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- Master's
A master’s degree is the first level of graduate study, typically requiring one to two years of full-time study. To pursue a master’s, you’ll need an undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree. Many degrees are specialized to prepare you to enter the job market as a highly qualified applicant or work as an educator in your field.
- Doctoral
A doctoral degree is the highest achievable graduate degree, preparing students to work in the upper echelons of their field as either practitioners or educators. Many doctoral candidates complete a dissertation, thesis or project based off original research, defending their work in front of a committee of experts. Others take rigorous coursework that prepares them for professional practice and licensure.
- Certificate
A graduate certificate is approximately equivalent to a bachelor’s or master’s degree, but with a more limited scope. Most can be achieved in a year or less, and many confer professional benefits such as licensure. Learn more about federal-aid designated certificates.
- MA
Master of Arts
- MFA
Master of Fine Arts
- MS
Master of Science
- MM
Master of Music
- PhD
Doctor of Philosophy
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Affective / Social / Cognitive Psychology
About this Program
Our program in affective, social and cognitive psychology prepares you for a career conducting research into how people feel, think, and behave in response to others. We champion a collaborative, integrative and cross-disciplinary approach centered around innovative research. During your time at DU, you can expect to work closely with faculty and peers in labs.
Our approach to psychological science fosters intellectual curiosity and innovation, invests in people in a supportive and inclusive environment and serves the public good. Our recent graduates hold positions as active researchers and clinicians in colleges, universities, nonprofit research organizations and the private sector.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Anthropology
About this Program
Our MA focuses on public anthropology by applying the discipline's concepts, methods and insights to issues of contemporary relevance and concern. You'll gain valuable experience in archaeological field schools and community-engaged research projects or work in collections and in the Museum of Anthropology gallery. To hone your expertise, we offer three distinct degree tracks in Archaeology, Cultural Anthropology and Museum and Heritage Studies.
Real-world experiences help you develop professional skills that will prepare you for work in:
- Research and teaching
- Cultural resource management, museums and heritage sites
- Public health and community development
- Environmental conservation
- Human rights and social welfare
We have long-established relationships with museums, Native American community partners, local nonprofit organizations and government agencies in the Rocky Mountain region and beyond. These relationships provide opportunities for collaborative research, internships and networking.
Whether you pursue a career as a professional anthropologist, field technician, museum professional, national park staff member or heritage site educator, you'll be informed by a cross-cultural and historical perspective on the human condition.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Art History
About this Program
Art shapes—and is shaped by—cultures, ideas, and societies. A master’s degree in art history provides the opportunity to explore these dynamic relationships while developing the critical tools to analyze and interpret visual culture on a global scale. Students can also specialize in museum studies, gaining hands-on experience and professional insight into the world of museums and collections. Work closely with renowned faculty and visiting experts—including artists, curators, and scholars—while conducting original research on the topics that matter most to you.
Whether you're drawn to the intersection of art and museology or fascinated by a specific cultural movement, the program’s flexible curriculum empowers you to shape your academic journey. Prepare for doctoral study or pursue a career in museums, galleries, or cultural institutions with a degree that expands your perspective and opens new doors.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Art History — Museum Studies
About this Program
Students in our art history graduate program may pursue a museum studies concentration. In addition to earning a master’s degree in art history, you will take courses with curators and conservators from the region’s art institutions. During your studies you can gain experience handling art, hanging exhibitions and curating exhibits in our Vicki Myhren Gallery and Madden Museum. Classes taught on-site in Denver’s museums allow you to meet professionals from museum directors to collections managers and find a museum career that suits your skills and interests. Students in the museum studies concentration also conduct an individually-tailored internship in a regional or national art institution giving you hands-on experience and networking opportunities.
