How to Apply to the University of Denver for a Chemistry Major: BA, BS, an ACS-Accredited BSCh, and Biochemistry and Environmental Chemistry BS Degrees on the Quarter System, for US, International (Including Chinese) and Transfer Applicants

The University of Denver (DU) is in Denver, Colorado, and uses a quarter calendar (fall, winter and spring). Chemistry belongs to the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics; you apply to the University through the Common App only. Below, the information from the University’s website is organised for US applicants, international applicants and applicants from China, followed by transfer students. Biology, physics, mathematics, engineering and other majors are outside this article. The chemistry department pages and the course catalog are not published on the pages read, so for the required course lists and finer rules, check the chemistry department site and the Bulletin.

1. Degrees, tracks and how you are admitted

• Chemistry BA: the program list says the BA stresses breadth, with fewer required chemistry courses than the other chemistry degrees, and prepares students for careers such as secondary-school science teaching and interdisciplinary fields like environmental law and technology development; students complete 40 credit hours of chemistry, many with experimental practice, plus 12 credit hours of mathematics and 15 of physics.
• Chemistry BS: courses cover general chemistry, organic chemistry, quantitative analysis, instrumental analysis, physical chemistry, biochemistry and more, with courses in mathematics and physics; the page emphasises undergraduate research and mentorship; graduates often go to graduate school in chemistry, health-related programs such as medical, dental, pharmacy or veterinary school, or work as chemists in industry or government.
• BSCh (accredited by the American Chemical Society): the program list says the BSCh is designed for students who plan graduate study in chemistry and also suits the chemical industry; the degree is “accredited by the American Chemical Society” and is characterised by comprehensive exposure to chemistry and a significant research component. Students take 62 credit hours in chemistry, 15 more than the standard BS track, plus 20 credit hours of math and computer science and 15 of physics, and can pursue a biochemistry concentration through electives.
• Biochemistry BS: the program list places it with the chemistry department: a springboard to graduate study in chemistry, health-related programs or work as chemists in industry or government; degree requirements include a minor in biological sciences.
• Environmental Chemistry BS: a minimum of 47 credit hours of chemistry (general, organic, physical and aquatic) plus classes in biology, geography, calculus and physics; the requirements include a minor in geographic information systems, biology or sustainability.
• Minors: the program list shows chemistry minors (listed with both the BA and the BS).
• Choosing a major, timing, places: see the last item of section 3: the application pages read do not require a science major to be chosen on the application and do not describe a separate admission bar or quota for chemistry; conditions for moving into chemistry after entry are not published. The required-course lists (in the catalog) are not published on the pages read.

2. Preparation, credit and research

• High school courses: the first-year admission standards page says there are no specific high-school subject requirements and recommends 4 years of English, 3–4 of mathematics (calculus for engineering, computer science or business), 3–4 of science (at least 2 in a lab setting), 3–4 of social studies and 3–4 of foreign language. It sets no separate high-school chemistry, physics or calculus requirement for chemistry; this is not published.
• AP and IB credit (2026–2027, read by column): AP Chemistry 5 is listed with CHEM 1010 (3 credits) and 1240 (1), CHEM 1020 (3) and 1250 (1), and CHEM 1XXX (4, elective); a 4 with CHEM 1010 and 1240; a 3 earns none. AP Calculus AB 4 or 5 earns MATH 1951 (4 credits); BC 5 earns MATH 1951, 1952 and 1953, a 4 earns 1951 and 1952, and a 3 earns 1951. IB credit is given only for Higher Level exams in most subjects: Chemistry 7 or 6 is listed with CHEM 1010 and 1240, CHEM 1020 and 1250, and CHEM 1XXX (4); a 5 with CHEM 1010 and 1240. At most 45 credits can be awarded for AP and IB combined; credit for the same course is awarded only once. The University says AP scores must be sent by College Board (school code 4842), students must take the exams to receive credit, and AP and IB results arrive in large batches from mid-July and take a couple of weeks to process. A-Levels and certain international advanced-standing courses may earn up to 45 quarter hours of transfer credit, subject to review.
• Placement exams after admission: the pages read do not mention chemistry or math placement exams; this is not published.
• Research: the BS page highlights undergraduate research (“curriculum couples hands-on experimental practice with the latest scientific equipment”) and the BSCh has “a significant research component”. Specific research requirements, an honors program and any thesis are not published on the pages read.
• Competitions: see section 3.

