The University

Click on any of the following links for information:

Essential Facts 2011

University Rankings

University Quick Facts 

The University of Colorado Denver was formed July 1, 2004 by the consolidation of two established universities 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 Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora. Educating more than 14,000 students on our Denver Campus plus more than 3,000 students in health sciences programs from 50 states and 128 nations, the consolidated university is one of the nation’s top public urban research universities.

The University of Colorado Denver offers a unique experience for students. Its Denver Campus is in the heart of the city—the business, cultural and political capital of the West. Its Anschutz Medical Campus in nearby Aurora is the nation’s newest health sciences campus, 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 Anschutz Medical Campus make CU Denver an excellent place to start a health care career.

The University of Colorado Denver 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 the Anschutz Medical Campus. 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:

• Small class sizes: average undergraduate student-to-teacher ratio is 15:1.
• 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. The Denver Campus 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 is a major university for the coming century.

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, the 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

An overview of programs offered on the Anschutz Medical Campus is located in the Health Professions chapter  of this catalog. Contact the individual school or program coordinator for details.

In 2007-2008, the University of Colorado Denver completed a strategic planning process which resulted in the following guiding statements:

Mission

The University of Colorado Denver 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 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 embraces excellence in:

Learning and Scholarship
The University of Colorado Denver 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 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 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
UC Denver 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 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 online.

The University of Colorado is a system of three universities with campuses located in Boulder, Colorado Springs and Denver/Aurora. With combined total enrollments of more than 52,000 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 $660 million, with funding provided by federal agencies, appropriations from the state of Colorado and private foundations and donors.

Board of Regents

Tilman “Tillie” Bishop
District 3
term expires 2013

Steve Bosley
At Large
term expires 2017

Michael Carrigan
District 1
term expires 2017

James Geddes
District 6
term expires 2015

Kyle Hybl, Chair
District 5
term expires 2013

Stephen Ludwig, Vice Chair
At Large
term expires 2013

Monisha Merchant
District 7
term expires 2015

Joseph Neguse
District 2
term expires 2015

Sue Sharkey
District 4
term expires 2017

History and Evolution of the University of Colorado Denver

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

The commission can be contacted at:

30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400
Chicago, IL 60602-2504
Telephone: 1-800-621-7440
Website: www.ncacihe.org

Many professional organizations have also granted accreditation to 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
• American Chemical Society
• Colorado State Board of Education
• Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education
• Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
• Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board
• National Architectural Accrediting Board
• National Association of Schools of Music
• National Association of School Psychologists
• National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
• National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education
• Planning Accreditation Board

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, law, journalism and health careers is also available. Complete listings of areas of study available on the Denver Campus are available in the Programs  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 at the Denver Campus 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 contact the Academic Technology and Extended Learning office at 303-556-2040 or visit our website at www.ucdenver.edu/academics/continuing-education/Pages/index.aspx.

The diversity of our student body is a source of deep pride. Ethnic minority students make up 23 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 16 and 74, the average undergraduate student age at CU Denver is 24, while our graduate students average 33. They represent a distinctive mix of ages and backgrounds. Around 80 percent of our students are employed, and 44 percent attend part time. 38 percent are enrolled in graduate-level courses. All take advantage of the convenience of course offerings at times that meet their schedules, enjoying an enviable student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1.

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 
Website: www.ucdenver.edu/alumni

The University of Colorado Denver Alumni Association provides programs and services of mutual benefit to graduates and the university. Founded in 1976, the Denver Campus 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 Foundation

Mailing Address: 1380 Lawrence Street, Suite 1325, Denver, CO 80204
Telephone: 303-315-3601
Fax: 303-315-2063
Website: www.cufund.org

Established in 1967, the University of Colorado Foundation is a privately governed nonprofit corporation whose mission is to support the University of Colorado. The Denver office of the CU Foundation was established to advance the campus goal to become one of the nation’s premier urban research institutions.

The CU Foundation raises and manages private funds that endow scholarships and professorships, further research, enrich academic programs, upgrade and construct facilities and support projects that benefit students, faculty and the community.

The university’s academic leadership establishes priorities for private support, and gifts are directed to the specific schools, program or purpose that the donor designates. Professional fundraisers identify and/or generate interest in the university, assist donors in gift planning and solicit gifts in collaboration with academic partners and leaders.