Apr 18, 2024  
2012-2013 CU Denver Catalog 
    
2012-2013 CU Denver Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

CU Online



At A Glance: CU Online 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Computer Requirements 

You have a life filled with family and friends. A life filled with work and responsibilities. A life—filled… 

Enter the flexbility of online and hybrid courses.

Essentially, online courses allow you to attend CU Denver on your time, at your convenience, while also providing the recognition and respect that only a brick and mortar university can offer. While hybrid courses combine the best of online and on-campus (half of your course is online, and the other half is on-campus).

But it’s not just one or two electives or random courses; you can actually complete an entire University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus degree (or 19) from all online and hybrid courses. So, you can enjoy the same stimulating courses, top-notch faculty and dedicated resources by taking all of your courses online, all on-campus, or mixing and matching some online with some on campus. However you prefer, the degree and education are the same.

Under Academic Technology and Extended Learning (ATEL), the CU Online department is responsible for managing the technology and support for faculty and students in online and hybrid/blended courses, as well as courses which use web-based course management software to supplement traditional on-campus instruction.  

How It Works

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Online courses run on a traditional semester schedule and, although courses are not self-paced (‘asynchronous’), they are flexible. As a student, you’re able to log into your courses on a regular basis, at your convenience. You will be assigned a home page to access courses, find lectures and assignments and participate in class discussions and real-time course chat rooms.

Each course is developed to offer everything you would expect from a traditional University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus course – without having to come to campus. So instructors deliver course content and lectures through cutting edge technology, such as streaming audio, video and multimedia slide shows.

Some professors offer weekly assignments to help ensure you are right on track with the materials being taught. Quizzes and tests can be timed to help affirm your mastery of the material. In addition, assignments may be uploaded to the site, which is like creating an attachment in e-mail.

Exams are taken and administered in a variety of ways. They can be administered online by using your course software with an Internet browser, as a take-home exam where you print out a hard copy and hand it in, or proctored by an outside party, an instructor or the teacher’s assistant (TA).

As a bonus, if you are registered for only online courses, you are simply responsible for the information technology fee and the student information system fee. All other traditional fees are waived, along with the incidental fees associated with commuting to campus, parking, child care, etc. There is also a special tuition discount if you are an out-of-state student enrolled only in online courses.

Programs

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CU Online offers courses in liberal arts and sciences, arts and media, business, education, engineering, nursing, public affairs and architecture and planning. Below are the complete degree programs and certificates that can be completed exclusively through online courses:

Degree Programs

Certificates, Modules and Other Online Programs

The semester hours you earn through online courses are identical to those earned through traditional on-campus courses. The University of Colorado Denver is a fully accredited institution, making semester hours easily transferable to other universities. And if you graduate solely by taking online courses, the degree is still simply awarded by CU Denver.  

Business School

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Master of Business Administration (MBA)

The professional MBA program at the CU Denver Business School is outstanding in its ability to integrate leading-edge research with practical business applications in an intellectually challenging environment. Business courses are accredited through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB).

The professional MBA program emphasizes active learning through case studies, computer simulations, real-world group projects, class discussions and involvement with Colorado businesses. A master’s in business administration degree from CU Denver prepares you with the management and leadership skills required to achieve your personal career goals.

The professional MBA can be individualized and tailored to your specific interests and career goals. Below are the four MBA specializations that you can complete entirely online.

  • Enterprise technology management (ETM)
  • Finance (FNC)
  • Information systems (IFS)
  • Managing for sustainability (MNS)

The professional MBA program requires the completion of 48 semester hours, including 30 semester hours of required MBA core courses, 3 semester hours in international business and 15 semester hours of electives, which you’ll choose from other graduate business courses.

The following are examples of Business School courses available online from spring 2008 through spring 2012 along with proposed courses. Visit the ISIS Search For Classes page for up-to-date information about available courses. 

  • Analysis, Modeling and Design
  • Analyzing and Interpreting Accounting Information
  • Applied Economics for Managers
  • Business Forecasting
  • Business Intelligence Systems
  • Business Process Management
  • Data Analysis for Managers
  • Data Base Management Systems
  • Emerging Technologies
  • Enterprise Knowledge Management
  • Entrepreneurial Financial Management
  • Financial Decisions and Policies
  • Financial Management
  • Financial Modeling
  • Global Enterprise Systems
  • Information Systems Management and Strategies
  • Information Systems Security and Privacy
  • International Corporate Governance
  • Internet Marketing
  • Investment Management Analysis
  • IT Infrastructure
  • IT Project Management
  • Legal and Ethical Environment of Business
  • Macroeconomics and Financial Markets
  • Management of Financial Institutions
  • Management of Operations
  • Managing Individuals and Teams
  • Marketing Management
  • Object-Oriented Business Programming
  • Quantitative Methods for Finance
  • Security Analysis and Firm Valuation
  • Service Oriented Architecture
  • Short-term Financial Management
  • Strategic Management
  • Web Site Development Practice and Technologies

Program contact: Shelly Townley, Shelly.Townley@ucdenver.edu.

