About CU Denver

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Welcome to a university for the 21st century. 

The University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) unites quality academics, ambitious research and creative work, civic consciousness and driven students-all in the lively heart of downtown Denver.  We are the region’s premier public urban research university.

Here at the University of Colorado Denver you will benefit from:

Academic choices-more than 100 degree programs in seven schools and colleges;

Powerful connections-to partnerships, projects, internships and career connections in downtown Denver; to academic connections for health-related careers at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus; and to course offerings from all four CU campuses at the new CU South Denver location in Parker, Colo.; and

Outstanding location-access to a vibrant, safe urban lifestyle, alongside opportunities to gain experience in projects and internships at businesses and corporations throughout the Denver metropolitan area.

We are a leading economic driver and job creator for the state of Colorado-a valued partner in our community and a place of academic excellence for you, the students who have turned to us to pursue your educational dreams.

Here you’ll have access to the opportunities you need to achieve your educational goals. You will meet gifted faculty dedicated to excellence in the classroom and in research laboratories and fellow students who are diverse, goal-oriented and energetic. Whether you engage in undergraduate or graduate studies, the University of Colorado Denver degree earns global respect and you can rest assured that you will have been well-prepared for the next stage of your work or academic life.

It’s a privilege to have you join us.

Dorothy A. Horrell, PhD
Chancellor

Executive Team

Dorothy A. Horrell, PhD
Chancellor, University of Colorado Denver
BS, Colorado State University
M.Ed, Colorado State University
PhD, Colorado State University

Donald M. Elliman Jr.
Chancellor, CU Anschutz Medical Campus
BA, Middlebury College

Roderick Nairn, PhD
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs
BSc, University of Strathclyde (Scotland)
PhD, University of London (England)

Brenda Allen, PhD
Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion
BA, Case Western Reserve University
MA, Howard University
PhD, Howard University

Scott Arthur
Vice Chancellor for Advancement, CU Anschutz Medical Campus
BA, Otterbein College
MNM, Western Reserve University

Raul Cardenas, PhD
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
BA, Pepperdine University
MA, Northern Arizona University
PhD, Arizona State University

Terri Carrothers
Senior Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance
BS, University of Phoenix

Luella Chavez D’Angelo
Vice Chancellor for Enterprise Development
BA, University of New Mexico
MBA, University of New Mexico

Leanna Clark
Vice Chancellor for University Communications
BS, University of Colorado Boulder

John Reilly, MD
Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs and Dean, School of Medicine
AB, Dartmouth College
MD, Harvard Medical School

Richard Traystman, PhD
Vice Chancellor for Research
MS, Long Island University
PhD, The Johns Hopkins University

Andrea Wagner
Vice Chancellor for Advancement, CU Denver
BA, University of Colorado Boulder
MA, University of Colorado Denver

University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus

Note:  This catalog provides course listings only for CU Denver, one of the two campuses that make up the University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus.

The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus was formed July 1, 2004 by the consolidation of two established campuses in the University of Colorado system. The university joins the strengths of a comprehensive campus in downtown Denver with the research and advanced health care programs on the CU Anschutz Medical Campus (CU Anschutz) in Aurora. Educating more than 14,000 students at CU Denver downtown plus nearly 4,300 students in health sciences programs at CU Anschutz, the consolidated entity is one of the nation’s top public urban research universities.

The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus offers a unique experience for students. CU Denver is in the heart of the city-the business, cultural and political capital of the West. CU Anschutz in nearby Aurora is among the nation’s newest health sciences campuses, where discoveries in the lab and in the clinic transform medical treatments into cures.

More and more undergraduates are discovering the value of classes in the city taught by professors who are connected with top companies often advising the same CEOs who are hiring our graduates. New housing adjacent to campus, easy commuting by light rail and discounts to cultural and sporting events give students many options for immersion in vibrant city life. In addition, affiliations with research labs and hospitals at CU Anschutz make CU Denver an excellent place to start a health care career.

The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus enrolls students from 50 states and 86 countries, and awards more graduate degrees than any other university in Colorado. It is known for its programs in urban sustainability, criminal justice, business, education, applied science and engineering, film and music industry as well as a full array of health professional programs at CU Anschutz. The graduate student population is a diverse mix of ages and ethnicities, creating a rich environment for learning and networking.

Other reasons why students choose the University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus:

• Small class sizes: average undergraduate student-to-teacher ratio is 16:1.
• The Denver vibe: Colorado has always attracted the adventurous. It is one of the healthiest in the country, with an extensive network of bike trails and quick access to mountain sports. CU Denver is adjacent to a thriving arts district.
• Collaborative culture: Cross-disciplinary learning and research is a core value-programs blend technology with health care, business with public policy, behavioral health with architecture and public health with health providers.
• Choices: With 13 schools and colleges offering more than 130 degree programs, the University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medial Campus is a major university for the coming century.