3. Rounds, deadlines and materials (fall 2027 entry)

• Deadlines (no year printed; check that they apply to fall 2027): first-year Early Decision I and Early Action 1 November; Early Decision II and Regular Decision 15 January. ED is binding (you may apply ED to one school only and must withdraw other applications if admitted); EA and RD are non-binding. The FAQ gives decision times: ED I early December, EA mid-to-late December, ED II early February, RD mid-to-late February (another answer in the same FAQ says RD decisions come “typically by mid-March”, so the two differ). ED admits must pay a $500 non-refundable enrollment deposit by the date in the decision letter. There is no rolling admission. After a complete application is submitted by a deadline, there are 14 more days to send transcripts, recommendations and other materials.
• How to apply and the fee: the Common App is the only application; the fee is $65 and non-refundable; you can request a fee waiver in the Common App Profile for financial hardship, and Colorado residents can apply free during CO Free App Days (the code is posted each year). The Common App includes one essay.
• Materials: an official high school transcript (or GED), sent through Parchment, Naviance, the Common App, Scoir or other secure services, or by mail in a school-sealed envelope (transcripts from students, or emailed attachments, are not official); a required school counselor recommendation (the Common App Secondary School Report, the Counselor Recommendation form, or a letter); optional letters from teachers, coaches or mentors (the website does not require a science-teacher letter); an optional resume or Schoolhouse.world portfolio.
• Testing: test-optional since 2019; to apply without scores you must say on the application that you do not want scores considered, otherwise the application is incomplete; scores must come from College Board or ACT (self-reported scores are not used); SAT code 4842, ACT code 0534; no subject tests or writing sections; section scores are combined across sittings (superscore). The University prints data for students accepted for fall 2025: average weighted GPA 3.79, middle 50% 3.58–4.0 weighted and 3.4–3.9 unweighted; SAT average 1320, middle 50% 1230–1410; ACT average 30.5, middle 50% 28–33; there is no minimum GPA. It sets no specific high-school subject requirements and recommends 4 years of English, 3–4 of mathematics, 3–4 of science (at least 2 with labs), 3–4 of social studies and 3–4 of foreign language.
• How applications are read: academic performance is the most important factor, and essays, recommendations and activities are also considered; the University says it sometimes considers demonstrated interest (for example visits and contact with counselors) and states that it is need-aware in some decisions (a family’s ability to pay is considered).
• chemistry competitions and supplements: the pages read do not say how chemistry competitions are viewed in admission.
• Choosing a major on the application: the application pages read do not say that a science major must be chosen on the application, nor describe a separate admission bar or quota for chemistry or biology; the FAQ gives extra steps only for music (select a Music major). Each program page has a “Start the Application Process” link; ask Admission (admission@du.edu, 303-871-2036) how it works.

4. US applicants

• Costs (2026–2027, full-time 12–18 credit hours, living on campus; fall, winter and spring quarters): tuition $21,240 per quarter and $63,720 for the year ($1,770 per credit when billed by the credit); fees $1,584 for the year; housing $11,283; food $7,532; billable subtotal $84,119. Non-billable: books and supplies $1,000, transportation $627, personal $1,782, loan fees $53; the University’s Cost of Attendance is $87,581. The University is private; the page does not set separate in-state and out-of-state tuition.
• Merit scholarships: every applicant is considered with no separate application; $15,000 to $40,000 a year, fixed for all four years; you must enroll full time (at least 12 credits per quarter) and keep satisfactory academic progress; merit recipients who live on campus also receive a $3,000-a-year Residence Hall Grant (applied to tuition). Early Decision admits receive an extra $5,000 a year (up to four years; athletes on athletic aid and music majors excluded), and top ED academic performers have their full demonstrated need met. No chemistry-specific scholarship appears on the pages read; the University says more than 500 gift and endowed scholarships are awarded by departments, mostly to second- to fourth-year students who have taken classes in their major, with a few departmental scholarships for incoming students who are invited to apply.
• Need-based aid: submit the CSS Profile (school code 4842) and the FAFSA (school code 001371); the most common institutional grants are the DU Educational Grant (tuition only) and the Elevate Grant, which must be re-applied for each year and need full-time enrollment and satisfactory progress.
• State residents: the pages mention only an application-fee waiver for Colorado residents through CO Free App Days; they do not describe guaranteed or priority admission.