Master of Science in Global Energy Management (Hybrid Program)

The Global Energy Management (GEM) Program at the University of Colorado Denver Business School is the premier hybrid-online master of science degree program exclusively designed to develop future leaders in the energy industry. The GEM Program is unique because students gain a business and leadership education focused solely on the energy industry.

The MS in Global Energy Management consists of eight core courses and four electives. Individual elective options are not available to GEM students because of the cohort structure of the program. Students select their electives during the first term. No courses may be waived, substituted, or transferred into the program.

The following are courses that comprise the GEM program. Visit the ISIS Search For Classes page for up-to-date information about available courses.

  •  21st Century Global Energy Issues and Realities
  •  Advanced Financial Management in the Energy Industry
  • Energy Accounting in Global Markets 
  • Energy Asset and Production Management
  • Energy Marketing
  • Environmental, Regulatory, Legal & Political Environment in the Energy Industry
  • Financial Management and Hedging in the Global Energy Markets 
  • Global Energy Economics and Geography
  • Integrated Information Management for Energy Firms
  • Land Management and Energy Contracts
  • Leadership and Decision Making in the Global Energy Environment 
  • Organizational Behavior in the Energy Industry
  • People Management in the Global Energy Environment
  • Renewable and Alternative Energy: Opportunities and Challenges
  • Renewable Energy Management
  • Special Topics

Program contact: Shelly Townley, Shelly.Townley@ucdenver.edu.

Master of Science in Information Systems

The information systems (IS) program in the Business School has established CU Denver as a leader and innovator in the field. As part of that innovation, the online master of science (MS) program has been developed to help keep you one step ahead of your collegiate peers when pursuing your information based field of choice. You can now complete two distinct specializations completely online.

The MSIS program can be individualized and tailored to your specific interests and career goals. Below are the five MSIS specializations that you can complete entirely online.

  • The Enterprise Technology Management (ETM)
  • Business Intelligence (BI)
  • Health Information Technology (HIT)
  • Web & Mobile Computing (WMC)
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Option

The MSIS program requires the completion of 12 semester hours of MSIS core courses, and 24 credit hours from the above specializations, and two free electives. The following are examples of Business School courses available online from spring 2008 through spring 2012 along with proposed courses. Visit the ISIS Search For Classes page for up-to-date information about available courses. 

  • Analysis, Modeling and Design
  • Analyzing and Interpreting Accounting Information
  • Business Intelligence Systems
  • Business Process Management
  • Data Analysis for Managers
  • Data Base Management Systems
  • Emerging Technologies
  • Financial Management
  • Global Enterprise Systems
  • Information Systems Management and Strategies
  • Information Systems Security and Privacy
  • IT Infrastructure
  • IT Project Management
  • Legal and Ethical Environment of Business
  • Management of Operations
  • Managing Individuals and Teams
  • Marketing Management
  • Strategic Management

Program contact: Shelly Townley, Shelly.Townley@ucdenver.edu

Master of Science in Management and Organization - Managing for Sustainability

The MS in management focuses on group and organizational effectiveness, organizational design and organizational change. The MS in management and organization program prepares you for upper-level managerial positions in the public and private sectors. Upon completion of this program you will:

  • Create effective strategies for success in today’s complex and constantly changing business environment
  • Effectively design organizations
  • Learn how to manage interpersonal dynamics
  • Implement planned change and organizational transformations

The coursework for the MS in management degree consists of 10 courses (30 semester hours). The four required courses will provide you with a broad perspective and solid foundation in management. 
The following are examples of Business School courses available online from spring 2008 through spring 2012 along with proposed courses. Visit the ISIS Search For Classes page for up-to-date information about available courses. 

  • Accounting and Finance for Sustainability
  • Business and the Natural Environment
  • Designing Effective Organizations
  • Managing for Sustainability
  • Managing Individuals and Teams
  • Managing People for Competitive Advantage
  • Organizational Development
  • Social Marketing

Program contact: Shelly Townley, Shelly.Townley@ucdenver.edu

 

 

College of Arts and Media

Master of Science in Recording Arts, Media Forensics

Media forensics is a new area in the field of investigation. It focuses on the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of audio, video, and image evidence obtained during the course of investigations and litigious proceedings. As a student in the MS in Recording Arts - Media Forensics (MSRA-MF) degree program, you will be able to hone your deduction skills while being a part of a one-of-a-kind program.

Classes feature diverse faculty from around the world and you’ll progress through three areas of study, which fully prepare you for analytical research in forensic science and expert witness testimony: 

  • Foundational knowledge in media technology
  • Core analyses for recorded audio and imagery
  • Capstone experiences including testimony in moot court and a graduate research thesis

The coursework for the MS in recording, media forensics degree consists of 13 courses (33 semester hours, which includes 29 credit hours of required courses and 4 credit hours for a thesis project).
The following are examples of College of Arts and Media courses available online from spring 2012 along with proposed courses. Visit the ISIS Search For Classes page for up-to-date information about available courses.

