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 2022 Best Graduate Schools rankings
#1 Best Public Affairs Program in Colorado (#28 in the nation)
#1 in Environmental Policy and Management in Colorado (#9 in the nation)
#1 in Nonprofit Management in Colorado (#14 in the nation)
#1 in Public Finance and Budgeting in Colorado (#14 in the nation)
#1 in Public Management and Leadership in Colorado (#22 in the nation)
#1 in Urban Policy in Colorado (#30 in the nation)
#1 in Public Policy Analysis in Colorado (#32 in the nation)
#3 Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs in Colorado (#24 in the nation)
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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.
No events currently scheduled.
Featured news
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In memoriam: Barbara Paradiso, Center on Domestic Violence
Jul 30, 2021 byThe movement to end domestic violence lost a titan in Barbara Paradiso, who passed away suddenly on July 26.Full story -
Remembering Barbara Paradiso, School of Public Affairs Center on Domestic Violence
Jul 28, 2021 byThe School of Public Affairs mourns the loss of Barbara Paradiso, former director of the Center on Domestic Violence, who passed away suddenly on July 26.Full story -
How a holistic research retreat can help our scienceOpens in a new window
Jul 8, 2021After an existential crisis, we realized we needed to think more deeply about our careers, say Örjan Bodin and CU Denver School of Public Affairs professor Christopher M. Weible.Opens in a new window Full story -
Gnomes Invade Denver—#GnoMo ViolenceOpens in a new window
May 31, 2021Gnomes are descending on Denver. Yes, they’re cute, but they also have an important message about healthy relationships. Last week, staff at the Center on Domestic Violence (CDV) in CU Denver’s School of Public Affairs and youth leaders at four DPS high schools kicked off the student campaign #GnoMo Violence.Opens in a new window Full story -
School of Public Affairs recognizes outstanding graduating students
May 21, 2021 byThe School of Public Affairs congratulates the 2021 graduates and recognizes the outstanding students and capstone projects for the spring 2021 semester and the best dissertations from the 2020-21 academic year.Full story -
Q&A with criminal justice student Hannah Huyck
May 5, 2021 byIn this School of Public Affairs interview, student Hannah Huyck discusses her motivation to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Victims and Victim Services, how her internship experience led to a promotion, and her future plans.Full story -
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CU Denver Alum Deanne Criswell Confirmed as First Female Leader of FEMAOpens in a new window
Apr 22, 2021Today, Deanne B. Criswell, a University of Colorado Denver alum, was confirmed as the next administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). After graduating from CU Denver with a master in public administration in 2006, Criswell went on to manage the Office of Emergency Management for the City of Aurora, the third largest city in Colorado, from 2005 to 2011.Opens in a new window Full story -
School of Public Affairs alumni recognized with CU Denver Alumni Awards for 2021
Mar 31, 2021 byEach year the CU Denver Alumni Board honors individuals who have a record of distinction with the University of Colorado Denver and/or in their profession, community, and society at large. For 2021, three of the five award winners are alumni of the Master of Public Administration program at the CU Denver School of Public Affairs.Full story
School of Public Affairs
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