This is part 4 of our blog series on career outcomes.

• Part 1: Where Do Our Graduates Work?
• Part 2: What Job Titles Do Our Graduates Hold?
• Part 3: What Do Our Graduates Earn?

When prospective students explore a degree, one question always rises to the surface:Ģżā€œWill this help my career?ā€

At the College of Professional Studies, most of our students are working professionals. They begin employed and stay employed throughout their program. But even for experienced adults, employability still matters. People want to grow, advance, shift industries, or strengthen their long-term stability.

Our employment data, collected six months after graduation, shows just how strong those outcomes are.

Employment & Further Study Rates by Program

(Based on graduate reports collected 6 months after graduation | Updated September 2025)

• Bachelor of Arts Completion Program: 95.4%
• Communication Management: 92.2%
• Environmental Policy & Management: 87.8%
• Health Informatics: 88.9%
• Healthcare Management: 89.5%
• Information Technology: 93.5%
• Nonprofit Leadership: 96.5%
• Organizational Leadership: 90.8%
• Professional Creative Writing: 86.9%
• Strategic Human Resources: 92.8%
• Supply Chain Management: 100%

Why These Numbers Matterā€”Even for Already-Working Adults

Employers value the skills our programs build.

The high employability numbers reflect market demand for the competencies our programs emphasizeā€”leadership, communication, analytics, policy, technology, human-centered management, and applied problem-solving.

Career stability rises with education.

Even students who remain in their current organization gain new credibility, new confidence, and new access to opportunities as they complete their degree.

Fields with high demand show exceptionally strong results.

Programs like IT, HR, and Supply Chain all show near-perfect or perfect employabilityā€”mirroring national labor trends.

What does this mean for you?

Whether you’re pivoting careers, preparing for leadership, or simply strengthening the work you already do, our graduates consistently achieve strong outcomes because our programs are designed for:

• Working professionals
• Real-world applications
• Career-aligned skill development
• Employer needs today and in the future

Your career doesnā€™t pause when you become a student. At the College of Professional Studies, your education is designed to help it accelerate.

Explore our graduate employment guide at see the companies where our graduates work, organized by program and industry sector.

DOWNLOAD THE COMPLETE GUIDE HERE

Questions about our programs or career outcomes? Contact us atĢżpscsupport@du.eduĢżor call 303-871-2291.

The post Are Our Graduates Sought-After? appeared first on PSC DU.

This is part 2 of a blog series on career outcomes.

• Part 1: Where Do Our Graduates Work?
• Part 3: What Do Our Graduates Earn?
• Part 4: Are Our Graduates Sought-After?

At the College of Professional Studies our goal is simple. We want to prepare you for work that feels meaningful, empowered, and aligned with your future ambitions.

One way we measure that impact is by looking at the job titles our graduates attain across each program. These titlesā€”drawn directly from alumni career outcomes over the past five yearsā€”tell a powerful story about confidence, mobility, and the transformation that comes with education.

Below, youā€™ll find a program-by-program snapshot of what our graduates report doing after they finish their degree.

Bachelor of Arts Completion Program

Common job titles include:
Director of Operations, Project Manager, Marketing Manager, Business Analyst, Human Resources Specialist

What this shows:
Finishing a bachelorā€™s degree gives adults access to mid- and senior-level roles across industries. This program expands horizonsā€”because it builds both foundational and applied professional competencies.

Masterā€™s in Communication Management

Common job titles include:
Director of Communications, Marketing Manager, Communications Specialist, Content Strategist, Public Relations Manager

What this shows:
Graduates become the storytellers and strategists every organization relies on. These roles demand clarity, creativity, and strategic thinkingā€”all core outcomes of the program.

Masterā€™s in Environmental Policy & Management

Common job titles include:
Project Manager, Environmental Specialist, Environmental Analyst, Sustainability Manager, Policy Advisor

What this shows:
Graduates lead change at the intersection of science, policy, and sustainability. They shape environmental agendas from inside agencies, organizations, and companies.

Masterā€™s in Geographic Information Systems

Common job titles include:
Director of GIS, GIS Analyst, Mapping Specialist, Cartographer, GIS Project Manager

What this shows:
This program trains graduates to interpret the world through data, mapping, and spatial intelligenceā€”skills that power industries from logistics to climate science.