5. International applicants

• Application and deadlines: international first-year applicants have the same deadlines (1 November, 15 January) and apply through the Common App; the fee is $65 (payable by U.S. check or money order; for hardship use the fee-waiver form, with a school official’s signature, emailed to intladm@du.edu).
• Materials: transcripts sent by each secondary school in separate sealed envelopes to International Student Admission, with certified English translations if not in English (electronic sending through Naviance or the Common App is also possible); a teacher or counselor recommendation, preferably including class rank and other academic measures; test scores optional; ED applicants also submit the Early Decision Agreement Form. See section 6 for country requirements.
• English: applicants whose native language is not English submit TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test (DET) or Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE), or qualify for an exemption. The page states: TOEFL iBT, for exams taken before 21 January 2026, total 80 with 18 in each of reading, listening, writing and speaking, and for exams on or after 21 January 2026, total 4 with 4 in each section (the page’s wording, apparently the new scale); IELTS 6.5 or higher with no band below 5.5; DET total 115 or higher with no Literacy or Comprehension subscore below 105 and no Conversation or Production subscore below 115; CAE grade C or higher. All requirements must be met in a single sitting, no superscores (including TOEFL MyBest) are accepted, and scores are valid for two years; send them at least one month before enrollment. Exemptions: the final three years at, and graduation from, a school where English is the language of instruction; SAT EBRW 600+; ACT English 25+; the page stresses that exemptions are not guaranteed and recommends taking a test if your native language is not English. An optional interview (Vericant or InitialView) helps assess English.
• Aid: international students get no need-based aid (the page: “We do not offer any need-based aid to international students”), are automatically considered for merit scholarships with no separate application, and very few scholarships cover the full cost. International ED applicants can receive the extra $5,000 merit award but still no need-based aid. The University states it is need-aware in international admission.
• International costs (2026–2027, three quarters, estimated): tuition $63,720, fees $1,584, housing $11,283, food $7,532, health insurance $3,998 (it can be waived with proof of other adequate coverage), billable subtotal $88,117; books and supplies $1,000, personal $1,782, transportation $627, indirect subtotal $3,408; total estimated cost as printed $91,526. The page adds about $4,000–$5,000 per dependent per academic year for a spouse or children, a laptop requirement (about $1,000 for a new laptop), and extra costs for the summer quarter.
• Visas: visa information is not published on the pages cited here; see the University’s visa-information page.

6. Applicants from China

• Transcripts and diplomas: the “Academic Credentials by Country” page lists China. First-year applicants still in high school: transcripts for grades 10 through 11; graduated: transcripts for grades 10 through 12 and the graduation certificate/diploma. After admission the secondary school must send final official transcripts directly before you matriculate. Transcripts not in English need certified English translations. The page adds that applicants are evaluated in the context of their home country’s educational system.
• Gaokao: the pages read do not say whether or how Gaokao results are used and there is no China page; this is not published. Ask International Student Admission (intladm@du.edu). Huikao records are likewise not mentioned.
• English and funds: see section 5.