Alumni now hold positions at distinguished venues as curators, consultants, administrators, registrars, collection managers and museum educators.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Artist Diploma, Conducting
About this Program
The Artist Diploma in Conducting is a graduate program designed for exceptional musicians committed to a professional career on the podium. Highly selective and intensely focused, the program offers advanced training in orchestral, wind, or choral conducting within Lamont’s supportive and artistically vibrant environment.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Artist Diploma, Performance
About this Program
The Artist Diploma in Performance is a highly competitive graduate program and is the terminal performance credential offered at the Lamont School of Music. Designed for highly gifted musicians who are dedicated to pursuing careers as performers, this selective program features a strong emphasis on individual artistry with minimal academic requirements by offering an immersive environment focused entirely on advanced performance training.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Clinical Psychology (Child Emphasis)
About this Program
Our clinical psychology PhD program has an emphasis in child psychology and subscribes to a clinical science model. We value an approach that fosters curiosity, innovation, collaboration and inclusiveness, with research that serves the public good.
Our program is accredited by the APA and a member of the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science. Students receive in-house training through the Center for Child and Family Psychology and the Developmental Neuropsychology Clinic. Students also complete clinical externships at local medical centers and community mental health centers.
Our faculty conduct research on a variety of topics relevant to developmental psychopathology including the multifaceted impacts of trauma, health, and stress; complex risk and vulnerability factors; comorbidity; and innovative interventions. Graduates pursue a range of careers that utilize their strong research and clinical training in settings such as colleges/universities, academic medical centers, hospitals, and community mental health centers.
Learn much more about the clinical psychology PhD program on the clinical psychology program page.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Conducting
About this Program
The Master of Music in Conducting provides comprehensive professional training for aspiring conductors in choral, orchestral, and wind traditions. Designed for musicians seeking to elevate both their technical skill and artistic vision, this program combines rigorous academic study with extensive conducting experience.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Conducting
About this Program
The Certificate in Conducting is a focused, two-year program designed for musicians seeking to strengthen their conducting skills before pursuing a Master of Music, Artist Diploma, doctoral degree, or entry into the professional field. This program provides in-depth training in the art of conducting, with an emphasis on both musical and organizational leadership.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Denver Publishing Institute
About this Program
DU's one-of-a-kind Publishing Institute offers four-week, graduate level programming each summer to help book lovers launch their publishing careers.
Top industry leaders run workshops, lectures and special sessions, including an off-site field trip. Professionals guide you through the fast-paced world of editing, marketing and production in both independent publishing houses and global media companies.
As a student of the Institute, you'll gain a strong educational foundation and real-world experience like mock interviews, marketing strategies and one-on-one discussions with seasoned publishers. You'll graduate as part of a network of alumni, connecting you to a community of publishing professionals across the country.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Developmental Psychology
About this Program
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.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Economics
About this Program
Challenge conventional thinking and develop analytical skills to shape economic policy and business strategy. The MS in Economics is a STEM-aligned program designed for career-driven students who want to apply economic principles to real-world social and policy challenges. Go beyond traditional curriculum and develop a critical and interdisciplinary perspective, equipped with theoretical knowledge and practical skills that extend beyond mainstream economics.
In this program, you’ll develop bold, analytical thinking, strong quantitative skills, and a deep sense of social awareness—preparing you for impactful careers in both the private and public sectors. Whether you’re looking to shape economic policy, drive business innovation, or contribute to social change, this degree provides the foundation you need.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Economics
About this Program
Gain a deeper understanding of economic theory, policy, and real-world application with a Specialized Graduate Certificate in Economics. Through a combination of foundational courses and customizable electives, you’ll build graduate-level expertise in a core area—such as microeconomics or macroeconomics—while exploring the historical roots of today’s economic frameworks and their modern alternatives. You’ll also have the opportunity to focus on up to two specialized topics with direct relevance to current policy challenges.
Develop high-demand skills in economic analysis, forecasting, and critical thinking. Whether you're looking to strengthen your credentials for career advancement or planning to pursue a master’s degree in Economics, this certificate gives you the technical and analytical tools to move forward with confidence.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Economics
About this Program
At the University of Denver, you'll go beyond conventional economic theories. Our Master of Arts in Economics combines quantitative analysis, policy evaluation, and mathematical modeling with fresh perspectives from heterodox economics. Here, you'll dive into pressing economic and social policy issues, gaining a deeper understanding of how these systems shape the world and influence real-world outcomes.
