Doctor of Philosophy in Public Affairs

The PhD program in Public Affairs at the CU Denver School of Public Affairs is designed for scholars and practitioners who seek to shape knowledge, inform policy, and lead change in complex public and nonprofit systems. As the #1 public affairs program in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region, students work closely with nationally and internationally recognized faculty whose research and expertise influence policy, governance, and justice systems across the globe.

Grounded in rigorous scholarship across public administration, public policy, public management, and criminal justice/criminology, the program prepares students to produce original, high‑impact research while developing the skills required for academic careers and senior research, consulting, and leadership roles. Through individualized faculty mentoring, small seminar‑style courses, and a cohort‑based learning environment, doctoral students engage deeply with theory, methods, and practice.

Application Deadlines

Learn more about Admission Requirements & Application Process.

Faculty Mentorship

Students are more likely to be successful in the PhD program when their research interests overlap with members of the faculty. Potential students applying to the program are urged to make an effort to learn about the faculty members at the School of Public Affairs, their academic research interests, their resumes, and their various specializations. Potential students can find out about faculty by taking courses, talking directly with faculty members, and talking with current PhD students. When applying to the PhD program, student candidates should explicitly identify one to three faculty advisors in their statement.

Financial Assistance

The School of Public Affairs will fund a small number of doctoral research assistantships each year based on financial availability and qualifications of the applicant. If you are a potential or incoming PhD student interested in one of these positions as a part of your admission, please contact spa.admissions@ucdenver.edu. 

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PhD Curriculum

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Learn about the courses you need to complete to earn the Doctor of Philosophy in Public Affairs.

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Academic Catalog Listing & Program Handbook

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Find additional information about academic policies, graduation requirements, and more.

• PhD in Public Affairs Catalog Listing 2024-25
• PhD in Public Affairs Handbook