Admission
The University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs welcomes qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to apply for admission to our degree and non-degree programs in Criminal Justice and Public Affairs. Listed below are the admission requirements and application processes for our programs. If you have any questions about our programs and the application process, please contact spa.admissions@ucdenver.edu. Also, learn about School of Public Affairs scholarship opportunities.
Admission Requirements & Application Process by Program:
Admission Requirements, Application Process & Application Deadlines |
First-time freshman applicants must meet the admission requirements set by the CU Denver Office of Admissions. Applications are accepted for the fall, spring, and summer terms and are reviewed by staff in the Office of Admissions. Visit the office's website to learn about the admission requirements, how to apply, and application deadlines. |
Office of Admissions Website |
Start Your First-Year Student Application |
Admission Requirements, Application Process & Application Deadlines |
Transfer applicants must meet the admission requirements set by the CU Denver Office of Admissions. In addition, prospective transfer students wishing to pursue a major in the School of Public Affairs must meet the school's admission requirements:
Students transferring from a Colorado Community College can view the statewide transfer articulation agreements. Applications are accepted for the fall, spring, and summer terms and are reviewed by staff in the Office of Admissions. Visit the office's website to learn about the specific admission requirements, how to apply, and the application deadlines. |
Office of Admissions Website |
Start Your Transfer Student Application |
Prospective graduate students must meet the admission criteria set by the School of Public Affairs. The graduate program committees consider the entirety of admission applications. Final decisions about admission to School of Public Affairs graduate programs are at the discretion of the program committees. Applications for admission to the Master of Criminal Justice program are accepted for the fall, spring, and summer terms.
New for Fall 2025: The School of Public Affairs is working behind the scenes to transition the optional concentrations for our master’s programs to optional graduate certificates by Fall 2025. While we work to update the admission application, please select the concentration from the drop-down list that corresponds to the optional certificate you wish to pursue. If the certificate you wish to pursue is not an option, it can be added after admission.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS |
Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. (Applicants with a minimum GPA of 3.0 will be considered.) |
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR DOMESTIC APPLICANTS |
One set of transcripts is required from all higher education institutions attended. Unofficial transcripts may be submitted with the admission application. Students who are admitted and enrolled in the program will be required to subsequently submit official transcripts and will receive instructions on how and when to do so. |
Two letters of recommendation from qualified references (i.e., professors, employers and/or others acquainted with your professional and/or academic work). |
A chronological resume that includes all relevant positions held during and since your undergraduate degree, significant community or volunteer service, and awards, honors and recognitions. |
A personal statement of at least 500 words (roughly 2 double-spaced pages) that:
|
Optional: standardized test scores (i.e., GRE, GMAT, LSAT). Test scores may strengthen your application, particularly scores in the 50th percentile or higher, with quantitative and verbal scores of 151 or higher and an analytical writing score of 4.0 or higher. If submitting test scores with the application, they must be from within the last five years. To submit GRE scores, please use the CU Denver institution code of 4875. |
Application fee of $50 for domestic applicants |
| A NOTE ABOUT APPLYING TO THE DUAL-DEGREE MPA-MCJ |
Prospective students who wish to pursue the Dual Master of Public Administration-Master of Criminal Justice should complete a graduate degree application for the Master of Public Administration program first. Then you should complete the form linked below and indicate that you will be pursuing a Master of Criminal Justice Dual Degree plan: https://application.admissions.ucdenver.edu/register/dualdegree |
APPLICATION DEADLINES FOR DOMESTIC APPLICANTS |
Preferred Deadlines* By meeting the preferred deadlines, admitted students can meet scholarships application deadlines and have the best chance of securing seats in preferred courses.
*Application deadlines are subject to change. |
Final Deadlines* This is the last date that completed applications will be considered for admission.
*Application deadlines are subject to change. |
Start your domestic admission application |
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS |
In addition to meeting the application requirements for domestic students outlined above, international applicants must follow the additional application steps outlined by the International Admissions Office and
submit official transcripts with their admission applications. |
Start your graduate application as an international applicant |
APPLICATION DEADLINES FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS |
Preferred Deadlines* By meeting the preferred deadlines, admitted students have the best chance of securing seats in preferred courses.