Masterā€™s in Health Informatics

Common job titles include:
Data Analyst, Clinical Informatics Specialist, Health IT Analyst, Data Architect, Product Manager

What this shows:
As healthcare continues its digital transformation, professionals who can connect data, systems, and patient outcomes are in high demand.

Masterā€™s in Healthcare Management

Common job titles include:
Chief Operating Officer, Clinic Manager, Practice Administrator, Operations Manager, Healthcare Program Director

What this shows:
Graduates lead people, processes, and patient-centered systems that keep healthcare organizations functioning effectively and compassionately.

Masterā€™s in Information Technology

Common job titles include:
Project Manager, IT Manager, Systems Analyst, Software Engineer, Cybersecurity Specialist

What this shows:
This degree equips graduates for problem-solving and leadership across the tech landscapeā€”from infrastructure to software to security.

Masterā€™s in Nonprofit Leadership

Common job titles include:
Executive Director, Program Director, Development Director, Grant Manager, Volunteer Coordinator

What this shows:
Graduates become mission-driven leaders who mobilize teams, resources, and communities to create meaningful change.

Masterā€™s in Organizational Leadership

Common job titles include:
Senior Manager, Director of Operations, Leadership Consultant, Program Director, Chief of Staff

What this shows:
Graduates rise into roles where they guide teams, shape strategy, and lead organizational transformation.

Masterā€™s in Professional Creative Writing

Common job titles include:
Writer, Editor, Content Strategist, Copywriter

What this shows:
Creativity becomes a career pathā€”one built on narrative skill, message design, and the ability to communicate with impact across industries.

Masterā€™s in Strategic Human Resources

Common job titles include:
Vice President of HR, HR Director, HR Manager, Talent Development Specialist, Organizational Development Manager

What this shows:
Human resources graduates help build the cultures, systems, and strategies that make organizations successful. HR is no longer about administrationā€”itā€™s about leadership.

Masterā€™s in Supply Chain Management

Common job titles include:
Vice President of Operations, Transportation Manager, Supply Chain Director, Logistics Coordinator, Operations Analyst

What this shows:
Even in a challenging data environment, alumni roles reflect strong leadership opportunities in logistics and supply chainā€”industries that power global and national commerce.

What These Job Titles Reveal About Your Future

Across all programs, a few themes emerge:

• Our graduates move into leadership roles.
  • Manager, Director, Vice Presidentā€”these titles appear again and again.
• ø£Ąū Ä涮µÄ are built around career mobility.
  • Each program equips graduates with applied skills employers value immediately.
• Adult learners accelerate quickly.
  • Education meets previous experience, the result is elevation.
• Your title becomes a reflection of your purpose.
  • These arenā€™t just jobs. Theyā€™re identities shaped by the work you want to do in the world.

You can see our graduate employment guide at see exactly where our graduates work, organized by program and industry sector.

DOWNLOAD THE COMPLETE GUIDE HERE

Questions about our programs or career outcomes? Contact us at pscsupport@du.edu or call 303-871-2291.

The post What Job Titles Do Our Graduates Hold? appeared first on PSC DU.

Key Takeaways

• Applied coursework can extend beyond academic requirements and create real career momentum.

• Aviation education strengthens decision making, safety awareness, and regulatory knowledge critical to becoming a pilot.

• Experiential learning builds confidence by connecting classroom theory with operational practice in the field.

My Journey with First Mile Free

Guest post by student Ģż When I started Steven Arnoldā€™s Sustainable Transportation course (the very first class of my graduate program in Environmental Policy & Management) I wasnā€™t expecting an idea from week one to define much of the next two years of my life. The assignment was straightforward: propose a policy to improve transportation in Denver. Iā€™ve always learned best by doing, and I wanted something real to commit to, something that would give my studies structure and purpose beyond the classroom. So instead of writing a paper that would live and die on a hard drive, I set out to see if I could turn an idea into action. The idea came from my own commute. I live about a mile from the University of Denver light rail station. On paper, itā€™s ā€œwalkable.ā€ In reality, most days itā€™s not. Driving feels counterproductive, and while I could take a scooter or e-bike, the added cost on top of the transit fare makes it impractical. I quickly realized this wasnā€™t just my problem: about 75% of Denver residents live too far from transit to walk comfortably. Itā€™s called the , and it every single day. Instead of proposing another expensive shuttle service, I asked: Whatā€™s the simplest, most cost-effective way to close that gap? That question led to , a program that covers the first mile of any e-bike or scooter trip that ends at a transit station. No applications, no eligibility tests. Just hop on, park at transit, and the discount applies instantly.

