Online Programs

About this Program

Our BA in anthropology takes a holistic approach to the study of human physical and cultural difference across time and space. An interdisciplinary field, anthropology draws on expertise from across the arts, humanities, and social and natural sciences at DU.

Through courses centered around social change, human rights, environmental issues, material culture, technology, science and more, you'll gain an understanding of the diversity of human thought and behavior while developing practical research skills. You can garner distinction in the major by specializing in one of its core areas of study: archaeology, cultural anthropology, and museum and heritage studies.

Faculty across the department are committed to hands-on, experiential learning that goes beyond the classroom and into the laboratory, museum, gallery and field settings. DU's own Museum of Anthropology serves as a public-facing, community-engaged space for you to gain real-world experience. 

In our labs and museums, you can hone professional skills, from interviewing, surveying and photography, to conservation, exhibition design and project management. 

Graduates go on to pursue careers in research, cultural heritage management, museum work, public health, environmental conservation, education, foreign policy, and human rights and advocacy.

About this Program

Students who receive a BA from DU's renowned art program develop a well-rounded foundation in the practices and history of visual art. We offer broad education and training in art techniques, theory and criticism, and you'll gain experience with a range of media from painting to ceramics. Meanwhile, you'll develop valuable historical context as you work to find your artistic voice. Upper-level electives allow you to specialize in whatever captivates you, whether that's portrait photography or screen printing.

As part of this major, you're required to complete a minor or an additional major. This flexibility allows you to acquire relevant skills in related areas across the university. Students who earn a BA can double major in journalism to prepare for a career in media or advertising, in art history to prepare for a curatorial career, or even in business for a career in nonprofit arts management. Many alumni have gone on to pursue graduate study or employment in a range of art-related fields. 

The School of Art and Art History also offers a BFA in Studio Art.

About this Program

Explore the rich history of artistic expression with a BA in art history. As a student, you’ll extend your critical thinking skills through engaging coursework while diving into your own unique areas of interest. Whether you take a course on Islamic mosques, Medieval saints or women and art, you'll explore how the visual arts reflect and shape cultures. We’ll help you combine classroom skills with career-relevant experience to form a diverse, solid and professional skill set.

Denver’s many art institutions allow us to offer both academic knowledge and hands-on experience. Students frequently work on projects at the Denver Art Museum, the Clyfford Still Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver. Students also have access to employment, volunteer and classroom opportunities at the University of Denver’s Vicki Myhren Gallery and the Madden Museum of Fine Art.

About this Program

You’ll explore the literatures, cultures, visual and performing arts, religions, histories, politics and economies of Asian countries with esteemed faculty. These scholars come from diverse disciplinary backgrounds centered around East Asian, especially Chinese and Japanese, and South Asian cultures and languages. You'll pair this cultural knowledge with advanced training in an Asian language and you're encouraged to deepen your experience further by studying abroad for up to a year.

This immersive approach develops real-world skills for careers in areas like international business, international law, government service and education. You'll learn the skills in Asian languages and knowledge of Asian cultures to succeed in a variety of postgraduate endeavors.

About this Program

The University of Denver's undergraduate program in biological sciences includes options for both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science. While both majors include heavy coursework in the biological sciences, they differ in other aspects of their curricula. Students pursuing the BA complete two quarters of math and one year of chemistry in conjunction with a different minor.

By offering students a broad foundation in biology, the Bachelor of Arts opens up a range of career options that combine a strong background in biology with other disciplines. Major strengths of the department include the prevalence of small, specialized courses taught by active researchers in the discipline as well as the opportunity to conduct in-depth research with our faculty.

About this Program

The University of Denver's bachelor of arts in chemistry stresses breadth, with fewer required chemistry courses than other chemistry degree options. This degree is designed to provide excellent preparation for secondary school science teachers, as well as for individuals who are considering careers in interdisciplinary fields such as environmental law and technology development.

As they work with faculty who are leaders in their research fields, our students enjoy small class sizes and informal settings. Students complete 40 credit hours of chemistry courses, many of which include experimental practice with state-of-the-art equipment. In addition, our BA students complete 12 credit hours of mathematics and 15 credit hours of physics.

