Master of Public Administration (MPA)
The MPA program is designed for working professionals who need a program that adapts to their busy lives. With options for full-time or part-time study, as well as online, in-person, or hybrid formats, you can create a schedule that works for you. Develop the leadership skills needed to make an impact, all while balancing your career and personal commitments.
Why MPA?
- Highly Ranked and Accredited Program
CU Denver’s MPA program is accredited and nationally recognized, ranking #27 among public affairs programs in the U.S. and #1 in Colorado.
- Flexible Learning Modalities
Complete the program full-time or part-time, with in-person, online, and hybrid course modalities to fit your schedule.
- Tailor Your MPA for Career Success
Choose a concentration that fits your goals while gaining key skills in leadership, data analytics, budgeting, policy, and decision making—culminating in a hands-on capstone for real-world impact.
- Career-Driven Curriculum and Outcomes
Learn essential skills in leadership, data analytics, budgeting and finance, policy development, and strategic decision-making -- culminating in a hands-on capstone for real-world public or nonprofit sector experience.
- Expert Faculty and Research Impact
Learn from renowned faculty with impactful research and real-world experience, tackling critical public service and policy challenges in Colorado and beyond.
- Professional Network and Access in Colorado's Capital
Unparalleled access to a strong alumni network and government, nonprofits, and think tanks in the state capital.
- Commitment to Public Service and Social Impact
Inspires public service and empowers students to drive meaningful change in government, nonprofits, and beyond.
Curriculum (36-39 credits)
- PUAD 5001 - Introduction to Public Administration and Public Service (3 credits)
- PUAD 5002 - Organizational Management and Behavior (3 credits)
- PUAD 5003 - Research and Analytic Methods (3 credits)
- PUAD 5004 - Economics and Public Finance (3 credits), or PUAD 5503 - Public Budgeting and Finance (3 credits)
- PUAD 5005 - The Policy Process and Democracy (3 credits)
- PUAD 5006 - Public Service Leadership and Ethics (3 credits)
- PUAD 5008 - Evidence-Based Decision-Making (3 credits)
- 4 electives courses (12 total credits)
- PUAD 5361 - Capstone Seminar (3 credits)
- PUAD 6910 - Internship (3 credits)
- The internship may be waived for students with at least one year of public, nonprofit, or relevant private sector experience following the awarding of their bachelor’s degree.
Optional Concentrations
I have benefitted so much from the amount of flexibility that the MPA program offers. The evening and online courses have given me the ability to maintain my professional career while pursuing this degree. And it was always encouraging to meet my new classmates each semester and learn that most of them were also balancing professional and academic commitments. I also greatly appreciate the fact that my instructors always included practical, real-world, and immediate applications in every course I took. This has made it such an engaging experience that stretches beyond the classroom and into everyday life.
Meron Ayele, MPA'24
What stood out the most were the professors. They weren’t just experts in their fields but also genuinely cared about the learning of their students. One thing I really appreciated was how my professors connected what we learned in class to what was happening in the real world. It wasn’t just about theories; it was about how we could apply those ideas to actual issues our communities were facing. This was especially helpful for me since I was working full-time during my program. The direct connection between what I was learning and what I was doing at work made a huge difference in my learning.
Yazmin Castillo, MPA ’22, Development Coordinator at Girls Inc. of Metro Denver
Application Deadlines & How to Apply
Admission applications for the flexible MPA are accepted for the fall, spring, and summer terms.
View the admission and application requirements for the MPA. Applicants should select the "Master of Public Administration” program option in the admission application.
Cost
| Residency Status | Cost |
| Colorado Residents, WGRP Residents, Peace Corps | $24,800 |
| Non-Colorado US Residents/Intl. | $55,100 |
| Out of State, Online Only | $29,200 |
SPA taught me about important leadership, governance, and administrative skills, particularly in financial oversight and organizational development. I often think back to those lessons when driving strategy for Children's Hospital Colorado Foundation. I remember being fascinated by the life cycles of nonprofit organizations and the impact of those stages of development on the staff and volunteer leaders in terms of the skillsets and roles that were necessary at each stage of institutional growth.
Jen Darling, MPA ’00, President & CEO of Children's Hospital Colorado Foundation
My experience with the School of Public Affairs has impacted me in two major ways. One, it afforded my access to a vast alumni network, especially for those in local government. These connections help me connect with colleagues, share ideas, and pass on knowledge. Two, the education provided by SPA set me up for success in a career in local government. Most of the work that I do is niche and learned by experience but not without a strong foundation built by SPA.
Greg LeBlanc, MPA ’15, Assistant Town Manager of Snowmass Village