  • Forensic Audio Analysis
  • MATLAB for Forensic Audio Analysis
  • Forensic Video & Image Analysis
  • MATLAB for Forensic Video & Image Analysis
  • Report Writing and Court Testimony
  • Research Thesis in Media Forensics
  • Forensic Science and Litigation
  • Research Practices in Media Forensics
  • Foundations in Media Forensics
  • MATLAB Foundations
  • Experiential Lab
  • Computer Forensics
  • Mobile Phone Forensics

Program contact:Dr. Catalin Grigoras: ncmf@ucdenver.edu

College of Engineering and Applied Science

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Engineering - Geographic Information Systems

The master of engineering degree—geographic information systems (MEng-GIS) option is directed to engineers and other environmental and urban infrastructure professionals seeking skills in using and managing these rapidly developing spatial data technologies.

The MEng-GIS degree at CU Denver is multidisciplinary involving civil engineering (environmental, geodesy and remote sensing, water resources, geotechnical and transportation), geography and environmental sciences (remote sensing, ecology, air quality, environmental impact assessment), urban and regional planning (spatial analysis, community development), information systems (data structures, database systems and software engineering), applied mathematics (probability and statistics, networks, simulation and optimization) and engineering management strategic planning, project management, policies).

The MEng-GIS degree program consists of 30 graduate semester hours - 9 courses, plus one course of an advanced applications project. The following are examples of GIS courses available online from spring 2008 through spring 2012 along with proposed courses. Visit the ISIS Search For Classes page for up-to-date information about available courses. 

  • Advanced Remote Sensing
  • Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
  • GIS Laboratory (two or more versions may be available)
  • GIS Spatial Database Development
  • GIS Analyses—Theory and Practice
  • GIS Management and Policies
  • GIS Relational Database Systems
  • Advanced Remote Sensing
  • Master’s Report

Program contact: MEngGIS@ucdenver.edu.

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

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Bachelor of Arts in English Writing (BA)

The Department of English writing major offers you the knowledge and skills necessary to write well in a number of contexts including nonprofit organizations, industry and academia. This is accomplished through a combination of traditional and new media courses and through the service learning and internship opportunities provided for you. The flexible and interdisciplinary nature of this degree is designed to prepare students wishing to enter graduate school or pursue jobs in education, law, editing, professional writing and other areas. 

If you’re majoring in writing, you must present a total of 39 hours for the major, of which 27 hours must be earned in upper division courses. The following are examples of English Writing courses available online from spring 2008 through spring 2012 along with proposed courses. Visit the ISIS Search For Classes page for up-to-date information about available courses. 

  • Argumentation and Logic
  • Business Writing
  • Grammar, Rhetoric and Style
  • Introduction to Creative Writing
  • Language Theory
  • Senior Seminar in Writing
  • Special Topics in Rhetoric and Writing
  • Technical Writing

Program contact: Joanne Addison, Joanne.Addison@ucdenver.edu.

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (BA)

Sociology is the study of group life: its characteristics, changes, causes and consequences. It combines scientific and humanistic perspectives in the study of urban and rural life, family patterns and relationships, social change, intergroup relationships, social class, environment, technology and communications, health seeking behavior and social movements. 

A major in sociology is accomplished by completing a general core of 19 hours, plus a minimum of 15 electives in sociology, for a total of 34 hours with an average grade of C (2.0) in all courses. The following are examples of sociology courses available online from spring 2008 through spring 2012 along with proposed courses. Visit the ISIS Search For Classes page for up-to-date information about available courses. 

  • Contemporary Sociological Theory
  • History of Sociological Theory
  • Introduction to Research Methods
  • Introduction to Sociology
  • Introduction to Statistics
  • Urban Sociology

Program contact: Rachel Watson, Rachel.Watson@ucdenver.edu.

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Certificate

If you’re a nondegree-seeking student, this certificate program allows you the opportunity to receive a credentialed certificate in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL).  The certificate courses can also be applied to the graduate degree program in applied linguistics without increasing the minimum number of semester hours required to graduate.

This certificate is 12 semester hours and is geared toward either native English speakers who want to teach overseas or international students who want to teach English in their home country or other countries. The following are examples of TESOL courses available online from spring 2008 through spring 2012 along with proposed courses. Visit the ISIS Search For Classes page for up-to-date information about available courses. 

  • Cross Cultural Communication
  • Language Theory
  • Principles and Practices of Second Language Acquisition
  • Second Language Writing

Program contact: Ian Ying, hongguang.ying@ucdenver.edu.

College of Nursing (Anschutz Medical Campus)

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Bachelor of Science in Nursing - RN to BS

The RN-bachelor of science degree program, based on the Colorado Nursing Articulation Model, is an educational pathway available for registered nurses who desire career mobility and professional development.

The following are examples of nursing courses available online from spring 2008 through spring 2012 along with proposed courses. Visit the Course Book page for up-to-date information about available courses. 

