The CU Boulder Difference
Academic Programs & Resources
At CU Boulder, students are encouraged to follow their curiosity and develop new ways of thinking, working and living through hands-on learning and trailblazing research. Choose from thousands of rigorous academic courses in more than 270 fields of study—all designed to help you thrive as an individual and as a member of a complex global society.
Academic Advising
Academic advising is a priority at CU Boulder. Our advising offices provide convenient advising hours that include common drop-in hours for advising, a resource center to visit with a peer advisor and online video chat sessions. Advisors take a holistic approach to advising students, helping them personalize their academic journey and supporting them during their time at CU Boulder.
Top Scholars
Top Scholars is a group of programs that enhance the educational opportunities for high-achieving students striving to become more critical and analytical thinkers. Some of these programs include:
- The Arts and Sciences Honors Program gives motivated students opportunities for intellectual engagement through honors courses, academic events, thesis research and more.
- The Engineering & Applied Science Honors Program , which is housed in Andrews Hall, takes a community-based approach to promoting excellence in and beyond the classroom.
- The Leeds Honors Program provides a rigorous curriculum for the highest achieving business students, along with specialized advising and cocurricular opportunities like a global trip.
- The Leeds Scholars Program is a highly selective program for business students that offers a comprehensive leadership experience with emphasis on community, engagement and professional development.
- The Norlin Scholars Program welcomes students interested in a holistic education, providing them access to unique core courses, creative projects with faculty, a yearly scholarship and more.
- The Top Scholarships Office works directly with sophomore, junior and senior students applying for several highly prestigious, nationally competitive scholarships.
- Presidents Leadership Class is an interdisciplinary, four-year leadership program that offers an immersive approach to leadership development.
- Graduation with Honors gives qualified undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences the opportunity to write and defend an honors thesis in an attempt to graduate with Latin honors.
CU LEAD Alliance and Scholarship Program
CU Leadership, Excellence, Achievement, Diversity (LEAD) Alliance is a set of academic learning communities that support students in their first year and beyond through participation scholarships, academic enrichment and shared peer experiences. The students, faculty and staff in these communities work together to help students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds succeed at CU Boulder. CU LEAD programs include:
- The First-Generation Scholars Program is dedicated to supporting first-generation scholars with innovative programming that amplifies their diverse voices and builds community on campus.
- The First Nations Program and White Antelope Memorial Program aim to promote, encourage and support academic success and to cultivate a thriving Native American community at CU Boulder.
- The McNair Scholars Program is a federal program designed to prepare undergraduate students for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities.
- The McNeill Academic Program , as part of the Student Academic Success Center , is a multicultural learning community that supports students’ academic, personal and professional development.
- The Multicultural Leadership Scholars Pathway in the CU Boulder School of Education supports the development of leaders from diverse backgrounds, experiences, interests and accomplishments.
- TRiO Student Support Services is a comprehensive, holistic academic excellence program that strives to maximize student involvement and success in CU Boulder’s academic community.
Campus Programs & Resources
Located at the base of the Rocky Mountains, CU Boulder offers campus experiences that are as vibrant as the environment around us. Explore opportunities to give back to the Boulder community. Be encouraged by peers with similar academic interests. Experience a new culture through Education Abroad. At CU Boulder, there’s something for everyone.
RAPs give students a unique academic and social experience in which they live among students with similar academic interests.
RAP students participate in seminar-style classes, have direct access to faculty and attend activities that reinforce academic themes—all within the residence hall. Each program is coordinated by a faculty director and offers enhanced academic curricula, upper-division mentors, and educational and social group events in a small-group setting. Each program has a distinct academic focus such as business, communication, engineering, global studies, health professions, natural sciences, arts and more.
CU Boulder supports programs that give students the chance to learn while applying their skills to help others through service to the university, local community or world. Some of these programs include:
- The Puksta Scholars Program awards a scholarship to a small cohort of students who strive to serve as catalysts for positive change on campus and in our local, national and international communities.
- The INVST Program is an intensive two-year training program focused on developing community leaders who engage in compassionate action as a lifetime commitment.
- The Public Interest Internship Experience (PIIE) connects students interested in civic engagement with paid summer internships at nonprofits and government agencies.
- CU Engage supports programs and initiatives that work collaboratively with community groups to address complex public challenges through academic courses, research projects and creative work.
Studying abroad is an opportunity to broaden perspectives, experience a different culture, gain hands-on experience and improve job prospects. Education Abroad gives Buffs the chance to earn academic credit while taking classes in another country. More than 1,800 students participate in CU Boulder-approved education programs annually.
