Student Support

Yes. All online courses offered through CU Denver or CU Anschutz are accredited by the same body that accredits all institutions in the University of Colorado system: The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).

Since 1913, the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) has accredited all institutions in the CU system. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the NCA is one of six regional accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Regional agencies provide accreditation at an insititution level.

Since its inception in the early 1900s, the CU Denver | CU Anschutz has become the largest urban research institution in Colorado, attracting more than $375 million in research grants annually, and granting more graduate degrees than any other institution in the state. Alone, CU Anschutz is the largest academic health center in the Rocky Mountain region, and together, CU Denver and CU Anschutz has a combined accreditation and provide a high quality education in over 140 programs.

CU Denver | CU Anschutz has been a pioneer in distance education since offering its first online course in 1996. With online courses and degrees, the pedagogy of the faculty has been extended globally, allowing local students as well as international students to partake in the same education. CU Denver | CU Anschutz does not differentiate the curriculum or faculty based on in-person or online learning, assuring the learner of the same quality degree and CU reputation, regardless of modality of instruction.

CU Denver and CU Anschutz do not offer separate in-person and online academic degrees; they are the same, including the coursework and on many occasions the faculty, regardless of which delivery mode you choose for completion.

There will be no difference or indication that your courses are being completed online, when it comes to your degree and diploma. It will be the same University of Colorado degree that is earned, whether online or in person.

While earning a degree does not guarantee a job or advancement, the curriculum of all CU Online programs has been created to reflect the skills and knowledge employers look for in their employees. In addition, CU Online courses are taught by the same CU Denver and CU Anschutz professors who teach in-person classes. This ensures that you are receiving the same education and learning experiences as on-campus students. So, whether you are looking to advance in your current career, switch to a new job, or are simply pursuing a degree out of pride, you will learn valuable knowledge, skills, and abilities, many of which are valued by employers in any number of career fields. In addition, some programs provide the opportunity to complete internships if you choose and gain valuable professional work experience.

Online classes offer many benefits, including the flexibility to work around your schedule. If you are motivated, have strong time management skills, and are able to work independently, online learning may be a great option for you.

Online courses at CU Denver and CU Anschutz are taught by the same professors that teach in-person classes. This ensures that you are receiving the same education and learning experiences as on-campus students. The primary difference is with the delivery format. Your online courses will all be taught in Canvas, the Learning Management System (LMS). You will be responsible for logging in, accessing course content, and completing any requirements of the course. All of your coursework will be completed online with support from your professors.

Time management is one of the key skills needed to succeed in the online learning environment. You are responsible for your schedule and for completing assigned readings and work by set deadlines. Students that are able to set aside time on their calendars for their studies tend to be the most successful.

Setting short-term goals that support your overall goal of earning your degree online will help you remain motivated. These short-term goals can be grades that you hope to earn, skills that you hope to obtain, or connections you hope to make. They should be time limited and support your overall mission of earning an online academic degree at CU Denver or CU Anschutz.

Being able to ask for help is a key component of succeeding online. Since you are not in a physical classroom, it will be up to you to recognize when you need assistance and to reach out to the appropriate contact. Our faculty and staff want to help you meet your academic goals and asking for help ensures regular communication and understanding.

CU Denver and CU Anschutz online courses are offered in an asynchronous format, which means you can complete work at your own pace. You are not expected to be in front of your computer at a certain time and date, which is the trademark of a synchronous approach. While there will be deadlines for assignments and projects, there are no set class meeting times.

Each unique faculty member chooses which learning elements to include in their class, so assignments range from traditional exams, to short essays, to group writing projects. You will typically be required to engage with your online classmates in discussion boards and to be an active member of the course.

Freshmen admission requirements

Our students are some of the best and brightest - motivated individuals who are driven to pursue their passion. Our middle 50% of admitted freshmen have between a 3.23 and 3.93 GPA and scored between a 1070 and 1260 on the SAT (21-27 ACT).

Transfer admission requirements

If you are transferring, you should have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 from a regionally accredited college (or colleges) to be considered for admission. The Business, Engineering and Architecture programs have different transfer admission requirements. If you do not meet the program transfer admission requirements you could still be considered for admission to the "pre-" program.

To learn more about the specific admission requirements for your program of interest, contact an Enrollment Navigator at 303-315-3000.

A minimum of 120 credit hours is required to graduate from CU Denver with a bachelor’s level degree, which is approximately 40 classes. The number of classes you will be required to take will vary based on your major and whether or not you have transfer credits.

CU Denver will transfer in as much credit as possible; however, not all transferable credits will apply towards your degree. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which accredits this university, requires that at least 30 of the 120 credits earned for a baccalaureate degree be taken in residence at CU Denver. Students are advised that individual schools/colleges may have higher residency requirements. 

If you're looking for more insight into how many of your credits will transfer, contact our Enrollment Navigator at 303-315-3000.