Admission Steps

Nonprofit Leadership - Mission-Driven Operations and Management - MS

Admission Requirements

Terms and Deadlines

For the 2025-2026 academic year

Fall 2025 quarter (beginning in September)

  • Final submission deadline: August 1, 2025

  • International submission deadline: May 5, 2025

Winter 2026 quarter (beginning in January)

  • Final submission deadline: November 21, 2025

  • International submission deadline: September 8, 2025

Spring 2026 quarter (beginning in March)

  • Final submission deadline: February 13, 2026

  • International submission deadline: December 8, 2025

Summer 2026 quarter (beginning in June)

  • Final submission deadline: May 1, 2026

  • International submission deadline: February 23, 2026

Final submission deadline: Applicants cannot submit applications after the final submission deadline.

Degree and GPA Requirements

Degrees and GPA Requirements

Bachelors degree: All graduate applicants must hold an earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited college or university or the recognized equivalent from an international institution.

University GPA requirement: The minimum grade point average for admission consideration for graduate study at the University of Denver must meet one of the following criteria:

  • A cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the baccalaureate degree.

  • A cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits (approximately two years of work) for the baccalaureate degree.

  • An earned master’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution or the recognized equivalent from an international institution supersedes the minimum GPA requirement for the baccalaureate.

  • A cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all graduate coursework completed for applicants who have not earned a master’s degree or higher.

Additional Standards for Non-Native English Speakers

Additional Standards for Non-Native English Speakers

Official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), C1 Advanced or Duolingo English Test are required of all graduate applicants, regardless of citizenship status, whose native language is not English or who have been educated in countries where English is not the native language. Your TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced/Duolingo English Test scores are valid for two years from the test date.

The minimum TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced/Duolingo English Test score requirements for this degree program are:

  • Minimum TOEFL Score (Internet-based test): 80 with minimum of 20 on each subscore

  • Minimum IELTS Score: 6.5 with minimum of 6.0 on each band score

  • Minimum C1 Advanced Score: 176

  • Minimum Duolingo English Test Score: 115 with individual subscore minimum of 105 for Literacy, Comprehension, and Conversation and minimum subscore of 95 for Production.

Additional Information:

Additional Standards for International Applicants

Additional Standards for International Applicants

Per Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) regulation, international applicants must meet all standards for admission before an I-20 or DS-2019 is issued, [per U.S. Federal Register: 8 CFR § 214.3(k)] or is academically eligible for admission and is admitted [per 22 C.F.R. §62]. Read the Additional Standards For International Applicants policy for more details.

Application Materials

Transcripts

Transcripts

We require a scanned copy of your transcripts from every college or university you have attended. Scanned copies must be clearly legible and sized to print on standard 8½-by-11-inch paper. Transcripts that do not show degrees awarded must also be accompanied by a scanned copy of the diploma or degree certificate. If your academic transcripts were issued in a language other than English, both the original documents and certified English translations are required.

Transcripts and proof of degree documents for postsecondary degrees earned from institutions outside of the United States will be released to a third-party international credential evaluator to assess U.S. education system equivalencies. Beginning July 2023, a non-refundable fee for this service will be required before the application is processed.

Upon admission to the University of Denver, official transcripts will be required from each institution attended.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of Recommendation

Recommendations are optional and not required as part of admission materials. The admission committee reserves the right to request recommendations when reviewing an admission application.

Required Essays and Statements

Essays and Statements

Personal Statement Instructions

At University College, we strive to foster a collaborative and engaging learning environment that emphasizes the practical application of knowledge and supports self-directed, motivated learners. Our programs are designed to build upon the unique background and experiences of adult learners.  

A personal statement (two pages double-spaced, 450-500 words) written in your own words and unique voice, without the help of AI-based assistance, is required and should be submitted via the application status page. In your personal statement please answer the following questions:

1. How does your chosen program/concentration align with your personal and professional goals?

2. In what ways will your work experiences, professional background, previous education, or other lived experiences enable you to contribute to an engaging learning environment?

Résumé

Résumé Instructions

The résumé (or C.V.) should include work experience, research, and/or volunteer work.

Start the Application

Online Application

Start Your Application

Your submitted materials will be reviewed once all materials and application fees have been received.

Apply Now

Our program can only consider your application for admission if our Office of Graduate Education has received all your online materials and supplemental materials by our application deadline.

Application Fee: $75.00 Application Fee

International Degree Evaluation Fee: $50.00 Evaluation Fee for degrees (bachelor's or higher) earned from institutions outside the United States.

Financial Aid Information

Financial Aid Information

Applicants should complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 15. Visit the Office of Financial Aid for additional information.