Organizer Information
University of Colorado Denver is a public research university in Denver, Colorado, within the University of Colorado system. Its College of Arts & Media (CAM) offers undergraduate programs in Film & Television, Visual Arts, and Music & Entertainment Industry Studies, as well as graduate programs in Recording Arts and Media Forensics.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: University of Colorado Denver
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate / Graduate
- Degrees Offered: BA, BFA, BS, MS, Minor
- Academic Fields: Film & Television / Fine Arts / Photography / Animation / Digital Design / Illustration / Art History / Music / Recording Arts / Media Forensics
- Relevant Programs: BFA Film & Television; BFA Visual Arts programs; BA Art History; BS Music programs; MS Recording Arts; MS Media Forensics
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Rolling for undergraduate admission; program-specific for graduate programs
- Application Deadline: Varies by term and program
- Start of Studies: Fall, Spring, and Summer for applicable undergraduate programs; Fall only for CAM MS programs
- Application Fee: $75 for international undergraduate and graduate applicants
- Tuition: 2026–2027 international undergraduate CAM tuition & fees estimates start at $34,047/year
- Funding: Scholarships and other institutional financial support are available; eligibility varies.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
- The College of Arts & Media covers Film & Television, Visual Arts, and Music & Entertainment Industry Studies. Visual Arts programs include 3D Digital Animation, Art History, Art Practices, Digital Design, Illustration, and Photography. Film & Television offers BFA study in Film & Television Production and Acting for the Screen. Music programs include Music Business, Music Performance, Recording Arts, and related songwriting programs.
- The MS in Media Forensics accepts applicants from a broad range of previous academic fields, including recording arts/audio engineering, computer science, criminal justice, mathematics, digital design, photography, anthropology, and media/communications.
- Portfolio requirements are program-specific. Visual Arts applicants do not need a portfolio for initial admission. The 3D Graphics & Animation program requires a portfolio review after designated pre-portfolio coursework.
General Eligibility
- International applicants are eligible to apply to CU Denver degree programs. Undergraduate applicants are assessed through first-year or transfer admission criteria depending on their previous post-secondary study. International applicants must provide the academic documents required for their applicant category.
- For the MS in Media Forensics, applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree in a related field, although the program states that the prior field of study is open and lists multiple academic backgrounds among recently admitted students.
- For Film & Television, admission to CU Denver is required before applicants can complete the secondary Film & Television application. Acting for the Screen applicants complete additional questions within the CU Denver application, including a link to an acting video.
- Educational Background: Requirements vary by level and program. Undergraduate applicants require the appropriate secondary-school or transfer credentials. Graduate applicants must meet the academic requirements of their selected graduate program. International graduate applicants whose prior institutions are outside the United States must have their credentials evaluated according to CU Denver's international admissions requirements.
Language Requirements
- International applicants must provide proof of English language proficiency for full admission unless they qualify through an approved exemption or alternative pathway. For most undergraduate programs, the minimum is TOEFL iBT 79, IELTS Academic 6.5, PTE Academic 58, or Duolingo English Test 105, with specified minimum subscores.
- For graduate admission, the university minimums are TOEFL iBT 79, IELTS Academic 6.5, PTE Academic 58, or Duolingo English Test 105; individual graduate programs may require higher scores.
- Approved citizenship and prior-study exemptions also exist. Applicants who do not meet the standard undergraduate scores may be considered for the LynxDirect pathway, which accepts lower minimum scores.
Application Fee
| Applicant Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| International Undergraduate | $75 |
| International Graduate | $75 |
| Graduate applicants using an ECE/WES evaluation | Application fee waived under the stated CU Denver policy |
The undergraduate fee is non-refundable, with fee-waiver options available under applicable conditions. Graduate applicants opting for ECE or WES evaluation are not charged the $75 fee.
