About CU Denver

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Welcome to Colorado’s public urban research university,

where a diverse student body through quality academics, ambitious research and creative work, and community engagement in the city we call home. We are CU in the city.

Your success is our #1 priority. At CU Denver, you will benefit from:

Academic choices: More than 100 high-quality, in-demand degree programs in seven schools and colleges, leading to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees; hands-on learning opportunities, including work in research labs, service learning, study abroad and work study;

Powerful connections: To partnerships, projects, internships and career opportunities in downtown Denver; to the vibrant arts and culture scene at our front door; and to a network of influential alumni who are leaders in Denver’s civic, nonprofit and business communities;

Outstanding location: Access to a vibrant, safe urban lifestyle; resources and support to develop innovative solutions to complex local and global issues; and opportunities to build your skills in the city ranked by Forbes as the #1 Best Place for Business and Careers.

CU Denver is a place of academic excellence, where you will gain the powerful combination of immersive classroom and project-based experiences that are in demand today. Here you will meet gifted faculty, experts in their field, dedicated to student success, academic excellence and the real-world applications of their research and creative work. You’ll interact with 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 be confident that you will have been well-prepared for the next stage of your work or academic life.

We’re delighted you’ve chosen CU Denver!

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

Robert Eckel, MD
Vice Chancellor for Research (Interim)
BS and MD, University of Cincinnati

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

Jennifer Sobanet
Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance, CU Denver
BS, Marshall University
MA and MBA, University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School

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 15,000 students at CU Denver plus nearly 4,400 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 to local companies and organizations. New housing adjacent to campus, easy commuting by RTD 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 67 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. Denver ranks as #1 Best Place to Live (U.S. News & World Report), 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, and behavioral health with architecture.
• Choices: With 13 schools and colleges offering more than 140 degree programs, the University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medial Campus is a major university for the coming century.

CU Denver

Colorado’s only public urban research university, CU Denver offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs in the heart of the city 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 over 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 $920 million, with funding provided by federal agencies, appropriations from the state of Colorado and private foundations and donors.

Board of Regents

John Carson
District 6
term expires 2021

Glen Gallegos
District 3
term expires 2019

Heidi Ganahl
At Large
term expires 2023

Irene C. Griego
District 7
term expires 2021

Kyle Hybl
District 5
term expires 2019

Jack Kroll
District 1
term expires 2023

Stephen Ludwig
At Large
term expires 2019

Sue Sharkey, Chair
District 4
term expires 2023

Linda Shoemaker, Vice Chair
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 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. With students of color making up 37 percent of the student body, CU Denver is the most diverse research university in Colorado. Classes are filled with traditional students who enrolled after high school as well as transfer students and those who delayed college entry. Many professionals enroll mid-career to retool and strengthen their skills. The average age of an undergraduate student is 23 years while the average graduate student is 32 years old.

Bringing a rich mix of backgrounds, students travel across the country and the world to attend CU Denver. Domestic students come from 48 states and international students from 41 countries. All take advantage of convenient courses at times that meet their schedules. An enviable student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1 and a high-tech advising platform means students receive focused attention from professors and a clear path to graduation.    

Related Organizations

CU Denver Alumni

Mailing Address: 1380 Lawrence Street Center, Suite 1325, Denver, CO 80204 (mailing and physical)
Telephone: 303-315-2333
Fax: 303-315-2063
E-mail: alumni@ucdenver.edu 

CU Denver Alumni is the formal name for our community of former students including over 89,000 graduates from any of the University’s undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs. While 67% of our graduates stay in Colorado, our global community stretches across 103 countries. 

CU Denver Alumni contributes to the vitality of the University and connects alumni to campus and with each other through advocacy, philanthropy, career networking, and lifelong learning. CU Denver Alumni is proud to be part of Colorado’s leading public urban research university.​

CU Denver Alumni Relations sponsors activities and programs to benefit and engage alumni, current students, and friends of the university. By fostering loyalty among our alumni and providing opportunities for involvement, CU Denver Alumni Relations facilitates an environment in which alumni can establish life-long contact with their alma mater.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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

CU Denver | Anschutz

Total Enrollment

• 19,289 students
• 59% undergraduate
• 41% graduate/professional                        
• 71% full time
• 16% non-residents
• 6% international students

Programs

• More than 140 degree programs in 13 schools and colleges

Degrees

• Bachelor’s
• Master’s
• Doctoral
• First professional

Research Funding

• More than $400 million in sponsored research annually

Alumni

• 123,828 (as of August 2017)
  • 90,902 - Denver Campus
  • 32,926 - Anschutz Medical Campus
• 64% live in Colorado

CU Denver

Location:

Enrollment (Fall 2017):

• 15,008 students
• 10,800 Undergraduate
  • 48% male, 52% female
• 4,208 graduate
  • 43% male, 57% female
• 1,480 new freshmen
• 1,442 transfers
• 899 new graduate students

Student-to-Faculty Ratio:

• 15-1

Diverse Population:

• 44% of undergraduates are students of color
• 59% of new freshmen are students of color
• Average age of undergraduate students: 23
• Average age of graduate students: 32
• Students from 49 states and DC and 68 countries

Average entering ACT score:

• 23.7 Composite
• 23 English
• 23 Math

Average entering SAT score:

• 543 Math
• 550 Verbal

Average high school GPA:

• 3.4

Schools and Colleges on the CU Denver Campus

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

Most-enrolled Undergraduate Degree Programs:

• Biology
• Psychology
• Music
• Fine Arts
• Public Health

Most-enrolled Graduate Degree Programs:

• Business Administration
• Public Administration
• Counseling
• Education and Human Development
• Architecture

Rankings for US News Graduate Programs 2017:

• School of Public Affairs, Top Schools - 34
• Environmental Policy and Management - 10
• Nonprofit Management - 15
• Public Administration - 24
• The Sciences
  • Biological science - 75
  • Math - 115
  • Statistics - 70

CU Anschutz

Location:

Enrollment (Fall 2017):

• 4,264 students
• 494 undergraduate
  • 17% male, 83% female
• 3,770 graduate and first professional
  • 33% male, 67% female

Diverse Population (Fall 2017):

• 26% students of color
• Average age of graduate and professional students: 29
• Average age of undergraduate students: 29

Schools and Colleges on the Anschutz Campus:

• School of Dental Medicine
• Graduate School
• School of Medicine
• College of Nursing
• Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Colorado School of Public Health

Anschutz Health and Wellness Center:

• Offers state-of-the-art research, education and personalized wellness services in one facility.

114 new companies:

Resulting from researcher inventions since 1992-ultimately leading to more than $5.6 billion in financing.

Rankings for US News Graduate/Professional Programs 2017/2018:

• Health Disciplines
  • Nursing, MS - 26
  • Nurse midwifery - 15
  • Nurse practitioner
    • Family - 17
    • Pediatrics - 9
  • Physical Therapy -MS, PhD - 15
  • Pharmacy, PharmD - 22
  • Physician Assistant, MS, PhD - 5
• Schools of Medicine
  • Primary care - 11
  • Research - 35
  • Specialties
    • Family medicine - 3
    • Pediatrics - 6
    • Rural Medicine - 6

**For the most up to date information, visit the following website: http://www.ucdenver.edu/about-us/facts/