Admissions Information

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UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS

(Applies to Fall 2020, Spring 2021 and Summer 2021)

The University of Colorado Denver provides a diverse array of baccalaureate majors, minors, certificates, and teacher licensure options to meet the ever-challenging demands of a global society. Undergraduate education programs consist of a general core curriculum, a major, and elective courses for all areas of study. The campus-wide core curriculum develops proficiency in writing and mathematics, cultivates a breadth of knowledge, promotes critical thinking, allows for the flexibility to meet career goals, and helps develop sensitivity to cultural diversity and international perspectives.

A list of all undergraduate programs, including minors and online programs, is available by clicking here .

Everyone is welcome to apply. CU Denver values a culture of inclusion and does not discriminate on aspects of identity, including but not limited to gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, ability status, veteran status, nationality, citizenship, religion, and socioeconomic background.

CU Denver seeks to identify applicants who are likely to be successful in a rigorous academic program of study. Admission decisions are based on many factors, the most important being:

• Previous academic performance
• Evidence of academic ability and accomplishment as indicated by scores on national aptitude tests
• Evidence of maturity, motivation, and potential for academic success

CU Denver may deny admission to applicants or readmission to former students whose total credentials indicate an inability to assume obligations of performance and behavior deemed essential by the university.

After completing the application process, official notification of your admission status is provided by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. 

NOTE: The University of Colorado Denver reserves the right to change the admission decision at any time if additional credentials are received that affect your qualifications.

General Contact Information for the Office of Undergraduate Admissions

Physical Address: 1201 Larimer Street, Suite 1005 Denver, CO 80204
Mailing Address: Campus Box 167 PO Box 173364 Denver, CO 80217-3364
Telephone: 303-315-2601
E-mail: admissions@ucdenver.edu

Application Deadlines

• Fall 2020 - August 1, 2020
• Spring 2021 - January 1, 2021
• Summer 2021 - June 1, 2021

The university may change document/credential deadlines in accordance with enrollment demands. For the best scholarship and registration time considerations, applicants should apply as early as possible. Admission to the university does not guarantee the availability of desired courses. For an applicant to be considered for a specific term, all documents required for admission must be received by the deadline for that term. Applicants who are unable to meet the deadline may elect to be considered for a later term (see Term Change Requests ). Please allow sufficient time to have transcripts sent from previously attended institutions.

Freshman Student Admission

The University of Colorado Denver considers a number of factors in determining student’s academic success.  CU Denver follows Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) freshman admission standards and uses the average GPA and ACT/SAT middle 50 percent ranges to help determine admissibility.  Meeting or not meeting the middle 50 percent does not guarantee admission.

Applicants are considered under freshmen admission standards if:

• applying for the first time after graduating from high school or passing a high school equivalency exam; and/or
• earned fewer than 24 college-level credit hours since high school graduation.

Note: College credits earned while in high school may be transferrable to the university but are not required for an admission decision.

 Admission Consideration by Academic Program

In addition to the above admission standards, each school/college within CU Denver has admission criteria specific to their area.

College of Architecture and Planning

Applicants who have a cumulative 3.0 GPA and a Composite score of 24 on the ACT or 1150-1180 on the SAT Total (Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing) Score are considered strong candidates for admission to the College of Architecture and Planning. Applicants not meeting requirements for direct admission to the College of Architecture and Planning may be considered for admission to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences with a Pre-Architecture interest.

College of Arts & Media

Admission to CU Denver is all that is required to start in many of the College of Arts & Media degree programs, with the exception of those listed below.

• Music & Entertainment Industry Studies (MEIS): In addition to being admitted to CU Denver, applicants to one of the audition track programs in the Music and Entertainment Industry Studies (MEIS) Department must complete additional music application requirements. Please review the music section on the How to Apply webpage for complete information about the audition/application process for audition track program applicants. Applicants to the MEIS non-audition track programs do not have to audition or complete any additional requirements.
• Film & Television: The Film and Television Department requires that applicants complete a secondary Film & Television application in addition to being admitted to CU Denver. Please review the film section on the How to Apply webpage for complete information about the secondary application for Film & Television program applicants.