With the flexibility to choose applied electives in areas like health and environmental economics, you can tailor your studies to focus on the issues that matter most to you.
Your culminating thesis project will challenge you to apply your expertise to real-world economic issues and develop your analytical voice, crafting evidence-based solutions and presenting your findings with clarity and impact.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
English and Literary Arts - Creative Writing
About this Program
As one of the top creative writing doctoral programs in the country, we offer motivated poetry and fiction writers the chance to refine their creative work while building a portfolio of literary criticism and scholarly writing. Our workshops integrate contemporary literature with creative exploration. In addition to poetry and fiction, we offer workshops and literature courses in areas such as nonfiction, travel writing, oral literature and narratology.
Our PhD is a theoretical doctorate: an experience that builds creative thinking alongside critical reading and research. Writers go on to publish novels, poetry collections and critical literary works. They hold tenure track positions at notable universities, edit long-standing journals and are represented by major presses.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
English and Literary Arts - Literary Studies
About this Program
Our flexible MA in English and literary arts immerses you in the critical study of literature while allowing you to tailor the degree to your talents and interests. Through close reading of texts across centuries and cultures, you'll analyze narratives and understand perspectives from a diverse spectrum of experiences. Choose from a wide range of courses, including interdisciplinary subjects such as cultural and gender studies. You can also enroll in small group tutorials that allow you to study topics that interest you.
Many master's graduates choose to use their degree to apply to PhD programs. However, the critical thinking and writing skills utilized to obtain your degree can prepare you for a variety of careers where clear communication and creative problem-solving are valued. You may also find success in writing-focused careers, such as copywriting, publishing, journalism, business communication or technical writing.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
English and Literary Arts - Literary Studies
About this Program
Our PhD in English and literary arts with a concentration in literary studies exposes you to a wide range of literature and literary theory as you prepare to teach and research at the university level. Our students draw connections across genres, relate theory to practice and work creatively on research projects.
In this program, you'll teach various courses in literature and writing and develop your skills as an educator. You'll also be able to customize your professional development by organizing your own reading series, attending conferences and collaborating with faculty to publish original research. The curiosity, work ethic and analytical skills you'll cultivate throughout your studies can help you establish successful a career in both academic roles and professional settings that value communication and creative problem solving.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
English for Teaching
About this Program
Turn your passion for English literature into a rewarding career in the classroom. This unique program is a full-time, two-year residential program designed for those who love literature and literary analysis, and want to inspire the next generation of readers, writers and critical thinkers. By the time you graduate, you’ll have earned an MA in English for Teaching, a Teaching Certificate from the Morgridge College of Education and an Initial Teaching License from the state of Colorado—everything you need to step confidently into the classroom to teach high school or college-level English in a high school setting.
In your first year, you’ll dive deep into English literature, composition and language, sharpening your analytical and communication skills while engaging with faculty and fellow graduate scholars in the advanced study of literary theory and textual analysis, and study genres and period-specific courses.
In your second year, you’ll step into the role of an educator, teaching in a Denver-area school as part of the Morgridge College of Education Teacher Education Program (TEP). You’ll gain hands-on experience while learning the art and science of teaching, developing the skills to lead a classroom and connect with students. By the end of the program, you’ll be ready to make a real impact teaching high school or college-level English in high school classrooms across the state.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
International and Intercultural Communication
About this Program
In today's increasingly globalized society, the world needs individuals who can navigate the complexities of communication across cultural and geographic borders. By combining courses from the Department of Media, Film and Journalism Studies and the prestigious Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs, students in the International and Intercultural Communication program gain the cultural knowledge, international relations expertise and communications skills they need to be successful in this environment. As a student in the International and Intercultural Communication program, you will have the freedom to build a personalized, relevant coursework plan that prepares you to pursue your unique professional goals.
You’ll have access to internationally recognized experts in the fields of communication, strategic messaging, international health communication and international relations. Our students complete internships at leading companies and nonprofit organizations and go on to find careers in a wide range of fields such as global health communication, international relations, public diplomacy, international education and administration, international PR and marketing communication.
