Nov 22, 2024  
2024-2025 Graduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Graduate Catalog

About the University


About Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver)

The City of Denver

Denver, also known as the Mile High City due to its elevation being one mile above sea level, is nestled on the high plains in the shadow of the stunning Rocky Mountains. Denver is a dynamic city filled with various options for urban experiences. Metropolitan State University of Denver is the premier opportunity university in the Denver metro area.

People from all walks of life are able to attend and receive a high quality, high value, education.

Just a couple of blocks from the MSU Denver campus students can find themselves in a bustling city known for a thriving arts scene, fantastic sporting events (Denver is only one of two cities in the nation that have all seven professional sporting teams), numerous outdoor recreation activities (Denver is one of the most active cities in the nation), and a booming foodie culture.

There are three sports stadiums within a one-mile radius of downtown. Students will also find the country’s second largest performing arts complex, an assortment of art and history museums, a coin producing mint, a river offering whitewater rafting, the country’s only downtown amusement park, a world-class aquarium, more than 300 restaurants, brewpubs, rooftop cafes, and music venues. The 16th Street Mall is a pedestrian promenade that cuts through the center of downtown and is lined with 200 trees and 42 outdoor cafes. After 6 p.m., the Mall comes alive with horse- drawn carriages and pedicabs.

Denver has more than 200 parks within its city limits giving people easy access to green space. Denver provides people with endless amounts of activities. The picturesque Rocky Mountains provide the backdrop for campus with 200 visible peaks; 32 of which soar about 13,000 feet. There is no substitute for the Colorado ski slopes, which you can find less than 60 miles west of Metropolitan State University of Denver. The mountains offer additional adventures; everything from snowboarding, to cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, white water rafting, rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, gambling, camping, shopping, dining, hunting, fishing, and a slower pace from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Vision

We are a nationally recognized leader for social mobility - where students of all ages and backgrounds build a better, more equitable Colorado through innovative and transformative education.

Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Mission

MSU Denver’s mission is to provide a high-quality, accessible, enriching education that prepares students for successful careers, post-graduate education and lifelong learning in a multicultural, global and technological society.

Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Core Values

MSU Denver’s mission, vision, ongoing operations and strategic planning are informed by a core set of values that define who we are - and aspire to be - as a university. They are: Community, Access, Diversity, Respect, and Excellence.

Community - MSU Denver is an engaged urban university that promotes mutual relationships between the University and the community, where we apply the intellectual strength of our faculty and the energy of our students to solve real-world problems. We benefit the economic health, cultural health and well-being of the community and promote the public good through the transformation of urban communities in metropolitan Denver.

Access - Inspired by the students we serve, many of whom are low-income or first-generation, our self-confident academic community breaks down traditional boundaries and takes responsibility for meeting the challenges of access to education in the 21st century.

Diversity - MSU Denver has been committed to diversity, equity and inclusive excellence since its inception. This is evidenced by our efforts to embed systemic practices to achieve a high-quality, culturally sensitive education; is reflected by our leadership, faculty, staff and students; and is woven into the fabric of our University.

Respect - We boldly seek a climate of mutual respect and reflection that supports different beliefs and perspectives and promotes the open exchange of ideas. Because we respect everyone, communicate effectively, promote transparency, embrace dialogue, cultivate trust and respect governance structures, we are consistently able to make decisions with a students-first mentality.

Excellence - MSU Denver faculty members are known for their commitment to excellence in student-centered teaching and scholarship. Staff members are dedicated to the delivery of high-quality wraparound services for all students. Roadrunners strive for excellence in all they do, embracing the challenges in front of them and rising to reach their full potential.

Office of Graduate Studies

The Office of Graduate Studies (OGS) at Metropolitan State University of Denver represents a diverse community of scholars and practitioners and is the central advocate for campus-wide graduate programs while providing strategic leadership for growth and quality. The Office of Graduate Studies promotes excellence in graduate education through leadership and service within the University and greater community. Leadership is provided through the initiation of dialogue regarding issues and trends in higher education; the development of innovative and timely graduate programs; support for improvement of existing viable programs; the endorsement of policies and practices contributing to high quality education endeavors; and proactive advocacy for graduate students and faculty. Service is provided through recruitment and admission of well qualified students; professional, accurate, and timely response to requests and concerns; the maintenance of processes and procedures that are efficient and consistent with academic policies; and responsible use of resources. The OGS is committed to building collegial and mutually supportive relationships with all constituencies to create learning environments that contribute to outstanding achievement in learning, discovery, scholarship, and service.