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• Graduate School of Social Work

PhD in Social Work Application Information

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Ready to take the next step toward becoming a social work scholar, educator and policy expert? 

Our PhD students are more than social work researchers; we're social justice scholars, educators and policy experts whose work responds to today's most pressing community needs.

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Applicant Requirements

To apply to the GSSW doctoral program, you must have  one  of the following:

• a master's degree conferred by a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
• a master's degree in one of the social sciences and demonstrated evidence of substantial professional experience in the social work field

In addition, you must have:

• a clear interest in developing advanced theory, policy and research skills in a substantive area relevant to the field of social work
• a superior academic record in all previous work
• the maturity, intellectual ability and readiness for advanced study

NOTE: the GRE is no longer required for admission into the PhD program. 

Two years of post-master's practice experience is strongly preferred, but not mandatory.

It is important to have proficiency in descriptive and inferential statistics. This knowledge is necessary for several of the required doctoral courses. An introductory course in statistical analysis and inference is available in the first quarter of study if needed.

PhD Application Deadlines

The application for the fall 2025 PhD in Social Work Program is available.

• Early Deadline: November 1, 2024
• Final Deadline: January 15, 2025

PhD Application Instructions

You must submit an online application to be considered for our PhD program. If you are interested in joining the fall 2025 PhD cohort, the application is available .

A completed online application includes:

You may submit unofficial transcripts for an initial review of your application. If admitted, you must provide official transcripts from all institutions attended before GSSW orientation day.

Many schools issue transcripts electronically, either through their own web services or through vendors. If this option is available through the institutions you attended, request that your transcript(s) be sent to  [email protected] .

If your transcripts are being sent by mail, use the following address:

Office of Admission Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver 2148 South High Street Denver, CO 80208-7100

Include with your application a PDF of your resume that includes the following information:

• Name, mailing address and other current contact information
• Areas of special interest
• Education: institution(s), the dates you attended, your degrees (majors and minors). Begin with your most recent degree.
• Continuing Education: List the continuing education experience that you have.
• Paid Employment History: List your paid work experiences in chronological order, beginning with the most recent. For each position held, please provide the name of employer, location, beginning and ending dates, and a brief job description.
• Volunteer Experiences: List your volunteer social work or human services experiences in chronological order, beginning with the most recent. Please provide the name of each agency or organization, its location, beginning and ending dates, and a brief description of your responsibilities and activities.
• Honors and Awards: Identify any academic honors or awards that you received.
• Professional Affiliations/Licensure: List any professional associations of which you are a member and any advanced certification(s) you received.
• Research and Evaluation Experiences: List your research and evaluation experiences, including a description of your position, beginning and ending dates, and responsibilities.
• Teaching Experiences: List all courses you taught; include the course title, level, beginning and ending dates, a brief course description and the educational institution at which it was taught.
• Paper Presentations at Conferences: List the titles of papers you presented at national, state or other conferences over the last five years; include the date, conference sponsor and any co-authors or co-presenters.
• Publications: List publications on which you are listed as an author, including journal articles, books, book chapters, technical reports, magazine or newsletter articles, contract or grant applications and program manuals. Please follow the style guidelines in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (Sixth Edition).

You are required to submit three letters of recommendation, preferably from academic, research or professional supervisors/colleagues.

The PhD Admission Committee considers your Statement of Professional and Educational Intent to be a significant part of your application. Respond openly and honestly to each section. The average statement length is seven pages. Double space your statement and put your name in the upper right corner of each page. The statement must be written solely by you without the use of an editor.

Your statement should include the following elements:

• Discuss your qualifications and readiness for pursuing doctoral studies in social work.
• Describe the area(s) of knowledge around which you wish to concentrate your study and research.
• Explain the social justice importance of your area of interest. In other words, how do power, privilege and oppression contribute to dynamics in your area of interest?
• How does your personal, professional, or practice experience inform the area in which you plan to conduct research?
• Describe any cultural, economic, or social challenges and opportunities that influence your lens and perspective in research.
• Describe the professional or academic position you plan to pursue after your PhD and why you have chosen that career goal.
• Explain why you feel this program would be a good match for you.
• Identify any projects at GSSW, or at the University of Denver, in which you have an interest.
• Discuss any other factors you feel are important in our evaluation of your application.