7. Accreditation and outcomes

• Accreditation: the program list says the BSCh is accredited by the American Chemical Society; it does not say so for the BA, BS or other chemistry degrees.
• Outcomes: the program list says BS graduates often go to graduate school in chemistry, medical, dental, pharmacy or veterinary school, or work as chemists in industry or government; environmental chemistry graduates can pursue graduate school in environmental science or work in environment-related fields. The international page says 92 percent of undergraduates have a job or enroll in graduate school within six months of graduation (its wording).
• Study abroad or off-campus programs: not described on the chemistry pages read.

8. Transfer students

• Who counts: the FAQ says applicants who took college-level courses after finishing high school, or who served in the military, are encouraged to apply as transfers; college courses taken before high school graduation (dual or concurrent enrollment) leave you a first-year applicant.
• Deadlines (no year printed; check): fall quarter: 1 April priority, 1 June regular, start in early September; winter quarter: 23 October regular (transfer checklist), start in early January (the international page gives 15 October for winter, so the two differ); spring quarter: late March start, “not recommended” per the checklist, contact your transfer counselor (the international page lists 1 February, limited space, case by case); summer quarter: 1 May. Transfer applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and spaces are limited; later applications are considered case by case.
• Materials: the transfer Common App; the $65 application fee (waived for active-duty military and veterans, Phi Theta Kappa members and TRiO participants, and otherwise case by case for hardship); official transcripts from every institution attended; if you have completed fewer than 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of college work, also an official high school transcript or GED; test scores optional.
• Standards: the page says the usual expectation is a GPA of around 3.0 (B average) or better, with 3.0 also competitive for merit scholarships, and it looks for challenging coursework; it welcomes over 200 new transfer students every year.
• Prerequisites: the transfer pages read do not state prerequisites or a GPA for transferring into chemistry; this is not published, so ask a transfer counselor or the chemistry department.
• Credit transfer: courses must reasonably match DU courses, with C- (1.7) or better; 1 semester hour = 1.5 quarter hours; maximum 135 quarter hours (90 semester hours), and 96 quarter hours (64 semester hours) from a two-year institution; you must complete the full senior year (45 quarter hours) at DU; associate degrees do not transfer as a whole but are evaluated course by course; grades do not enter the DU GPA; CLEP and DSST are not accepted; pass/fail courses transfer only at C- or better and count only as electives; credit is more readily accepted from regionally accredited institutions. The pages read do not state course-by-course equivalents for chemistry courses; this is not published. For Colorado community colleges there is a credit matrix, which you can ask Admission about.
• Aid: transfer merit scholarships are $12,000 to $25,000 a year provided both the FAFSA and CSS Profile have been received; transfer students and students living off campus are ineligible for the Residence Hall Grant.
• International transfers: an English exemption is possible for those from a university where English is the universal language of instruction and who have completed at least 30 transferable semester credits or both English Composition I and II; the international page adds that A-Levels and certain advanced-standing courses may earn up to 45 quarter hours of transfer credit, subject to review.

Checklist

US applicants:

• Common App; $65 fee; ED I and EA 1 November, ED II and RD 15 January (check the year); official transcript; counselor recommendation; testing optional (say so on the application)
• CSS Profile (4842) and FAFSA (001371); merit scholarships need no separate application

International applicants (including China):

• English: TOEFL, IELTS 6.5 (no band below 5.5), DET 115 and others, or an exemption; transcripts sent by each school in sealed envelopes, certified translations if not in English
• No need-based aid for international students; the University is need-aware in international admission; Gaokao use is not published

Transfer students:

• Fall 1 April priority, 1 June regular; GPA around 3.0; course-by-course evaluation, C- or better, up to 135 quarter hours

Sources: University of Denver, Undergraduate programs; How to apply; First-year admission standards; First-year checklist; Undergraduate admission FAQ; International overview; International first-year application; English proficiency; Credentials by country; International costs; Transfer standards; Transfer checklist; Cost of attendance; Grants and scholarships; AP/IB credit; AP credit table 2026–27; IB credit table 2026–27. Most application and deadline pages print no year, so check that they apply to fall 2027 entry; the cost and scholarship pages are labelled 2026–2027. See the University’s website for the latest.