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Alert: Plaza Building Is Closed
The Plaza Building will be closed through at least Dec. 6 because of a water line break and expected repairs. The Health Center, located in the building, will only offer Telehealth until further notice. Please check the Auraria Campus website for updates.
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School of Public Affairs
Attention Continuing Students:
New Scholarships are available for continuing School of Public Affairs students for the Spring 2025 semester! Explore Scholarship Universe to learn more and apply! Application closes November 29, 2024.
Explore Scholarship Universe to learn more and applyPreparing leaders for government and nonprofits
Preparing leaders for government and nonprofits
Preparing leaders for government and nonprofits
Preparing leaders for government and nonprofits
Preparing leaders for government and nonprofits
Featured Events
Attend our events
We host a robust program of in-person, virtual, and hybrid events each year featuring distinguished practitioners, government and nonprofit leaders, media, and others. We hope you'll join us!
Featured News
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Six Questions for MCJ ’04 Alum Alison Burke, Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Southern Oregon University
Nov 13, 2024 byAlison Burke is a professor of criminology and criminal justice at Southern Oregon University, where she has taught since earning her Ph.D. from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2008. Over the past 17 years, in addition to teaching and research, Alison has served on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club of the Rogue Valley and the Resolve Center for Dispute Resolution and Restorative Justice.Full story -
Six Questions for MPA ’16 Alum Ali Rhodes, Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Boulder, Colorado
Nov 11, 2024 byAli Rhodes is Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Boulder. Her two key responsibilities as Director are to ensure the community is experiencing a high-quality parks and recreation system and that BPR's teammates have the support and skills they need to operate that system.Full story -
SPA Undergraduate Internship Highlight with BAPS ‘24 Alum Marley Schwartz
Nov 11, 2024Bachelor of Arts in Public Service alum Marly Schwartz shares his experiences as a transfer student at CU Denver and as an intern with The Black Box.Full story -
Your Vote, Your Future: Join Us for a Post-Election Breakdown This Friday as Part of Our 2024 Election Series!
Nov 5, 2024 byWith the election occurring today, the results will soon be in—and we’ll be ready to break it all down for you. On Friday, November 8th, First Fridays: Election Aftermath: Key Takeaways for Colorado will bring together top political leaders and experts to unpack the results of this pivotal election and explore what’s next for Colorado’s political landscape.Full story -
Honoring Dr. Mary E. Guy: Insights into the Future of Social Equity at the Inaugural Distinguished Lecture
Nov 1, 2024 byThe University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs proudly hosted the inaugural Dr. Mary E. Guy Distinguished Lecture Series on October 16, 2024. This year’s lecture, titled "The Future of Social Equity," featured Dr. Susan T. Gooden, a prominent scholar and advocate in the field of public affairs, and Dean and Professor at the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University.Full story
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.
NEW: U.S. News & World Report
2024-2025 Best Graduate Schools rankings
#1 - Best Public Affairs Program in Colorado (#26 in USA)
#1 - Environmental Policy & Management in Colorado (#10 in USA)
#1 - Nonprofit Management in Colorado (#18 in USA)
#1 - Public Finance & Budgeting in Colorado (#19 in USA)
#1 - Public Management & Leadership in Colorado (#19 in USA)
#2 - Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs in Colorado (#19 in USA)
Request Program Information
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, Master of Public Policy, Doctor of Philosophy in Public Affairs, and graduate certificate programs.
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Application Deadlines
Bachelor's programs: Visit the Office of Admissions website.
Master's programs: August 1*
Doctoral program: February 1*
Certificate programs: August 1
*Fall admission only for Accelerated MPA and PhD in Public Affairs.
View admission requirements and application instructions
Bachelor's programs: Visit the Office of Admissions website.
Master's programs: December 15*
Certificate programs: December 15
*Fall admission only for Accelerated MPA and PhD in Public Affairs.
View admission requirements and application instructions
Bachelor's programs: Visit the Office of Admissions website
Master's programs: May 1*
Certificate programs: June 7
*Fall admission only for Accelerated MPA and PhD in Public Affairs.
View admission requirements and application instructions