  • Health Assessment for RN’s (Available in summer)
  • Nursing Care/Case Management (Available in spring)
  • Nursing Research (Available in spring)
  • Professional Nursing: Environmental Context for Practice: Bioethical and Legal Foundations (Available in wpring)
  • Professional Nursing: Reflective Practice, Social Justice, Issues & Trends (Available in fall)
  • Public Health Nursing (Available in fall Block II, spring Block I & II)
  • Senior Integrated Practicum (Available in fall Block I, spring Block I & II)

Contact: nursing.admissions@ucdenver.edu.

Certificate in Palliative Care

Palliative care refers to the comprehensive management of the physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and existential needs of patients with progressive illness and their families. This program integrates palliative care principles into the practice of health care professionals for those working in acute and long-term care in both rural and urban settings in Colorado and beyond, and to provide theory review for the HPNA Palliative Care Nursing Credentialing Examination.

The following are examples of Nursing courses available online from spring 2008 through spring 2012 along with proposed courses. Visit the Course Book page for up-to-date information about available courses. 

  • Advanced Concepts in Palliative Care
  • Complex Symptoms Management in Palliative Care 

Contact: nursing.admissions@ucdenver.edu.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

As a DNP graduate, you will be prepared to be a clinical leader who designs models of health care delivery, evaluates clinical outcomes, identifies and manages health care needs of populations, and uses technology and information to transform health care systems.

In fall 2005, the University of Colorado College of Nursing became the first school in the Rocky Mountain region to initiate the doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree. The University of Colorado’s DNP program has approval from the Board of Regents and the Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE).

The following are examples of nursing courses available online from spring 2008 through spring 2012 along with proposed courses. Visit the Course Book page for up-to-date information about available courses. 

  • Applied Evidence-based Practice
  • Context of Practice, Population and Patient Management
  • Cultural Competence for Advanced Practice
  • Designing Theory-guided Models of Care
  • DNP Capstone Clinical Evaluation Project
  • DNP Capstone Clinical Evaluation Proposal Development
  • DNP Leadership Role Residency
  • Emerging Therapies for Advanced Nursing Practice
  • Epidemiology and Environmental Health
  • Inferential Statistics
  • Leadership, Management, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  • Management Information for Decision Support
  • Practice Epistemology: Expanding Ways of Knowing for Reflective Practice

Contact: nursing.admissions@ucdenver.edu.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing

As a nurse scholar, this PhD program prepares you to advance the art, science and practice of the discipline. PhD preparation in nursing promotes knowledge development for reflective, theory-based and research-guided nursing practice. The PhD program equips you to conduct knowledge development and scholarly inquiry and to be actively engaged in many roles including:

  • Administrator
  • Clinician-scholar
  • Educator
  • Health care policy analyst
  • Researcher

The following are examples of nursing courses available online from spring 2008 through spring 2012 along with proposed courses. Visit the Course Book page for up-to-date information about available courses. 

  • Experimental Design and Analysis
  • Methods of Disciplined Inquiry in Nursing
  • Multivariant Design and Analysis
  • Philosophy of Human Science
  • Qualitative Empirical Research
  • Quality and Cost Effective Outcomes: Macro-level
  • Quality and Cost Effective Outcomes: Micro-level
  • Quantitative Interpretive Research
  • Research Practicum & Ethics of Inquiry
  • Selected Topics in HEHIH
  • Seminar in HEHIH
  • The Discipline of Nursing
  • Theory and Knowledge Development

Contact: nursing.admissions@ucdenver.edu.

Executive Leadership in Health Information Technology Certificate

The certificate program for executive leadership in health information technology is targeted to those health care and public health professionals with managerial experience that will lead the deployment and use of health IT to achieve transformational improvements in quality, safety and outcomes.

The executive leadership curriculum consists of five three-credit courses, for a total of 15 credit hours. The following are examples of nursing courses available online from spring 2008 through spring 2012 along with proposed courses. Visit the Course Book page for up-to-date information about available courses.

  • Foundations/Introduction to Healthcare Informatics
  • Business Intelligence/Decision Support
  • Executive/ Visionary Leadership
  • Information Systems of Life Cycle
  • Standards and Regulatory Issues

Contact: nursing.admissions@ucdenver.edu.

Health Care Informatics Certificate

As a health care professional, this health care informatics program provides an opportunity for health care professionals to acquire knowledge and skills in the rapidly progressing field of informatics. With recent movements toward the adoption of the electronic health record and the need for IT infrastructure to increase patient safety and facilitate evidence-based practice, there is a growing need for more informatics specialists. This certificate provides opportunities for those new to the field and those who may be practicing in the field and need a professional update.

The certificate is a 9 semester hour program. The following are examples of nursing courses available online from spring 2008 through spring 2012 along with proposed courses. Visit the Course Book page for up-to-date information about available courses. 

  • Database Management Systems
  • Decision Support
  • e-Health
  • Foundations of Healthcare Informatics
  • HCI Design Principles
  • IT Systems Life Cycle
  • Knowledge Management
  • Semantic Representation

Contact: nursing.admissions@ucdenver.edu.

Health Information Management & Exchange Specialist Certificate

The certificate program for health information management and exchange specialists will prepare health care professionals to support the collection, management, retrieval, exchange and/or analysis of information in electronic form, in health care and public health organizations.