The Advocacy Journey

The path from classroom idea to city pilot wasnā€™t a straight line. It unfolded in stages, each with its own challenges. It began with research. At first, it was just homework. I dug into ridership data, emissions numbers, and examples from other cities. Then came the hallway pitch phase, where I cornered city officials and explained the idea, often getting skeptical looks like I was selling insurance. From there I moved into pitching agencies. City staff liked the concept, but the answer was always the same: we donā€™t have money. That pushed me into the grassroots phase. I started running public surveys, presenting to nonprofits, and building a case that this wasnā€™t just one studentā€™s idea, it was a community-backed solution. Eventually, the momentum gave me the confidence to apply for a grant. Thatā€™s when I hit a wall: I needed a transportation management association (TMA) to be the lead applicant. It felt like the whole effort might collapse. But then Mike Hughes at stepped in. He didnā€™t just sign on, he believed in the project, sharpened the proposal, and carried it over the finish line. Support from partners like Zach Williams at , and backing from Lime and Bird, made all the difference. The final phase was the hardest: waiting. After pouring months of work into the grant, there was nothing to do but hold my breath and hope. And then, one day, the email came: First Mile Free had been funded.

Whatā€™s Launching in 2026

In early 2026, First Mile Free will officially launch at two stations: and . We chose these sites based on public need, but for me, it is especially meaningful that DUā€™s own station is one of them. The University station is the closest light rail stop to campus, connecting students, faculty, and staff to the wider city. Many in the DU community rely on transit every day, yet because the surrounding neighborhood is seen as higher income, it rarely qualifies for subsidies. The second site, ¶Ł±š³¦²¹³Ł³Ü°łā€“F±š»å±š°ł²¹±ō, serves Sun Valley, one of Denverā€™s most underserved neighborhoods where many families live without access to cars. Including both stations was intentional: they represent very different communities, but both face the same challenge of being just a little too far from transit to make it practical. Over two years, backed by nearly $190,000 in combined funding from Denver Regional Transit (), , and , the pilot will subsidize about 40,000 trips. Riders will save money, RTD will gain new users, and greenhouse gas emissions will drop by an estimated 65 percent per ride compared to driving.

Lessons From the Journey

I learned a lot through this process, and Iā€™d encourage other students to take their own ideas seriously. You donā€™t need a title or official role to make an impact; you just need persistence and curiosity. Here are three lessons I took away that might help others who want to turn a classroom project into something real.

1. Commit early and refuse to let your ideas fade when the semester ends. I decided from the start that First Mile Free wouldnā€™t just be homework. It would be something I carried forward until it became real. That commitment gave my grad school experience focus and direction.
2. Have faith in the promise of your idea. Too often, grants go to the same recycled proposals. What funders are really looking for are fresh, practical ideas, and those can come from students just as much as established organizations. If I had counted myself out, this program never would have gotten off the ground.
3. Approach the work with curiosity. Donā€™t tie success only to getting something implemented. Instead, commit to doing everything you can to move your initiative forward while also seeking to learn how local processes work along the way. That mindset turned setbacks into lessons, and lessons into momentum.

And even if public advocacy isnā€™t your thing, I hope you take something from this story. At the very least, know that if youā€™re around campus in early 2026, you can . Ģż

Frequently Asked Questions

Ģż

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This is an interesting time to be human. AI can do many of the things that we thought only we could do. It is very good at writing code, assessing security risks, designing web sites, and personalized learning. Indeed, name almost anything an IT person (or an educator) does today in their job, and likely someone right now is looking for a way for AI to do it better, faster, cheaper.

Scary, eh?

Maybe, but thereā€™s still plenty of space at the table for humans. While AI can process data fasterā€”way fasterā€”than any human, it also lacks many of the characteristics that we humans need and find so, well, human. And itā€™s unlikely to acquire them anytime soon. To be effective in our jobs and in our lives, we will continue to look to each other for connection, excitement, fear, sorrow, inspiration. Rarely is a technical solution complete without the personal element. AI doesnā€™t have those feelings and doesnā€™t (so far) do a great job of mimicking them. It doesnā€™t know how to struggle with a moral dilemma or how to make a difficult decision when emotions are part of the equation (which is almost always the case.

