Graduate and Professional Programs: Steady Enrollment Growth Continues

In fall 2008, the University of Denver experienced measured growth in its traditional and professional graduate programs, enrolling 5,691 students, compared to 5,666 in fall 2007. Just as important, the University continued its efforts to recruit highly qualified students who will add to the institution’s vital intellectual community.

The Daniels College of Business and Sturm College of Law accounted for 38 percent of all graduate enrollment—with the business programs enrolling 971 students, up from 874 in the previous year, and the Sturm College enrolling 1,179 students, an intentional drop from 1,234 in fall 2007. A similar reduction in enrollment is planned for the Sturm College next year as well, allowing the school to continue its focus on improving academic capability among students.

Enrollment continued to grow at the Morgridge College of Education, which exceeded its fall 2008 budget of 758 students by enrolling 817. When the college’s new home, Kathryn A. Ruffatto Hall, opens in fall 2010, additional enrollment growth is expected, thanks to expanded capacity.

The School of Engineering and Computer Science enrolled 194 graduate students, an increase from 161 in 2007. The increase is attributable, in part, to a number of industry collaborations at the master’s level. Under the leadership of a new dean, James Herbert Williams, the Graduate School of Social Work enrolled 401 students, up from 379 in fall 2007. Meanwhile, the Josef Korbel School of International Studies enrolled 423 students, down from a high of 464 in fall 2007. The highly selective Graduate School of Professional Psychology enrolled 223 students, compared to 217 in 2007. Even with this increase in students, the GSPP regularly admits fewer than one-third of applicants.

Graduate programs in the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and mathematics experienced a slight increase in enrollment—453 students, compared to 414 the year before. And University College, which offers both undergraduate and graduate programs, continued the steady growth in its graduate enrollment, with 1,052 students participating in its 2008 programs, up from 917.

Many of the graduate and professional programs expect steady, though not dramatic, enrollment growth in fall 2009. In some programs, an increased number of applicants has enhanced selectivity. For example, the Morgridge College of Education had an acceptance rate of 60 percent, relative to 76 percent in 2008. The Graduate School of Social Work also saw a rise in applications, with 621 compared to 505 in the prior year.