The HIM/HIE specialist curriculum consists of five three-credit courses, for a total of 15 credit hours. The following are examples of nursing courses available online from spring 2008 through spring 2012 along with proposed courses. Visit the Course Book page for up-to-date information about available courses.

  • Foundations/Introduction to Healthcare Informatics
  • Database Managemet Systems
  • Information Systems Security and Privacy
  • Information Systems of Life Cycle
  • Semantic Representation

Contact: nursing.admissions@ucdenver.edu.

Master of Science (MS) in Nursing - Informatics Option

The College of Nursing’s master of science program in nursing is designed to prepare you for advanced nurse practice roles. You’re taught to formulate clinical, administrative or policy decisions to promote health with clients experiencing wellness, acute or chronic illness, and to develop, manage, and evaluate the care within communities and health care systems.

The program is structured to provide a foundation for career paths for future leaders in advanced nursing practice and to prepare lifelong learners who demonstrate knowledge, skill, critical thinking and flexibility. The master of science program also provides the foundation for doctoral study in nursing. 

The following are examples of nursing courses available online from spring 2008 through spring 2012 along with proposed courses. Visit the Course Book page for up-to-date information about available courses. 

  • Advanced Practicum: Healthcare Informatics
  • Database Management Systems
  • Decision Support
  • E-Health
  • Foundations of Health Care Informatics
  • Health Systems, Policy & Social Justice
  • Human Computer Interaction Design
  • Human Technology Interface
  • Information Systems Life Cycle
  • Knowledge Management
  • Philosophic, Theoretic & Ethical Foundations of APN
  • Research Methods for Advanced Practice
  • Semantic Representation

Contact: nursing.admissions@ucdenver.edu.

Master of Science (MS) in Nursing Leadership and Healthcare Systems (iLEAD)

The master’s in nursing leadership and administration program, referred to as i-LEAD (innovation in leadership and administration in nursing and health care systems) offered by the College of Nursing will prepare advanced practice nurses with the expertise to provide leadership for high quality health care in rural and medically underserved urban areas.

The following are examples of nursing courses available online from spring 2008 through spring 2012 along with proposed courses. Visit the Course Book page for up-to-date information about available courses.

  • Data Management for Nurse Executives
  • Health Systems, Policy & Social Justice
  • Human Technology Interface
  • Inferential Statistics
  • Nursing Leadership in Healthcare Systems: Administrative Internship
  • Philosophical, Theoretical, & Ethical Foundations for Adv Nursing Practice
  • Relational Communication
  • Research Methods for Advanced Practice
  • Systems Theory 1: Evidence Based Practice
  • Systems Theory 11: Environment of Care
  • Systems Theory and Leadership Theory

Contact: nursing.admissions@ucdenver.edu.

School of Education & Human Development

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 Adolescent Literacy Certificate

This adolescent literacy certificate is designed to help you reach your students (of varying learning styles and backgrounds), while providing you with valuable credentials that can be applied towards a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction as well as the Colorado Reading Teacher Endorsement.

This fully online certificate is a series of three graduate level courses specifically geared to the development of middle and high school readers and writers – especially those who are struggling.

The following are examples of adolescent lteracy courses available online from spring 2008 through spring 2012 along with proposed courses. Visit the ISIS Search For Classes page for up-to-date information about available courses.

  • Adolescent Literacy Part I
  • Linking Assessment and Instruction in Language and Literacy I
  • Adolescent Literacy Part II

Program contact: Continuing and Professional Education: cpe@ucdenver.edu.

 

Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) courses focus on behavioral needs of widely varying individuals. Specifically:

  • Building the skills and achievements of children in school settings
  • Enhancing the development & abilities of people with varying disabilities
  • Augmenting the performance and satisfaction of employees

The BCBA® and BCaBA® courses are five, 3-credit course sequence taught fully online by UCD BCBA® instructors. BCBA® students will complete a total of 225 required class hours distributed among the BACB®‘s 3rd Edition Task List areas.  BCaBA® students will complete 135 required class hours over a four, 3-credit course sequence.

  • Intro to ABA and Terminology
  • ABA Practical Applications
  • ABA Data
  • ABA Advanced Data and Behavior Plans/Applications
  • Autism and Early Intervention

Program contact: education@ucdenver.edu.

 

Doctor of Education, Leadership for Educational Equity

CU Denver’s rigorous doctor of education, leadership for educational Equity (EdD) cohort program has been created to: 

  • Strengthen your knowledge as an educational leader
  • Position you to work successfully in a variety of educational contexts including P-20 schools, community colleges, public/private universities and educational nonprofits.
  • Prepare professionals with 5+ years of experience and leadership responsibilities to research, problem solve and take action on critical challenges.

This program reflects a cohort model. Students applying to the program must be prepared to join and follow their cohort in taking the prescribed coursework and experiences for three consecutive years. The courses are taught by experienced, nationally recognized professors who will prepare you for the next step in your education career.