But will I lose my job to AI?

AI is certainly transforming the workplace. Unfortunately, as with any major change, some jobs will disappear, others will shift, new ones will emerge. The job you have right now might not have existed 50 years ago, or it certainly has changed over the years. So of course, the workplace will continue to evolve. Constantly update your skills and youā€™ll be fine. Employers will always need people with strengths in communication, judgment, empathy and imagination. Those capacities are not in AIā€™s wheelhouse, not now or in the foreseeable future.

Machines cannot replace our natural skills to care, to wonder, to dream. We are authentic in a way that AI cannot be. Technology can help us deepen our humanity as we learn to embrace our imperfections.

AI can never touch the one core thing that binds us together: our shared humanity.

The post What Does It (Still) Mean to Be Human in the Age of AI? appeared first on PSC DU.

Guest post by Key Takeaways

• AI adoption succeeds when the human elementā€”culture, engagement, learningā€”is prioritised alongside technology.
• Feedback loops and innovation spaces help employees feel part of the AI journey, increasing buyā€‘in and success.
• Leadership must make AI literacy and shared responsibility core to the adoption process for meaningful integration.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), the integration of human-centric principles is critical to maximize AIā€™s full potential while building an AI-ready culture. The success of AI adoption hinges on people and the ways in which they work, far more than on technology alone. But despite a demonstrated potential for AI to turbo-boost productivity and revolutionize work, most organizations struggle to translate AI potential into reality. Gartner reports that , largely because organizations rush into AI initiatives without adequate planning, workforce training, or change management. About 80% of workers report that their organizations have not provided training on generative AI, leaving a widespread lack of guidance in navigating these advanced tools. The result? Wasted time, frustrated employees, and growing skepticism about AIā€™s real value. To build the skills necessary for successful AI integration, many professionals are turning to an information technology masters to gain a strong foundation in both technical and strategic areas. A concluded that successful early adopters of generative AI technology focus heavily on educating, upskilling, and reskilling staff to create a new mindset and culture that embraces AI. Here are three human-centered priorities for AI adoption that will improve AI project success and build a workforce that is better prepared for the transformative changes that are coming.

1.ĢżĢżĢżĢż AI Literacy as the First Step to AI Success

Leading companies are embracing AI literacy programs designed to equip employees with both technological knowledge and practical application skills. Instead of treating AI as a tool for a select few experts, successful organizations are making AI knowledge accessible to employees at all levels. Widespread AI literacy helps bridge the gap between IT and business staff by enabling good communication, and fosters the kind of employee confidence that reduces fear and resistance. Furthermore, it helps maximize effective AI use: when employees understand AI, they can better identify opportunities to apply it in their work.

2.ĢżĢżĢżĢż ĢżUpskilling and Reskilling Prepares Workers for Change

The World Economic Forum noted that , with more than 40% of companies foreseeing major job disruptions as AI automates some tasks. Companies that invest in upskilling and reskilling can take better advantage of new AI capabilities and retain productive talent rather than replace it. Organizations that only focus on AI literacy without acknowledging the need for more specific training may struggle to see real productivity gains from AI adoption. But companies that develop general AI knowledge while also preparing staff with focused AI training and new skills as workflows and business needs evolve will see more successful AI projects.

3.ĢżĢżĢżĢż Organizational Change Management for AI Adoption

Much like any technology effort, the likelihood of AI adoption success depends more on business process change and human behavior change than the technical deployment. Targeted and intentional organizational change management (OCM) is critical to creating the necessary understanding, desire, and action for change. Effective OCM will connect current AI projects to company strategy that has been communicated as part of overall AI literacy. This connection to the larger strategic direction can create better context and buy-in for incoming changes. Training that is unique to the project capabilities being introduced and that shows how this project relates to specific business goals can improve workforce performance and comfort. Reinforcement helps to prevent AI abandonment while building new habits that contribute to long term AI adoption success.

Other Considerations for Integrating AI

There are several other human-centered activities a company can implement to support AI integration and encourage creating a culture that is resilient during a time of change.

Continuing Education

Quality academic programs can empower company leaders to adopt AI solutions and be champions for change. For example, the University of Denver has career-focused AI programs through its College of Professional Studies that emphasize IT and AI skills for IT professionals, emerging leaders, and established executives. The masterā€™s concentration and certificate program in AI Strategy and Application in IT was built for working professionals and delivers a powerful combination of industry-aligned skills and academic rigor. The combination of hands-on experiential learning and cutting-edge concepts from thought leaders and industry experts provides the core competencies students need to become knowledgeable and influential AI champions in their organizations to drive innovation and change in this era of AI disruption and opportunity.