Students in the International and Intercultural Communication program are also eligible to pursue a certificate in public diplomacy, global health affairs, or global business and corporate responsibility.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Jazz Studies
About this Program
The Certificate in Jazz Studies is an intensive one-year program designed for musicians who are ready to advance their artistry through focused study in jazz & commercial music performance and creation. Ideal for students seeking additional training beyond an undergraduate degree or preparing for a professional career, this program provides a deep immersion in the principles, practices, and evolving language of today’s music industry.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Media and Public Communication
About this Program
The MA in Media and Public Communication combines theory and practice to prepare you for successful careers in strategic communication, public relations, health communication, nonprofit management, media education, research and more.
Choose a concentration based on your interests and professional goals: The Strategic Communication concentration spans the fields of public relations, public affairs, health communication and brand management. The Media and Globalization concentration explores how media industries and technologies influence cultural, economic and political processes in contemporary societies.
Students in the Media and Public Communication program are also eligible to pursue the Public Diplomacy Certificate.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Music Composition
About this Program
The Master of Music in Composition is a graduate program designed for composers ready to refine their craft, expand their creative language, and build a compelling portfolio of original works. Through rigorous training and close mentorship of our faculty, students engage deeply with the art and technique of composition while preparing for professional advancement or doctoral-level study.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Music Entrepreneurship
About this Program
The Music Entrepreneurship Specialized Graduate Certificate is designed for emerging and mid-career artists who want to develop the skills necessary to thrive in today’s fast-paced music industry. Offered through a powerful collaboration between the Lamont School of Music and the Daniels College of Business, this 16-credit program equips you with the real-world skills and industry insight needed to build, market, and manage your own career as a working artist.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Music Performance
About this Program
The Master of Music in Performance is a rigorous, immersive program designed for gifted musicians who are ready to pursue professional careers in music. At the heart of this selective degree is a personalized studio appointment with a dedicated faculty artist, ensuring one-on-one mentorship tailored to your artistic growth. In this program, you'll receive the intensive, personalized training necessary to begin your career while developing a professional network that will serve you for years to come.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Music Performance
About this Program
The Certificate in Performance is a focused, one-year program designed for advanced musicians seeking intensive training in their applied area. The curriculum consists of performance-based coursework and blends personalized instruction with countless performance opportunities to help you advance your artistry and technical fluency.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Music Theory
About this Program
The Master of Arts in Music Theory is an intensive, highly personalized program for aspiring educators, performers, and composers who want to deepen their understanding of the theoretical language behind music. In this program, you’ll study in small, collaborative classes led by expert faculty, engaging with advanced topics such as counterpoint, Schenkerian analysis, set theory, serialism, contour theory, and neo-Riemannian techniques.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Music Theory Pedagogy
About this Program
The Certificate in Music Theory Pedagogy allows a conductor, composer, musicologist, pedagogue or performer to develop the skills and knowledge required to teach basic music theory at the high school or possibly college level. This compact yet rigorous program helps you deepen your understanding of music theory while building practical, flexible approaches to instruction.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Musicology
About this Program
The Master of Arts in Musicology is a dynamic program designed for students who are passionate about understanding music in all its cultural depth and complexity. This program emphasizes critical thinking, research, and writing, offering a broad selection of courses that span classical and vernacular traditions, Western and non-Western music, and a variety of interdisciplinary approaches.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Orchestral Studies
About this Program
The Certificate in Orchestral Studies is a highly focused, one-year program designed for instrumentalists who already hold a music degree and are ready to immerse themselves in advanced orchestral training. This selective and intensive program consists only of performance-related coursework, allowing you to concentrate fully on refining your craft.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Performance and Composition
About this Program
The Online Certificate in Performance and Composition is a flexible, one-year program designed for musicians who want to deepen both their performance and compositional voice. This certificate offers a unique blend of applied instrumental study and composition coursework, allowing you to grow as both a performer and a creator.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Performance and Orchestral Audition Preparation
About this Program
The Online Certificate in Performance and Orchestral Audition Preparation is a focused, one-year program designed for serious musicians aiming to succeed in the competitive world of professional orchestras. Built for flexibility without sacrificing depth, this program offers intensive applied instruction on your primary instrument alongside specialized training in orchestral repertoire and audition techniques.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Performance and Recording & Production
About this Program
The Online Certificate in Performance and Recording & Production is a one-year program designed for musicians who want to deepen their performance abilities while mastering the tools of modern music production. This flexible program combines applied instrumental lessons with coursework in recording and production, giving you the creative and technical foundation to produce high-quality work both on stage and in the studio.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Philosophy
About this Program
Our dual degree program pairs intensive study of philosophy with another, in-progress graduate degree program in a complimentary field. Many students opt for a master's in religious studies, or another approved discipline. Our approach provides you with an interdisciplinary lens on philosophical thought and methodology. Our faculty specialize in the history of Western thought, interpretive and critical theory, practical philosophy, meta-philosophy, and studies in creative and critical reasoning about human nature and values.
