Transfer Credits for Core Curriculum

At Naropa University, we make an effort to transfer in as many credits as possible. We recognize the cost and time that transfer students have expended in their studies prior to coming to Naropa, and wish to make your transition seamless. Below is a list of each core curriculum area of study, along with sample classes that can typically count towards transfer credit.

Writing Seminar I (3 Credits)

This is an expository/writing-intensive course. Transferable courses typically include:

  • Writing 1 or 101
  • Composition 1 or 101
  • English 101
  • Expository writing
  • Creative writing if listed as nonfiction
  • AP score of 3 or better and IB or CLEP equivalent
  • First Year Seminar that is writing intensive

This course includes development of research skills. Transferable courses typically include:

  • Writing 2 or 102
  • Composition 2 or 102
  • English 102
  • Advanced Composition
  • Research Writing

 

Unacceptable transfer courses for Writing I and/or II include:

  • English beyond 102
  • Creative writing in poetry or fiction
  • Literature or literature dept courses
  • Business writing
  • Speech
  • Communication
  • Journalism
  • Screenwriting

Introduces the tradition of contemplative education as it has been developed at Naropa University, with an emphasis on its vision, purpose and application to the academic, artistic, and psychological disciplines taught in the various majors. Transfer credit is not accepted for this area of our core curriculum.

Aims to explore the range of diverse human experience and to build respect and understanding for profound differences. The classes should examine issues of power and difference.

Transferable courses typically include:

  • Broad classes such as “Gender, Race, and Class.”
  • Courses must be studying multiple diversity/identity categories as they exist in the United States.
  • The classes should examine issues of power and difference.
  • GLBT Studies with a component of interlocking oppression.


Non-acceptable transfer courses include:

  • Topics classes focusing on only one identity or issue
  • Diversity classes studying systems in foreign countries
  • General sociology (i.e. Intro to Sociology)
  • Cultural anthropology
  • Government

The Core Sustainability Seminar invites students to apply their vision and creativity toward a flourishing future and away from crisis. This course introduces students to principles, perspectives, and practices of regenerative community, resilience and sustainability, and analyzes current environmental, economic, and social trends. With the aim of developing skills and lasting commitment to create vibrant and equitable systems, the course draws upon sustainability studies, contemplative education, ecological thinking, citizen engagement, and other innovative approaches.

Acceptable transfer courses:

  • Courses must involve both theory and practice in the area of sustainable systems
  • Service learning and collective impact in the area of social, economic, ecological and personal sustainability
  • Courses focusing on UN Sustainable Development Goals
  • Courses involving an aspect of sustainability praxis, 40 hours or more.
  • Courses involving participating, reviewing, and suggesting change in community resilience or community sustainability

Non-acceptable transfer courses:

  • Ecology
  • Biology
  • Political Science
  • Government
  • AP/CLEP/IB exams
  • Engineering systems

Courses in the performing arts, visual arts, and creative writing bring awareness and understanding to the process and cultural contexts of artistic expression. Students experience the discipline, delight, and rigor of creativity, and are introduced to the social and political dimensions of art and art making. See also Naropa University courses that fulfill this requirement.

Transferable courses typically include:

  • Visual art
  • Performance (e.g. dance, theatre, voice)
  • Music
  • Poetry
  • Creative writing


Non-acceptable transfer courses include:

  • Private music lessons
  • Musicianship/ear training, theory or appreciation

By training in practices that encourage us to track sensation, learn traditional movement skills, and develop an authentic knowledge of our body, we develop kindness toward our experience and empathy for others as our innate ‘knowing’ becomes creative and effective. Transfer credit is not accepted for this area of our core curriculum.

Courses emphasize the development of knowledge, critical thinking, analytic skills, and interpersonal and inter-group interactions necessary for living and working in societies characterized by racial, political, economic, social, religious, gender, and sexual diversities.