Continuous Improvement Practices

Effective feedback loops can help reinforce the importance of the human side of AI adoption when feedback results in visible action. By embedding continuous improvement programs into company culture, organizations create a dynamic environment where employees feel valued, new tools are embraced, and the company is adaptive to the changing technology landscape.

Innovation Programs

Employees are more likely to embrace AI if they see it solving real problems. Innovation teams or programs where fresh ideas are welcomed will allow workers to take an active role in defining how AI fits into their work. A culture that is safe for employees to test AI-related ideas and encourages employees to become internal advocates for adoption can be more effective than top-down mandates.

Call to Action ā€“ What can Leaders and Employees Do Now

To bridge the growing gap between AI adoption and workforce readiness, organizations must take a proactive and structured approach that emphasizes the human side of AI adoption. Leaders must be intentional about fostering a culture of AI proficiency that empowers employees to use these technologies effectively. By making AI education and reinforcement a shared responsibility, businesses can foster a workforce that is not only AI-literate but also better prepared for the evolving technological landscape.

Ģż

Frequently Asked Questions

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The University College hooding will take place on Thursday June 7, 2018 in Davis Auditorium, Sturm Hall, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Is the University College Celebration and Hooding the same as the University of Denver Commencement?
No. Graduate student commencement is Friday, June 8 in the Magness Arena in the Ritchie Center and will include all of the University of Denver graduates in masterā€™s and PhD programs. The undergraduate commencement is Saturday, June 9 in the Magness Arena in the Ritchie Center. The June 7 Graduation Celebration is for University College masterā€™s and bachelorā€™s graduates only. It is our way of honoring you for the commitment it took to earn a degree and recognizing the challenge it can be to study evenings and online while maintaining a work, family and life balance.

What is a ā€˜masterā€™s student hoodingā€™?
The hooding is an age-old tradition for masterā€™s degree graduates. To complement the robe, a decorative cloth is placed around a graduateā€™s neck and shoulders. This is commonly referred to as a hood and contains colors representing the degree type and the university where it was earned. You will be hooded by your academic director and faculty.

Do I have to attend?
Attendance is not required, but we invite you to attend the University College Graduation Celebration, the University of Denver Commencement, or both. The University College Graduation Celebration is a great opportunity to meet University College staff, faculty, and fellow graduates.

How do I RSVP to the University College Graduation Celebration?
EmailĢżcmiller@du.eduĢżwith your name and number of guests (limit 3 quests).

Do I need a cap and gown?
Yes. You may order your regalia in-person at theĢżĢżor over the phone (call 303-871-3251) up until the day of Commencement. ĢżYou can pick up your regalia at the bookstore starting May 31Ģżduring business hours. Students attending the University College Graduation Celebration will wear their cap and gown for this event. Please check that all items are included in your regalia package prior to graduation.

How much does it cost to purchase the cap and gown?
Regalia purchase costs are $65.00 for undergraduates and $67.00 for graduates.

Do I need a ticket to attend the University College Graduation Celebration?
No, but students are limited to 3 guests due to room capacity.Ģż Graduates may sit with their guests.

Do I need a ticket to attend the University of Denver Commencement Ceremony?
It depends. For the undergraduate ceremony, tickets are required for all guests in Magness Arena. Each participating graduate is allocated five tickets for friends and family. The University will utilize an online ticketing system for undergraduate ticket requests and distribution and tickets will be given directly to the graduates. Masterā€™s degree students do not need tickets.

Where can I park for the University College Graduation Celebration?
Parking information will be provided with your RSVP.

Are bachelorā€™s students hooded?
No. Undergraduate regalia does not include a hood. Bachelorā€™s students will be recognized by their program director. Eligible bachelorā€™s degree students who elected to join the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society will receive their honor cords at this time.

Where is Sturm Hall?
Sturm Hall is located approximately two blocks west of University Blvd, between Evans Avenue and Asbury Avenue. The address is 2000 East Asbury Avenue, Denver, CO 80208. Search Sturm Hall on theĢż.

Where can I get additional information about the University of Denver Commencement?
Visit the 2018 commencementĢż.

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