CU Denver

With a solid academic reputation and award-winning faculty, the Denver Campus offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs through seven distinct academic units:

College of Architecture and Planning 
College of Arts & Media 
Business School 
School of Education & Human Development 
College of Engineering and Applied Science 
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences 
School of Public Affairs  

In achieving its mission of education, research, patient care and community service, CU Anschutz Medical Campus offers degree programs through six schools and colleges:

School of Dental Medicine
Graduate School
School of Medicine
College of Nursing
School of Pharmacy
Colorado School of Public Health

Contact the individual school or program coordinator for details.

Mission, Vision and Values

Mission

The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is a diverse teaching and learning community that creates, discovers and applies knowledge to improve the health and well-being of Colorado and the world.

Vision

By 2020, The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus will be a leading public university with a global reputation for excellence in learning, research and creativity, community engagement and clinical care.

Values

To be a university greater than the sum of its parts, the University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus embraces excellence in:

Learning and Scholarship
The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus respects academic freedom and the rigorous quest for knowledge and understanding. We share knowledge and foster student success through a continuous process of inquiry, critical thinking, reflection, collaboration and application.

Discovery and Innovation
The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus fosters an energetic, collaborative and creative environment where we develop and employ new ideas and technologies. Our entrepreneurial culture enables us to expand the frontiers of knowledge and human experience.

Health and Care of Mind, Body and Community
The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus enriches the well-being and sustainability of communities and our cultural, living and natural environments. We promote healthy lifestyles, prevent, diagnose and treat disease and deliver high-quality and compassionate health care.

Diversity, Respect and Inclusiveness
The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus seeks the richness that an increasing diversity of our communities brings to our learning, research and service endeavors. Our common humanity leads us to create an inclusive and respectful ethos characterized by caring, empathy, compassion, nurturing, collegiality and mentoring.

Citizenship and Leadership
The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus serves Colorado and the world as a recognized source of talent, knowledge, informed judgment, exemplary health care and professional practice. We are responsible stewards of the resources entrusted to us and utilize them with integrity for the betterment of our community.

Details about the mission, vision, values and strategic plan for the university are available at: http://www.ucdenver.edu/about/WhoWeAre/Chancellor/Documents/FinalStrategicPlan.pdf

University of Colorado System

The University of Colorado is a system of four campuses located in Boulder, Colorado Springs, Denver and Aurora. With combined total enrollments of more than 60,000 students, the University of Colorado system consistently ranks in the top 15 among public universities and colleges in overall research expenditures and seventh among public universities in federally funded research. Awards for research within the system total more than $770 million, with funding provided by federal agencies, appropriations from the state of Colorado and private foundations and donors.

Board of Regents

Steve Bosley
At Large
term expires 2017

Michael Carrigan
District 1
term expires 2017

John Carson
District 6
term expires 2021

Glen Gallegos
District 3
term expires 2019

Irene C. Griego, Vice Chair
District 7
term expires 2021

Kyle Hybl, Chair
District 5
term expires 2019

Stephen Ludwig
At Large
term expires 2019

Sue Sharkey
District 4
term expires 2017

Linda Shoemaker
District 2
term expires 2021

History and Evolution of the University of Colorado Denver

The University of Colorado Denver is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

The commission can be contacted at:

230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604
Telephone: 1-800-621-7440

Many professional organizations have also granted accreditation to specific academic programs, colleges and schools at the Denver Campus, including:

• Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
• Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business-International
• Colorado State Board of Education
• Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education
• Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
• Council for the Accreditation for Educator Preparation
• Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board
• National Architectural Accrediting Board
• National Association of Schools of Music
• National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
• Planning Accreditation Board

Academic Programs

CU Denver is devoted to the needs of the residents of the city and the region. A solid foundation of academic and general education is assured through a comprehensive core curriculum. Students may pursue graduate education through all of the campus’ colleges and schools. Pre-professional training in the fields of education, architecture, law, journalism and health careers is also available. Complete listings of areas of study available on the Denver Campus are available in the Program Requirements  section of the catalog.

The colleges and schools sections of this catalog provide information on bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs, policies on requirements for graduation, course requirements, course-load policies, course descriptions and similar information.

Continuing and Professional Education

The Division of Continuing and Professional Education offers complete degree programs, certificate/certification courses, professional development programs, precollegiate outreach programs and personal enrichment courses across the state of Colorado. Courses are offered in a variety of formats, including traditional on-campus, off-campus, online, hybrid, weekend, evening, short and condensed courses and many others.

Registration and tuition varies by school or college. Contact the specific school or college to learn about current program and course offerings, or send an inquiry to continuingeducation@ucdenver.edu.

