DU Master’s Application: How to Apply for a Master’s Degree

If you’re looking to move forward in your current role or prepare for a new one in the evolving workplace, apply for a career-focused master’s degree. Applications are reviewed for admission on a quarterly basis. Ready to advance your career without putting it on hold?

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Admission Requirements

Domestic Students

International Students

Candidates for a master’s degree at the College of Professional Studies are evaluated based on the following criteria:

Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
Earned a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale in previous undergraduate work 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.

No Standardized Tests

The College of Professional Studies does not require GRE or GMAT scores because we believe testing doesn’t predict success. As a professional, your experience speaks volumes and our other admission criteria paints a better picture of your potential.

Candidates for a master’s degree at the College of Professional Studies are evaluated based on the following criteria. Open the toggle to the right for details.

Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university or the recognized equivalent from an international institution.
Earned a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale in previous undergraduate work 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.
English Proficiency
Official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Duolingo English Test (DET), or C1 Advanced are required of all graduate applicants, regardless of citizenship status, whose native language is not English or who have been educated in countries where English is not the native language. Applications will not be processed until the required TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or C1 Advanced score is received. The TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, and C1 Advanced scores are valid for two years from the test date and are considered official only when received directly from the testing agency.
The minimum TOEFL score accepted by the University is 80 (iBT) or 550 (pBT). Applicants should achieve at least 20 in all TOEFL subscores on the internet-based exam. When requesting official TOEFL scores, please refer to institutional code 4842 and department code 01 for graduate admissions.
IELTS: The minimum IELTS score accepted by the University is 6.5. Each individual band score must be 6.0 or higher.
C1 Advanced: The minimum C1 Advanced score accepted by the University is 176.
Duolingo English Test (DET): The minimum Duolingo English Test score accepted by the University is 115. Each individual subscore must be 105 or higher for Literacy, Comprehension, and Conversation and 95 or higher for Production. Official Duolingo scores must be received for admission review.
English Language Exemption
Exemptions: Applicants are generally exempt from the English proficiency test requirement if they have any of the following:
Secondary/high school diploma from a school where the language of instruction is English.
Have earned a baccalaureate degree or higher from a formally-recognized/accredited university where the institution’s language of instruction and examination is English.
Last 30 semester credits (45 quarter credits) of coursework were successfully completed (3.0 GPA or better) from a university or college where English is the sole language of instruction and examination.
The admission committee reserves the right to request English proficiency scores when reviewing an admission application.

No GRE or GMAT Scores

Application Deadlines

Domestic Students

International Students

Enrollment Term	Application Deadline
Summer 2025	May 2, 2025
Fall 2025	August 1, 2025
Winter 2026	November 21, 2025

You can expect a decision via email within two to three weeks after submitting a completed application.

At the College of Professional Studies, applications are accepted throughout the year with four deadlines. Submit your online application by the deadlines outlined below to start in your preferred enrollment term. The application deadline for international applicants is earlier to accommodate the extra steps required for evaluation.

Enrollment Term	Application Deadline
Fall 2025	May 5, 2025
Winter 2026	September 8, 2025
Spring 2026	December 8, 2025

You can expect a decision via email within four to six weeks after submitting a completed application.

Application Checklist

Domestic Students

International Students

Application Form

Start a new application using your email address, name, and birthdate (you will receive a temporary PIN) at gradadmissions.du.edu/apply. Applications for the University of Denver must be submitted online.

Application Fee

The $75 application fee is currently being waived for all applicants. The fee waiver will automatically be assigned once your application is submitted.

Official Transcripts

A regionally accredited baccalaureate degree is required for admission. Submit one official transcript from each college or university. This includes transcripts for credit earned as transfer work and study abroad. In order to be considered "Official" transcripts must be sent electronically by the issuing college or university using a third-party agency to PSCtranscript@DU.edu. Official transcripts may also be sent via postal mail in an unopened envelope that has been sealed by the issuing university.