The program culminates in a portfolio paper and oral exam to prepare you to take your knowledge into the field. Upon graduating, students pursue doctoral study or a range of career options from math and science to civil service, law and communications that involve problem-solving and reasoning skills..
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Piano Pedagogy
About this Program
The Certificate in Piano Pedagogy is an intensive, one-year program designed for pianists who are ready to elevate their teaching while maintaining high standards of performance. Through a comprehensive blend of applied lessons, pedagogical coursework, and hands-on teaching experience, this program prepares you for a professional career in piano instruction.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Psychology Programs
About this Program
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Religious Studies
About this Program
The graduate certificate in Religious Studies offers in-depth grounding in key religions and traditions. Upon completion, you'll have gained a strong foundation in two major world religious traditions, theoretical approaches to the study of religion and knowledge of major issues in a particular religious tradition or aspect of religion.
This certificate is designed for students currently enrolled in graduate programs in fields other than religious studies, as well as working professionals looking to enhance their credentials or expand their expertise in a new direction. Credits earned through the program can also apply toward the Religious Studies master's degree. Students who successfully complete the program requirements will be awarded a graduate certificate. The program adheres to U.S. federal guidelines mandating 24-credit hours of graduate-level coursework.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Religious Studies
About this Program
Our masters in religious studies program emphasizes religious tradition as a crucial means of insight into contemporary, global issues. World religions deepen how we can understand international relations, politics, economics and more by encouraging conversation that crosses disciplinary boundaries. Our world-class faculty are active, engaged scholars who equip you with in-depth, applied knowledge of cross-cultural analytical tools. We ground religious study in theory while providing experiential opportunities through site visits, service learning, research and study abroad.
You can customize your educational experience by choosing from one of five areas of specialization and one of four degree-completion options (master's thesis, publishable journal article, research project or comprehensive examinations). The critical theory and lived religions specializations are available in person or online. Graduates from our program go on to attend top-tier doctoral programs in religious studies, while others become valuable contributors in career fields such as business, government, social work or journalism.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Suzuki Pedagogy
About this Program
The Certificate in Suzuki Pedagogy is a comprehensive program for violin and cello instructors seeking specialized training in one of the world’s most time-honored teaching methods. Designed for music educators who want to elevate their instructional skills, this program offers in-depth study of the Suzuki Method, blending philosophy, technique, and pedagogy across multiple levels.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Suzuki Pedagogy
About this Program
The Master of Music in Suzuki Pedagogy is a comprehensive program for violin and cello instructors seeking specialized training in one of the world’s most time-honored teaching methods. This unique program blends a graduate-level performance degree with Suzuki Method certification, preparing you to excel as both an accomplished performer and a highly skilled educator.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
World Religions
About this Program
The World Religions Specialized Graduate Certificate offers students the opportunity to cultivate graduate-level understanding of three of the world's major religious traditions, grounded in an understanding of how religion works in today's globalizing world. It aims to complement students' professional and scholarly knowledge with an understanding of the many ways that religion, politics, economics, culture and society intersect - in the United States and around the world.
This certificate is designed for students currently enrolled in graduate programs in fields other than religious studies, as well as working professionals who want to enhance their credentials or expand their expertise. This certificate can be applied to the 45 credit-hour Religious Studies MA program.