Your course work will encompass 69 credit hours. This will include three courses in equity and diversity, four courses in leadership and learning, three courses in research methods, and three courses in your concentration area. Culminating experiences will include a six-credit internship and 24 credits in dissertation courses and independent study. It is imperative to understand the cohort nature of this program.

Successful applicants will form a cohort and move through the 3-year program plan of study as a group. Once accepted in a cohort group, students must remain in that group. If for any reason a student must drop out of her or his cohort, we will attempt to integrate that individual into a subsequent cohort group but cannot guarantee a spot.

Program contact: education@ucdenver.edu.

Early Childhood Special Education, Specialist License

As a graduate earning the early childhood special education specialist license you’ll have the theoretical background and skills in assessment, teaching and collaboration necessary to work with young children with disabilities. As a graduate with this license you can assume professional roles like lead teacher, early interventionist, service coordinator, Child Find team member, special education consultant and behavior specialist.

The ECSE specialist course sequence consists of 40 semester hours. A total 800 hours of fieldwork/practica is required for the license. Approximately 290 hours of fieldwork are associated with course assignments; 510 hours of intense, culminating practica occur toward the end of the second year of study. The following are examples of ECSE courses available online from spring 2008 through spring 2012 along with proposed courses. Visit the ISIS Search For Classes page for up-to-date information about available courses. 

  • Administrative Seminar
  • Advanced Child Growth and Development
  • Approaches to Young Children’s Learning
  • Basic Statistics
  • Curriculum and Program Development in ECE
  • Early Childhood Profession
  • Early Intervention Strategies
  • Infant/Toddler Practicum (170 clock hours—online option not possible)
  • Language and Literacy in Young Children
  • Literacy and Mathematics K–12
  • Measurement and Evaluation in ECE
  • Medical/Physiological Aspects of Developmental Disabilities
  • Preschool Practicum (170 clock hours—online option not possible)
  • Primary Practicum (170 clock hours—online option not possible)
  • Screening and Assessment in Young Children
  • Seminar: Research and Current Issues in ECE
  • Social and Cognitive Development and Disorders
  • Working with Parents and Families

Program contact: education@ucdenver.edu.

Early Literacy Certificate

This certificate program allows you to take courses in the specialty area of early literacy and apply these courses directly toward the full master’s degree. The MA programs (K–6 and 7–12) in the School of Education & Human Development provide you with a means for completing a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in reading/writing while simultaneously fulfilling the requirements toward a Colorado reading teacher endorsement. In light of federal NCLB and state CBLA initiatives, this supplementary certificate offers primary grade teachers, preschool teachers and para-educators greater background in the development, assessment and instruction of literacy for young children. 

The certificate program allows teachers to take 9 semester hours in the specialty area of early literacy and apply them directly toward the full master’s degree. The following are examples of early literacy courses available online from spring 2008 through spring 2012 along with proposed courses. Visit the ISIS Search For Classes page for up-to-date information about available courses. 

  • Early Literacy Instruction
  • Early Literacy Routines and Assessment
  • Literacy Development PreK–3rd Grade

Program contact: Continuing and Professional Education: cpe@ucdenver.edu.

Health Education Certificate (Hybrid Program)

This hybrid certificate will provide you with skills grounded in foundational research and theories in health education. Core components of the certificate courses will focus on:

  • Comprehensive Health Education
  • Coordinated School Health
  • National Health Education Standards
  • Characteristics of effective health education curricula 

This nine credit graduate level certificate will assist educators in identifying, designing, and implementing effective school-based health education.

The following are examples of Health Education courses available online from spring 2008 through spring 2012 along with proposed courses. Visit the ISIS Search For Classes page for up-to-date information about available courses.

  • Foundations of School Health Education
  •  Curriculum and Materials in Health Education
  • Health Education Teaching Practices

Program contact: Continuing and Professional Education: cpe@ucdenver.edu.

Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education

The mission of the early childhood education online program is to provide substantive support if you’re preparing to become a leader in professional practice as an early childhood accomplished teacher, with the master’s degree in ECE. This degree prepares you to work in settings which include public schools, child care programs, private preschools and kindergartens, early intervention programs including Head Start and Early Head Start, family support and home-based programs. 

The ECE program is composed of 40 semester hours. A total of 425 hours of fieldwork/practica is required. The following are examples of ECE courses available online from spring 2008 through spring 2012 along with proposed courses. Visit the ISIS Search For Classes page for up-to-date information about available courses. 

  • Administrative Seminar
  • Advanced Child Growth and Development
  • Approaches to Young Children’s Learning
  • Basic Statistics
  • Curriculum and Program Development in ECE
  • Early Childhood Profession
  • Early Intervention Strategies
  • Language and Literacy in Young Children
  • Literacy and Mathematics K-2
  • Measurement and Evaluation in ECE
  • Medical/Physiological Aspects of Dev. Disabilities
  • Screening and Assessment in Young Children
  • Seminar: Research and Current Issues in ECE
  • Social and Cognitive Development and Disorders
  • Working with Parents and Families

Program contact: education@ucdenver.edu

Master of Arts in Information and Learning Technologies - eLearning Design and Implementation

The eLearning design and implementation (eDI) program offers an ILT MA degree that is specifically designed to meet your needs as a practicing professional educator as you confront the increasingly important role electronic and online technologies play within post-secondary, K–12 and corporate education. The eDI MA program is for K–12 teachers, higher education instructors, trainers, content experts and corporate instructional developers.