Official transcripts can be sent to:
College of Professional Studies
University of Denver
Attn: Admission
2211 South Josephine Street
Denver, CO 80208

Personal Statement

At the College of Professional Studies, we strive to foster a collaborative and engaging learning environment that emphasizes the practical application of knowledge and supports self-directed, motivated learners. Our programs are designed to build upon the unique background and experiences of adult learners.

A personal statement (two pages double-spaced, 450-500 words) written in your own words and unique voice, without the help of AI-based assistance, is required and should be submitted via the application status page. In your personal statement please answer the following questions:

How does your chosen program/concentration align with your personal and professional goals?
In what ways will your work experiences, professional background, previous education, or other lived experiences enable you to contribute to an engaging learning environment?

Résumé

Submit a résumé via the application status page listing your current employer(s) and professional experiences.

Programs with Additional Requirements

Master of Arts in Professional Creative Writing
Professional Creative Writing applicants must submit a sample of their creative writing, preferably in the genre of the concentration to which they are applying. Concentration/certificate writing samples may comprise:

2-3 double-spaced pages of prose (fiction or creative nonfiction)
30-40 lines of poetry (single- or double-spaced), or
1-2 single-spaced pages of dramatic writing (monologue, play, or screenplay).

Application Form

Start a new application using your email address, name, and birthdate (you will receive a temporary PIN) at gradadmissions.du.edu/apply.

Application Fee

The $75 application fee is currently being waived for all applicants. The fee waiver will automatically be assigned once your application is submitted.

International Degree Evaluation Fee

Transcripts and proof of degree documents for postsecondary degrees earned or in-progress from institutions outside of the United States will be released to a third-party international credential evaluator to assess U.S. education system equivalencies. A non-refundable fee of $50.00 for this service will be required before your application is processed. Failure to submit the fee on time may cause delays in the admission review and decision process.

Official Transcripts

A regionally accredited baccalaureate degree (or international equivalent) is required for admission. Submit one official transcript from each college or university. This includes transcripts for credit earned as transfer work and study abroad. In order to be considered "Official" transcripts must be sent via postal mail in an unopened envelope that has been sealed by the issuing university.

Official transcripts can be sent to:
College of Professional Studies
University of Denver
Attn: Admission
2211 South Josephine Street
Denver, CO 80208

If transcripts are issued in a language other than English, an official, certified translation must accompany the original-language transcript.

Diploma/Degree Certificate and Appropriate Translations

Please submit an official copy of your final diploma or final degree certificate along with all appropriate official translations.

English Proficiency

All applicants, regardless of citizenship status, whose native language is not English or who have been educated in countries where English is not the native language are required to submit proof of English Language Proficiency regardless of citizenship and/or U.S. residency. See admission requirements above for score requirements.

Personal Statement

How does your chosen program/concentration align with your personal and professional goals?
In what ways will your work experiences, professional background, previous education, or other lived experiences enable you to contribute to an engaging learning environment?

Résumé

Submit a résumé via the application status page listing your current employer(s) and professional experiences.

Photocopy of Current Passport

Please provide a copy of the photograph and legal name page of your passport. This can be uploaded and attached to your online application. If you currently do not have a passport, you will need to make arrangements to obtain a passport before an I-20 can be issued by the University of Denver (the government document that allows a student visa to be granted). If you are submitting the online application prior to obtaining a passport, please email a copy of your passport to PSCadmission@du.edu once you have received it.

Financial Verification Form

If it is your intention to apply for a student visa, we will also need a financial verification form in order for the University to issue you an I-20. This typically takes the form of a copy of an official bank letter or bank statement and is used to verify that the student has enough financial resources available to cover the cost of attendance. If the bank documents are not in your name, please also submit a financial verification form.

Please contact the international admission counselor for the cost of attendance.

Programs with Additional Requirements

2-3 double-spaced pages of prose (fiction or creative nonfiction)
30-40 lines of poetry (single- or double-spaced), or
1-2 single-spaced pages of dramatic writing (monologue, play, or screenplay).

