Degrees and Programs of Study

Colorado Mesa University offers programs leading to awards in five levels: certificates (graduate, professional, and technical), associate's degrees, baccalaureate degrees, master's degrees and doctoral degrees. 

General requirements for each degree and certificate program are listed in the graduation requirements sections of this catalog and in program descriptions found under Areas of Study. While these general requirements are as correct and current as possible, some changes may occur as programs are updated.

Graduate degrees offered:

  • Master of Arts in Education (MA, Education or MAEd)
  • Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Leadership and Policy (MA)
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  • Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)
  • Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT)
  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
  • Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT)
  • Master of Science in Sport Management (MS)
  • Master of Social Work (MSW)
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Baccalaureate degrees offered:

  • Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS)
  • Bachelor of Arts (BA)
  • Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
  • Bachelor of Music (BM)
  • Bachelor of Music Education (BME)
  • Bachelor of Science (BS)
  • Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science (BSRS)
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
  • Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

These are programs of study that generally consist of 120 or more credit hours and provide extensive preparation in a specific major. Concentrations are available within many of the baccalaureate degrees.

Engineering: Through a partnership with the University of Colorado Boulder, students can complete a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering from the University of Colorado-Boulder on the Colorado Mesa University campus.

Pre-Health Science Preparation: Admission to the study of dentistry, medicine, optometry, physical therapy, and veterinary medicine usually requires the completion of a baccalaureate degree, often in physical or biological sciences. Students planning to enter one of these health fields should declare a major in one of the sciences after consultation with a faculty advisor.

Associate degrees are awarded in two broad areas:

  • Associate of Arts or Associate of Science (AA, AS) degrees are available in a number of emphases at Colorado Mesa University. Students enrolling in these degrees may be preparing for immediate employment upon graduation or they may expect the two-year degree to be the first phase toward a baccalaureate degree. All AA and AS degrees include the statewide common core of general education curriculum and, when completed successfully, meet the lower-division essential learning requirements of most baccalaureate degree programs.
  • Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees are offered in a variety of technical and vocational programs. AAS programs average two years in length. 

Certificates are awarded in three categories:

  • Graduate Certificates contain graduate level (5xx-7xx) courses. A student must be admitted as a graduate student to attempt a graduate certificate.
  • Professional Certificates are comprised of primarily upper division (3xx-4xx) courses. For a student to attempt a Professional Certificate after the student has earned a baccalaureate degree, the student must be admitted to study as a post-baccalaureate student or as a graduate student.
  • Technical Certificates are normally chosen by students whose immediate plans are a career in a technical area. They are comprised of lower division (1xx-2xx) courses. While the length may vary, these programs are usually one-year long and are designed to train for specific skills required for employment.

Non-Credit Continuing Education Courses

Non-credit continuing education courses toward personal, civic, vocational, and professional self-improvement are offered through the University’s Continuing Education Program.