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:Ěý“Will this help my career?”

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 Matter—Even for Already-Working Adults

Employers value the skills our programs build.

The high employability numbers reflect market demand for the competencies our programs emphasize—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 employability—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 doesn’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 atĚýpscsupport@du.eduĚýor call 303-871-2291.

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

This is part 3 of our blog series on career outcomes.

• Part 1: Where Do Our Graduates Work?
• Part 2: What Job Titles Do Our Graduates Hold?
• Part 4: Are Our Graduates Sought-After?

¸ŁŔű Ä㶮µÄ of Professional Studies designs our program to blend academic excellence with the skills, mindsets, and experiences that help graduates thrive in the workplace.

One of the clearest signs that this approach works?ĚýSalary outcomes provided by our graduates.

Below, you can browse recent graduate salary data—and more importantly, what these numbers reflect about the learning outcomes inside each program. Our goal is simple: to help you see what’s possible. We want to give you the confidence that your education is an investment in your future.

Bachelor of Arts Completion Program

Median: $62,500 | Average: $96,700 | Max: $350,000

What this says about learning outcomes:
This program is designed to elevate adult learners—building critical thinking, communication, and applied leadership. The wide salary range highlights the diversity of student backgrounds and the life-changing impact of finishing a bachelor’s degree.

Master’s in Communication Management

Median: $68,000 | Average: $81,311 | Max: $150,000

What this says about learning outcomes:
Strategic communication, data-driven storytelling, conflict management, and digital strategy give graduates an edge in a rapidly evolving field.

Master’s in Environmental Policy & Management

Median: $75,000 | Average: $81,884 | Max: $184,000

What this says about learning outcomes:
This program prepares graduates to navigate environmental policy, sustainability strategy, climate resilience, and regulatory frameworks—skills that employers urgently need in both public and private sectors.

Master’s in Nonprofit Leadership

Median salary: $70,000 | Average: $70,191 | Max: $104,000

What this says about learning outcomes:
Graduates in Nonprofit Leadership learn how to mobilize people, resources, and missions. The strong salary outcomes reflect the program’s focus on strategic planning, fundraising, organizational management, and policy advocacy—skills that nonprofits increasingly value at a competitive level.

Master’s in Health Informatics

Median: $83,450 | Average: $91,314 | Max: $160,000

What this says about learning outcomes:
With its blend of analytics, clinical workflows, digital health, and systems design, the program prepares graduates for some of the fastest-growing careers in healthcare..

Master’s in Healthcare Management

Median: $62,500 | Average: $75,541 | Max: $150,000

What this says about learning outcomes:
Graduates build expertise in operations, quality management, policy, and patient-centered leadership—core competencies that hospitals and clinics value.

Master’s in Information Technology (IT)

Median: $77,500 | Average: $97,443 | Max: $230,000

What this says about learning outcomes:
Cloud systems, cybersecurity fundamentals, architecture, automation, and industry certifications prepare graduates for high-demand roles with strong earning potential.

Master’s in Organizational Leadership

Median: $111,000 | Average: $111,320 | Max: $210,000

What this says about learning outcomes:
Leadership theory, organizational behavior, change management, and strategic decision-making prepare graduates for high-level roles. These top-tier salary numbers show that leadership is not abstract—it’s actionable, valuable, and in demand.

Master’s in Professional Creative Writing

Median: $48,000 | Average: $104,099 | Max: $315,000

What this says about learning outcomes:
This program builds storytelling craft, publishing strategy, editing, narrative design, and content creation.

Master’s in Strategic Human Resources

Median: $78,000 | Average: $93,051 | Max: $393,120

What this says about learning outcomes:
This program integrates analytics, workforce development, leadership strategy, and organizational design. The exceptionally high maximum salary reflects the strategic value HR leaders bring to modern organizations.

Master’s in Supply Chain Management

Median: $72,000 | Average: $71,733 | Max: $73,200

What this says about learning outcomes:
Students learn logistics, procurement, forecasting, and systems thinking. Salary outcomes reflect a stable industry with essential roles across manufacturing, transportation, retail, and global commerce.

The Story Behind the Numbers

While every program has its own identity, the threads connecting them are clear:

• Our programs are applied, relevant, and built for working adults. Learning outcomes map directly to career advancement.
• Graduates see strong returns on their investment—financially and personally.
• Employers value the practical skills, leadership training, and adaptability our students develop.
• Your experience, goals, and passion matter just as much as the curriculum.