You can submit your $65 nonrefundable application fee in the online application. The fee can be paid using any major credit card or check.

International Student Application Requirements

We welcome applications from international students and value the diverse cultural perspectives you bring to our community.

If your native language is not English, you must demonstrate your English proficiency by attaching the materials listed below to your PhD application:

• TOEFL score of 95
• IELTS score of 8
• C1 Advanced score of 200
• Copy of passport
• Financial verification form  with a bank letter or other official verification showing how your tuition and living expenses will be financed.

Learn more about our international student community .

I attended the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work for my MSW because of its commitment to social justice in educating future social work practitioners. The rigorous curriculum, support of faculty and preparation for practice were the reasons I returned to complete my doctoral education. Darren Whitfield, MSW ’08, PhD ’16, Assistant Professor, University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work and School of Medicine Read More

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Clinical Psychology

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The Graduate School of Professional Psychology has offered a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) since 1976. It was one of the first PsyD programs in the nation and has been continuously accredited by the American Psychological Association since 1979. The mission of the PsyD program is to train doctoral-level practitioner/scholars who have foundational interpersonal and scientific skills, a functional mastery of psychological assessment and intervention, and can apply this knowledge and skill in a range of settings.

We aim to train psychologists who contribute to the common good through their interpersonal awareness and skill. Students graduate from GSPP as psychologists with a solid grounding in psychology's scientific, ethical and professional foundations, with skills in assessment and intervention that can be applied to many contexts and communities.

Specialties

We offer a variety specialties including Latinx psychology, military psychology, oncology psychology, infant and early childhood mental health, and substance use disorder psychology.

Foundations of Diversity

Our required multicultural sequence ensures students are prepared to work with diverse populations.

Clinical Experience from Day One

Clinical practice begins in the first quarter of the program at DU's community-based psychological center. Additional fieldwork opportunities take advantage of our 130 different practicum sites.

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We offer extensive clinical training to complement our students' deep, broad base of knowledge along with their analytical and research skills.

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We connect our students with internships, mentorships and professional development opportunities to help ensure professional success.

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Program requirements.

• Bachelors degree: All graduate applicants must hold an earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited college or university or the recognized equivalent from an international institution.
• Grade point average: The minimum undergraduate GPA for admission consideration for graduate study at the University of Denver is a cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits (approximately two years of work) for the baccalaureate degree. An earned master’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution supersedes the minimum standards for the baccalaureate. For applicants with graduate coursework but who have not earned a master’s degree or higher, the GPA from the graduate work may be used to meet the requirement. The minimum GPA is a cumulative 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all graduate coursework undertaken.
• Program GPA requirement: The minimum undergraduate GPA for admission consideration for this program is a cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.

Applicants without a psychology background (major or minor) must meet the department's psychology prerequisite prior to matriculation. The psychology prerequisite can be met either through psychology coursework or by obtaining a score of at least 660 or higher on the psychology subject GRE exam. Applicants should state how they plan to meet the psychology prerequisite in their application. For the psychology coursework prerequisite, applicants must complete four (4) psychology courses earning a 'B' or better in these classes from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants offered admission should be aware that all psychology classes must be completed before registration in September.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required. Scores must be received directly from the appropriate testing agency by the deadline. The institution code for the University of Denver is 4842.

The minimum TOEFL/IELTS/CAE test score requirements for this degree program are:

• Minimum TOEFL Score (Internet-based test): 80
• Minimum TOEFL Score (Paper-based test): 550
• Minimum IELTS Score: 6.5
• Minimum CAE Score: 169

English Conditional Admission: No, this program does not offer English Conditional Admission.

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Computer Science: PhD Program

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Our PhD program in computer science prepares students to lead within computer science and related fields at the highest technical and academic levels. Students take part in advanced, original research, sharpen their skills at modern software engineering, study cutting-edge technology and tools, and focus their efforts on a specialization of their choice. We support specializations in artificial intelligence, computational geometry, humane games, graphics, networks, parallel and distributed algorithms, security and privacy, and software systems engineering. We also place a particular emphasis on interdisciplinary programs, so you'll be ready to collaborate to meet career challenges in a wide range of fields.