Business School

Applicants whose cumulative GPA and test scores meet or exceed the middle 50 percent range are considered strong candidates for admission to the Business School.

School of Education & Human Development

For admission to the School of Education & Human Development, applicants whose cumulative high school GPA and test scores fall into the middle 50 percent range are strong candidates for admission to the School of Education & Human Development. A minimum 2.4 cumulative high school GPA is recommended, however, students with a 2.0 cumulative GPA are considered.

Note: The Professional Year, a two-semester (fall and spring) residency in the student’s final year of the undergraduate degree with licensure programs, requires a separate application and acceptance is not guaranteed. For instructions and minimum requirements, please see the Education and Human Development website.

College of Engineering, Design and Computing

For direct admission to the College of Engineering, Design and Computing, freshman applicants must meet the following criteria:

For International Students who did not graduate from a U.S. high school: The ACT/SAT requirement is waived; instead, students must meet the minimum cumulative high school GPA requirement above and have completed three (3) years of high school math with a cumulative 2.7 GPA in math courses.

Please visit the College of Engineering, Design and Computing website for additional information.

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Applicants whose cumulative GPA and test scores meet or exceed the middle 50 percent range are considered strong candidates for admission to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

School of Public Affairs

Applicants whose cumulative GPA and test scores meet or exceed the middle 50 percent range are considered strong candidates for admission to the School of Public Affairs.

How to Apply for Freshman Admission

1. Complete and submit your application online at www.ucdenver.edu/admissions.
2. Pay your $50 non-refundable application fee.     Note: You can indicate your eligibility for a fee waiver when you apply. 
3. Send official  high school transcripts or high school equivalency exam scores to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions mailing address or electronically .
   • For high school graduates: An admission decision can be determined before high school graduation. However, if admitted to CU Denver, a final official high school transcript with a graduation date will be required.
   • For high school equivalency exam recipients: Students who did not graduate from high school are required to have a copy of their high school equivalency exam test scores and certificate sent directly from the certifying agency to the CU Denver Office of Undergraduate Admissions. High school equivalency exam scores and ACT or SAT scores are the basis for the admission decision.
4. Send official SAT or ACT scores to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions mailing address or electronically.
   • Scores reported on official high school transcripts are considered official test scores . Otherwise, please request test score reports from the offices listed below:

American College Testing Program (ACT)
P.O. Box 451
Iowa City, Iowa 52243
319-337-1313
www.ACT.org
school code: 0533

The College Board (SAT)
P.O. Box 8057
Mount Vernon, IL 62864
866-756-7346
www.collegeboard.org
school code: 4875

Transfer Student Admission

Applicants are considered transfer students for admission purposes if they have completed any number of college courses after graduating from high school or passing a high school equivalency exam. Applicants with college courses taken prior to high school graduation are considered freshmen for admission purposes.

Transfer applicants who graduated from high school in 1988 or later are subject to MAPS  requirements. Transfer students who graduated from high school in 2008 or later and have fewer than 30 college credits completed at the time of application are subject to HEAR  requirements in addition to MAPS.

Admission Consideration

At the time of application, admission consideration is determined by the following:

• Applicants with 23 or fewer semester hours  of completed college-level course work* are considered for admission as freshmen based on high school GPA or high school equivalency exam scores and ACT or SAT scores.
• Applicants with 24 or more semester hours  of completed college-level course work* are considered for admission based upon college course work alone.

*College-level coursework must be completed at a regionally accredited institution as outlined in transfer credit policy on accreditation .