The eLearning program is composed of 36 semester hours. The following are examples of eLearning courses available online from spring 2008 through spring 2012  along with proposed courses. Visit the ISIS Search For Classes page for up-to-date information about available courses. 

  • Developing Educational Web Sites
  • Instructional Message Design
  • Learning Processes in Instructional Technology
  • Managing Instructional Development
  • Media for Web-based Learning Environments
  • Policies and Planning for eLearning Programs
  • Research in Information and Learning Technologies
  • Strategies for Online Learning

Program contact: education@ucdenver.edu.

Master of Arts in Information and Learning Technologies — School Library

This MA prepares you with the knowledge-management skills and information access points for school library resources. Courses will integrate information and learning technology strategies, along with courses on school library management, instructional design and instructional leadership.

All topics covered will be close to your heart as a school librarian as you collaborate with teachers on instructional units and create user-friendly school library programs that support the love for reading and information literacy. Finally, for this nationally recognized NCATE-AASL-approved school library media education program, you will complete field experience in both elementary and secondary schools for the K–12 school library endorsement. 

The program is comprised of 36 semester hours and can be completed in 14 months on an intensive track (summer term to the next summer term) or a standard two-year schedule taking one course each semester. The following are examples of school library courses available online from spring 2008 through spring 2012 along with proposed courses. Visit the ISIS Search For Classes page for up-to-date information about available courses. 

  • Adolescent Literature
  • Children’s Literature Through the Ages
  • Collection Development
  • Field Experience-Elementary
  • Field Experience-Secondary
  • Foundations of School Librarianship
  • Information Literacy and Reference
  • Information Storage and Utilization
  • Instructional Development and Production
  • Leadership and Practice in ILT
  • Management in ILT
  • Research in Information and Learning Technology

Program contact: education@ucdenver.edu.

 

Online Teaching Certificate

The Online Teaching certificate program is designed for K-12, college and university educators interested in creating and teaching online and blended courses, or using Web-based/Web 2.0 components to enhance face-to-face instruction. In accordance with professional standards for quality online courses (iNACOL and IBSTPI), you will complete coursework that addresses the following areas related to online teaching and learning:

  • Roles of instructors and students
  • Communication
  • Facilitation strategies for online discussions (both asynchronous and synchronous)
  • Collaborative nature of online courses
  • Available technologies for delivering online courses
  • Methods of assessment
  • Learning outcomes
  • Learning activities
  • Evaluation

Each course stands alone and all credits may be applied toward a CU Denver master’s degree in Information and Learning Technologies.

  • Facilitating and Fostering Online Learning
  • Integrating Media in eLearning Environments
  • Designing and Organizing an Online Course

Program contact: education@ucdenver.edu.

 

School Library Endorsement

Your courses will integrate Information and Learning Technology strategies through coursework in school library management, collection development, collaborative planning, instructional design, and instructional leadership. As a nationally recognized NCATE - AASL* approved school library education program, students complete field experience in both elementary and secondary schools for the K-12 school library endorsement.

You’ll complete 11 graduate-level classes online for a total of 29 credit hours. You may mix and match on campus and online courses, or you may complete the endorsement totally online.  The following are examples of school Library Endorsement courses available online from spring 2008 through spring 2012 along with proposed courses. Visit the ISIS Search For Classes page for up-to-date information about available courses.

  • Adolescent Literature
  • Children’s Literature through the Ages
  • Collection Development
  • Field Experience-Elementary
  • Field Experience-Secondary
  • Foundations of School Librarianship
  • Information Literacy and Reference 
  • Information Storage and Utilization 
  • Managing School Libraries
  • Research for Teachers

Program contact: education@ucdenver.edu.

Special Education Generalist K–12 Endorsement

This program is designed for teachers already licensed in elementary or secondary general education. Specifically, this program is geared toward teachers without the formal credentials required to serve students with disabilities, as well as teachers who want to improve their ability to meet the needs of all learners. 

A 10-course (26 semester hours) sequence represents the program plan of study. The following are examples of SPED courses available online from spring 2008 through spring 2012 along with proposed courses. Visit the ISIS Search For Classes page for up-to-date information about available courses. 

  • Advanced Assessment in Special Education
  • Collaboration and Consultation
  • Instructional Strategies for Students with Special Needs
  • Literacy Intervention for Students with Special Needs
  • Positive Behavior Supports
  • Special Education for the School Professional
  • Special Education Generalist Internship and Site (Online option not possible)
  • Special Education Generalist Internship and Site Seminar (Online option not possible)
  • The Use of Technology in Special Education
  • Transition/Secondary Planning

Program contacts: Meredith Lopez, Meredith.Lopez@ucdenver.edu.