With small classes and faculty who themselves pursue nationally recognized research efforts, you will find the support you need to excel. In addition to specialization, courses on web technology, multimedia, networks, databases, data science, cybersecurity and computer game development ensure your education has ample breadth as well. Denver is a first-rate location for internships, jobs, and business and government partnerships, with our campus just minutes from the Denver Technological Center, home to many top tech companies. You'll leave DU well equipped to professionally pursue your field of specialization, assume leadership roles, or contribute at the highest levels of academia

Ready to learn more?

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Take the first step toward your academic career at the Ritchie School and start your application today.

Winter 2025 Final Deadline

Nov 1, 2024

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Developmental Psychology

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• Learn more about the Psychology Department

The doctoral program in developmental psychology focuses on human developmental processes—including biological, cultural, social and psychophysiological factors. Our program values a collaborative, integrative approach to psychological science that fosters intellectual curiosity and innovation, invests in people in a supportive, inclusive environment, and serves the public good.

One of our primary goals is to prepare you for independent research, scholarship and teaching careers. We collaborate with Denver area organizations like the Denver Health Hospital Authority so that you receive unique, hands-on opportunities to develop practical knowledge and skills. You can also participate in faculty grant efforts and pursue independent research grants.

Concentration

Developmental cognitive neuroscience.

The specialization in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience is open to students in any of the graduate programs in Psychology. It is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and training in an interdisciplinary approach to neuroscience and psychology.

The coursework covers diverse fields and research methods including neuroimaging, computational modeling, computer programming, psychophysiology, neuropsychology, neuroendocrinology and behavioral genetics. The program prepares students to be leaders in collaborative science approaches.

The PhD program in Developmental Psychology offers:

Developmental research labs that use technologies like structural and functional MRI, genotyping, cognitive testing and video recording to examine developmental processes

Ongoing collaborations with sites like the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, the Institute for Behavioral Genetics and with community partners like local Head Start centers

Professional development and support through weekly faculty-student meetings and a formal mentoring program for incoming graduate students

Regular opportunities to present research at conferences like the Society for Research in Child Development and the International Society of Developmental Psychobiology

Support and encouragement in obtaining external grants to support student work and advance careers. Students are active collaborators with each other and with faculty in diverse projects.

Explore the theory and research of developmental processes that will shape your future in psychology.

Ready to learn more about the PhD in Developmental Psychology?

Request Information

Degree Requirements

• Students earn a master’s degree on their way toward obtaining the PhD; however, students are not required to obtain an official master’s degree.
• For the MA, you will complete at least 28 credits of the 45 minimum number of credits in content coursework, which excludes Independent Study and Independent Research credits.
• For the PhD, you will complete a total of 120 credit hours, as well as non-coursework requirements including a first-year project, a master's research paper or thesis and oral defense, comprehensive exams, regular research presentations, dissertation prospectus and dissertation oral defense.

See the DU Graduate Bulletin  for full course requirements.

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Graduate Tax Program Director

Apply now Job no: 497603 Work type: Faculty W/Admin Role Location: Denver, CO Categories: Faculty Division: Sturm College of Law

The University of Denver Sturm College of Law seeks applications to serve as Director of its nationally recognized Graduate Tax Program. A respected and long-standing leader in providing tax-related training to lawyers and accountants, the Graduate Tax Program features a pair of rigorous and innovative degree programs (LL.M. and M. Tax), an outstanding complement of full-time and adjunct faculty, strong partnerships with leading employers, and a dedicated network of roughly 3,000 highly accomplished alumni working in law, accounting, business, government, and other fields.

Position Summary

The University of Denver Sturm College of Law seeks to hire a respected, innovative, and visionary individual to direct its nationally recognized Graduate Tax Program. The directorship is contemplated as a part-time non-teaching adjunct appointment with an expectation of roughly 8-10 hours per week,  capable of being held alongside other compatible professional commitments that the Director may wish to pursue.  A respected and long-standing leader in providing tax-related training to lawyers and accountants, the Graduate Tax Program features a pair of rigorous and innovative degree programs (M. Tax and LL.M.), a complement of outstanding full-time and adjunct faculty, strong partnerships with leading tax-related employers, and a dedicated network of roughly 3,000 highly accomplished alumni working in the fields of law, accounting, business, and government. The successful candidate would be expected to begin on or shortly after November 1, 2024. The term of the position is two years, with the possibility of renewal for a third year upon mutual agreement.

Essential Functions

The successful candidate would be expected to undertake the following principal responsibilities designed to enhance the stature, visibility, and return-on-investment of the Graduate Tax Program.