Admission Criteria by Academic Program (For applicants with 13 or more completed college-level coursework at time of application)

College of Architecture and Planning

For admission to the College of Architecture and Planning, applicants must have a 2.750 cumulative GPA. Applicants with at least a 2.300 cumulative GPA may be considered on an individual basis if the academic record shows consistent improvement and/or strong performance in science, mathematics, art, or architecture-oriented courses. Applicants not meeting requirements for direct admission to the College of Architecture and Planning may be considered for admission to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences with a Pre-Architecture interest.

College of Arts & Media

For admission to the College of Arts & Media, a minimum 2.400 cumulative GPA is required; however, students with a 2.000 cumulative GPA are considered.

• Music & Entertainment Industry Studies (MEIS): In addition to being admitted to CU Denver, applicants to one of the audition track programs in the Music and Entertainment Industry Studies (MEIS) Department must complete additional music application requirements. Please review the music section on our How To Apply webpage for complete information about the audition/application process for audition track program applicants. Applicants to the MEIS non-audition track programs do not have to audition or complete any additional requirements
• Film & Television: The Film and Television Department requires that applicants complete a secondary Film & Television application in addition to being admitted to CU Denver. Please review the film section on our How To Apply webpage for complete information about the secondary application for Film & Television program applicants.

Business School

For admission to the Business School, a minimum 2.400 cumulative GPA is required; however, applicants with a 2.000 cumulative GPA are considered.

Note: Students who have completed an undergraduate degree in business will not be accepted for a second undergraduate degree-seeking status in the Business School. These students are encouraged to pursue a graduate degree in business.

School of Education & Human Development

For admission to the School of Education & Human Development, a minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA is required for non-licensure programs including Human Development and Family Relations, BS and Education and Human Development, Early Childhood Education Non-Licensure, BA.  For admission to the EDHD BA licensure program, a cumulative GPA of 2.400 is required.

*Students who already hold a BA/BS degree and are interested in teacher licensure are encouraged to contact the School of Education & Human Development for information on graduate teacher licensure options.

Note: The Professional Year, a two-semester (fall and spring) residency in the student’s final year of the undergraduate degree with licensure programs, requires a separate application and acceptance is not guaranteed. For instructions and minimum requirements, please see the Education and Human Development website.

College of Engineering, Design and Computing

For direct admission to the College of Engineering, Design and Computing, transfer applicants meet the following criteria:

Notes:  CU Denver students may apply to a major or Pre-Engineering major through an Intra-University Transfer (IUT) after they have completed 12 or more CU Denver credit hours.  Please visit the College of Engineering, Design and Computing website for additional information.

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

For admission to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, a minimum 2.400 cumulative GPA is required; however, applicants with a 2.000 cumulative GPA are considered. 

School of Public Affairs

For admission to the School of Public Affairs, a minimum 2.400 cumulative GPA is required; however, applicants with a 2.000 cumulative GPA are considered.

How to Apply as a Transfer Student

1. Complete and submit your application online at www.ucdenver.edu/admissions.  
2. Pay your $50 nonrefundable application fee. Note: You can indicate your eligibility for a fee waiver when you apply.
3. Request official  transcripts from each regionally accredited  college or university attended, including foreign institutions. Official transcripts should be sent directly to the CU Denver Office of Undergraduate Admissions mailing address or electronically.

Non-Degree Student Admission

Non-degree eligibility requires a minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA.

Note: For further information on financial implications for non-degree students, please visit the financial aid  page.

How to Apply as a Non-degree Student

1. Complete and submit your application online at www.ucdenver.edu/admissions.  
2. Pay your $50 nonrefundable application fee.
3. No additional credentials are required.

Readmission Requirements for Former Students

Degree-seeking students who have not attended classes on the Denver Campus for one year (three semesters) or longer must apply for readmission by completing an online application. The University of Colorado transcripts (Boulder, Colorado Springs, & Denver) are not required; however, official transcripts from each college or university attended following enrollment at CU Denver must be submitted.

Note: The Office of Undergraduate Admissions may require you to resubmit transcripts depending on the desired major.

