University College Becomes the College of Professional Studies

On March 11, University College, DU’s school of professional and continuing studies, officially became the College of Professional Studies. The name change, which has been several years in the making, comes from a desire to strengthen the college’s identity and name recognition, reflect the college’s role as a national leader in adult education, and align with naming conventions in higher education.

University College was established in 1938, one of several similar programs with the same name at institutions around the U.S.—most of which have also updated their names in recent years. 

Dean Michael McGuire says it became clear through research the college conducted that their name recognition was low and potential students and the wider community struggled to understand its relationship with DU. Furthermore, current students said they often felt a need to explain the college’s identity to peers and employers. 

“It comes down to doing away with some of the confusion to help potential students, current students, and our alumni more easily identify with us and who we are as a college,” he says.

The diverse programming that University College has been known for—including undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, professional development courses, and personal enrichment opportunities—is staying the same. 

“This is the direction that this space within higher education is moving, as the types of programming we have traditionally offered become more and more valued and in demand on campuses around the country,” McGuire says.

The new name will be rolled out over the next several weeks, with clear, consistent messaging aimed at different constituents and audiences.  

The goal, McGuire says, is that “folks who know University College will be pleasantly surprised by the change and, for those who aren’t familiar with us, the new name triggers thoughts like, ‘Oh, I didn’t realize DU had a College of Professional Studies. I wonder what that means. I wonder what they offer’—and they’ll check us out.”

New name, same value

The College of Professional Studies serves nearly 3,000 students who are completing their bachelor’s degree, earning a master’s degree in one of 14 different areas, or pursuing one of nearly 100 academic undergraduate and graduate certificates. More than 5,000 students are enrolled in non-credit courses. Fifty-five percent of students live outside Colorado, and 10% are veterans or active military. 

The college’s flexible scheduling, both in-person and online courses, and “concierge approach” to meeting student needs makes it a great fit for busy adults, many of whom are working and/or have families. Here’s what some alums have said about their experience:

Ashley Forest (MA ’21), communications management

“I knew I needed to enhance my knowledge and skills. I started my master’s degree in 2020 and, when I became deputy communications director for the Nevada attorney general, I immediately started using everything I was learning, including persuasion and rhetorical techniques, and strategic thinking and planning. It helped me connect with community members and break things down in a way that people could understand.”

Cory Doman (MA ’23), arts and culture management 

“My degree has helped me think critically about the bigger picture, what matters and what needs to be accessible in the arts. Not everyone has access—how do we get those people involved, how do we represent them, how can we support them? I now have the tools to understand how it all works, how it should be, and I can take that with me wherever I go.” 

Ellie Moran (MA ’24), professional creative nonfiction writing 

“There were times when I was wildly overwhelmed—because it’s grad school—but for the most part, it was really accessible, which I was so thankful for.” 

Paige Fraser-Hoffman (MA ’24), arts and culture management

“Getting my master’s degree strengthened my belief in art as a tool and vehicle for change. Even though it took me four years, I’m so grateful that I committed to finishing it because I walked away with so much more than I had when I started.”