Overview
The University of Colorado system is comprised of the three main colleges of UC Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Denver. The three colleges offer hundreds of degree programs between them, with Denver heading up the research activity. The flagship schools in the UC system were founded in the mid-19th century, quite early for Western colleges. The schools have had time to develop their academic proficiency and routinely appear in top-schools lists.
Student Appeal
For potential online students, degrees from a UC offer academic prestige at competitive prices. The system currently offers nearly 30 online degrees and certificates, giving potential students a variety of programs to choose from.
Accreditation
All schools in the UC system have regional accreditation through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission.
School Facts & Figures
- Accreditation: Regional, NCACSHLC
- Size: Large (10,000+)
- Type: Public not-for-profit
- Religious Affiliation: N/A
- Academic Affiliation: Comprised of 3 flagship UC colleges.
- Career Services: Yes
- Course Schedule: Semester, 15 weeks
- Credit Options: Life Experience, Military, Transfer, AP, Dual
- Scholarships Offered: Yes
- Loans Offered: Pell, Federal Direct Loans, Perkins, FSEOG, PLUS, Work-study, CCRP, CU Grants
- BA in English WritingBA in English Writing
The online bachelor's in English writing prepares students to write with precision and style. Graduates can go on to graduate programs or enter professional settings that require the analytical and critical thinking abilities of a writer.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing, RN to BSBachelor of Science in Nursing, RN to BS
*Requires an associate's degree and nursing license.
Nurses who complete this program are sure to have more career and professional development opportunities. Courses discuss nursing research, public health nursing, nurse case management, and more.
- Bachelor of Arts in SociologyBachelor of Arts in Sociology
The online bachelor's in sociology program enables students to study the interaction of people, from social science and humanistic viewpoints. Race/ethnicity, gender, globalization, family, and social class stratification are some of the core topics covered.
- MA in Early Childhood EducationMA in Early Childhood Education
*Applicants must be residents of Colorado.
The MA in ECE is aimed at individuals interested in teaching ECE or working one-on-one with children who have disabilities or special needs. The program is NCATE accredited and prepares graduates for work in public schools, childcare centers, and early intervention programs.
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)Master of Business Administration (MBA)
*Requires a bachelor's degree.
The online MBA rewards students with a broad understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of business. UC Denver's program is accredited by the AACSB.
- Master of Science in Global Energy Management (Hybrid Program)Master of Science in Global Energy Management (Hybrid Program)
*Requires a bachelor's degree.
This program teaches both the theory and the concrete strategies for running an energy company. It was developed in partnership with leading energy companies.
- Master of Science in Information SystemsMaster of Science in Information Systems
*Requires a bachelor's degree.
The MSIS program enables students to develop a strong understanding of information science foundational principles while also shaping the degree to their careers. Core classes include Marketing Management and Data Analysis for Managers.
- Master of Science in Management and Organization, Managing for SustainabilityMaster of Science in Management and Organization, Managing for Sustainability
*Requires a bachelor's degree.
Graduates of this program will be equipped to assist businesses in realizing social and environmental sustainability goals. Students take 30 credit hours in the management core, along with 12 credits in sustainability areas.
- Master of Engineering, Geographic Information SystemsMaster of Engineering, Geographic Information Systems
*Requires a bachelor's degree.
This is a multidisciplinary program, aimed at current engineers and urban planners. The program covers topics in civil engineering, geography and environmental science, urban and regional planning, applied math, and engineering management.
- Master of Science in Nursing, Informatics OptionMaster of Science in Nursing, Informatics Option
*Requires a bachelor's degree and nursing license.
This degree prepares current RNs for advanced practice roles. Graduates will be able to develop clinical approaches, make administrative decisions, and create healthcare policy.
- Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Healthcare Systems (iLEAD)Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Healthcare Systems (iLEAD)
*Requires a bachelor's degree and nursing license.
iLead stands for "innovation in leadership and administration in nursing and health care systems." Topics in this program focus on cultural competence, informatics, and evidence-based practice.
- Master of Arts in Information and Learning Technologies, eLearning Design and ImplementationMaster of Arts in Information and Learning Technologies, eLearning Design and Implementation
*Requires a bachelor's degree.
Graduates of this program will be prepared to teach via online courses and develop online course curricula. This degree requires approximately 2 years to finish.
- Master of Arts in Information and Learning Technologies, School LibraryMaster of Arts in Information and Learning Technologies, School Library
*Requires a bachelor's degree.
Students in this program learn collection development, instructional design, information and learning strategies, and more. This degree is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
- Master of Criminal JusticeMaster of Criminal Justice
*Requires a bachelor's degree.