How to Apply as a Readmit Student

For instructions on how to reapply, please visit the How to Apply as a Transfer Student section.

Second Bachelor’s Degree Admission

Applicants who already hold a bachelor’s degree may apply for admission to complete a second bachelor’s degree. Students cannot apply to the same major in which they previously have received a bachelor’s degree. If you do not plan to complete a second bachelor’s degree (only need to complete pre-requisites), you must apply as a graduate non-degree or degree-seeking student.

Note: There are implications for students wishing to pursue a second bachelor’s degree in the Business School or the School of Education & Human Development.

How to Apply as a student seeking a Second Bachelor’s Degree

For instructions on how to apply, please visit the How to Apply as a Transfer Student section.

Higher Education Admission Requirements (HEAR)

First-time freshmen as well as transfer applicants with fewer than 30 credit hours who graduated from high school in spring of 2008 or later must meet the state of Colorado Higher Education Admission Requirements (HEAR) for high school units of study. College courses taken before or after graduation from high school can be considered toward fulfillment of HEAR unit requirements for admission consideration.

For students who graduated in 2008 or 2009, the following minimum high school courses (units) are required:

For students who graduated in 2010 or later, the following minimum high school courses (units) are required:

Students with HEAR deficiencies may be considered for admission on an individual basis based on the rigor of units completed as well as other admission criteria (e.g., test scores and GPA).

Minimum Academic Preparation Standards (MAPS)

First-time freshman and transfer students entering the University of Colorado Denver are required to meet the following minimum academic preparation standards (MAPS) for high school units of study, either prior to initial enrollment or before graduation from the University of Colorado Denver. College courses taken before or after graduation from high school can be considered toward MAPS fulfillment. Note: Students who graduated from high school between 1988 and 2009 may have reduced unit requirements in some areas. Students who graduated from high school before 1988 are exempt from MAPS.

Students with MAPS deficiencies may be considered for admission to CU Denver. If admitted, students must make up any MAPS deficiencies prior to graduation from CU Denver. Students may make up MAPS deficiencies by successful completion of:

1. Courses taken at CU
2. Courses taken at other institutions of higher education
3. Additional high school credits
4. Credit-by-examination programs
5. Other requirements as approved by each college or school on the Denver Campus

MAPS Requirements by School or College:

High School Postsecondary and Concurrent Enrollment

High school students with demonstrated academic abilities may be admitted to CU Denver with special approval for one term only. This approval may be renewed. Credit for courses taken may subsequently be applied toward a university degree program, if applicable. For more information and application instructions, contact the Office of Admissions, 303-315-2601 or admissions@ucdenver.edu.

Advanced Placement (AP) Program

The Advanced Placement Program of the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) allows students to take advanced work while in high school and then be examined for credit at the college level. Students who take advanced placement courses and subsequently receive scores of 3, 4 or 5 on the CEEB Advanced Placement Examination are generally given college credit for lower-level courses in which they have demonstrated proficiency. Refer to the following chart for general information and consult with your advisor to determine how the credit can be applied to your specific degree program. Original, official score reports must be submitted to the Office of Admissions for credit award consideration.

This chart represents academic credit for students admitted to the University of Colorado Denver beginning fall 2016. Students admitted prior to fall 2016 should consult the University Catalog corresponding to the year in which the exam was taken. 

Advanced Placement (AP) Chart  

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB), available at select high schools, is a rigorous, pre-university course of study emphasizing liberal arts from an international perspective.

In accordance with HB 03-1108, CU Denver will grant at minimum 24 semester hours of credit for any student who has graduated from high school having successfully completed an International Baccalaureate diploma program with a minimum score of 4 on each exam. Credit may be granted for individual IB courses where examinations are completed with at least a score of 4 for students who do not complete an IB diploma program. Refer to the following chart for general information and consult with your advisor to determine how the credit can be applied to your specific degree program. Original, official IB transcripts with exam scores must be submitted to the Office of Admissions for credit award consideration.