   

 

School of Public Affairs

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Master of Criminal Justice

The master’s degree in criminal justice helps you develop your critical thinking skills and provides an interdisciplinary perspective on crime and the criminal justice system. Specifically, the program focuses on law enforcement, correctional systems, juvenile justice and the formulation of laws and codes. Besides the classic criminal justice curriculum, you will learn about the most pressing current issues through special interest seminars. Past topics have included gang behavior, white-collar crime and hate crimes. Research projects provide another channel for you to become familiar with the issues.

You must complete 36 graduate semester hours, which include a core sequence of four core courses providing a firm foundation in theory, practice and research methods associated with U.S. criminal law and justice. A wide variety of electives gives you the chance to develop special expertise in your unique area of interest (e.g., corrections, mental illness and crime, federal law enforcement, victim assistance and criminal justice administration). 

If you do not have previous criminal justice experience, you will be required to complete an internship with a local, state or federal criminal justice or juvenile justice agency. The Internship/Field Study will count as 3 of the 21 elective semester hours. The program culminates with either a traditional 3-6-semster-hour thesis, or a 3-semester-hour field-based final capstone project. The following are examples of MCJ courses available online from spring 2008 through spring 2012 along with proposed courses. Visit the ISIS Search For Classes page for up-to-date information about available courses. 

  • Law and Social Control
  • Administration of Criminal Justice
  • Nature and Causes of Crime
  • Research Methods in Criminal Justice
  • Advanced Seminar/Capstone

Program contact: Brendan Hardy, Brendan.Hardy@ucdenver.edu

Public Administration (MPA)

This master of public administration (MPA) degree will help you manage government and nonprofit organizations as well as nourish the related skills needed to thrive in this growing field. The curriculum is built upon core courses that develop essential problem-solving and decision-making skills. The required curriculum will help hone skills in management and analysis, but you may gain specific insights into an area of interest by pursuing one of three concentrations available. Each is designed to equip you with the management and analysis skills demanded of managers in challenging public affairs positions. 

You must complete a minimum of 36 semester hours of graduate course work, excluding preparatory workshops, with a grade point average of 3.0 or better. The following are examples of MPA courses available online from spring 2008 through spring 2012 along with proposed courses. Visit the ISIS Search For Classes page for up-to-date information about available courses. 

  • Advanced Seminar in Public Policy and Management
  • Economics and Public Finance
  • Introduction to Public Administration and Public Service
  • Leadership and Professional Ethics
  • Organizational Management and Change
  • Research and Analytic Methods
  • The Policy Process and Democracy

Program contact:   Brendan Hardy,  Brendan.Hardy@ucdenver.edu

 

Nonprofit Management Certificate

The nonprofit management certificate prepares you to become an innovative and critical thinker in the areas of nonprofit organizational management and public policy. The nonprofit certificate’s unique design bridges theoretical knowledge with real-world experience. As you prepare to start your career (or advance in your current position), you’ll gain insight into the interdependence between the nonprofit, public and for-profit sectors. 

You must complete 15 semester hours from courses offered and approved by the faculty in the nonprofit program. The following are examples of Nonprofit courses available online from spring 2008 through spring 2012 along with proposed courses. Visit the ISIS Search For Classes page for up-to-date information about available courses. 

All courses are 3 semester hours.

  • Collaboration Across Sectors
  • Nonprofit Boards and Executive Leadership
  • Nonprofit Financial Management
  • Nonprofits and Public Policy
  • Seminar in Nonprofit Management
  • Social Entrepreneurship
  • Strategic Management for Nonprofit and Public Managers
  • Understanding and Achieving Funding Diversity

Program contact:   Brendan Hardy,  Brendan.Hardy@ucdenver.edu

Hybrid Courses

A hybrid course is just like it sounds. It is half on-campus and half online. The best of both worlds. So if you’re taking online courses and enjoy the scheduling flexibility but feel that you’re missing out on some of the intangibles of being in a classroom, then the hybrid courses are for you. Hybrid courses meet approximately 50 percent of the normal classroom hours on campus, and the remainder of the course work is completed online.

Supplemental Courses

An online technology supplemented campus course uses technology delivered instruction and materials (e.g. web, CD ROM, etc.) to supplement classroom or laboratory instruction. CU Online also supports faculty using web-based courseware to augment their traditional classes. Many faculty use instructional technology to post their syllabi, lecture notes, hold online quizzes and practice exams, and to coordinate web resources and library media. But these materials do not substitute for or reduce the amount of traditional on-campus instructional contact time.

Contact CU Online at 303-315-3700, visit the Web site at www.cuonline.edu or send an e-mail to cuonlinehelp@ucdenver.edu.

Faculty

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The professors and faculty of traditional classes are the same ones teaching online courses. Four out of five full-time faculty hold doctoral degrees with many years of teaching experience, and many are actively engaged in their fields outside the classroom. Not only do they have real-world experience, but many of our faculty are consultants, advisors and partners to the leading organizations that frequently hire University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus graduates.