Tuition
| Study Level / Program | Applicant Type | 2026–2027 Tuition & Fees | Billing Structure |
|---|---|---|---|
| College of Arts & Media undergraduate programs | International | $34,047 estimated | 9-month academic year, based on 12 credits/semester |
| College of Arts & Media – Digital Animation | International | $35,589 estimated | 9-month academic year, based on 12 credits/semester |
| Graduate programs | International | Program-specific | Varies by program and enrollment |
The undergraduate figures are official tuition-and-fee estimates, not tuition alone. International undergraduate estimates also include separate living, books, insurance, and other cost-of-attendance components. Graduate total costs vary substantially by program.
Funding & Financial Support
- International undergraduates are eligible for CU Denver's automatic merit-based scholarship consideration, with awards listed at $5,000–$10,000 per year. Additional College of Arts & Media scholarships include awards for Film & Television, Visual Arts, Music, and other CAM students, with eligibility varying by scholarship.
- CAM also lists graduate scholarship support, including the Sean P. Coetzee Endowed Memorial Scholarship for eligible Media Forensics graduate students. Funding is competitive and is not guaranteed.
University Services & Academic Support
- The College of Arts & Media provides access to specialized creative facilities including digital labs, studios, recording facilities, darkrooms, photography facilities, and production spaces. Film & Television students also have access to internship and industry-learning opportunities.
- International Student & Scholar Services provides immigration advising, programming, advocacy, pre-arrival assistance, orientation, and ongoing international-student support. Academic advisors also assist international students with course planning and degree progress.
Application Requirements
Requirements depend on the study level and program. International undergraduate applicants generally submit academic transcripts and proof of English proficiency, together with the required application and fee. Transcripts issued in languages other than English require certified English translations.
Program-specific requirements include:
- Film & Television Production: CU Denver admission plus a secondary Film & Television application.
- Acting for the Screen: Supplemental application questions, including prior acting experience, motivation, and an acting-video link.
- Visual Arts: Portfolio not required for initial admission; 3D Graphics & Animation requires a later portfolio review after pre-portfolio coursework.
- Music audition tracks: Audition required; video and live audition options are available.
- MS Media Forensics: Resume, cover letter, two recommendation letters, academic background information, and the online graduate application are required.
How to Apply?
- Application Portal
Deadline & Timeline
- Application Opens: December 1, 2026 — CAM MS programs
- Fall Undergraduate Priority Scholarship Deadline: 1 March 2027
- Fall Undergraduate Deadline — Outside the US: 15 July 2027
- Fall Undergraduate Deadline — Inside the US: 8 August 2026
- Spring Undergraduate Priority Scholarship Deadline: 1 October 2026
- Spring Undergraduate Deadline — Outside the US: 1 December 2026
- Spring Undergraduate Deadline — Inside the US: 4 January 2027
- Summer Undergraduate Deadline — Outside the US: 1 May 2027
- Summer Undergraduate Deadline — Inside the US: 23 May 2027
- Film & Television Spring Supplemental Deadline: 10 January 2027
- Film & Television Fall Early Deadline: 1 January 2027
- Film & Television Fall Regular Deadline: 1 May 2027
- Film & Television Fall Final Deadline: 1 July 2027
- MEIS Fall Audition Early Deadline: 1 December 2026
- MEIS Fall Audition Regular Deadline: 1 April 2027
- MEIS Fall Audition Late Deadline: 15 July 2027
- MS Recording Arts Priority Deadline: 1 April 2027
- MS Recording Arts Final Deadline: 1 May 2027
- MS Media Forensics Application Deadline: 1 April 2027
- MS Media Forensics Admission Decision: By 15 May 2027
- MS Recording Arts Start of Studies: Fall semester
- MS Media Forensics Start of Studies: Fall semester
Location
University of Colorado Denver — Denver, Colorado, United States
Additional Details
CU Denver uses rolling admission processing for international undergraduate applications, but applicants should distinguish the university admission deadline from additional College of Arts & Media deadlines. Film & Television and audition-track Music programs have additional requirements and deadlines beyond the general university application.
The MS in Media Forensics is delivered in a hybrid format over a minimum of 2.5 years and includes concentrated in-person sessions.