This interdisciplinary program looks at a variety of aspects of criminal justice, such as homeland security, domestic violence, community corrections, and public administration. The program is 36 credit hours.
- Master of Public AdministrationMaster of Public Administration
*Requires a bachelor's degree.
Graduates of this program will have the skills to lead in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or service-minded businesses. Students who do not have work experience in a relevant setting are required to complete an internship.
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
*Requires a bachelor's degree and nursing license.
After completing this program, nurses may go on to become care managers, nurse scholars, educators, healthcare entrepreneurs, and developers of healthcare programs. Current MSN degree holders can complete the program in 2-3 years.
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in NursingDoctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing
*Requires a bachelor's degree and nursing license.
This is a theory and research based program that focuses on nursing practice and care delivery. Graduates may use the degree to begin careers in administration, policy analysis, research, and related advanced practice areas.
- Doctor of Education, Leadership for Educational Equity (EdD)Doctor of Education, Leadership for Educational Equity (EdD)
*Requires a bachelor's degree.
Aimed at individuals who want to lead in diverse and urban school settings, this hybrid program prepares a cohort of 20 students for increased leadership in K-12 settings, community colleges, universities, and educational nonprofits.
- Certificate in Palliative Care (Hybrid Program)Certificate in Palliative Care (Hybrid Program)
*Requires a bachelor's degree and nursing license.
Through this certificate, current nurses may develop a foundation in palliative care. Classes include Complex Symptom Management and Advanced Concepts in Palliative Care.
- Executive Leadership in Health Information Technology CertificateExecutive Leadership in Health Information Technology Certificate
*Requires a bachelor's degree and management experience.
This degree is designed for current managers in healthcare settings who will be administrating information technology in their organization. The program is 15 credit hours.
- Health Care Informatics CertificateHealth Care Informatics Certificate
*Requires a bachelor's degree.
Non-nursing healthcare professionals will improve their understanding of informatics in this program. Classes cover decision support, semantic representation, and information systems life cycle.
- Health Information Management & Exchange Specialist CertificateHealth Information Management & Exchange Specialist Certificate
*Requires a bachelor's degree.
Current health care professionals will improve their understanding and use of electronic health information in this program. Courses discuss the foundations of health IT, database management, information systems security, and more.
- Graduate Certificate in the Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages (CTESOL)Graduate Certificate in the Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages (CTESOL)
*Requires a bachelor's degree.
This certificate is designed for native English speakers planning to teach English overseas. The program is 12 credits and may be finished in one year.
- Adolescent Literacy CertificateAdolescent Literacy Certificate
*Requires a bachelor's degree and teaching certificate.
Current teachers will improve their ability to reach struggling readers and writers with this program. Aimed at middle and high school teachers, the program consists of 3 graduate-level classes.
- Applied Behavior Analysis CertificateApplied Behavior Analysis Certificate
*Requires a bachelor's degree.
This two course program is geared towards individuals seeking to become board certified behavioral analysts. The coursework will help analysts learn how to positively influence the development and behavior of students and employees.
- ECSE, Specialist LicenseECSE, Specialist License
*Requires a bachelor's degree.
The early childhood special education certificate provides preparation to individuals seeking licensure in this area. Coursework discusses curriculum development, children's learning, multicultural teaching, and more.
- Early Literacy CertificateEarly Literacy Certificate
*Requires a bachelor's degree and teaching certification.
This certificate helps current teachers prepare to reach readers from preschool through 3rd grade. The program discusses assessment and teaching English language learners.
- Health Education CertificateHealth Education Certificate
*Requires a bachelor's degree.
This program discusses the theory of health education and practical strategies for teaching health-related material. Core areas covered include coordinated school health, national health education standards, comprehensive health education, and effective health education curricula.
- Online Teaching CertificateOnline Teaching Certificate
*Requires a bachelor's degree. And teaching certification
Current teachers will learn how to teach online courses and integrate information technology into their teaching through this program. The program is 9 credits and is geared at K-12 educators.
- School Library EndorsementSchool Library Endorsement
*Requires a bachelor's degree.
Classes in this program discuss instructional design, instructional leadership, collection development, and more. Current educational professionals will also be able to add information science techniques to their toolkit.
- Special Education CertificateSpecial Education Certificate
*Requires a bachelor's degree and teaching certification.
Current teachers can expand their skills to better accommodate special needs students with this program. Graduates will be licensed to teach special needs youth in Colorado.
- Nonprofit Management CertificateNonprofit Management Certificate
*Requires a bachelor's degree.
Core classes in this certificate cover nonprofit management and finance. Students tailor the program to their particular career goals, through the selection of electives.