Transferable courses typically include:

  • Peace studies
  • Diversity topics (e.g. women’s, gender, race, class, etc., studies)
  • Culture studies or area studies, especially within a study abroad program
  • History courses focusing on a specific period of history
  • History courses focusing on a specific discipline (e.g. History of Jazz, World Art I, Nonviolence in and Through History)
  • History with focus on social context and/or identity (queer theory, feminism and religion)
  • Political studies related to civil rights and/or identity
  • Government studies related to civil rights and/or identity
  • Humanities courses related to diversity and/or identity (e.g. Latin American Literature)


Unacceptable transfer courses include:

  • Sociology, government
  • Foreign language

Courses are intended to deepen students’ familiarity with the empirical, observational and mathematical modes of inquiry. The lens of scientific investigation emphasizes precision, understanding complex systems and the importance of evaluating evidence.

Transferable courses typically include:

  • Physical anthropology
  • Astronomy
  • Math
  • Science
  • Geology
  • Environmental science
  • Horticulture
  • Political science
  • Nutrition
  • Engineering
  • Research-based classes such as experimental psychology, sociology, logic
  • Geography
  • Anatomy/physiology
  • Astronomy
  • Archaeology
  • Economics

 

Unacceptable transfer courses:

  • Holistic/general health
  • Comparative religions
  • Business
  • Government
  • Musicianship or ear training
  • Human culture in relation to the earth
  • Chinese energetics
  • Architecture
  • Computer science
  • Astrology

Students inquire into the wisdom that resides in the traditions of many different human communities. They investigate the relationship between their own experience and ancient teachings, exploring the relevance of those teachings to contemporary life.

Transferable courses typically include:

  • Survey of world religion
  • Religion
  • Religious studies department courses
  • Indigenous culture courses concerning spirituality
  • Cultural anthropology course that includes religion or spirituality study
  • Courses derived from an established traditional approach to spirituality (e.g. Anthropological Approaches to New Age Spirituality)
  • Philosophy courses which concern a specific religious/cultural tradition (e.g. Confucianism in Chinese culture)


Non-acceptable transfer courses include:

  • Ethics
  • General philosophy courses
  • New-age theories
  • Non-traditional spiritual modalities (e.g. astrology, Reiki, psychic studies)

ACCEPTED COURSES

Colorado Transfer Courses Recently Accepted into Naropa University’s Core Curriculum

Below is a list of coursework from local Colorado universities and colleges that have been accepted into Naropa’s core curriculum requirements. Please note that all core curriculum requirements can be met through work completed outside of Naropa, with the exception of the Contemplative Learning Seminar and Body-Mind Practice requirements.

For more information on Naropa’s degree requirements and core curriculum, please see Naropa’s online course catalog. And please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Admissions with questions – or for a free unofficial transfer credit evaluation!