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

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 Do Our Graduates Earn? 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 titles—drawn directly from alumni career outcomes over the past five years—tell a powerful story about confidence, mobility, and the transformation that comes with education.

Below, you’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 bachelor’s degree gives adults access to mid- and senior-level roles across industries. This program expands horizons—because it builds both foundational and applied professional competencies.

Master’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 thinking—all core outcomes of the program.

Master’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.

Master’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 intelligence—skills that power industries from logistics to climate science.

Master’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.

Master’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.

Master’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 landscape—from infrastructure to software to security.

Master’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.

Master’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.

Master’s in Professional Creative Writing

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

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

Master’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 administration—it’s about leadership.

Master’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 chain—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 President—these titles appear again and again.
• ¸ŁŔű Ä㶮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 aren’t just jobs. They’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.

When Kayley Podruski signed up for graduate school, she didn’t expect her coursework to land her in the middle of a national public health initiative. But that’s exactly what happened.

As part of the University of Denver’s Instructional Design and Technology (IDT) master’s program, Podruski was tapped to serve as the instructional design intern for a new wastewater surveillance ethics course that is now available to professionals across the country.

“It was definitely a crash course in wastewater surveillance,” Podruski said with a laugh. “When I came into the project, I didn’t know much about the topic. But I saw it as a great opportunity to test what I was learning about course design in a completely new context.”

From K–12 Education to Adult Learning

Podruski began her career in K–12 education before moving into corporate training. While she quickly gained experience in sales enablement, she wanted a stronger foundation in instructional design to expand her career options.

“I had a sort of roundabout path into the field,” she explained. “I realized I needed to upskill and deepen my knowledge in instructional design.”

DU’s Instructional Design & Technology program appealed to her because of its focus on adult learners and its emphasis on evidence-based design.

“I liked the analytical approach to design: learning to consider why I was making certain choices, not just doing what felt right,” she said.

A Real-World Challenge

By the time the wastewater project came along, Podruski was well into her degree program and ready for a challenge. Wastewater surveillance is a relatively new technique to monitor for infectious disease trends in public wastewater systems. This monitoring can serve as an early detection system for disease detection, helping health officials to understand and respond to infectious disease threats.

The Colorado National Wastewater Surveillance System Center of Excellence (CO NWSS CoE) was developing an online course with funding from the CDC based on an ethics framework released by the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO). It needed a talented Student Instructional Designer to build it, and Podruski was up to the challenge.

Working with subject matter experts from Colorado, New Zealand, and the East Coast, Podruski designed activities that turned abstract ethical principles—privacy, stigma, data stewardship—into concrete scenarios for learners. She built an interactive thought map, videos, case studies, and reflection exercises to help utility workers and public health professionals nationwide apply ethical frameworks to their everyday decisions.

The finished course, , became the first on-demand training of its kind and was later spotlighted nationally in ASTHO’s story series.

Growing as a Professional

For Podruski, the project wasn’t just a résumé milestone—it was a turning point in her professional growth.

“In my corporate role, I’m usually the subject matter expert,” she said. “Here, I had to work with external experts and really practice project management. I learned how to explain my design decisions and make sure they met accessibility and quality checks.”

For Podruski, it was the best of both worlds: a chance to strengthen her design skills in the safety of a student role while also producing a top-quality product ready for public consumption.

She credits DU’s program for preparing her for the challenge. “Without the master’s program, I don’t think I would have been nearly as successful,” Podruski reflected. “It gave me the theoretical foundation and the systems approach I needed.”

“Kayley’s work is a standout example of how our program connects coursework with real-world impact,” says IDT Director Cindy Cragg. “These kinds of opportunities don’t just bring learning to life; they help our students build tangible, industry-relevant skills that make them more marketable.”

Looking Ahead

As she nears the end of her graduate studies, Podruski is already seeing how her education is shaping her professional growth. “The quarter system makes it so easy to apply what I’m learning in real time,” she said. “I can test strategies in my job right away and see the results. I think my company is really excited.”

Looking ahead, Podruski will continue working with the CO NWSS CoE to help develop additional trainings—work that connects professionals across disciplines and strengthens public health systems.

“My hope is that this training sparks inspiration for people to keep learning about wastewater surveillance,” she said. “Education builds the connectivity between utility workers, public health staff, and communities. That’s what makes this work so important.”

The post Student Builds Ethics Training with National Reach appeared first on PSC DU.

