Frequently Asked Questions

The college of professional and continuing studies at the University of Denver, University College, is one of 10 colleges at DU, such as the college of business or college of law. All of the colleges and programs at the University of Denver hold the highest level of regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. As a leader in adult education, we are always striving to expand opportunities for adult learners.

University College does not require the GMAT, GRE, SAT, or ACT for admission. It is our philosophy that entrance exams do not provide an accurate indicator of potential or intellectual aptitude, but rather professional and life experiences do. Studies have shown that aptitude tests do not define quality and do not accurately determine a student's potential, according to research completed by Bates College.

Bachelor's degrees vary in duration, as each student has a different number of transferrable credits when they enter the program. The average Bachelor of Arts Completion Program student takes two classes per quarter. Master's degrees typically take two years, but the duration can range from 18 months to five years total.

Classes are based on a quarter system and meet for ten weeks. On campus classes meet once a week in the evenings usually between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. If you are taking online classes, you may log in at any time 24/7 to participate; because classes are asynchronous, you do not need to be online at a designated time.

At University College, we pride ourselves in providing students an affordable tuition and fee rate, priced exclusively for working adults. In most cases, University College students pay a solitary technology fee of $4 per credit hour (exceptions include a $50 lab fee for GIS classes). For the current academic year tuition rates, please view the tuition and aid page.

A graduate certificate is designed to help students sharpen their abilities or add to their skillset through a shorter, focused program. Credits earned through a graduate certificate program may be applied toward a master's degree in the same concentration area. A master's degree at University College prepares students with an extensive, interdisciplinary education in their chosen field or area. Learn more here.

Your diploma will state that you are a graduate of the University of Denver and it will include your degree title (e.g., Master of Science or Master of Arts). The diploma will not include the specific area of study and it will not indicate if you took classes on campus or online. This is standard practice at the University of Denver and true for most American universities. Your transcripts will be the official document that reflects your program of study and will include specific course titles and grades.

Your certificate will state your name, the certificate type (specialized graduate certificate or certificate), and area of study. The certificate will not indicate if you took classes on campus or online, which is a standard practice at the University of Denver and true for most American universities.

Every program at University College can be completed 100% online. Note that some students require on campus courses for financial aid reasons or student visa requirements; please check with your academic advisor to make sure there are enough on campus course options in your selected program.

University College operates on the quarter system, which means that courses begin in fall, winter, spring, and summer. All programs give the option to start during any quarter.

Regular consistent access to a computer and internet with the following specifications is required: at minimum, students should have Windows 8, Windows 8.1, or Windows 10 Home or Pro (recommended) and Apple users should have a Mac OS 10.10.5 or above. While Canvas has been carefully crafted to accommodate low bandwidth environments, the minimum of 512kbps is required. Audio and video computer capabilities, including access to Zoom, are needed for most classes.