Writing Seminar I & II

Writing Seminar I
Arapahoe Community College ENG121 Comp I
Colorado Mountain College–Glenwood Springs ENG121 English Composition
Colorado Mountain College–Leadville ENG121 English Composition
Colorado State University–Fort Collin CO102 Introduction to Writing
Colorado State University–Fort Collins CO150 College Composition
Colorado Tech ENGL111 English Composition I
Community College of Denver ENG100 Composition Style & Tech
Community College of Denver ENG121 English Composition I
Front Range Community College ENG111 English Comp; Essay Writing
Front Range Community College ENG121 English Composition I
Metropolitan State College ENG101 Freshman Comp: The Essay
Metropolitan State College ENG1010 Freshman Composition–The Essay
Pikes Peak Community College ENG121 English Composition I
Pueblo Community College ENG121 English Comp I
Red Rocks Community College ENG121 English Composition I
Regis University CCS200A Freshman Seminar I
Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design WO1020 Written & Oral Communication
University of Colorado–Boulder ELA100 Freshman English
University of Colorado–Boulder ENGL131 Rhetoric & Writing I
University of Colorado–Boulder HUMN1020 Intro to Humanities 2
University of Colorado–Boulder WRTG1100 Extended First Year Writing
University of Colorado–Boulder WRTG1150 First year Writing
University of Colorado–Boulder WRTG1250 Advanced First Year Writing
University of Colorado–Colorado Springs ENG131 COMP I
University of Colorado–Denver ENGL1020 Composition I
University of Denver FSEM1111 First Year Seminar
Writing Seminar II
Arapahoe Community College ENG122 Comp II
Colorado Mountain College–Glenwood Springs ENG122 English Composition II
Colorado State University COCC150 College Composition
Community College of Denver ENG121 English Composition
Front Range Community College ENG112 ENGLISH COMPOSITION II: CO2
Front Range Community College ENG122 English Composition II
Metropolitan State College ENG1020 Freshman Comp-Res. Anly & Documt
Metropolitan State College ENG120 Freshman Comp–Re, Anyl–Doc
Pikes Peak Community College ENG122 English Composition II
Red Rocks Community College ENG122 English Composition II
Regis University CCS220B Freshman Seminar II
University of Colorado–Boulder ELA101 Freshman English
University of Colorado–Boulder HONR4055 Discours Analy/Cult Crit
University of Colorado–Boulder HUMN1020 Introduction to Humanities 2
University of Colorado–Boulder WRTG1250 Advanced First-Year Writing
University of Colorado–Denver ENGL2030 Composition II
Metropolitan State CollegeCHS1020History of Chicana/o in SW 1910–pres.
University of Colorado–BoulderANTH1170Culture, Gender, Film
University of Colorado–BoulderEDUC3013School & Society
University of Colorado–BoulderETHN3000Race, Class & Gender
University of Colorado–BoulderSOCY1006Social Constr./Sexuality
University of Colorado–BoulderWMST2600Gender, Race & Class
University of Colorado–DenverANTH3345Cultural Diversity in the Modern World
Arapahoe Community College ART255 Color Photography
Arapahoe Community College MUS111 Sight Singing I
Arapahoe Community College MUS112 Sight Singing II
Colorado College ART101 Basic Studio
Colorado College DRAMA105 Acting I
Colorado Mountain College–Glenwood Springs ART211 Painting I
Colorado Mountain College–Glenwood Springs MUS152 Ensemble II
Colorado Northwestern Community College ENG221 Creative Writing
Colorado State University–Fort Collins AR135 Introduction to Drawing
Community College of Denver ART111 Basic Drawing
Community College of Denver DAN130 Dance Sampler
Community College of Denver MUS141 Private Instruction: Voice
Community College of Denver PHO101 Fundamentals of B&W Photography
Fort Lewis College MU120 Fundamentals of Music
Fort Lewis College THEA100 Dramatic Theater
Front Range Community College ART121 Drawing I
Front Range Community College ART211 Painting I
Front Range Community College DRA115 Theater Production
Pikes Peak Community College ENG221 Creative Writing I
Red Rocks Community College ART121 Drawing I
Red Rocks Community College ART211 Painting I
Red Rocks Community College ENG227 Poetry Writing
Red Rocks Community College THE111 Acting I
Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design FD1115 Visual Design I
Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design FD1235 Observational Drawing
Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design FD1360 Structural Drawing
University of Colorado–Boulder EMUS1327 Symphony Orchestra
University of Colorado–Boulder EMUS1507 Chamber Music
University of Colorado–Boulder ENGL1191 Intro Creative Writing
University of Colorado–Boulder ENGL3051 Intermediate Fiction Workshop
University of Colorado–Boulder MUEL1155 Intermediate Guitar
University of Colorado–Boulder MUEL1416 Intro to Hand Percussion
University of Colorado–Boulder PMUS1766 Voice
University of Colorado–Boulder PMUS1786 Folk Guitar
University of Colorado–Boulder THTR1003 Beginning Acting
University of Denver ARTS2055 Color
University of Northern Colorado DNCE295 Beginning Dance Theory
University of Northern Colorado DNCE356 Dance Performance III
Colorado Christian UniversityHIS202World Civilization II
Colorado CollegeHS120Renaissance Culture: History & Lit.
Colorado Mountain College–Glenwood SpringsANT101Cultural Anthropology
Colorado State University–Fort CollinsHIST170World History, Ancient–1500
Community College Of DenverANT101Cultural Anthropology
Fort Lewis CollegeHIST334United States & Vietnam
Fort Lewis CollegeMU102Introduction to Music
Fort Lewis CollegePHIL320Indigenous Worldviews
Fort Lewis CollegeWS101Introduction to Women’s Studies
Front Range Community CollegeANT101Cultural Anthropology
Front Range Community CollegeANT105American Deaf Cultures
Front Range Community CollegeART111Art History I