This chart represents academic credit for students admitted to the University of Colorado Denver beginning fall 2016. Students admitted prior to fall 2016 should consult the University Catalog corresponding to the year in which the exam was taken. 

International Baccalaureate (IB) Chart  

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Incoming students may earn university credit by examination in some subject areas in which they have demonstrated college-level proficiency. Interested students may take approved examinations through the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) of the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) testing service.

Acceptable CLEP examinations and credit awards are outlined in the following chart. Original, official CLEP score reports must be submitted to the Office of Admissions for credit award consideration.

This chart represents credit awarded for exams taken from August 2019 and later. For exams taken in prior or future catalog years, consult those academic catalogs for exam equivalency information.

Select CLEP Exams taken January 2019 and later will receive gtPathways credit.

Transfer of CLEP (College Level Examination Program) gtPathways  

SCHOOL/COLLEGE SPECIFIC POLICY

College of Engineering, Design and Computing

Students may earn credit through certain College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) examinations, provided that they score at the 50th percentile or above. CLEP credit may be applied toward graduation if comparable to CU Denver coursework included in the College of Engineering curriculum. Official CLEP score reports are required for transfer credit consideration.

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

The use of CLEP subject examinations toward major, minor or certificate requirements is subject to a separate evaluation by the faculty advisor in the department or program. To receive academic credit from CLEP, students must present official test results to the Denver Campus Office of Admissions. A maximum of 30 hours of CLEP credit will count toward the degree.

Cambridge A-Levels

Incoming students may earn credit from the Cambridge A-Level examinations. Cambridge A-Levels are internationally bench marked qualifications providing excellent preparation for university education. They are taken in over 125 countries and offer a wide variety of different subjects. Cambridge International A-Level qualifications are widely recognized and valued by universities and employers alike. CU Denver does not recognize AS-Levels currently. The acceptable A-Level examinations and credit awards are outlined in the chart linked below. Original, official A-Level score reports must be submitted to International Admissions for credit award consideration.

This chart represents credit awarded for exams taken during the 2018-2019 catalog year. For exams taken in prior or future catalog years, consult those academic catalogs for exam equivalency information.

A-Level Exams  

Joint Services Transcript Credit

Beginning Spring 2019, select courses and occupations from the Joint Services Transcript qualify for the Colorado gtPathways program. The courses and occupations in this chart can apply to CU Denver’s Undergraduate Core Curriculum. An official copy of the Joint Service Transcript is required for evaluation.

Transfer of Joint Service Transcript Military Occupations Evaluation  

Military Experience Credit

It is the policy of CU Denver to award transfer credit for military courses and/or military service based on the recommendations of the American Council on Education (ACE)’s Guide to the Evaluation of Education Experiences in the Armed Services, provided such credit is generally applicable to CU Denver programs of study. For military transcripts such as CCAF and AARTS, transfer credit is considered on the same basis as transcripts from traditional collegiate institutions.

Upon review of the Certificate of Release of Discharge from Active Duty form (DD-214)/Member 4 Service 2 or additional documentation as required either elective or core course credit will be awarded based on ACE recommendations.

The applicability of electives is determined by the student’s major and/or college. 

For any questions or further information regarding military credit transfer, please contact the CU Denver Veteran and Military Student Services at 303-315-7300 

DSST/ DANTES Exam Credit

Beginning January 2019, incoming students may earn university credit by examination in some subject areas in which they have demonstrated college-level proficiency. Interested students may take approved examinations through the DSST/DANTES testing as a part of their Military Service

Acceptable DSST examinations and credit awards are outlined in the following chart. Original, official DSST score reports must be submitted to the Office of Admissions for credit award consideration.

Transfer of DSST/DANTES Exams  

Transfer of College Level Credit

For more information on transfer of college-level credit, please consult the Academic Policies - Transfer Credit  section.