Higher Education Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply?
Apply online by clicking here . You may also contact the Morgridge College of Education Office of Admissions and Enrollment Services at 800-835-1607, 303-871-2509 or by email at edinfo@du.edu to request Higher Education program information.
What is the application deadline?
The priority application date for Higher Education MA and PhD applications is January 5, 2009. Late applications may be considered on an individual basis.
What is the application timeline for academic year 08-09?
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December 1, 2007: Priority Application date
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Mid-January 2008: Faculty Committees Review File
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Late January: Selected Applicants Invited to Interview Days
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March 2-3: Interview Days--Applicants Interview for Academic Admission to the Higher Education Program, and selected Applicants Interview for Student Life Graduate Assistantship Positions
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Late March: Applicants Notified of Acceptance
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April 15: Applicant Decision and Deposit Deadline
What criteria are considered for acceptance to the Higher Education program?
The HED program takes a "whole person" philosophy when accepting students. Thus in addition to looking at your scores on the GRE, the admissions committee will also examine your transcript, letters of recommendation, statement of intent, and any prior experience that is applicable to the program to which you are applying.
How much weight is given to the GREs when considering an applicant for admission?
GRE scores are not the deciding factor for admittance; they are only one of many criteria used for admissions purposes.
What if I do not have GRE scores? Can I submit results from a different test?
The HED program requires GRE scores from all applicants. The only exception to this rule applies to international students who must have both TOEFL and GRE scores to apply.
When and how will I hear about the status of my application?
Applicants will receive an e-mail that their application was received by the DU Graduate Studies Admissions Office and will be notified if there is any missing information. Students are encouraged to check on the status of their application materials by contacting that office at gstadm@du.edu. Once an application file is complete, the file is sent to the Morgridge College of Education Office of Admissions and Enrollment Services to be reviewed by HED Program faculty. Please refer to the timeline above regarding admissions decision dates. You may also contact the Morgridge College of Education Admissions office at 800-835-1607 or at edinfo@du.edu.
Who should I ask for my letters of recommendation?
It is best to obtain letters of recommendation from professors or professionals who know you well and are engaged in studies similar to the program to which you are applying. Recent college graduates should request recommendations from former professors who can speak to your academic abilities as well as your character. Applicants with several years experience in the work force should request letters of recommendation from professionals who can attest to your abilities working with in a higher education or related setting. Recommendation letters are regarded seriously by the applications committee. Choose individuals who are knowledgeable about your past experiences as well as your goals for the future; and who know you well enough to adequately discuss both your accomplishments and potential.
Can I submit a graduate letter from my former undergraduate program?
For optimal consideration, recommendation letters should reflect current acquaintance and experience.
Is an interview required for admission consideration?
Yes, interviews are conducted as part of the admissions process. Applicants selected for interviews are invited to visit campus (see timeline above). If an applicant cannot come to campus, he or she will be interviewed by phone.
Can I talk to a student currently in the program?
Prospective students are encouraged to communicate with current students in order to get the clearest possible picture of graduate life at the University of Denver. To do so, contact the Morgridge College of Education Office of Admissions and Enrollment Services at edinfo@du.edu to request names and e-mail addresses of students who have given permission to be contacted.
I would like to discuss my options. Is it possible to set up an appointment with someone in the Higher Education Program?
Yes, prospective students often visit campus to meet current students and faculty or visit a class. These visits typically take a bit of time to arrange. For best results, please allow at least two weeks notice for appointments to be made. Contact the Morgridge College of Education Office of Admissions and Enrollment Services (303-871-2509 or 800-835-1607, or email at edinfo@du.edu) to place your request. You may also visit with faculty at one of the regularly scheduled information sessions (http://www.du.edu/education/openhouses.htm).
Financial Aid and other Financial Considerations
What funding/assistantships opportunities are available to Higher Education graduate students?
Students who are interested in being considered for any type of financial assistance must complete the FAFSA online application at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/) In addition to Perkins and Stafford loans, the Higher Education Program offers a limited number of stipends to students who are paired with a faculty mentor to conduct research in their area of interest. Continuing students often have the opportunity to obtain similar stipends for research assistance. There are also a limited number of Graduate Teaching Assistantships and Graduate Research Assistantships available to incoming students. These awards provide some tuition reimbursement as well as a monthly stipend. Scholarships are also available on a yearly basis to students in the program. For additional information visit http://www.du.edu/finaid.