About this Program

Communication matters. From interactions with communities and cultures to work presentations to participation in democracy, communication plays a crucial role in shaping the world around us. By pursuing a BA in communication studies, you'll hone your practical communication skills as you lay the foundation for ethical and effective communication.

Our courses explore the role of communication in fostering high-quality human relations in interpersonal, organizational, cultural and public contexts. With flexible requirements, you are able to customize your experience to align with your interests and career goals.

Employers actively seek the career skills our students develop, including integrity, leadership, teamwork and the ability to analyze information and articulate ideas. Graduates pursue careers in fields as wide ranging as education, law, business, public relations, advertising, social work and human resources. 

About this Program

Our BA in criminology provides you with the foundation to think critically about crime, law and justice. In addition to learning theory and methods, you'll examine structural foundations of crime, deviance and social control.

Our low student-to-faculty ratio allows professors to advise you according to your individual passions and career goals. As you develop specific areas of interest, you can delve deeper into the creation and application of criminal law, the causes of crime or societal responses to lawbreaking.  Your exploration of these topics can culminate in a senior thesis.

Majors often go on to law or graduate school, or pursue careers in social- and human-service occupations related to criminal, juvenile and social justice. Others pursue graduate study in criminology, law and other social sciences.

About this Program

With a BA in Critical Race and Ethnic Studies, you'll examine race and ethnicity in social, political and cultural contexts that are both contemporary and historical. Our dynamic courses unpack race relations both in the U.S. and globally. Throughout your studies, you're encouraged to build on critical theory in the classroom by practicing ethically engaged citizenship. 

A deep understanding of race and ethnicity studies provides excellent training for careers in areas like business and law, education, journalism and the arts, social work and nonprofits, government and public policy agencies, and science and technology fields. We also offer a minor in Critical Race and Ethnic Studies.

About this Program

With our BA in economics, you'll build an in-depth understanding of economic growth and development locally, nationally and globally. Faculty challenge you to think critically as you research social and government policy alternatives and apply your findings both inside and outside the classroom. In this major, you can investigate the environmental impact of economic activities and study the relationship between financial markets and the economy.

Emphasizing conceptual understandings in addition to quantitative skills, we challenge you to explore new theories through heterodox economics. You can analyze economic structural changes and learn theories of business cycles, as well as investigate the choices and consequences of government policy alternatives. Once you've narrowed down an area of interest, you can complete an honors thesis.

Our program prepares students for careers in business, banking, government and education. Graduates hold positions in private industry and government as leaders, consultants or advisors. Economics is also a good foundation for students interested in pursuing advanced degrees in law, business and international studies.

About this Program

Creatively shape the future of media with a BA in emergent digital practices (EDP). Our EDP program brings together art, design, media, culture and technology studies in a hands-on, project-based, collaborative environment. 

You'll learn principles of creative software development, sound design and visual presentation, along with essential skills required to navigate a career in tech or the arts and design.. A BA in emergent digital practices positions you to succeed as an art director, game artist or software designer, among many other positions.

The BA focuses on emerging digital technologies as a broader cultural phenomenon that intersects with a range of other areas of study and career fields. EDP invites students to work together to develop strategies and processes for addressing interdisciplinary topics. Together, EDP faculty and students strive to innovate new forms of art, experiences, media and ways of knowing.

The EDP minor is a strong addition to a number of majors, including computer science, game development, marketing, psychology and anthropology. Minor students build a broad foundation in the digital arts, while also creating their own pathway as they focus on courses related to their interests.

About this Program

In our BA program, you'll engage historical and contemporary texts in depth, while also developing critical and creative writing experience.

You'll hone interpretive skills by connecting words on the page to broader social, economic, cultural and political conditions. You'll not only read texts, but craft your own, with opportunities to write poetry, long-form essays, short stories and research-driven projects. Our program offers concentrations in literary studies, creative writing or English education.

Outside the classroom, gain hands-on experience managing, editing and publishing with Foothills, the undergraduate literary journal. Or intern with our partner, Tethered by Letters, to hone publishing and editing techniques. You can also take these skills beyond campus by studying abroad.

