Beginning with the Fall 2026 catalog, CLAS will implement updated Graduation Requirements designed to provide greater flexibility and specialization of course selection.
If you previously enrolled in CLAS under an earlier catalog year, you may be eligible to elect a change to the Fall 2026 catalog year and graduate using the new CLAS Graduation Requirements.
- This change is optional.
- Not all students will benefit from switching catalog years.
- Eligibility and impact depend on your individual academic record, major, goals, and progress toward degree completion.
Background and Context
For decades, students earning undergraduate degrees in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) have completed a set of CLAS Graduation Requirements in addition to the CU Denver Core Curriculum and major requirements. At CU Denver—like at most universities—faculty are responsible for setting academic and curricular requirements. This faculty-led responsibility includes periodically reviewing and updating requirements to ensure they reflect changes in society, student needs, and educational best practices, while continuing to support a strong liberal arts and sciences education.
In fall 2023, the CLAS Faculty Council—the elected group charged with overseeing CLAS policy—asked the College’s Academic Planning Working Group to review the CLAS Graduation Requirements and recommend updates. After researching peer institutions, reviewing data on student success, and gathering feedback from students, faculty, alumni, and other campus groups, the working group submitted a proposal to Faculty Council in fall of 2025. Following careful consideration, CLAS Faculty Council approved updates in December of 2025. The new CLAS Graduation Requirements take effect in fall 2026 for students who begin in CLAS that term or later, with an option for continuing students to switch if they choose. Faculty wanted to ensure students had the flexibility to complete requirements in CLAS and their major while having room to specialize through certificates and minors. CLAS advisors are available to help students understand their options and decide what works best for their academic plans.
What Requirements are Changing?
The following table reflects the CLAS Graduation Requirements, the minimum credits for each requirement under the current requirements and the minimum credits for each requirement under the new requirements.
| CLAS Graduation Requirements Categories |
Current Summer 2026 & Prior |
New Beginning Fall 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| College Residency Minimum CLAS credits with letter grades. |
30 | 30 |
| College Upper-Division Minimum upper-division (3000- to 4000-level) credits |
45 | 30 |
| Distributive Requirements | Required | Not Required |
|
3 | 0 |
|
0-10 | 0 |
|
3 | 0 |
|
3 | 0 |
|
3-4 | 0 |
|
3 | 0 |
Before Making a Decision
Changing your catalog year is an important academic decision that can affect your degree requirements. We strongly encourage you to consult with CLAS Academic Advising to understand:
- Whether you are eligible to change your catalog year
- How the new CLAS Graduation Requirements would apply to you
- Whether switching catalogs would support your academic goals and graduation timeline
Next steps: Watch the Zoom Info Session
CLAS Academic Advising are the only advising unit authorized to provide guidance on CLAS Graduation Requirements and catalog year changes.
To support students to understand the changes to CLAS Graduation Requirements and any actions to take – particularly if students want to opt in to the set of new requirements – the CLAS Academic Advising Office hosted two CLAS Graduation Requirements Info Sessions on Zoom.
Missed the Sessions? Watch the Recording Here
Opting to Change your Catalog Year?
If you understand the changes to CLAS Graduation Requirements, reviewed your Degree Audit resources, consulted with a CLAS Academic Advisor on any questions, and are opting to switch your catalog year to fall 2026, please submit the CLAS Student Program Requirement Term Change form.
Fall 2026 CLAS Student Program Requirement Term Change Form
Do the new CLAS Graduation Requirements change the total number of credits needed to graduate?
No. The minimum number of credits required to earn a bachelor’s degree remains 120 credits. The changes affect how some requirements are structured, not the total credits required for graduation.
Are the CU Denver Core Curriculum Requirements changing?
No. The CU Denver Core Curriculum Requirements are not changing at this time. The Fall 2026 update applies only to CLAS Graduation Requirements. Students will still need to complete all CU Denver Core Curriculum Requirements.
Will switching to the Fall 2026 catalog shorten my time to graduation?
Not necessarily. While the new requirements may offer greater flexibility for some students, outcomes vary based on your major, completed coursework, and academic plan. A CLAS advisor can help you evaluate whether switching catalogs would be beneficial.
I am an undeclared CLAS student - does this change affect me?
Possibly. This change affects College requirements for students in a declared CLAS major. If you are undeclared or undeclared with a pre-health track and choose to declare a CLAS major, you should consult CLAS Academic Advising about choosing the appropriate catalog year in case you can benefit from the changes to CLAS Graduation Requirements. If you are undeclared or undeclared with a pre-health track and choose to declare a non-CLAS major, this change does not affect you.
Am I required to change my catalog year?
No. Changing your catalog year if you were admitted before Fall 2026 is completely optional. You may remain in your current catalog year if that is the best choice for you. If you happen to like the former requirements better than the new ones, you are welcome to use them to inform your selection of electives.
Who can help me decide whether to change my catalog year?
CLAS Academic Advising is the primary and best source for guidance on CLAS Graduation Requirements and catalog year changes. Major departments and faculty advisors should refer students to CLAS Academic Advising for this information.
Does this change mean I need fewer credits to graduate?
No, the change to CLAS Graduation Requirements does not mean students need fewer credits to graduate. All CLAS students completing an undergraduate degree must still complete a minimum of 120 total credits and all other general graduation, CU Denver Core Curriculum Requirements, and major requirements for graduation.
What does this change mean for me?
The change to CLAS Graduation Requirements supports students to make different choices about some of the credits they complete for their degree. For example, instead of completing courses and credits to satisfy current distributive CLAS Graduation Requirements, students who opt in to the new requirements may choose to use those credits to complete additional programs (e.g., dual-degrees, double-majors, minors, or certificates) or electives of interest.
Is there a decision I need to make?
Yes. CLAS undergraduate students have the choice to remain under the set of current CLAS Graduation Requirements or to opt in to the set of new CLAS Graduation Requirements effective fall 2026. Students who decide to remain under the set of current CLAS Graduation Requirements do not need to take action.