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School of Public Affairs

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    Preparing leaders for government and nonprofits

    Learn more about our programs

    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.

    Logo indicating that the School of Public Affairs is accredited by NASPAA

    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)

    Learn more.

    Master of Public Policy

    New Degree Earned: MPP Classroom Type: Online and on campus classes The Master of Public Policy prepares students to design, advocate for, and evaluate public policy, increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of public policies from inside or outside of government. Students gain understanding of public policy design and analysis techniques, and the role of politics and power in influencing the making and implementation of public policy.

    Graduate Certificate in Managing for Social Equity

    New Degree Earned: Graduate Certificate Classroom Type: Online and on campus classes This certificate provides you with the knowledge and skills to strengthen principles and practices that support equity, diversity, and inclusion within government and nonprofit organizations and in their interactions with the larger society.

    Graduate Certificate in Public Management

    New Degree Earned: Graduate Certificate Classroom Type: Online and on campus classes This certificate will provide you with the historical, political, and legal context of government organizations in the United States. You will learn and apply concepts relevant to managing government organizations, managing human capital, group development and performance, organizational communications, information management, and ethical and evidence-based decision-making.
    50th_Mark_SPA_50thMark_Color_Horizontal

    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.

    Learn more

    Request program information

    • Bachelor's programs
    • Master's programs
    • Doctoral program
    • Certificate programs

    Learn more about our Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration programs.

    Request information

    Learn more about our Master of Criminal Justice, Master of Public Administration, and Master of Public Policy programs.

    Request information

    Learn more about our Doctor of Philosophy in Public Affairs program.

    Request information

    Learn more about our non-degree, graduate certificate programs.

    Request information

    Application deadlines

    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Fall

    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

    Our response to COVID-19

    Learn more

    Degree Programs in Criminal Justice

    Closeup of the pediment of a building with the words "Equal Justice Under Law" etched in relief

    Defend the innocent, use big data, solve crimes

    Our criminal justice programs prepare students for a changing workforce and continued learning. Some use their degree as a stepping stone to executive positions in law enforcement, crime analysis and human services, while others want to expand their knowledge of criminal justice before law school.

    Browse our criminal justice programs.

    Degree Programs in Public Affairs

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    Put good policy ideas into practice

    Our programs in public affairs, public administration and public service prepare leaders for the government and nonprofit sectors. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 25 percent of all jobs are in these sectors, and with 30 percent of government employees eligible to retire in 2016, the demand for public administrators continues to rise.

    Browse our public affairs programs.

    Certificate programs

    Firefighters contending with a wildfire

    Focus on your interests and passion

    Our certificate programs provide a great opportunity to add to your skills and knowledge in your particular area of interest, whether you want to advance in your current job or transition into a new one. Credits earned in certificate programs can be applied toward our master’s degree programs.

    Browse our certificate programs.

    Professional & Leadership Development Programs

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    Strengthen your skills, grow your network

    The School of Public Affairs is home to nationally renowned programs that provide training to current and future leaders. From public managers to education policy experts, our program participants have developed new skills, expanded their networks and recharged their careers.

    Browse our leadership training programs.


    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.

    Join our events mailing list

    What can I do with a Master of Public Administration?

    Feb 15, 2023 | 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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    What can I do with a Master of Criminal?

    Feb 16, 2023 | 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.
    Add event to:
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    SPA One-Year MPA Program Overview Webinar and Current Student Q&A

    Feb 22, 2023 | 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
    Cost/fee: Free
    During this one-hour webinar, you will learn about graduate program options, course offerings, admission requirements, and current students. You will have the opportunity to submit questions throughout the presentation.
    Add event to:
    • Outlook
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    • Google Calendar

    See all events


    Featured news

     

    • Number_21_600w

      Online MCJ Program ranked among top 25 program in the nation for online graduate criminal justice for fourth consecutive year

      Jan 24, 2023 by Toula Wellbrook
      The 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
    • Jennifer Darling headshot

      Five Questions for SPA Alum Jen Darling, President & CEO of Children's Hospital Colorado Foundation

      Dec 2, 2022 by Joan Fishburn
      Jennifer 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, 2022
      Since 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
    • 50th-ann-sara-reynolds

      Sara Reynolds Talks About Her Lifelong Passion for Public Service

      Nov 2, 2022 by Joan Fishburn
      Sara 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
    • Michael Penny 2022_Web Optimized (002)

      Five Questions for Michael Penny

      Oct 18, 2022 by Joan Fishburn
      For 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
    • NVS History Colorado photo by Together Creative Media

      An Interview with SPA Alum Nga Vương-Sandoval, U.S. Refugee Advisory Board Project Manager

      Sep 30, 2022 by Joan Fishburn
      Joan 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
    • Antoinette-Sandoval-feature

      Q&A with retired Graduate Academic Advisor Antoinette Sandoval

      Sep 1, 2022 by Joan Fishburn
      Graduate 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
    • MWF-Chancellor-Marks-850w

      Five Takeaways from Chancellor Marks’ Conversation with the Mandela Washington Fellowship LeadersOpens in a new window

      Jul 12, 2022
      Opens in a new window Full story
    • election-850w

      The Significance of Colorado’s June 28 Primary Elections ExplainedOpens in a new window

      Jun 27, 2022
      Opens in a new window Full story

    See all news

    School of Public Affairs

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