Despite the Economy, Growth Continues in Graduate and Professional Programs

In fall 2009, the University of Denver enrolled 6,301 students in its graduate and professional programs, compared to 6,004 in 2008. The enrollment increase stems, in part, from a strategic effort to strengthen and develop programs that respond to market needs and student aspirations. In addition, graduate and professional programs typically do well during economic downturns. Although the 2008 recession left many individuals debt averse and short on discretionary income, demand for degrees that refresh skills and increase marketability remains steady.

At the Sturm College of Law, a strategic plan aimed, in part, at boosting the college’s bar passage rate called for a reduction in enrollment, allowing the college to focus on recruiting—and educating—the most highly qualified students. In fall 2009, the college enrolled 1,128 students, down from 1,179 the previous year.

Operating under a new strategic plan that recalibrates the size of its undergraduate and graduate programs, the Daniels College of Business enrolled 998 graduate students, up from 971 in 2008. To foster continued—but measured—enrollment growth, the Daniels College plans to hone its graduate programs to ensure small classes and personalized attention.

The Morgridge College of Education, benefiting from the leadership of a new dean, Gregory Anderson, also enjoyed enrollment growth. The Morgridge College enrolled 852 students, compared to 817 in 2008.

The Josef Korbel School of International Studies enrolled 486 students, up from 423 in 2008. This represented the highest number of students ever enrolled in the school. Interest in Korbel programs has been on the rise since it was named after its founder in 2008. New degree offerings and research centers also have attracted additional students.

Other programs also have benefited from the University’s commitment to enhancing graduate-level education. At the Graduate School of Social Work, enrollment jumped to 445 students, up from 401 the previous fall. Thanks to its recruiting efforts in Libya and to a program with Lockheed Martin Corp., the School of Engineering and Computer Science enrolled 269 graduate students in fall 2009, a 39 percent increase from 194 in 2008. Meanwhile, the highly selective Graduate School of Professional Psychology enrolled 229 students, up from 223 in 2008.

Graduate programs in the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and mathematics enrolled 467 students, compared to 453 in 2008. In addition, University College continued to grow with 1,106 students enrolled in its 2009 programs, an increase from 1,052 in 2008.