and women who have eight to 10 years experience in a decision-making position. In the selection process, significant attention will be given to the depth and breadth of the candidate’s experience, progression in job responsibility, total work experience and the ability to benefit from this integrative classroom/work environment. The admissions committee will base its decision on the application, former academic record, relevant test scores, the employer’s nominating letter, other letters of recommendation and a personal interview.

For application and additional information, write to:

Executive MBA Program
University of Colorado Denver
P.O. Box 480006
Denver, CO 80248-0006

Executive MBA in Health Administration

Program Manager: Roger Japp
Telephone: 303-623-1888 or 1-800-228-5778

Program Sponsors

The executive program in health administration is a cooperative program of CU Denver and the Network for Healthcare Management.

The University of Colorado Denver serves as the degree-granting institution for the executive program. The graduate program in health administration is located in the Business School.

The Network for Healthcare Management is an educational consortium representing healthcare executives and academic faculty from major health administration graduate programs in the United States and Canada, including Arizona State University, Northwestern University, Ohio State University, San Diego State University, the University of California at Berkeley, the University of California at Los Angeles, the University of Colorado Denver, the University of Michigan, the University of Missouri, the University of North Carolina, the University of Southern California, the University of Toronto, the University of Washington and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Extend your education

Whether you are looking to advance in your current field or prepare for an entirely new career, the Business School offers opportunities to suit your goals.

A variety of classes and programs are available to community members and alumni. Classes are taught by expert faculty or influential members of the Denver business community, imparting knowledge that is readily applicable in the field.

Entrepreneurship

The Jake Jabs Center for Entrepreneurship offers programs for those looking to start a new venture or enhance their entrepreneurial skills. See the college website for more information.

Certificate Specialization Programs

Modern career paths are flexible, so it’s beneficial to have a flexible degree. If you already have a graduate business degree from an AACSB accredited school, the CU Denver Business School allows you to add a specialization through our post-graduate certificates. See the college website for more information.