Colorado College (CC) has specific language requirements for international students, particularly for those whose first language is not English. These requirements ensure that students can fully engage in the rigorous academic environment, especially given the intensive nature of the Block Plan. Here are the general language requirements:

1. English Proficiency for International Students

If your first language is not English, you will need to demonstrate proficiency in English through one of the following:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):

  • Minimum score: 100 (internet-based test)
  • Sub-scores of at least 22 in each section are recommended.

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System):

  • Minimum score: 7.0 overall band score.

• Duolingo English Test:

  • Minimum score: 115.

• PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English):

  • Minimum score: 68.

• Cambridge English Exams (such as CAE, CPE):

  • Acceptable scores, typically C1 level or above.

2. Exemptions

You may be exempt from the English proficiency requirement if:

• You have completed at least three years of full-time study in an English-speaking institution where English is the primary language of instruction.
• You have completed a year of study at a college or university in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, or other English-speaking countries.
• You are a native English speaker or have attended a school where English is the primary language of instruction for a significant period.

3. Conditional Admission

• For students who do not meet the required English proficiency scores, Colorado College may offer conditional admission. This means that the student may need to complete an intensive English program (often through a partner language institution) before beginning their full academic program at CC.

4. Additional Language Support

• ESL (English as a Second Language) Resources: For students who need additional support, Colorado College provides resources and support for non-native speakers, including tutoring, writing assistance, and language workshops.

These requirements are designed to ensure that all students, especially international students, can fully participate in classes, discussions, and assignments at Colorado College. It’s always a good idea to check directly with the admissions office or their official website for the most up-to-date information.

Start My App / Applicant Portal

Colorado College (CC) is known for its distinctive liberal arts curriculum and its commitment to experiential learning. Here are some of the key areas of course specialization at Colorado College:

1. Interdisciplinary Studies

• Specialty: CC emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to learning, where students can explore topics that blend multiple academic disciplines. This is particularly evident in the college's Block Plan, where students take one course at a time for three and a half weeks, allowing for deep, focused study in a subject area.
• Popular interdisciplinary majors include Environmental Science, International Political Economy, Urban Studies, and Peace and Conflict Studies.

2. Environmental Studies

• Specialty: Colorado College is renowned for its environmental studies programs, particularly in the areas of environmental science, policy, and sustainability. The college’s location in Colorado, near natural landmarks like the Rocky Mountains, provides students with ample opportunities for field-based learning and environmental research.
• CC also offers a master’s program in environmental studies and partners with other institutions for cross-disciplinary work in environmental science and sustainability.

3. Creative Writing and Literature

• Specialty: CC has a highly regarded Creative Writing program that attracts talented writers and thinkers. The program offers courses in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and playwriting, as well as writing workshops led by established writers.
• Students have opportunities to work closely with faculty members who are accomplished authors, helping them to hone their craft and develop a professional portfolio.

4. Political Science and International Relations

• Specialty: The Political Science and International Relations departments at CC are known for offering a rigorous curriculum that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application. The college’s Global Studies program is also a notable aspect of its political science offerings.
• Students are encouraged to engage in global learning experiences, such as internships, study abroad programs, and research projects that deal with global issues.

5. Psychology

• Specialty: CC's Psychology department offers a comprehensive approach to understanding the mind and behavior. It emphasizes research, critical thinking, and hands-on experience, with faculty members involved in a wide range of psychological subfields, including clinical psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and social psychology.
• Students can gain research experience in the college’s state-of-the-art psychology labs and are encouraged to participate in internships and fieldwork.

6. Art and Art History

• Specialty: The Art and Art History programs at CC are highly respected. Students can study a wide range of artistic practices, from painting and sculpture to digital media and museum studies. The college also offers opportunities for students to exhibit their work in galleries on campus.
• The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, affiliated with the college, offers students opportunities for hands-on experience in a professional setting, including internships, exhibitions, and interactions with artists and curators.

7. Mathematics and Computer Science

• Specialty: The Mathematics and Computer Science programs at Colorado College are designed to prepare students for careers in data science, software development, artificial intelligence, and other high-demand fields.
• The programs focus on problem-solving, computational theory, and the application of math to real-world issues. There are opportunities for interdisciplinary work in fields like bioinformatics and data analytics.

8. Business and Economics

• Specialty: While Colorado College is primarily a liberal arts institution, it offers a highly regarded Economics program with an emphasis on real-world economic problem-solving and ethical business practices.
• The Business and Economics department offers courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, finance, and management, providing students with a solid foundation for careers in business and economics.

9. Education

• Specialty: Colorado College offers a strong Education program, preparing students for careers in teaching, educational leadership, and school counseling.
• The college emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning, with opportunities for students to gain fieldwork experience in local schools and community organizations.

10. Humanities and History

• Specialty: The Humanities and History programs at Colorado College provide students with a well-rounded education in culture, society, and history. The courses are designed to foster critical thinking and analysis of historical events, texts, and cultural practices.
• Many students are drawn to the History department's focus on both global and American history, with an emphasis on historical research, writing, and analysis.