Front Range Community CollegeHIS102Western Civilization II
Front Range Community CollegeHIS202United States History II
Front Range Community CollegeHIS215Women in U.S. History
Front Range Community CollegeIPP147Survey of Deaf Culture
Front Range Community CollegeLIT205Ethnic Literature
Front Range Community CollegePSY217Human Sexuality
Metropolitan State CollegeANT1310Intro to Cultural Anthropology
Metropolitan State CollegeHIS3090Native American in American History
Metropolitan State CollegeSOC365DWomen and Aging
Pikes Peak Community CollegeANT215 Indians of North America
Pikes Peak Community CollegeHIS101Western Civilization I
Red Rocks Community CollegeANT101Cultural Anthropology:SS3
Red Rocks Community CollegeMUS120Music Appreciation
Regis UniversityPV400Foundations of Peace & Justice
Rocky Mountain College of Art & DesignGE223Cultural Geography
University of Colorado–BoulderANTH1100Explore Nonwestern Culture/Tamil
University of Colorado–BoulderARTH3419Modern Art Survey
University of Colorado–BoulderENGL3377Topics: Multicultural Literature
University of Colorado–BoulderFILM3013Women & Film
University of Colorado–BoulderHIST1010W Civilization I–Antiquity to 16C
University of Colorado–BoulderHIST1035Honors–US 10 1865
University of Colorado–BoulderLIBB1600Gender & Film
University of Colorado–BoulderSOCY1004Deviance in U.S. Society
University of Colorado–BoulderSOCY1016Sex, Gender & Society
University of Colorado–BoulderWMST2000Introduction to Feminist Studies
University of Colorado–BoulderWMST2020Soc Const/Feminine/Masculine
University of Colorado–BoulderWMST2200Women Literature and Arts
University of Colorado–BoulderWMST4636Lesbian & Gay History
University of Colorado–DenverANTH3142Immigration/Ethnicity Amer. History
University of DenverAHUM1516Foundations in Music
Arapahoe Community CollegePSY101General Psychology I
Colorado Christian UniversityPSY101General Psychology
Colorado CollegeCHEM106General Chemistry
Colorado CollegeMATH126Calculus I
Colorado Mountain College–Glenwood SpringsBIO227Ecology
Colorado Mountain College–Glenwood SpringsGEO105World Regional Geography
Colorado Mountain College–LeadvilleBIO227Ecology
Colorado Northwestern Community CollegePSY101General Psychology I
Colorado TechBIO141Human Anatomy & Physiology
Colorado TechMATH143Business Algebra
Community College of AuroraPSY101General Psychology I
Community College of DenverMAT101Applied Math I
Community College of DenverMAT106Survey of Algebra
Community College Of DenverPSY101General Psychology
Fort Lewis CollegePHSC206Introduction to Astronomy
Fort Lewis CollegePSYC157Introduction to Psychology
Fort Lewis CollegeTRS82Introduction to Algebra
Front Range Community CollegeGEO105World Regional Geography
Front Range Community CollegeMAT106Survey of Algebra
Front Range Community CollegeMAT111Introductory Algebra
Front Range Community CollegeMAT114General Math for College
Front Range Community CollegeMAT121College Algebra
Front Range Community CollegePSY101General Psychology I
Front Range Community CollegePSY102General Psychology II
Metropolitan State CollegeBIO1000Human Biology for Non-Majors
Metropolitan State CollegeENV1200Intro to Environmental Science
Metropolitan State CollegeGEG100World Regional Geography
Metropolitan State CollegePSY1001Introductory Psychology
Metropolitan State CollegePSY101Introductory Psychology
Pikes Peak Community CollegePSY101General Psych
Pueblo Community CollegeMAT121College Algebra
Red Rocks Community CollegeAST101Astronomy I
Red Rocks Community CollegeGEY111Physical Geology
Red Rocks Community CollegeMAT106Survey Algebra
Red Rocks Community CollegePSY101General Psychology
Regis UniversitySO200Intro to Sociology
Rocky Mountain College of Art & DesignMA1210Math of Art + Design
University of Colorado–BoulderASTR1010Intro to Astronomy
University of Colorado–BoulderCHEM1021Intro to Chemistry
University of Colorado–BoulderCHEN1111General Chemistry I
University of Colorado–BoulderEBIO1030Biology–Human Approach
University of Colorado–BoulderEBIO1210General Biology 1
University of Colorado–BoulderECON2010Principles of Microeconomics
University of Colorado–BoulderEPOB1010Biology–A Human Approach
University of Colorado–BoulderGEO100Environmental Sys-Climate-Vege 2/2010
University of Colorado–BoulderGEOG1001Environmental Systems I
University of Colorado–BoulderGEOL1010Introduction to Geology
University of Colorado–BoulderMATH1012Quant Reason/Math Skills
University of Colorado–BoulderPES100Physics in Everyday Life
University of Colorado–BoulderPSYC1001General Psychology
University of Colorado–DenverECON2012Principles of Economics
University of Colorado–DenverPSY1000Introduction to Psychology
Colorado Christian UniversityBIB230Interpret the Bible
Colorado Mountain College–Steamboat SpringsPHI214Philosophy of Religion
Community College of DenverPHI115World Religions–West
Fort Lewis CollegePHIL321World Religions
Front Range Community CollegeHUM115World Mythology
Front Range Community CollegePHI116World Religion East
Front Range Community CollegePHI203Introduction to Buddhism
Front Range Community CollegePHI214Philosophy of Religion
Pikes Peak Community CollegePHI114 OComparative Religions
Pueblo Community CollegePHI115Comparative Religions
Red Rocks Community CollegePHI116World Religions–East
Regis UniversityRS200Introduction to Religious Studies
Rocky Mountain College of Art & DesignSBS3030World Belief Systems
University of Colorado–BoulderPHIL105Philosophy & Religion
University of Colorado–BoulderRLST1620Religious Dimen/Human Experience
University of Colorado–BoulderRLST2600Judaism/Christianity/Islam
University of Colorado–BoulderRLST2610Religions of South Asia
University of Colorado–BoulderRLST2620Religions of East Asia
University of Colorado–BoulderRLST2700American Indian Religious Traditions