Key Takeaways

• The return on investment of education extends beyond salary to include career mobility, skill development, and long-term stability

• Choosing the right program requires aligning educational outcomes with career goals and current job market demand

• Understanding ROI helps students make more informed, strategic decisions about how and when to invest in their education

In a world where we’re constantly paying more for less (hello, inflation!), it’s refreshing to find an opportunity to get more value, dollar-for-dollar, than you expected.

Pursuing a master’s degree, graduate certificate, or other credential from one of the top Denver universities is no small investment, especially if you want the assurance of a trusted name like the University of Denver. Fortunately, the value you get from that credential is exponentially rewarding. DU’s College of Professional Studies is designed to equip you with the skills you need to reach your goals and advance in your career.

Financial Benefits and Job Security

First and foremost, our students expect their education to unlock bigger earnings. Master’s degree holders earn an average of $86,372 per year, than those with bachelor’s degrees. Over the course of a lifetime, they’ll earn . By any measure, that’s a sensational return on investment.

But a graduate credential means more than just a higher paycheck. It means more opportunities and better quality of life. Jobs requiring graduate education are growing at a higher rate than other jobs, which means that once you have your master’s, more doors will potentially be open to you. Furthermore, advanced degree holders see , so you’re likely to have more security in a job you enjoy.

More Than Money

Value isn’t just measured in dollars and cents. Our graduate certificates and master’s degree programs provide a depth of expertise you can’t get at the undergraduate level. A College of Professional Studies education – focused on hands-on competencies and real-world scenarios – develops specialized skills needed to advance. Our instructors are experts in their fields, and students also gain valuable industry connections.

If you’re seeking to expand your horizons, a College of Professional Studies credential can give you an exceptional education and help you stand out. With four start times per year, you can earn a master’s degree in as little as 18 months.

To get more info, tailored to your goals and needs, talk or text with an enrollment advisor.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Key Takeaways

• Career tools provide transparency into how education connects to real job opportunities and outcomes

• Access to labor market data helps students make more informed decisions about program selection

• Understanding career pathways supports long-term planning and aligns education with professional goals

Career-focused learning never stops for the typical worker.

According to ManpowerGroup’s 2023 Workplace Trends Report, 57 percent of all employees are pursuing additional training outside of work. That might include short courses or mean pursuing a master’s degree or certificate in their area of interest.

Because the DU’s University College is designed for working adults, we offer education that’s highly relevant for professionals looking to advance. Our industry-aligned course content teaches the skills needed right now by employers.

If you’re looking for guidance on how to find the right role for your talents, one valuable resource is the Job Opportunities Tool on the University College website. This tool can give you up-to-the-minute data on which jobs are hot, who’s hiring, and what skills are most in-demand.

Whether you’re exploring a new field or seeking to advance in your current industry, you can find a wealth of helpful . The Job Opportunities Tool can tell you what job titles in your area of study or expertise are most listed right now. The tool also shows you expected job growth and typical salaries for these occupations, based on the latest data.

The tool can reveal which companies in your area are hiring in your desired field, and how many job postings are active. It can also guide your educational decisions with information on what job skills are in high demand.

Know what employers are looking for before you choose your next move. Our Job Opportunities Tool helps students explore career-relevant skills, in-demand roles, job growth, and salary data.

After you use the Job Opportunities Tool to inform your plans, then you can explore the master’s degrees, certificates, bachelor’s completion, and bootcamps that University College offers in more than 16 subject areas. Each offers career-relevant content, flexible learning formats, and knowledgeable instructors who are working experts in their field. Take control of your career today!

Frequently Asked Questions

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Key Takeaways

• About half of employers offer some form of undergraduate or graduate tuition assistance, yet many employees do not fully use this valuable benefit.
• Studies show employees who use tuition reimbursement can see wage growth of around 43% over three years and stronger promotion prospects compared to peers who do not participate.
• College of Professional Studies’s multiple terms and flexible online programs make it easier for working adults to maximize yearly tuition benefits and accelerate their education.

You may be leaving money on the table if you’re not taking advantage of a possible employee benefit: tuition assistance for higher education.

About half of employers , a recent benefits survey found. Major employers like Amazon, Anthem, Walmart, and Lockheed Martin are offering increasingly generous education assistance programs. Companies want to invest in their employees in order to recruit and retain better workers, and to develop their current employees to perform on a higher level.

More importantly, you as a professional could reap big rewards. A Lumina study found that employees who took advantage of tuition reimbursement were over three years, compared to those who didn’t.

If your employer offers this benefit by calendar year, you may still have time in 2023 to maximize your benefit with DU’s University College, which offers courses in four terms per year. This top-ranked college offers bachelor’s completion, master’s degree, and certificate programs in 17 different fields.