11. STEM Fields

• Specialty: Colorado College also offers a range of courses in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, particularly in biology, chemistry, physics, and neuroscience. The college's location in a natural setting provides ample opportunities for field research and hands-on learning in these areas.
• The Biology and Neuroscience departments are among the most popular, with many students pursuing research opportunities and internships in related fields.

Overall, Colorado College stands out for its innovative Block Plan, which allows students to immerse themselves fully in one course at a time, creating a focused and intense learning experience. The college is particularly known for its interdisciplinary approach to education, creative arts programs, and emphasis on experiential learning.

Research

Majors & Minors

Scholarships

International student help

Careers at CC

Colorado College is known for having a dedicated and accomplished faculty. Although it doesn't highlight a single "top" professor, several faculty members have earned recognition for their contributions to academia, research, and teaching. Below are a few prominent professors at Colorado College:

1. David Gross – Nobel Laureate in Physics (2004)

• Position: Former Professor of Physics at Colorado College
• Achievement: David Gross, who won the Nobel Prize in Physics, is among the most famous figures associated with the college. Though he is no longer actively teaching at CC, his groundbreaking work in quantum chromodynamics (QCD) was a pivotal part of his academic career, and his legacy continues to impact the field of physics.
• Impact: Gross’s contributions to theoretical physics have influenced countless students and researchers. His teaching at CC helped shape many future physicists and other academic professionals.

2. James D. Morrow – Professor of Political Science

• Position: Professor of Political Science at Colorado College
• Specialization: Professor Morrow is known for his work on international relations and political theory. His expertise includes political economy and international political theory, and he has published extensively on topics like security studies, international cooperation, and conflict resolution.
• Impact: He is a highly regarded scholar and has contributed to a broader understanding of political science, particularly in terms of applying theory to global issues.

3. Michele R. McDonald – Professor of Psychology

• Position: Professor of Psychology at Colorado College
• Specialization: Professor McDonald specializes in cognitive psychology and neuropsychology. She teaches courses in the areas of learning, memory, and cognitive development and is noted for her work on the psychological aspects of human memory and cognition.
• Impact: McDonald is known for her engaging teaching style and her ability to make complex psychological concepts accessible to her students. She has been instrumental in advancing the college’s psychology department.

4. William W. (Bill) Mitchell – Professor of Biology

• Position: Professor of Biology and former Chair of the Department of Biology at CC
• Specialization: A renowned biologist, Professor Mitchell is noted for his work in molecular biology, genetics, and cell biology. His research has contributed to understanding gene regulation and the molecular basis of disease.
• Impact: Professor Mitchell’s work has been highly influential in teaching and research at Colorado College, and he has mentored numerous students pursuing careers in the life sciences.

5. Kurtis S. O’Neill – Professor of Philosophy

• Position: Professor of Philosophy at Colorado College
• Specialization: Professor O'Neill specializes in philosophy of mind, metaphysics, and philosophical psychology. His research explores the nature of consciousness, personal identity, and the relationship between mind and body.
• Impact: O'Neill is recognized for his clear and engaging teaching style. His courses challenge students to think critically about complex philosophical issues, and he is a leading figure in the college’s philosophy department.

6. Laurie E. Zoloth – Professor of Religion and Philosophy

• Position: Professor of Religion and Philosophy
• Specialization: Zoloth specializes in bioethics, Jewish studies, and philosophy of religion. She is noted for her contributions to discussions of ethics in science, technology, and healthcare.
• Impact: Zoloth's interdisciplinary work has had a lasting impact on students studying religion, philosophy, and bioethics. Her insights into ethical dilemmas in medical and scientific fields are highly regarded.

These professors, among others, contribute to Colorado College's reputation for having a distinguished and passionate faculty dedicated to academic excellence. The college’s emphasis on teaching and research is reflected in the quality of its professors, who often collaborate closely with students and encourage intellectual exploration across disciplines.

Colorado College has notable alumni who have contributed significantly to various fields, including one Nobel Prize recipient:

David Gross (Nobel Prize in Physics, 2004)

• Alumni Achievement: David Gross, a Colorado College graduate (class of 1962), was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2004, alongside Frank Wilczek and H. David Politzer. They were recognized for their work in the development of the theory of quantum chromodynamics (QCD), which explains the strong force that binds quarks and gluons together to form protons and neutrons in atomic nuclei.
• Significance: Gross’s work revolutionized our understanding of particle physics and contributed to the foundation of the Standard Model of particle physics, which is essential in understanding the fundamental forces of nature.

Other Notable Alumni

While Colorado College has one Nobel laureate, its reputation for producing influential individuals extends beyond physics, with alumni excelling in other sectors such as education, public service, business, and social entrepreneurship. Some alumni have made notable contributions to fields such as politics and humanitarian efforts, with Wendy M. Kopp, the founder of Teach for America, being a particularly famous example.