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Academics

Contemplative education brings together the best of Western scholarship and Eastern world wisdom traditions. Therefore, your pursuit of wisdom at Naropa means learning both about academic subjects and about your own place in the world. This innovative approach places Naropa on the cutting edge of the newest and most effective methods of teaching and learning.  

Admissions & Aid

If you’re seeking an education that resonates with both personal fulfillment and global impact, Naropa could be your top choice. At Naropa, you will experience a comprehensive curriculum that integrates the best of Eastern and Western educational approaches. Explore how Naropa can fuel your journey of intellectual and spiritual development.

Life at Naropa

Through its incredibly vibrant and welcoming community,  “Naropa offers a home for those who aren’t willing to conform to convention—the mystic, the healer, the prophet, the rebel, the artist, the revolutionary, the oddball—those who are incredible contributors to the evolution of society and of our planet.”—Core Associate Professor Zvi Ish-Shalom

The Naropa Difference

How is Naropa different from other universities? At Naropa, a liberal arts education balances rigorous academics with powerful interpersonal skills and self-awareness to educate the whole person. Naropa’s contemplative approach is inspired by Buddhist philosophy and the conviction that we can build a diverse, contemplative, enlightened society when we have transformed education to affirm the basic goodness of every person. 

About Naropa

Located in Boulder, Colorado, Naropa University is a Buddhist-inspired, nonsectarian liberal arts university that is recognized as the birthplace of the mindfulness movement. Naropa offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs that emphasize professional and personal growth, intellectual development, and cultivating compassion. 

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Naropa Campuses Closed on Friday, March 15, 2024

Due to adverse weather conditions, all Naropa campuses will be closed Friday, March 15, 2024.  All classes that require a physical presence on campus will be canceled. All online and low-residency programs are to meet as scheduled.

Based on the current weather forecast, the Healing with the Ancestors Talk & Breeze of Simplicity program scheduled for Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday will be held as planned.

Staff that do not work remotely or are scheduled to work on campus, can work remotely. Staff that routinely work remotely are expected to continue to do so.

As a reminder, notifications will be sent by e-mail and the LiveSafe app.  

Regardless of Naropa University’s decision, if you ever believe the weather conditions are unsafe, please contact your supervisor and professors.  Naropa University trusts you to make thoughtful and wise decisions based on the conditions and situation in which you find yourself in.