*Application deadlines are subject to change. |
Final Deadlines* This is the last date that completed applications will be considered for admission.
*Application deadlines are subject to change. |
Start your international admission application |
Prospective graduate students must meet the admission criteria set by the School of Public Affairs. The graduate program committees consider the entirety of admission applications. Final decisions about admission to School of Public Affairs graduate programs are at the discretion of the program committees.
Applications for admission to the master's degree programs are accepted for the fall, spring, and summer terms, with the exception of the Accelerated Master of Public Administration program, which accepts applications for the fall term only.
New for Fall 2025: The School of Public Affairs is working behind the scenes to transition the optional concentrations for our master’s programs to optional graduate certificates by Fall 2025. While we work to update the admission application, please select the concentration from the drop-down list that corresponds to the optional certificate you wish to pursue. If the certificate you wish to pursue is not an option, it can be added after admission.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS |
Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. (Applicants with a minimum GPA of 3.0 will be considered.) |
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR DOMESTIC APPLICANTS |
One set of transcripts is required from all higher education institutions attended. Unofficial transcripts may be submitted with the admission application. Students who are admitted and enrolled in the program will be required to subsequently submit official transcripts and will receive instructions on how and when to do so. |
Two letters of recommendation from qualified references (i.e., professors, employers and/or others acquainted with your professional and/or academic work). |
A chronological resume that includes all relevant positions held during and since your undergraduate degree, significant community or volunteer service, and awards, honors and recognitions. |
A personal statement of at least 500 words (roughly 2 double-spaced pages) that:
|
Optional: standardized test scores (i.e., GRE, GMAT, LSAT). Test scores may strengthen your application, particularly scores in the 50th percentile or higher, with quantitative and verbal scores of 151 or higher and an analytical writing score of 4.0 or higher. If submitting test scores with the application, they must be from within the last five years. To submit GRE scores, please use the CU Denver institution code of 4875. |
Evidence of quantitative competency. You can provide evidence of this competency in one of these three ways:
|
Application fee of $50 for domestic applicants |
| A NOTE ABOUT APPLYING TO DUAL-DEGREE PROGRAMS |
Prospective students who wish to pursue dual-degree programs within the School of Public Affairs (i.e., Dual Master of Public Administration-Master of Criminal Justice, Dual Master of Public Administration-Master of Public Policy) should complete a graduate degree application for the Master of Public Administration program first. Then you should complete the form linked below and indicate that you will be pursuing a Master of Criminal Justice Dual Degree plan or a Master of Public Policy Dual Degree plan: https://application.admissions.ucdenver.edu/register/dualdegree Prospective students who wish to pursue dual-degree programs where one program is outside of the School of Public Affairs must meet the admission requirements for each program, apply to each program separately, and be admitted to each program. |
APPLICATION DEADLINES FOR DOMESTIC APPLICANTS |
Preferred Deadlines* By meeting the preferred deadlines, admitted students can meet scholarships application deadlines and have the best chance of securing seats in preferred courses.
*Application deadlines are subject to change. **The Accelerated Master of Public Administration program accepts applications for the fall term only. |
Final Deadlines* This is the last date that completed applications will be considered for admission.
*Application deadlines are subject to change. **The Accelerated Master of Public Administration program accepts applications for the fall term only. |
Start your domestic admission application |
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS |
In addition to meeting the application requirements for domestic students outlined above, international applicants must follow the additional application steps outlined by the International Admissions Office and
submit official transcripts with their admission applications. |
| Start your graduate application as an international applicant . |
APPLICATION DEADLINES FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS |
Preferred Deadlines* By meeting the preferred deadlines, admitted students have the best chance of securing seats in preferred courses.
*Application deadlines are subject to change. **The Accelerated Master of Public Administration program accepts applications for the fall term only. |
Final Deadlines* This is the last date that completed applications will be considered for admission.
