University of Denver

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Psychology and Counseling Degree Program(s) at the University of Denver

The University of Denver appears in our ranking of the 15 Most Affordable Online Sport Psychology Programs.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, salaries for counselors and psychologists can range from $26,950 to $70,100 and positions in the industry are expected to grow by 14 percent over the next decade. In order to meet the growing demand for counselors and psychologists, the University of Denver offers several degree options designed for individuals who wish to enter this interesting field.

The University of Denver offers a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Although the psychology requirements for the two degrees are identical, the Bachelor of Arts requires additional language instruction while the Bachelor of Science requires additional coursework in sciences. Students gain an understanding of research skills as well as hands-on experiences in clinical, developmental and social psychology. Students may also choose a concentration in Cognitive Neuroscience which provides them with an in-depth understanding of how the mind and brain work. Students sharpen empirical skills by conducting research in many content areas. Field experience is required as part of the program so that students can apply classroom learning to real-world issues.

The Master of Arts in Child, Family and School Psychology allows students to build skills necessary to help individuals in a school setting of all backgrounds and abilities. The goal is to provide knowledge on the various neurobiological, environmental and cultural factors that impact the development of a child. It is a hands-on program that allows students to seek internships and research opportunities. The program prepares graduates for licensing as a school psychologist in Colorado.

The Ed.S. in Child, Family and School Psychology is designed for those who want to work with children who have developmental disabilities and their families. The program provides an understanding of problem-solving skills as well as methods for making decisions to support diverse students, families, schools, and communities. Students who take an additional 12 hours of integrated core classes beyond the Ed.S. degree can earn a concentration in early childhood school psychology. This qualifies them to sit for the Praxis II/National Association of School Psychologists licensing exam, making them eligible for licensure in almost all states.

The Ph.D. in Affective/Social/Cognitive Psychology prepares students for careers in research as well as academia. Fundamental to human functioning, affective, cognitive and social processes are intertwined with all of psychology. The program provides training in creative research and students are able to work closely with faculty and peers using psychophysiological measurement, social cognition paradigms, eye-tracking, neuroscience tools and behavioral measures derived from experiments. Students may concentrate their studies in cognitive neuroscience which provides an understanding of how development influences are impacted by social and affective processes.

Also offered is a Master of Arts degree in Sport and Performance Psychology with an online sport coaching program.

About University of Denver

John Evans founded the Colorado Seminary near Denver City in 1864 when Denver was nothing more than a mining camp. Evans, a former governor of the Colorado Territory, wanted to bring civilization to the town, creating what was originally intended to be a Methodist institution. The school struggled financially and had to shut down for a few years. In 1880, the school reopened as the University of Denver although official documents still show the name of the school as the Colorado Seminary.

Because of the rough-and-tumble nature of the downtown area, the school relocated to land donated by Rufus Clark, a potato farmer, seven miles outside of town. Over time, Denver grew from a wild gold rush town to a cosmopolitan city and the University grew with it.

Featured Programs

One of the first business schools in the country opened at the University of Denver as did the first school of social work. After World War II, enrollment grew significantly as soldiers came home to take advantage of the GI Bill. US News & World Report ranks the University of Denver in the top 100 and it is ranked fifth for study abroad participation. The Carnegie Foundation ranks the school as a high-volume research institution.

University of Denver Accreditation Details

The University of Denver is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, which sets high standards for schools throughout the country. The University of Denver meets criteria in areas such as academic mission, strategy, resources, teaching effectiveness and other factors that the Commission has determined indicate high-quality education., indicating that the university meets the highest standards for universities in the United States. The Higher Learning Commission sets standards of integrity, issuing accreditation status based on the academic mission, strategy, resources, teaching effectiveness and other criteria that indicate excellence in education. In addition to regional accreditation, programs at the University of Denver are accredited by the following institutions:

  • Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
  • American Bar Association
  • American Chemical Society
  • American Library Association
  • American Psychological Association
  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
  • Council on Social Work Education
  • National Association of Schools of Art and Design
  • National Association of Schools of Music

University of Denver Admission Requirements

Applicants who have not earned college credit after graduating high school must provide official ACT or SAT scores along with official high school transcripts. Supplements to the application such as essays and recommendations must also be provided. Applicants who have earned college credit after high school graduation must complete the same application and provide the same supplemental documents. They must also provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

Graduate applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. They must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities. All applicants must have an undergraduate GPA of 2.5 in order to apply and some programs require official GMAT, LSAT, GRE or MAT test scores.

The University of Denver Tuition and Financial Aid

Undergraduate tuition at the University of Denver is $1,320 per credit hour. Full-time graduate tuition for the Child, Family and School Psychology program is $31,680 for 24 credits and for the Psychology program $47,520 for 36 credits. The Affective, Social, Cognitive Psychology program tuition is $31,680 for 24 credits.

Financial aid is available and students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify. Currently, 84 percent of undergraduate students receive some type of financial aid. Aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans.

The University of Denver Financial Aid Office manages federal aid like loans and grants for graduate students, but students will need to research scholarships and fellowships for graduate education on their own. Financial aid packages for graduate students normally include loans, fellowships or assistantships.

The University of Denver continues to embody the spirit of exploration and discovery that helped them get their start more than 100 years ago. It is a private institution built on research and collaboration with nationally recognized academic programs. The University of Denver has a deep commitment to promoting inclusion, empowering individuals to make a difference and creating forward-looking graduates with a desire to improve the world on a local, regional, national and global level.

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