What is the cost of tuition, and would it benefit me to obtain residency before enrolling?
The University of Denver is a private institution and tuition is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students. For current tuition and an estimate of yearly costs, visit http://www.du.edu/finaid/gradcost.htm.
Is health insurance available for graduate students?
Graduate students have the option of obtaining their own private health insurance or using the health insurance provided by the University of Denver. For specific information regarding the coverage under the University of Denver's plan, visit http://www.du.edu/duhealth/healthcenter/general/insurance.html.
What housing options are available for graduate students?
Graduate student housing is available on or near University of Denver campus. Information regarding on-campus housing, including building choices, dining plans and parking can be found at http://www.du.edu/housing/ . Off-campus housing information can be found at http://www.du.edu/och/ . This site provides links to nearby apartment complexes as well as information about roommate possibilities, transportation, and a variety of community services.
General Information about the Higher Education Program
When do the Higher Ed programs start? Can I begin anytime?
Higher Education at DU welcomes new students for Fall Quarter with a full day of orientation activities scheduled early in September, before classes start. Applicants to the Masters Program may also be considered for a winter quarter (January) start.
Is undergraduate coursework ever considered for transfer credit?
Transfer courses differ from waived courses becaise they reduce the overall number of credits taken at DU. In most circumstances, only graduate coursework is considered as transfer credit. If an undergraduate course had content similar to that of a required graduate course, a student may meet with the advisor to request that the required course be waived and a different one be substituted for it.
What are the guidelines regarding graduate coursework that I would like have considered for transfer?
Applicants may meet with the advisor to request that a limited number of graduate level courses be transferred into the Higher Education Program. Coursework must meet the Morgridge College of Education transfer credit requirements and cannot have been used as credit to a previously earned degree. The graduate coursework you wish to transfer in must have been completed within the last five (5)years, at an accreditted instituion, with a final grade of B or better. Transfer credits requests are arranged in conference with the advisor, and can be approved only during a student's first quarter of enrollment at the University of Denver. A maximum of 10 credits may be transferred into the MA program and a maximum of 15 credits may be transferred into the PhD program.
Is full-time attendance status required to participate in the Higher Education Programs?
Full-time enrollment status for graduate consists of registration in 8 credit-hours per quarter, or a minimum of 24 credit-hours per year, and is not a requirement on acceptance. Many of the Higher Education students attend full-time, but there are also many students who take part in the program while working full- or part-time.
How much time should I plan to complete the program?
A student in the Masters program is required to complete a minimum of 45 credits, which takes about two years when pursued full-time. A Doctoral student may take five to seven years to complete the minimum 90 credits required to achieve candidate status.
Does the completion of the MA in Higher Education guarantee my acceptance to the Higher Education doctorate program?
No, but students who show interest in pursuing a PhD, demonstrate success in their coursework, and are engaged in scholarly and research pursuits may be encouraged to apply to the doctoral program. Current students who apply to the PhD program are compared with other PhD applicants during the selection and admission process.
What can I expect to do with my MA or PhD in Higher Education after I leave DU?
The Higher Education masters degree prepares students for entry-and mid- level positions in colleges, universities or other agencies related to postsecondary education. The doctoral program prepares graduates to become mid-level to advanced professionals in community colleges, four-year colleges, universities, or other settings related to postsecondary education in a changing multicultural and global society.
Which faculty are doing research? How can I become involved?
All Higher Education program faculty are very active in their research interests. Most welcome student interest and participation and are often looking for new members of ongoing research discussion groups. For a description of faculty members and their research interests, visit the faculty web page at http://www.du.edu/education/facultyStaff/faculty.html
Does the program arrange for the practicum and internship placements?
All internships and practicum experiences must be approved by the program director prior to the beginning of the internship/practicum. Higher Education students are required to actively seek out internship/practicum experiences in their area of interest and complete the interview process. The program faculty will then facilitate the internship and practicum placement process, as well as act as mentor during the experience.