Our BA in English develops critical thinking, reading and writing abilities essential to graduate studies and a wide range of careers. Writing-based roles in publishing, marketing, law, nonprofits and technology are ever-expanding. We offer specific programs in publishing, education and professional writing to help you develop these career skill sets.

About this Program

As the conversation around the global climate has overtaken both the public and scientific spheres, the need for trained environmental scientists has grown rapidly. The BA in environmental science covers a range of environmental issues, from climate change, air and water quality and resource preservation to sustainable development and waste management. Our program is founded on a hands-on approach to scientific exploration, meaning you'll have the chance to participate in field studies and travel to diverse locations to gather a truly expansive knowledge of environmental science.

As you learn about issues of environmental preservation and discover solutions to challenging global problems, you'll have the opportunity to explore a variety of other disciplines. The BA program is flexible and allows you to take courses across other fields to complement your degree. With the environmental science BA, students have gone on to careers in conservation, resource management, policy and many other fields with a focus on the health and preservation of the natural world.

About this Program

Our BA in French and Francophone Studies hones your speaking, reading and translation skills while deepening your critical understanding of France and the Francophone world.

You'll receive an immersive language experience by studying literature, culture and film and by engaging in discussions and analyses with faculty and classmates. Take these studies a step further by completing a senior thesis in French and earning distinction in the major.

Outside the classroom, you can join the DU Francoscope Club, explore internship opportunities or study abroad in places like France, Senegal, Madagascar, Quebec, Belgium, Switzerland and Morocco.

Our graduates go on to become artists, computer programmers, translators, NGO directors and lawyers. And with French-speaking Canada as the United States’ most important export market, French-speakers have opportunities to excel in international commerce and business.

About this Program

Are you eager to explore the role gender plays in the construction of identities and the social and political organization of society and culture? Our cross-disciplinary program offers a vibrant and rigorous course of study in this important and growing field. As you advance, you'll find opportunities for internships, awards and study abroad.

Upon graduating, many students pursue graduate studies in fields such as law, social work or education. Others launch a career in a variety of public service or private industry roles, including health, counseling, government, community work, politics, business, social services, spiritual leadership, environment, media and the arts.

This program includes exploration of the following areas:

• History of the varied and changing ways that societies have defined gender.
• Theory of how Women’s Studies, Queer Studies and Gender Studies have developed.
• Institutions and power of how gender identity is constructed.
• Intersectionality of gender identities, recognizing that gender cannot be studied in isolation from social structures.
• Rhetoric of how gender definitions and roles are expressed in linguistic structures.

About this Program

Our BA in geography offers students various areas of study, including physical geography, human geography, human-environment interaction, applied geography and geographic information science. The degree prepares students for careers in education, resource management, economic development, urban planning and academia.

In our BA program, students can develop a scientific understanding of environmental issues, balancing the technical and social solutions to environmental problem solving. The curriculum's primary goal is to provide students a foundation in geographic principles and perspectives, as well as the professional skills to put them into practice.

Skills you can hone in our BA program include:

• Problem recognition and solution development
• Use of technical tools, such as GIS, manual and computer-assisted remote sensing, and cartography
• Field and laboratory techniques

About this Program

Welcome to the German Program at DU—a place where students from diverse backgrounds, abilities, and identities meet to learn about the vibrant language, rich history, and diverse culture of the German-speaking world. Whether you are a complete beginner, an experienced language learner, or simply curious about exploring new ideas, our program offers a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

About this Program

A BA in history exposes you to the breadth of human experience. It's a pursuit of knowledge that combines the thrill of discovery with deep critical thinking, all while emphasizing hands-on experience. We offer opportunities to explore multiple geographical regions and chronological periods, with the ability to focus on those that align with your interests and passions. Our small class sizes encourage lively discussion and enable you to work closely with faculty. With resources at your fingertips, you're empowered to present original research by your senior year. 

History majors acquire a wide range of highly relevant skills—such as analytical writing, critical thinking, evidence examination and interpretation—that prepare you for a variety of careers. Many of our history grads hold positions in business, law, museums, education, nonprofit research and as graduate candidates.

About this Program

Engage the great global challenges of our time: security and human rights, poverty and economic inequality, climate change and environmental sustainability, gender equality and the state of democracy. Courses in politics and economics, language and culture, and environment and public health make for a truly interdisciplinary international studies program that can turn your aspirations into action.