You can enroll in the Fall 2023 term at University College and complete your classes (and qualify for reimbursement) before the year is out. You’ll enter 2024 with one term under your belt and a fresh slate of employee tuition assistance.

The education enabled with tuition assistance can make a life-changing difference. Almost all (93%) of respondents to an EdAssist survey said that using their employer’s tuition assistance to grow within their company.

Tuition assistance can work in several different ways: some employers cover tuition up-front and others will reimburse you. Some have a limit on how much they cover, or specify which programs qualify.

Check with your Human Resources department to find out what your company offers, and start planning your degree or certificate program of study at UniversityCollege.DU.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Key Takeaways

• Engaging online courses require intentional design that combines multimedia content, interactive tools, and varied learning modalities to sustain student interest.
• Regular communication, personalized feedback, and instructor presence create a sense of connection, even in virtual classrooms.
• Online engagement improves retention, satisfaction, and learning outcomes, making it essential for both student success and program credibility.
• Thoughtful use of discussion boards, group projects, and real-world scenarios help students actively apply course concepts in meaningful ways.

Online or in-person? In a post-pandemic world, that’s a question not just about work, but also study. One survey found that about 71% of graduate students take at least one online course, and 52% take online courses exclusively.

If you’re thinking of pursuing a master’s degree or certificate, you might be weighing the convenience and flexibility of an online program versus the proven experience of a brick-and-mortar university.
What if you could have the best of both worlds?

At the University of Denver’s University College, all programs can be completed 100% online, so you can study on your schedule. And we go the extra mile to make sure our online courses are truly engaging.
Our instructors use hands-on activities, the latest technology, and thoughtful learning materials to create impactful learning experiences where you can make meaningful connections with peers.

Refining online learning for 25 years

Because University College has been honing online education for 25+ years (long before the pandemic forced other schools to shift), we have deep expertise in how to make the material come alive online.
We have an in-house team of Learning Experience Design experts who help create and update courses. This team builds or redesigns about 65 courses per year, and “tunes-up” about 80, along with continual smaller adjustments.

For each course, these experts work with instructors, the program’s academic director, and industry leaders to craft content that will be relevant for the field’s working professionals.

Inclusive practices are a main focus. “We’re constantly enhancing our learning environment to ensure that all learners can be successful, feel included, and develop skills to lead in their fields,” says Chelsea Ruge, Director of Learning Experience Design.

Individual instructors bring their own style to each course through videos, discussion engagement, feedback, and supplemental materials, and can adapt the course to student interests and needs during the term.

If this type of online study sounds right for you, explore University College’s degree and certificate programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Look to Your Future With the Job Opportunities Tool from University College.

The workforce is constantly evolving. According to the World Economic Forum, some of the most sought-out jobs today did not exist a decade ago, including those in technology, data analytics, health informatics, and supply chain, and the pace of new jobs is accelerating. Keeping your skillset and resume up to date can help you stay relevant and competitive in the agile workforce.  

U.S. News and World Report found many jobs in higher education, public affairs, and social services require an advanced degree, like those offered at University of Denver’s University College, as the minimum education requirement to even get your foot in the door.

Where will a degree take you after graduation? Whether seeking to enter a new field, aiming for a career change, or looking to advance in your current industry, University of Denver’s University College has created a powerful Job Opportunities tool to provide you with valuable information to leverage your education into professional success.         

The program categories and content areas included in this innovative resource align with academic offerings at University College, including our Bachelor’s Completion Program, so you can access career data in your area of choice, including:   

• Top companies by number of job postings
• Top occupations
• Median incomes
• Estimated job growth
• Top in-demand skills based on job postings

The Job Opportunities tool allows you to filter by degree program and concentration, as well as state and/or city options, if desired, to hone in on the information you need.

University of Denver’s University College is ready to help you stand out in a competitive market with 16 graduate degree programs, various graduate certificate offerings, and our Bachelor’s Completion Program. Explore how a degree can expand your career opportunities a professionalstudies.du.edu/job.

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Are you looking to move up the management ladder in your career? Or maybe switch job titles or work in a new sector entirely?

University College Dean Michael McGuire sat down with Denver 7 News on Local 3 to talk about starting the next chapter in your career.

“It’s really our goal at University College to help adults fit their education into their busy lives through industry-informed and -aligned programs.”

See the full interview below and learn more about University College at the University of Denver can help you meet your professional goals.

The post Taking the Next Steps in Your Career with a Graduate Degree or Certificate appeared first on PSC DU.