Prospective Students
Fall 2025 UHL Applications Are Open
If you have a high school GPA of 3.4 (unweighted) or greater, check your email for an invitation to apply
Why UHL
You have high academic standards and a natural curiosity. You enjoy learning and excelling, and you're ready to get the most from your college experience. That's why you're considering the CU Denver University Honors and Leadership Program. Our students benefit from a community of equally passionate students and courses taught by leading faculty members. Classes and requirements are tailored for you and your academic curiosity. We have diverse course offerings, community service opportunities, and leadership programs plus our UHL house where you can get away and connect with your honors and leadership peers.
Make Yourself at Home
Our UHL house is your on-campus home. Study, use the free printer/copier, make some coffee, or just hang out. It's our own on-campus house located on the picturesque and historic 9th Street Park! This is a great chance to connect with your cohort, other UHL member, faculty, and staff.
Priority Registration
You get the first pick on classes. Need we say more?
Scholarships
UHL scholarship funding and opportunities to apply for additional UHL scholarships
Academic Opportunities
As an honors and leadership student you get more.
- Your minor makes an impressive addition to your resume
- Unique courses taught by dedicated faculty
- The Four-Year Track replaces the majority CU Denver Core requirements
- The many connections you make with faculty members helps when it's time to request letters of recommendation
Applicants for admission to the UHL program must first apply to CU Denver as full-time, in-person, undergraduate student.
Admission to the University Honors and Leadership (UHL) program is competitive. In addition to meeting published requirements for admission to CU Denver, competitive high school applicants will have an unweighted high school GPA of 3.4 or above and transfer/upper division applicants must have a 3.25 GPA or greater. The general rigor of your courses, as well as extra curricular activities will weigh heavily in UHL admission decisions.
Students selected for UHL share a strong desire for an academically rigorous and challenging college experience and desire to succeed.
- Take responsibility for their own learning, for self-discovery, and for personal and intellectual growth
- Learn about and understand diverse and competing perspectives, viewpoints, and values
- Benefit from varied modes of learning
- Become responsible and contributing members of the UHL program, the university, and our global community
Now that you understand what the CU Denver Honors and Leadership Program is all about, it's time to apply. An academic honors cohort community is ready to welcome you right from the start - this is the stimulating and challenging program you've been looking for.
Take a look through the application information and get started!
I am a first-time college student with no or some college credit
- Applicants with a minimum 3.4 (unweighted) GPA will receive an invitation through email and the application will be available in the CU Denver Undergraduate Admissions Portal
- Upload the name and email of one person who can specifically address your preparation for an honors education
- Submit the requested essay response. Please take your time as both topic and writing skill will be considered
What happens after I apply?
- Once your file is complete the UHL Admissions Committee will review your application and additional materials
- You will be contacted through the portal with the committee’s decision
- Students who are selected as finalists for admission will be interviewed by the UHL Admissions Committee
- Once the interview is complete you will be informed of next steps
Program Details
Students who enter in their first year of college without CU Denver Core into our Four-Year Track complete 24-27 credit hours together, which includes completion of the majority of the requirements (you will still need math and lab science) and a minor in Honors and Leadership Studies upon graduation.
| Fall | Spring | |
| Year 1 | UNHL 1100: Life of the Mind (3 credits) UNHL 2755: First Year Seminar (1 credit) ENGL 1020: Core Composition I (3 credits) | UNHL 2755: First Year Seminar (1 credit) ENGL 2030-U01/U02: Core Composition II (3 credits) |
| Year 2 | UNHL Elective (3 credits)* UNHL Elective (3 credits)* | UNHL Elective (3 credits)* |
| Year 3 | UNHL Elective (3 credits)* | UNHL Elective (3 credits)* *During the 2nd and 3rd years, students will complete 15 credits of UNHL electives. |
| Year 4 | UNHL 4991 Senior Seminar* (3 credits) | UNHL 4992 Senior Seminar* (1 credit) *May be taken in any order, together or separately |
I have attended college and completed at least 45 credits or an associates degree.
- Applicants with a minimum 3.25 college GPA and at least 32 college credits will receive an invitation through email and the application will be available in the CU Denver Undergraduate Admissions Portal
- Upload the name and email of one person who can specifically address your preparation for an honors education
- Submit the requested essay response. Please take your time as both topic and writing skill will be considered
What happens after I apply?
- Once your file is complete the UHL Admissions Committee will review your application and additional materials
- You will be contacted through the portal with the committee’s decision
- Students who are selected as finalists for admission will be interviewed by the UHL Admissions Committee
- Once the interview is complete you will be informed of next steps
Program Details
Students who enter UHL with CU Denver Core into our Two-Year Track will complete 15 credit hours together and will earn a minor in Honors and Leadership Studies upon graduation.
| Fall | Spring | |
| Year 1 | UNHL 2755: First Year Seminar (1 credit) UNHL Elective (3 credits) | UNHL 2755: First Year Seminar (1 credit) UNHL Elective (3 credits) |
| Year 2 | UNHL Elective (3 credits) UNHL 4991 Senior Seminar* (3 credits) | UNHL 4992 Senior Seminar* (1 credit) *May be taken in any order, together or separately |