We prepare you for careers in the international arena not only by developing your practical tech and communications skills, offering a rich array of study abroad options, and providing real-world learning experiences. Our alumni are business C-level executives, international diplomats, NGO leaders, politicians, lawyers and other public service professionals. Notable alumni of the Korbel school include Condoleeza Rice, Massouma Al-Mubarak, Heraldo Muñoz and General George W. Casey.

About this Program

Studying Italian at DU will foster your ability to master more than one language and culture, an asset as a global citizen. In the Italian major, you’ll study the Italian language and its manifestations in history as well as cultural studies from the past to the present. Our faculty work closely with students to build an understanding of the relationship between language and culture.

Any language study requires immersion, and we offer study abroad options that support a variety of student interests. You can study language in Perugia, learn about business in Milan and Turin, or enhance your understanding of Italian art in Florence. You’ll finish the Italian degree with the necessary linguistic and cultural background to pursue prestigious fellowships or attend graduate school in Italian Studies. You’ll also gain a foundation of experience to achieve professional goals in the world of business, international relations and education.

About this Program

Expand your experience of the world with a degree in languages, literatures and cultures. Our small, interactive classes and faculty experts integrate language learning with in-depth inquiry into multicultural understanding. Across our programs, you'll develop communication and problem-solving skills to tackle today's global challenges. Linguistic and cultural knowledge can be applied to a wide range of majors and careers, while offering opportunities for immersive understanding of human experience across the globe.

Students pursuing a major in languages, literatures and cultures can choose a concentration in Chinese, French & Francophone Studies, German, Italian, Japanese, or Russian. In addition to those six languages, minors are also available for Hebrew and Latin.

About this Program

Our BA in mathematics offers students a curriculum focused on theoretical and applied mathematics, helping students to develop logical and analytical problem-solving skills. The BA degree is a less intensive mathematics experience than the Bachelor of Science option, making it a better fit for students interested in a broader experience, such as those concentrating in finance or aspiring to become secondary school educators.

The degree combines easily with majors or minors in the natural sciences, computer science, engineering and related fields. The program also serves as excellent preparation for graduate school in quantitative subjects. Mathematics majors find employment in academia, high-tech industries, the financial sector and government agencies, with positions including educators, research mathematicians, engineers, computer programmers, financial analysts, economists and actuaries.

About this Program

Our BA in philosophy offers foundations in logic and the philosophical traditions of the ancient, medieval, modern and contemporary eras. Classes cover topics from ethics and perceptions of reality to the philosophical underpinnings of science, law and video games. You'll have the chance to specialize in critical theory, critiquing systems of government, racial, gendered and colonial power structures. 

Our philosophy students often find their studies are complemented by the pursuit of a double major. The versatile thinking skills developed in philosophical studies apply to art, history, math and physics, and many philosophy majors go on to pursue law degrees after graduation. Your understanding of logic can translate into careers in information technology and other reasoning-intensive fields. Undergraduate philosophy majors tend to perform well on post-graduate exams and have high mid-career salaries, according to the Washington Post.

About this Program

With major advances in technology happening almost every day, the physical sciences have never been more important. If you're interested in the forces that guide our universe, the BA in physics may be for you. With coursework that bridges the fundamentals of the field with advanced topics like quantum physics and electromagnetism, you'll have a strong foundation complemented by the opportunity to conduct hands-on research with your peers and faculty mentors. And since the BA program is focused on a broad range of topics, you'll be ready to pursue a diverse array of careers right after you graduate.

With a strong background in critical thinking and training across scientific and mathematical disciplines, our students have gone on to careers in research, medicine, information technology and computer science, among many other fields. You'll have the practical training to begin coursework in an advanced degree, and since the BA is flexible, you can supplement your degree in physics with one in a field that similarly ignites your passion. That flexibility means a broad range of career opportunities and the chance to gain a wide-ranging education in the subjects that matter most to you.

About this Program

Our BA in Political Science promotes an extensive understanding of politics by offering a broad course of study. You’ll analyze how people seek influence, exercise authority and justify decisions at local, state, national and international levels. In addition to studying politics, you’ll strengthen writing and speaking skills, evaluate arguments and collect, organize and interpret information from multiple sources, all while working closely with faculty engaged in cutting-edge research.