• Work closely with the Associate Dean of Graduate and International Legal Programs and relevant staff on programmatic initiatives in the realms of marketing, curriculum, instructional design, co-curricular offerings, and faculty hiring.
• Partner with the Dean, the Associate Dean of Graduate and International Legal Programs, the Externship Office, the Career Development Office, and University advancement professionals to engage external partners, including accounting firms, law firms, and alumni.
• Teach one or more courses in the Graduate Tax Program, to be compensated separately at prevailing rates for adjunct faculty teaching in the Program.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work collaboratively and build strong relationships with peers, divisions and senior leadership.
• Ability to collaborate and be comfortable dealing with ambiguity.
• Ability to create effective partnerships.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects, have attention to detail, and work effectively in a fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to think strategically and creatively.
• Ability to handle time sensitive/confidential information appropriately.

Required Qualifications

• Expertise in tax law
• J.D., M. Tax, or LL.M. degree in Tax

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior tax-related teaching experience

Working Environment

1. Standard office environment. 2. Unexpected interruptions occur often and stress level is moderate to high. 3. Noise level is quiet to moderate.

Physical Activities

1. Ability to sit in front of a computer for an extended period of time. 2. Occasionally required to move about the office/campus with the capability of transporting objects up to 20 lbs.

Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Application Deadline For consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) November 5, 2024.

Special Instructions Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted. Salary Grade Number: The salary grade for the position is UC. Salary Range: The salary rate for this position is $25,000.  This is an unbenefited position.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

Benefits: The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver .

Please include the following documents with your application: 1. Resume 2. Cover Letter

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital, family, or parental status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital family, and parental status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University’s educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Worker's Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement .

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.

Advertised: October 22, 2024 Applications close: November 05, 2024

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At CU Denver, our liberal arts and sciences education is focused on helping find answers to the most inspiring and challenging questions of our modern world. With over 75 major and minor degree programs to choose from, we give students the chance to explore the issues that matter most to them in ways that transcend traditional academic boundaries. Our world-class faculty include students at all levels in classrooms, research, and creative activities.

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With a passion for public health and politics, Adriana graduated from CU Denver with her favorite people cheering in the crowd: her family.

First-generation college student, Daniel Barry, joined the army right after high school. After his tour of duty in Afghanistan, he's been inspired to get his degree in physics to model the importance of education to his soon-to-be stepdaughter.

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Biological Sciences

In DU's Department of Biological Sciences, students work side-by-side with professors who are at the forefront of discovery in both molecular biology and ecological sciences. 

Set in the basin of the Rocky Mountains, Denver provides the perfect backdrop for students looking to to study biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics, and the city is a growing hub for research and development in biomedical and health sciences.

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Investigating the Intricacies of Life

Our biological sciences major options are designed to guide students through difficult subject matter to cultivate a deeper understanding of the complex structures and processes of the natural world. 

We offer undergraduate studies in specialized areas such as ecology and biodiversity, molecular biology and cognitive neuroscience in addition to general majors in biological sciences or integrated sciences.

In our graduate programs, students conduct original research in areas of cell and molecular biology, or ecology and evolution. In addition, DU has a growing interdisciplinary biophysics program led by faculty in biology, biochemistry and physics.

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Research is built on a spirit of collaboration between leading faculty investigators, graduate students and undergraduates. Pods of researchers reach across disciplines to work with various departments on campus in an attempt to solve challenges in environmental sciences, sustainability, disease research and health disparities.

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Molecular and Cellular Biophysics

DU is home to a renowned faculty of chemists, biologists and physicists working in the field of biophysics. Founded in 2008, the molecular and cellular biophysics PhD program gives students unprecedented access to high-powered research in a field intent on breaking down barriers. Biophysics aims to shed light on biological processes by using cross-disciplinary techniques to analyze research outcomes. Undergraduate researchers also benefit from opportunities to work side-by-side with graduate researchers and faculty with the potential to positively impact medical scientific discovery. 

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Our Pre-Health Advising office works to connect students to internship opportunities with community partners as well as health-related training and research opportunities.

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A professional science master's (PSM) degree in biomedical sciences prepares students for challenging careers in healthcare from practice to policy.

