How to Apply to the University of Denver for a Biology Major: Biological Sciences BA/BS, Molecular Biology BA/BS and Ecology and Biodiversity BS 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). Biology 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. Chemistry, physics, mathematics, engineering and other majors are outside this article. The biology department pages and the course catalog are not published on the pages read, so for the required course lists check the biology department site and the Bulletin.

1. Degrees, tracks and how you are admitted

• Biological Sciences BA and BS: the program list says both majors include heavy coursework in the biological sciences and differ in other requirements. The BS offers a more intensive science and math experience, requiring a chemistry minor, a second minor of the student’s choosing and one year each of mathematics and physics; students can specialize in sub-disciplines within cell and molecular biology or ecology and evolutionary biology. The BA is more flexible, requiring two quarters of math and one year of chemistry with a minor of the student’s choosing; the page says many students, especially in the BA, add a second major. Much of the coursework is taught by active researchers, with opportunities for research with faculty, and the curricula can be tailored toward medical, dental and veterinary school and fields such as physical therapy and physician assistant.
• Molecular Biology BA and BS: both require a chemistry minor; the BA takes 44 credit hours of biology and 20 of chemistry, and the BS 50 credit hours of biology, the chemistry minor, a second minor of the student’s choosing, 15 credit hours of physics and 12 of mathematics; both offer a cognitive neuroscience concentration. Topics include cell biology, biophysics, RNA biology, endocrinology, developmental biology, molecular forensics and neuroscience biophysics; the BA suits combining molecular biology with law, policy or business, and the BS suits students heading to graduate or medical school.
• Ecology & Biodiversity BS: 49 credit hours of biology, a minor in another Natural Sciences and Mathematics field, and a second minor from any department; courses cover evolution, biodiversity, genetics and physiological systems with lab work and field sites; research opportunities named include invasive species, plant-insect interactions, evolutionary biology and forest ecology.
• Related programs (one line): the list also shows an Integrated Sciences BA (a customized science curriculum with a faculty advisor), a Biochemistry BS (listed under chemistry, with a biological sciences minor) and Biomedical Engineering; they are outside this article.
• Minors: a Biological Sciences minor is also offered.
• 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 biology; conditions for moving into a biology major 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, 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 biology or chemistry requirement for biology; this is not published.
• AP and IB credit (2026–2027, read by column): AP Biology 5 is listed with BIOL 1011 (4 credits) and 1021 (1), and BIOL 1010 (4) and 1020 (1); a 4 with BIOL 1011 and 1021; a 3 earns none; the credit counts toward the Scientific Inquiry: Natural & Physical World requirement. 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; AP Statistics 5 or 4 earns INFO 1020 (4). IB credit is given only for Higher Level exams in most subjects: Biology 7 or 6 is listed with BIOL 1011 and 1021 and BIOL 1010 and 1020; a 5 with BIOL 1011 and 1021. At most 45 credits can be awarded for AP and IB combined; credit for the same course is awarded only once. AP scores must be sent by College Board (school code 4842), students must take the exams to receive credit, and results arrive in large batches from mid-July. 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 biology, chemistry or math placement exams; this is not published.
• Research: the program list says there are extensive opportunities for in-depth research with faculty; whether research or a thesis is required, and any honors program, 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).
• biology competitions and supplements: the pages read do not say how biology 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 biology-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. Outcomes and related programs

• Outcomes: the program list says graduates can leave prepared for jobs or graduate work in a wide range of life sciences disciplines, including cell and molecular biology, neuroscience, and ecology and evolutionary biology, and the curricula can be tailored toward medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and other health-related programs such as physical therapy or physician assistant. 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 biology pages read.
• Degrees outside this article: the University also offers biomedical engineering and other engineering degrees; they are outside this article, so see the website.

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 biology; this is not published, so ask a transfer counselor or the biology department. Because the BS requires a chemistry minor and the BA a year of chemistry, transfer students should check chemistry credit equivalents early.
• 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 biology 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

After entry:

• The BS needs a chemistry minor, a second minor and a year each of math and physics; the BA needs two quarters of math and a year of chemistry; both molecular biology degrees need a chemistry minor

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.