UNIVERSITY OF DENVER

University College
Denver, Colorado

The University of Denver (DU), the oldest independent university in the Rocky Mountain region, is a premier liberal arts university that was founded in 1864. In addition to its rich history, DU is known for its research and high-quality teaching. To augment the traditional undergraduate and graduate programs, this outstanding institution offers innovative graduate programs through its division for professional and continuing studies—University College. University College was founded in 1983. With more than forty national awards and many other distinctions from its peers, University College of the University of Denver is recognized as one of the very best providers of adult education in the nation. University College offered its first online master's degree program in 1996. Today, it offers master's degrees in ten different areas, more than thirty Certificates of Advanced Study, and numerous individual courses in a variety of subject areas. Starting in fall 2006, University College plans to offer a Bachelor of Arts Completion Program for students who have started their bachelor's degree, but for some reason have not finished. University College is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Distance Learning Program

The University College distance learning program provides the same premier, internationally recognized University of Denver program quality to students who, because of geographic location, work schedule, or personal commitments, would otherwise not have the opportunity to attend DU. The learning experience for the distance student goes beyond the traditional classroom by capitalizing on the advantages of distance learning technology. University College provides an anytime, anywhere support service as well as consistent high-quality instruction. University College has more than 600 students actively taking courses online from a wide list of states and countries.

Delivery Media

All of the University College distance learning bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and Certificates of Advanced Study can be taken entirely online. A wide array of learning techniques is used to help students develop their knowledge, understanding, and problem-solving skills. University College has an entire team dedicated to utilizing emerging technologies and understanding individualized learning styles to enhance the educational experience. University College uses eCollege® as its courseware management tool. The system is interactive, allows students to work collaboratively in lively discussion boards and chat rooms, and promotes the exchange of ideas and the development of a learning community. This interaction includes extensive communication with faculty members over the Internet, virtual teams, individual and group assignments, online projects, and online papers and connects students to experts from around the world.

Programs of Study

The University College online programs offer master's degrees in ten different program areas and more than thirty graduate Certificates of Advanced Study. There are no on-campus requirements for any of the distance learning programs. The online master's degree programs require 54 quarter credit hours of study to be completed in five years or less. Typically, a program can be completed in 2½ years. Certificates are 18–24 quarter credit hours and typically take twelve to eighteen months to complete. A bachelor's degree is not required for a certificate, and certificate course credits may be applied toward a master's degree.

Professionals with at least one year of transferable undergraduate credits can now complete their degrees online and earn a Bachelor of Arts in communication arts, global studies, leadership and organization studies, public policy and social services, or science and technology in a program that provides a dynamic new experience. Designed with the input of business and civic leaders, the program focuses on developing the talents needed for success in the information age: effective communication, problem solving, creative thinking, multi-tasking, decision making, technology utilization, and teamwork. These talents are approached from an interdisciplinary perspective, providing the most balanced and well-rounded experience possible.

The Applied Communication master's degree program is designed to teach the real-time and practical knowledge and skills that provide the specific industry expertise required for career success in a wide range of communication professions. The program's curriculum emphasizes a balance of theory, principles, and practice combined with professional experience to generate focused outcomes that are not offered in generic communication degree programs. Concentrations are available online in alternative dispute resolution, organizational communication, public relations and marketing, and training and development.

The Computer Information Systems program is designed for computer professionals as well as for those planning a new career in the computer industry. This flexible program keeps current with today's changing technology and how it relates to new technologies, existing systems, and customers' needs. In addition to the master's degree program, five online certificate programs of advanced study are offered: computer information systems, database administration, distributed object-oriented analysis and design, information systems security, and Web design and development technologies.

The Environmental Policy and Management program provides a seamlessly blended graduate education that emphasizes ethical management, science-based environmental policies, and professional applications of technical knowledge. Six certificate programs of advanced study are offered in environmental, health, and safety management; environmental information management; environmental management; environmental policy; environmental project management; and natural resource management.

The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) program provides great job opportunities for those interested in managing physical facilities, providing services, analyzing markets, and managing information in public agencies or private organizations. The master's degree, designed in conjunction with DU's Department of Geography, allows students in the University College GIS certificate program to transfer up to 24 quarter hours from their certificate. The certificate program, also designed in conjunction with the DU's Department of Geography, offers working professionals the opportunity to acquire the background information and hands-on-expertise necessary to capitalize on the emerging technology.

The Human Resource Administration program offers a Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) in human resource administration. It provides a comprehensive examination of the HR profession and positions graduates for career advancement in a variety of organizational settings that include business, government, and not-for-profit organizations.

The Organizational Leadership program is a flexible management and leadership degree presenting both the analytic and interpersonal skills necessary to be an effective manager in a variety of enterprises. The degree is structured around a core of management and leadership courses. Students select from a wide range of specializations, such as project management, leadership, alternative dispute resolution, environmental policy and management, telecommunications, computer information systems, and others. Most of the concentrations offered in other University College degrees are potential concentrations in the M.P.S.

The Security Management degree is designed for business and organizational security management professionals. The program provides students with the latest skills for effectively leading and managing security operations and addressing personnel, property, facility, information, and business-continuity security. The program provides the management skills and technical knowledge required to function as a chief security officer, director of loss prevention, director of security, security consultant, investigator, firefighter, or police officer.

The Technology Management program is designed for those who understand the power of leveraging technology in business to create their own competitive advantage. Career opportunities are limitless for those who can create, manage, and use emerging technology. In addition, four certificate programs of advanced study are offered in electronic commerce, leadership, project management, and technology management.

The Telecommunications program fosters an integration of telecommunications technologies and effective management. In an industry driven by new technology, new applications, and an increasing demand for services, professionals need to maintain a current understanding of fundamental issues surrounding those technologies and the regulations which govern them. The telecommunications offerings at University College are designed to help students keep abreast of changes and take advantage of the opportunities change offers. Certificate programs of advanced study are offered in four areas: broadband, telecommunications management and policy, telecommunications networks, and telecommunications technology.

Student Services

University College is dedicated to providing complete student services online. This includes admissions, registration, student advising, online resources through the library, access to the bookstore, and an individualized career counselor. There is a complete support team for technical issues as well as student support and training for eCollege.

Credit Options

Students may be able to transfer credit earned at other accredited graduate colleges and universities. The credit hours for the certificates may apply toward the related master's degree.

Faculty

University College has 300 faculty members, all with advanced degrees, who are practicing professionals in the areas in which they teach. At any given time there are 20 to 30 faculty members teaching online. University College engages in advanced and continual training for its faculty members in the methods and application of distance learning.

Admission

Entrance examinations are not required. Students who are applying for admission to the master's degree programs must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Applicants must also submit an essay, a career goal statement, and letters of recommendation.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition is $342 per credit hour for on-campus classes and $374 per credit hour for online classes. There is also a technology fee of $4 per credit hour.

Financial Aid

Some financial aid programs are available to assist University College students. The University of Denver's Office of Student Financial Services handles all financial aid applications (http://www.du.edu/sfs/).

Applying

To apply for admission to University College, students must complete a full application, including a degree plan. Registration is available on the University College Web site at http://www.universitycollege.du.edu/registernow/registerinstructions.asp#online. For more information or an application, students should visit the University College Web site.

CONTACT

Enrollment Manager
University College
University of Denver
2211 South Josephine
Denver, Colorado 80208
Phone: 303-871-3315 800-347-2042 (toll-free)
Fax: 303-871-3070
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: http://www.universitycollege.du.edu