Graduate Admissions

Frequently Asked Questions

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Do you have a question about the graduate admissions process at Daniels? Take a look at some of the Frequently Asked Questions about programs, application requirements, financial aid, immigration and test scores. If you didn’t find an answer to your question, please email our Admissions team directly or call 303.871.3416.

Application Requirements

Q: DO YOU WAIVE APPLICATION FEES?
A: As a way of honoring our valued alumni and those who serve our country, past and present, we offer application fee waivers to the following individuals:

University of Denver alumni
Current and former members of the U.S. military
Current and former members of Peace Corps
Current and former members of AmeriCorps
Current and former members of Teach for America
McNair Scholars

Q: ARE OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED IN AN ADMISSIONS APPLICATION?
A: We accept unofficial transcripts for applications. Transcripts from every post-secondary institution of attendance are required, including study-abroad institutions.

When candidates are accepted, we require official transcripts at that point in order for students to matriculate and register in a master’s degree program. For more information, email daniels@du.edu.

Q: HOW DO I SUBMIT A TRANSCRIPT FROM A NON-U.S. SCHOOL?

Along with a transcript, applicants with foreign credentials must also submit proof of the degree earned (for example, a diploma or certificate).

If a transcript and/or proof of degree is not issued by an institution in English, it must be accompanied by a certified English translation. For candidates educated in India, we require individual mark sheets.

DU requires a nonrefundable fee of $50 for third-party international credential evaluation.

Q: WHERE CAN I FIND INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLY TO THE DANIELS COLLEGE OF BUSINESS GRADUATE PROGRAMS?
A: See instructions for applying to master’s programs and instructions for the Executive PhD.

Q: WHAT IS THE MINIMUM OVERALL GPA REQUIRED?
A: The minimum overall GPA required is 2.5, with the average being 3.4. It’s important to note, however, that the Admissions Committee also takes into account other aspects of the application to make a final decision.

Q: DOES IT MATTER WHICH APPLICATION DEADLINES I CHOOSE?
A: While you should submit your application when it is the strongest, we also encourage you to complete your application as early as possible for best possible consideration. While seats are available through all of the deadlines, we do not recommend waiting for the last deadline to apply.

Q: I APPLIED LAST TERM AND MY APPLICATION WAS DENIED. CAN I REAPPLY, AND WHAT IS THE REAPPLICATION PROCESS?
A: Yes, you may reapply to the same program for a different start term. You will need to start a new application, but we’ll be able to use the same documents that you submitted the last time. In addition, you’ll be required to submit a short letter discussing how your application has changed or improved from last time.

Test Score Questions

Q: WHAT ARE THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS?

A: TOEFL: A score of 240 (paper-based), 587 (computer-based), or 94 (internet-based) is preferred to consider an applicant for admission (no less than a 20 TOEFL on any section of the test). Those receiving less than these suggested scores will only be admitted under special consideration for outstanding work experience, additional evidence of language ability or exceptional academic performance.

IELTS: A score of 7.0 or higher is preferred to consider an applicant for admission. Those receiving less than these suggested scores will only be admitted under special consideration for outstanding work experience, additional evidence of language or exceptional academic performance.

Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) Certificate: Students must present a minimum grade of C on this certificate as sufficient proof of English proficiency. Please supply us with your Candidate’s ID Number and Candidate’s Secret Number and we will be happy to verify your results.

Duolingo: A minimum score of 115 is preferred to consider an applicant for admission.

Possible Exemptions: International applicants with a regionally accredited bachelor’s degree from a U.S. institution and/or whose native language is English may be exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS/CAE requirement. Alternatively, if an applicant received a postsecondary degree from a formally-recognized/accredited institution and the institution’s only language of instruction and examination is English, the applicant may be exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS/CAE requirement. Please submit proof of these circumstances with application materials.

Q: WHAT IS THE TOEFL/IELTS WAIVER POLICY?

A: International applicants with a regionally accredited bachelor’s degree from a U.S. institution and/or whose native language is English may be exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement. Alternatively, if an applicant received a postsecondary degree from a formally-recognized/accredited institution and the institution’s only language of instruction and examination is English, the applicant may be exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement. Please submit proof of these circumstances with application materials.

Q: WHAT IS THE MINIMUM REQUIRED GMAT OR GRE SCORE?

A: The Daniels College of Business is a GMAT/GRE-optional institution, meaning each candidate must determine whether one of these exams will support their candidacy and merit. Scores from these standardized tests should be submitted with your application if you feel that they will strengthen your application.

Q: DO YOU ACCEPT THE GRE INSTEAD OF THE GMAT? IS THERE ONE THAT YOU PREFER?

A: Yes, we accept both the GMAT and the GRE. There are no preferences, but your scores should demonstrate a balance between verbal and quantitative skills. If you have taken the exams multiple times, we will consider your highest scores.

Financial Aid Questions

Q: WHAT IS THE COST OF TUITION FOR THE SCHOOL? ARE THERE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD OPPORTUNITIES?

A: Tuition and fees are posted by the Office of the Registrar. Please check here for current rates. Daniels automatically evaluates every single accepted applicant for merit-based scholarships; no additional application is necessary. These awards are based upon academic performance, testing results, relevant professional experience and other soft considerations gleaned through essays and letters of recommendation.

Q: IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN IN-STATE AND OUT-OF-STATE TUITION?

A: No, our tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students.

Program Questions

Q: DO YOU OFFER ANY STEM-DESIGNATED DEGREES?

A: The master of science programs in Applied Quantitative Finance, Business Analytics and Accounting, Technology and Analytics are STEM-designated programs, giving international students the opportunity of remaining in the country for up to 36 months post-graduation to acquire work experience. For more information on STEM and employment authorizations for international students, visit the ISSS website.

Q: IF I AM ENROLLED IN A PROGRAM OUTSIDE OF DU, CAN I TRANSFER TO DANIELS?

A: Per University policy, transfer credit toward a master’s degree is limited to 25% of the minimum number of credits required for the degree. For example, for a 45-credit program, students can transfer 11 credits. You will need to supply the syllabus and transcript to have the credits approved. If you’re far along in another graduate program at another university, you can apply to take non-degree credits through the Daniels College of Business and transfer them back to your degree-issuing institution.

Learn more about the University policy on transfer credits.

Q: CAN I DO A DUAL DEGREE IN THE MBA OR MS PROGRAMS?

A: You can do a dual MBA and MS program. To take advantages of dual degrees and receiving a reduction in credits on both programs, the student needs to add the second program halfway through their first one.

Q: DO I NEED TO HAVE A BUSINESS UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE TO BE ACCEPTED?

A: No, a business undergraduate degree is not required. We accept students from a wide variety of backgrounds. We do require that all students have earned a regionally-accredited undergraduate degree (or international equivalent) prior to enrollment.

Immigration Questions

Q: WHAT REQUIRED ACTION IS NEEDED TO SUBMIT AN I-20?

A: International applicants are required to provide certain documents in order to receive immigration materials from the University of Denver. Generally, these items are not required until after an applicant is offered admission. Review the University’s Requirements.

Q: I HAVE ALREADY USED THE OPT AUTHORIZATION IN MY PREVIOUS MASTER’S DEGREE. IF I AM GETTING A NEW DEGREE, WOULD I BE ABLE TO USE THE OPT AUTHORIZATION?

A: No, you will not be able to use the OPT authorization for two master’s degrees. For more information on OPT authorization, please visit the ISSS website.