Our program offers internships, community engagement and study abroad opportunities, which help you gain practical experience, hone organizational skills and form a commitment to public service. You can also qualify for the departmental honors program and undertake an independent research project directed by department faculty. The experience you’ll gain prepares you for a variety of careers in public service, activism and advocacy, lobbying, education or corporate leadership.

About this Program

With a BA in psychology, you'll have opportunities to develop research skills and hands-on experience in areas like clinical, developmental and social psychology. Our optional concentration in cognitive neuroscience offers an in-depth understanding of the relationship between the mind and brain.

In our psychology program, you'll sharpen your critical thinking, knowledge and empirical skills across a wide range of content areas. Students have opportunities to participate in research labs and clinical work through guided upper-level courses.

About this Program

Taken in the new Scrivner Public Policy Institute in Korbel, public policy courses help students develop an understanding of policies concerning the world's most significant challenges, and learn how to make a positive impact through public policy. As part of our public policy program, you will pursue a second major in conjunction with your public policy studies, allowing you to focus on an area of interest while gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation for policy in that area. Students can choose from programs such as history, international studies, sociology, economics and journalism

Gain insight into the procedures and decision-making processes of local, state and federal governments and how to positively affect those processes. Graduates have gone on to enroll in some of the best graduate and law schools in the U.S., apply their studies to the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, and work as legislative aides for the U.S. Congress or as staff assistants for various branches of government.

About this Program

Why is religion so critical to understanding contemporary culture, economics and politics? Our BA in religious studies delves into major world religions with an emphasis on how such traditions impact today's global society. World-class faculty connect the past and present with a balance of traditions, methods and theoretical approaches.

In the classroom, you'll sharpen skills in written and oral communication, research methods and problem-solving, and develop a more complex awareness of human diversity. Religious studies is an interdisciplinary field that inspires conversation across disciplines, so we encourage our students to double major. 

Beyond the classroom, you'll have opportunities to visit local community churches, mosques, synagogues and temples. By directly engaging religious communities or local non-profits, you can discover the complexity of religious identity and practice. You can also encounter world religions through study abroad opportunities in places like Austria, Chile, India, Indonesia, Israel and Turkey.

You'll graduate with an in-depth, applied knowledge of cross-cultural analytical tools. Many religious studies majors go on to graduate school in law, religious studies and related fields, while others use their skills in business, human resources, social work, government, non-profits and journalism.

About this Program

With a BA in Russian, you'll hone written and oral communication skills, as well as a deep knowledge of Russian culture, history, art, literature and politics.

We actively support dual-degree seekers who want to pair their knowledge of Russian with majors like international studies, international business and intercultural communications. You can even build your study of Russian culture into an honors thesis project that will allow you to graduate with distinction in the major.

DU houses one of the most extensive university collections of Russian literature, and you can expand your knowledge of Russian further through DU's Russian Club. Outstanding Russian students are selected as members of Dobro Slovo, the National Slavic Honor Society.

Away from campus, local community outreach and immersive study abroad opportunities in Europe and Central Asia give you real-world experience in a region that wields enormous influence over global affairs. Because Russia is a political and economic international superpower, a thorough understanding of the language and culture means you'll have career options both at home and abroad.

About this Program

Our BA in socio-legal studies asks core questions, like: How does law impact our everyday lives? How do social institutions shape law? And how does law empower and constrain us?

Through our socio-legal studies program, you'll explore questions like these alongside faculty drawn from disciplines across the University. Throughout this process, you'll hone critical thinking and writing and can further develop these skills outside the classroom through internship and study abroad opportunities.

About this Program

Are you eager to study questions like: "Why do gender, racial and class inequalities exist? What are the origins of the self? How do groups make social change?" Our BA in sociology analyzes small-scale human interactions alongside broad-based, international social movements to provide you with both theoretical knowledge and practical, research-based methods.

Small class sizes allow professors to guide, counsel and advise you according to your individual interests and career goals. As you develop specific interests, you can bring these together in an honors thesis to graduate with distinction in the major.