Preparing leaders for government and nonprofits
Lead. Solve. Change.
Public affairs topics are at the center of almost every national debate.
From education policy to affordable housing, criminal justice reform to energy independence, these issues affect our neighborhoods, our cities and our society as a whole. To move forward and find solutions, the country needs leaders and collaborators with in-depth knowledge and a long-term vision.
Determined to make a difference in your community?
As Colorado’s top school for public affairs, public administration and criminal justice, CU Denver School of Public Affairs is a great place to start.
U.S. News & World Report 2023 Best Graduate Schools rankings
#1 Best Public Affairs Program in Colorado (#29 in the nation)
#1 in Environmental Policy and Management in Colorado (#10 in the nation)
#1 in Nonprofit Management in Colorado (#16 in the nation)
#1 in Public Finance and Budgeting in Colorado (#19 in the nation)
#1 in Public Management and Leadership in Colorado (#21 in the nation)
#1 in Local Government in Colorado (#25 in the nation)
#2 Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs in Colorado (#20 in the nation)
CU Denver and the School of Public Affairs are Celebrating 50 Years!
Whether you’re an alumn, current student, faculty and staff member, donor, or neighbor, you’re a valuable part of the CU Denver community. Help us celebrate the last 50 years and a future that works for all.
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Learn more about our Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration programs.
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Learn more about our Master of Criminal Justice, Master of Public Administration, and Master of Public Policy programs.
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Learn more about our Doctor of Philosophy in Public Affairs program.
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Learn more about our non-degree, graduate certificate programs.
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Application deadlines
Bachelor's programs: December 31
Master's programs: December 1*
Certificate programs: January 22
*Applications are accepted for the fall term only for the accelerated Master of Public Administration program.
View admission requirements and application instructions
Bachelor's programs: May 27
Master's programs: May 1*
Certificate programs: June 11
*Applications are accepted for the fall term only for the accelerated Master of Public Administration program.
View admission requirements and application instructions
Bachelor's programs: July 31
Master's programs: August 1*
Doctoral program: February 1*
Certificate programs: August 21
*Applications are accepted for the fall term only for the accelerated Master of Public Administration and PhD in Public Affairs programs.
View admission requirements and application instructions
Featured events
Attend our events
We host more than 100 events each year featuring distinguished practitioners, community leaders and politicians. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all of our events will be held virtually, unless otherwise indicated.
SPA Graduate Programs Overview Webinar
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07:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Cost/fee: Free During this one-hour webinar, you will learn about graduate program options, course offerings, admission requirements, and program directors. You will have the opportunity to submit questions throughout the presentation.
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First Fridays: 50 Years of Colorado Public Finance and TABOR
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08:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Cost/fee: Free The School of Public Affairs is celebrating our 50th anniversary of public affairs education! This academic year's series of First Fridays will provide 50-year retrospectives on important topics for Coloradans—as well as a look ahead to the next 50 years. Please join us—in person or virtually—for the second half of our event series.
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What can I do with a Master of Public Administration?
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12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
During this one-hour webinar, you will learn about graduate program options, course offerings, admission requirements, and program directors. This event will also feature an alumni guest speaker. You will have the opportunity to submit questions throughout the presentation.
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Featured news
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Online MCJ Program ranked among top 25 program in the nation for online graduate criminal justice for fourth consecutive year
Jan 24, 2023 byThe Master of Criminal Justice (MCJ) program at the University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs is ranked among the top 25 programs in the nation for online graduate criminal justice, for a fourth consecutive year according to U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs rankings.Full story -
Five Questions for SPA Alum Jen Darling, President & CEO of Children's Hospital Colorado Foundation
Dec 2, 2022 byJennifer R. Darling (MPA '00) is the president and CEO of Children's Hospital Colorado Foundation. She has worked in the nonprofit sector since earning her bachelor's degree in economics and political science from Northwestern University in 1991. She earned her master's degree in public administration from the University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs in 2000. Now in her 14th year of service at Children's Colorado, she is also an effective community volunteer. She was actively involved in forming the Institute for Leaders in Development and continues to serve as a program instructor and former Board member.Full story -
Economic Development Class Strengthens San Luis Valley Communities throughout the years
Nov 16, 2022Since 2017, students in Randy Harrison’s ‘Economic Development’ class (PUAD 5630) have had the opportunity to engage with Colorado communities in an experience unlike any felt in a typical classroom. Through its partnership with Downtown Colorado, Inc., this SPA course allows students to become project coordinators in a process known as the Colorado Challenge Program; here, students connect with community members and experts in the field to establish a plan of work to engage public, private, and non-profit partners in addressing a significant community challenge over the course of their semester. Through their partnership, SPA students and DCI have connected with and created initiatives for almost 30 Colorado communities.Full story -
Sara Reynolds Talks About Her Lifelong Passion for Public Service
Nov 2, 2022 bySara Reynolds is the Vice President of Operations for the Colorado Oil & Gas Association. She oversees the daily operations of COGA, including financial management, membership development, programs and events, and community investments.Full story -
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Five Questions for Michael Penny
Oct 18, 2022 byFor more than three decades, Michael Penny (MPA '97) has exemplified the ideals of leadership, collaboration, partnership, and teamwork as the administrative manager for both large and small municipalities across Colorado. His passion and dedication to building robust communities that address the critical needs of citizens, businesses, and industry are evidenced by the strong footprint Michael has left in each community he has touched.Full story -
An Interview with SPA Alum Nga Vương-Sandoval, U.S. Refugee Advisory Board Project Manager
Sep 30, 2022 byJoan Fishburn, Career Services and Alumni Engagement Manager, recently interviewed Nga Vương-Sandoval (MCJ' 02) to talk about her lifelong commitment to advocating on behalf of refugees, immigrants, and other displaced people here in Colorado and around the world. Nga speaks from experience. As a child, Nga and her family fled their homeland due to the Việt Nam War and became refugees. They were displaced in refugee camps before resettling in the U.S. and were known as "boat people."Full story -
Q&A with retired Graduate Academic Advisor Antoinette Sandoval
Sep 1, 2022 byGraduate academic advisor Antoinette Sandoval has been an integral member of the CU Denver School of Public Affairs staff since 1997 and has positively impacted hundreds of students throughout her career. Antoinette retired from SPA on August 31, 2022. Learn more in this Q&A with Antoinette.Full story -
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