Apply Now

The admission committee reserves the right to request a phone interview, letters of recommendation, or other relevant documentation, when reviewing an admission application. Applications and fees are valid for the term for which you have applied, after which point you may be asked to submit an updated application and fee to re-activate your application file. All materials submitted as part of any application for admission to the University of Denver become property of the University of Denver. Materials will not be copied, returned, or released to the applicant or any third party.

Transfer Credits

You may transfer up to 12 credit hours toward a master’s degree as long as the graduate coursework and credit hours were earned within a five year period preceding the request for transfer hours from a regionally accredited institution. All transfer credit must carry a minimum grade of B and may not have been applied toward another degree program.

FAQ

Domestic Students

International Students

Why aren't GRE or GMAT scores required?

Scores don't tell the whole story. We rely on your other application materials to determine your potential.

How many credits can I transfer into a master's program?

You may transfer up to 12 credit hours toward a master's degree as long as the graduate coursework and credit hours were earned within a five year period preceding the request for transfer hours from a regionally accredited institution. All transfer credit must carry a minimum grade of B and may not have been applied toward another degree program. Transfer credit may not be applied toward graduate certificate requirements.

When do I need to request transfer credit?

All transfer credit requests must be made during your first quarter of enrollment at the College of Professional Studies.

How do semester and quarter hours convert?

1 semester hour is equivalent to 1.5 quarter hours.

What should I ask my references to discuss for my application?

Letters of Recommendation are optional unless requested by the Admission Committee. References should be completed by individuals such as former instructors, supervisors, coworkers, and individuals you know from community activities who can speak to your professional strengths and aptitude for graduate study.

What information should I include in my personal statement?

How does your chosen program/concentration align with your personal and professional goals?
In what ways will your work experiences, professional background, previous education, or other lived experiences enable you to contribute to an engaging learning environment?

Is every program offered online?

Every program at the College of Professional Studies can be completed 100% online. Note that some students require on campus courses for financial aid reasons or student visa requirements; please check with your academic advisor to make sure there are enough on campus course options in your selected program.

In my application, do I need to indicate if I want to take classes online or on campus?

No, you can choose between taking online or on campus courses throughout the program.

If I miss the application deadline, can I still take classes?

Yes, if you are a domestic graduate student you can begin taking courses in any given quarter even if you missed the application deadline for that quarter. We allow our students to take classes for one quarter before they have to submit their completed application. Please note financial aid cannot be applied to a course if you are not admitted to a program.

Will I be required to complete an internship for my program?

No. As the University of Denver's college of professional and continuing studies, the majority of our students work part- or full-time. Our course content is immediately applicable in the workplace and is enhanced by hands-on professional development. While we do not require students to complete an internship for fulfillment of their program requirements, hands-on learning in an internship/workplace is often an integral part of each students' program to ensure that they are maximizing their learning and attaining all learning outcomes.

When do I need to request transfer credit?

All transfer credit requests must be made during your first quarter of enrollment at the College of Professional Studies.

How do semester and quarter hours convert?

1 semester hour is equivalent to 1.5 quarter hours.

What should I ask my references to discuss for my application?

What information should I include in my personal statement?

How does your chosen program/concentration align with your personal and professional goals?
In what ways will your work experiences, professional background, previous education, or other lived experiences enable you to contribute to an engaging learning environment?

Is every program offered online?

In my application, do I need to indicate if I want to take classes online or on campus?

No, you can choose between taking online or on campus courses throughout the program.

If I miss the application deadline, can I still take classes?

International students seeking a student visa must be admitted prior to enrolling.

Do I need to attend orientation?

Students who are not citizens of the United States and will be attending the University of Denver on an F-1 or J-1 must attend International Student Orientation AND complete Immigration Check-in.

Dual Degree

Students with two strong program interests may propose completing a dual degree program, linking two master’s degrees, and in doing so reduce the combined number of credits for two individual degrees on average by 16 credits (4 courses).

Admission Support

Admission Team

College of Professional Studies Building

2211 South Josephine Street

Denver, CO 80208

303-871-2291

or 800-347-2042

PSCadmission@du.edu