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Transfer Credits for Core Curriculum

Program Information

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.

COR-110 Writing: Thinking and Being (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 include:

  • No general English classes
  • Creative writing in poetry or fiction
  • Literature or literature dept courses
  • Business writing
  • Speech
  • Communication
  • Journalism
  • Screenwriting

COR-400: Students who transfer in the equivalent of a 3-credit research-based writing course will be required to take COR-400, Capstone Design (1-credit online asynchronous course) before COR-440, Capstone II.

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 or globally.
  • 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
  • General sociology (i.e. Intro to Sociology)
  • Cultural anthropology
  • Government
  • Foreign language

The Sustainability & Ecological Regeneration course 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 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
  • Courses emphasizing an aspect of sustainability praxis/applied learning
  • 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 (aside from AP Environmental Science)
  • 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
  • Digital arts
  • Performance (e.g. dance, theatre, voice)
  • Music
  • Poetry
  • Creative writing
  • Martial arts training courses

Non-acceptable transfer courses include:

  • Private music lessons
  • Musicianship/ear training, theory or appreciation
  • Art history or Survey courses

Working with an understanding that leadership takes multiple forms, and expressions, courses in this area provide students with opportunities to explore, and practice leadership mind-sets and skills. Students develop knowledge, and capacities for creative professional and civic life, leveraging their gifts to be of service locally, and globally. 

Acceptable Transfer Courses:

  • Internships and Practicum Courses
  • Service Learning/Community-Engaged Learning Courses
  • Leadership Training or Courses
  • NOLS or Outward Bound only when paired with 3-semester credits of academic work
  • Professional Ethics courses are considered if criteria are met

Unacceptable transfer courses include:

  • Speech or Communication
  • Political Science
  • Government
  • AP/CLEP/IB Exams

Transfer credit is not accepted for this area of our core curriculum.

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 Inquiry & Practice.

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!

COR-110 Writing: Thinking and Being & COR-340 Capstone I

COR-110 Writing: Thinking and Being
  
Arapahoe Community CollegeENG121Comp I
Colorado Mountain College–Glenwood SpringsENG121English Composition
Colorado Mountain College–LeadvilleENG121English Composition
Colorado State University–Fort CollinCO102Introduction to Writing
Colorado State University–Fort CollinsCO150College Composition
Colorado TechENGL111English Composition I
Community College of DenverENG100Composition Style & Tech
Community College of DenverENG121English Composition I
Front Range Community CollegeENG111English Comp; Essay Writing
Front Range Community CollegeENG121English Composition I
Metropolitan State CollegeENG101Freshman Comp: The Essay
Metropolitan State CollegeENG1010Freshman Composition–The Essay
Pikes Peak Community CollegeENG121English Composition I
Pueblo Community CollegeENG121English Comp I
Red Rocks Community CollegeENG121English Composition I
Regis UniversityCCS200AFreshman Seminar I
Rocky Mountain College of Art & DesignWO1020Written & Oral Communication
University of Colorado–BoulderELA100Freshman English
University of Colorado–BoulderENGL131Rhetoric & Writing I
University of Colorado–BoulderHUMN1020Intro to Humanities 2
University of Colorado–BoulderWRTG1100Extended First Year Writing
University of Colorado–BoulderWRTG1150First year Writing
University of Colorado–BoulderWRTG1250Advanced First Year Writing
University of Colorado–Colorado SpringsENG131COMP I
University of Colorado–DenverENGL1020Composition I
University of DenverFSEM1111First Year Seminar
   
COR-340 Capstone I
  
Arapahoe Community CollegeENG122Comp II
Colorado Mountain College–Glenwood SpringsENG122English Composition II
Colorado State UniversityCOCC150College Composition
Community College of DenverENG121English Composition
Front Range Community CollegeENG112ENGLISH COMPOSITION II: CO2
Front Range Community CollegeENG122English Composition II
Metropolitan State CollegeENG1020Freshman Comp-Res. Anly & Documt
Metropolitan State CollegeENG120Freshman Comp–Re, Anyl–Doc
Pikes Peak Community CollegeENG122English Composition II
Red Rocks Community CollegeENG122English Composition II
Regis UniversityCCS220BFreshman Seminar II
University of Colorado–BoulderELA101Freshman English
University of Colorado–BoulderHONR4055Discours Analy/Cult Crit
University of Colorado–BoulderHUMN1020Introduction to Humanities 2
University of Colorado–BoulderWRTG1250Advanced First-Year Writing
University of Colorado–DenverENGL2030Composition 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 CollegeART255Color Photography
Arapahoe Community CollegeMUS111Sight Singing I
Arapahoe Community CollegeMUS112Sight Singing II
Colorado CollegeART101Basic Studio
Colorado CollegeDRAMA105Acting I
Colorado Mountain College–Glenwood SpringsART211Painting I
Colorado Mountain College–Glenwood SpringsMUS152Ensemble II
Colorado Northwestern Community CollegeENG221Creative Writing
Colorado State University–Fort CollinsAR135Introduction to Drawing
Community College of DenverART111Basic Drawing
Community College of DenverDAN130Dance Sampler
Community College of DenverMUS141Private Instruction: Voice
Community College of DenverPHO101Fundamentals of B&W Photography
Fort Lewis CollegeMU120Fundamentals of Music
Fort Lewis CollegeTHEA100Dramatic Theater
Front Range Community CollegeART121Drawing I
Front Range Community CollegeART211Painting I
Front Range Community CollegeDRA115Theater Production
Pikes Peak Community CollegeENG221Creative Writing I
Red Rocks Community CollegeART121Drawing I
Red Rocks Community CollegeART211Painting I
Red Rocks Community CollegeENG227Poetry Writing
Red Rocks Community CollegeTHE111Acting I
Rocky Mountain College of Art & DesignFD1115Visual Design I
Rocky Mountain College of Art & DesignFD1235Observational Drawing
Rocky Mountain College of Art & DesignFD1360Structural Drawing
University of Colorado–BoulderEMUS1327Symphony Orchestra
University of Colorado–BoulderEMUS1507Chamber Music
University of Colorado–BoulderENGL1191Intro Creative Writing
University of Colorado–BoulderENGL3051Intermediate Fiction Workshop
University of Colorado–BoulderMUEL1155Intermediate Guitar
University of Colorado–BoulderMUEL1416Intro to Hand Percussion
University of Colorado–BoulderPMUS1766Voice
University of Colorado–BoulderPMUS1786Folk Guitar
University of Colorado–BoulderTHTR1003Beginning Acting
University of DenverARTS2055Color
University of Northern ColoradoDNCE295Beginning Dance Theory
University of Northern ColoradoDNCE356Dance Performance III

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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. 

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. 

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At a time when the value of higher education is being questioned, Naropa University stands firmly rooted in its mission to create a more just and regenerative world by nurturing insight, awareness, courage, and compassion in its students. By making a gift to Naropa, you play a pivotal role in helping to create the authentic, effective & mindful leaders that the world desperately needs.

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Naropa University campuses are closed on 12/17/2025. 

Due to adverse weather conditions of high winds and planned power outages, all Naropa campuses will be closed today. 

 

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