About Our Students

The diversity of our student body is a source of deep pride. Ethnic minority students make up 32 percent of the student population. Classes include traditional students who have elected to pursue college degrees immediately after high school, transfer students, students who have delayed college entry and professionals who seek to strengthen their base of skills or broaden their appreciation of the world.

With students’ ages ranging between 13 and 77, the average undergraduate student age at CU Denver is 24, while our graduate students average 32. They represent a distinctive mix of ages and backgrounds. All take advantage of the convenience of course offerings at times that meet their schedules, enjoying an enviable student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1.

Related Organizations

Alumni Association

Mailing Address: Campus Box 189, P.O. Box 173364, Denver, CO 80217
Telephone: 303-315-2333
Fax: 303-315-2332
E-mail: ucdalumni@ucdenver.edu 

The University of Colorado Denver Alumni Association provides programs and services of mutual benefit to graduates and the university. Founded in 1976, the CU Denver Alumni Association is governed by a board of alumni representing all schools and colleges. Students automatically become Alumni Association members upon graduation and receive the CU on the Horizon newsletter, published twice a year. Alumni are invited to volunteer on committees, which include recognizing 4.0 students through the Academic Athlete program, providing financial assistance to students through a scholarship fund and bestowing Alumni Association awards to worthy graduates and community leaders. The association also invites alumni to attend periodic seminars and events.

University of Colorado Denver - Office of University Advancement

Mailing Address: 1380 Lawrence Street, Suite 1325, Denver, CO 80204
Telephone: 303-315-3601
Fax: 303-315-2063
Email:  development@ucdenver.edu

The University of Colorado Denver Office of Advancement collaborates with faculty, staff, donors, alumni, and friends to raise private support for the university.

CU Denver academic leadership establishes priorities for private support, and gifts are directed to the specific schools, program, or purpose that the donor designates. CU Denver Advancement staff identify and/or generate interest in the university, assist donors in gift planning, solicit gifts in collaboration with academic partners and leaders, and establish and maintain relations with alumni.  (Gift funds are managed and invested by the partner University of Colorado Foundation, which also manages the university endowment).

These gifts endow scholarships and professorships, further research, enrich academic programs, upgrade and construct facilities, and support projects and programs in all areas of the university.

University Quick Facts

 Locations

Denver Campus (Auraria)

Anschutz Medical Campus (Aurora)

Total Enrollment

18,459 students enrolled in fall 2015*

57% undergraduate
33% graduate                         
10% first professional
72% full time
16% out-of-state residents
6% international students

Degrees

Bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, first-professional

Programs

143 degree programs

Schools and Colleges

Denver Campus

College of Architecture and Planning
College of Arts & Media
Business School
School of Education & Human Development
College of Engineering and Applied Science
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
School of Public Affairs
Graduate School

Anschutz Medical Campus

School of Dental Medicine
School of Medicine
College of Nursing
School of Pharmacy
Colorado School of Public Health
Graduate School

Research Funding

More than $400 million in sponsored research

Alumni

134,500 (63% live in Colorado)‡

Denver Campus Attributes

Enrollment

14,375*

10,042 Undergraduate* (48% male, 52% female)
4,333 Graduate* (45% male, 55% female)

Student-Faculty Ratio

16:1‡

Incoming

Freshmen: 1,372
Transfers: 1,373
Graduate Students: 902

Diverse Population

34% ethnic minority

Undergraduate: 41%
Graduate: 18%

Average age: 26

Undergraduate: 24
Graduate: 31

Student Body

From 50 states and 64 countries*

Bragging Rights

U.S.News & World Report America’s Best Graduate Schools, 2015

School of Public Affairs, Top Schools - 29

Environmental Policy & Management - 10

Nonprofit Management - 14

Public Administration - 24

Additional bragging rights for schools and colleges on this campus are available in their sections of this catalog.

Anschutz Medical Campus Attributes

Enrollment

4,084*

Undergraduate: 513* (14% male, 86% female)
Graduate: 1,729* (25% male, 75% female)
First Professional: 1,842* (44% male, 56% female)

Diverse Population

24% ethnic minority

Average Age

Undergraduate: 29
Graduate: 31
First Professional: 27

Bragging Rights

U.S. News & World Report, America’s Best Graduate Schools, 2015
(Unless otherwise noted, it is the most recent year ranked)

Health Disciplines

Nursing, MS - 15

Nurse midwifery - 13

Nurse practitioner:
Family - 16
Pediatrics -5

Pharmacy, PharmD (2008) - 23

Physician Assistant, MS, PhD - 5

Schools of Medicine

Primary care - 8

Research - 35

Specialties:

Family medicine - 7

Pediatrics - 5

Rural Medicine - 9

The Sciences

Biological sciences: Graduate School, Anschutz Campus - 75

*Fall 2015 end-of-term              
‡2014-2015 Fiscal Year Data