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Join the biology department on Mondays for our regular weekly seminar series. Guest speakers from around the globe as well as faculty and students present on research and exciting new case studies each week. 

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A strong sense of place pervades our values, culture, people and purpose. Like the Rocky Mountains to our west, we are aspirational, open and rugged.

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For the Difference We Can Make Together

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5,280 feet is only the beginning

Located where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains, and now with the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus adjacent to the Roosevelt National Forest, we embody the spirit of exploration and discovery that defines our region. The University of Denver is a private institution built on exploration through research and collaboration among educators and students, as well as local and global communities. This spirit of innovation paired with our signature 4D Experience and a core commitment to making a real difference in communities around the world leads to our recognized status as a Very High Research University (or "R1") by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

With nationally recognized academic programs, a history of widespread influence, a forward-looking vision for a 21st century education and a deep commitment to promoting inclusion, we open a world of opportunity to students and empower them to make a difference around the world.

Mission, Vision & Values

A Bold Approach to Higher Education

We deliver a rigorous and rewarding experience— the 4D Experience — for our students through a holistic approach to education that transforms students into leaders. Through learning, scholarship and practice, students gain the experience, knowledge and courage they need to tackle big challenges in the real world and guide diverse communities and organizations. We're proud to offer these high-impact experiences to our students as part of their University journey:

• Community involvement through service and civic responsibility
• Wilderness, wellness and team-building experiences at our Kennedy Mountain Campus just two hours north of Denver 
• A robust study abroad program through which students develop global perspectives
• Extensive opportunities for research starting at the undergraduate level
• Career achievement through internships and job placement support provided by our Burwell Center for Career Achievement

In the classroom, students at both the graduate and undergraduate levels work closely with faculty mentors to shape academic pathways that lead to intellectual fulfillment and career achievement. We're a mid-sized University of about 12,000 graduates and undergraduates with average class sizes under 21 students and an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Individual attention combined with big-city connections provide a wealth of professional opportunities for students, the majority of whom choose to stay in Denver after graduation.

By facilitating research, community involvement and global exploration, we're building a foundation for lifelong achievement, empowering our students to live lives of purpose for the difference.

Education at DU

Ranked #80 Among National Universities U.S. News & World Report, 2021

Top 5 ranked in the top five in the nation for study abroad participation around 70 percent of undergraduate students study abroad for at least one academic term.

Ranked by the Carnegie Foundation as a high-volume research institution $25 million in total research funding

Local involvement.

Partnering with businesses, our local community and a range of educational partners, we tackle the grand challenges of the Rocky Mountain West and work together to strengthen our region and provide opportunities for the people who call it home. Our students, faculty and community partners work to solve problems throughout Colorado and beyond, addressing such challenges as homelessness, healthy aging and sustainability. Engagement through research and service allows us to stay involved at home and around the world. Plus, we've dedicated ourselves to being a resource for our neighbors by hosting education and arts events for local high school students and others in the Denver area, expanding our reach beyond our campus.

DU in the Community

Global Reach

Our intellectual curiosity leads to solutions that benefit people around the world, and our campus is enriched by the diverse perspectives of students from more than 80 countries. Around 70 percent of our undergraduate students participate in study abroad programs during their time here, taking advantage of the opportunity to advance peace, justice and understanding worldwide. With one of the world’s top schools for international relations, student and faculty research spans the continents, and a network of nearly 140,000 alumni supports students and graduates globally.

DU around the world

Our Leadership

Under the direction of Chancellor Jeremy Haefner, the University promotes a culture of inclusiveness and intellectual curiosity, helping students become graduates who understand the multiple perspectives of this changing world.

Our leaders come from many backgrounds and perspectives, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise. They collaborate with students and faculty to determine the University's direction, expand student opportunities and enhance our shared ability to make a difference.

Meet our leadership

Connect with your fellow Pioneers!

Our global alumni network is over 140,000 strong.

History & Traditions

As the oldest independent higher education institution in the Rocky Mountain West, our history mirrors that of the city we call home—full of challenges and mile-high triumphs, obstacles and far-reaching successes. We've hosted civil rights leaders and presidents and served as an epicenter of activism and discourse for the Denver area. Our story is characterized by student traditions like the First Snow celebration and support of our championship-winning sports teams. Driven by excellence in research and scholarship, DU has had a longstanding role in shaping our city and the region as a whole.

Our History