*Application deadlines are subject to change. **The Accelerated Master of Public Administration program accepts applications for the fall term only. |
Start your international admission application |
Prospective graduate students must meet the admission criteria set by the School of Public Affairs. The graduate program committees consider the entirety of admission applications. Final decisions about admission to School of Public Affairs graduate programs are at the discretion of the program committees.
Applications for admission to the Master of Public Policy are accepted for the fall, spring, and summer terms.
New for Fall 2025: The School of Public Affairs is working behind the scenes to transition the optional concentrations for our master’s programs to optional graduate certificates by Fall 2025. While we work to update the admission application, please select the concentration from the drop-down list that corresponds to the optional certificate you wish to pursue. If the certificate you wish to pursue is not an option, it can be added after admission.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS |
Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. (Applicants with a minimum GPA of 3.0 will be considered.) |
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR DOMESTIC APPLICANTS |
One set of transcripts is required from all higher education institutions attended. Unofficial transcripts may be submitted with the admission application. Students who are admitted and enrolled in the program will be required to subsequently submit official transcripts and will receive instructions on how and when to do so. |
Two letters of recommendation from qualified references (i.e., professors, employers and/or others acquainted with your professional and/or academic work). |
A chronological resume that includes all relevant positions held during and since your undergraduate degree, significant community or volunteer service, and awards, honors and recognitions. |
A personal statement of at least 500 words (roughly 2 double-spaced pages) that:
|
Optional: standardized test scores (i.e., GRE, GMAT, LSAT). Test scores may strengthen your application, particularly scores in the 50th percentile or higher, with quantitative and verbal scores of 151 or higher and an analytical writing score of 4.0 or higher. If submitting test scores with the application, they must be from within the last five years. To submit GRE scores, please use the CU Denver institution code of 4875. |
Evidence of quantitative competency. You can provide evidence of this competency in one of these three ways:
|
Application fee of $50 for domestic applicants |
| A NOTE ABOUT APPLYING TO DUAL-DEGREE PROGRAMS |
Prospective students who wish to pursue the Dual Master of Public Administration-Master of Public Policy should complete a graduate degree application for the Master of Public Administration program first. Then you should complete the form linked below and indicate that you will be pursuing a Master of Public Policy Dual-Degree plan: https://application.admissions.ucdenver.edu/register/dualdegree |
APPLICATION DEADLINES FOR DOMESTIC APPLICANTS |
Preferred Deadlines* By meeting the preferred deadlines, admitted students can meet scholarships application deadlines and have the best chance of securing seats in preferred courses.
*Application deadlines are subject to change. |
Final Deadlines* This is the last date that completed applications will be considered for admission.
*Application deadlines are subject to change. |
Start your domestic admission application |
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS |
In addition to meeting the application requirements for domestic students outlined above, international applicants must follow the additional application steps outlined by the International Admissions Office and
submit official transcripts with their admission applications. |
Start your graduate application as an international applicant
|
APPLICATION DEADLINES FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS |
Preferred Deadlines* By meeting the preferred deadlines, admitted students have the best chance of securing seats in preferred courses.
*Application deadlines are subject to change. |
Final Deadlines* This is the last date that completed applications will be considered for admission.
*Application deadlines are subject to change. |
Start your international admission application |
Prospective doctoral students must meet the admission criteria set by the School of Public Affairs. The program committee consider the entirety of admission applications. Final decisions about admission to School of Public Affairs graduate programs are at the discretion of the program committees.
Applications for admission to the doctoral degree program are accepted for the fall term only.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS |
Admission to the program is based on the personal and professional qualifications of the applicant. It is desirable that an applicant have a master’s degree in public administration or a closely related field before undertaking doctoral work. Applicants should have:
Successful applicants will also show the potential for productive careers in scholarship, research and analysis. Meeting the minimum thresholds listed above does not assure admission. In unusual cases, students who fail to meet the thresholds may be admitted if high academic skills are demonstrated in other ways. |
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR DOMESTIC APPLICANTS |
One set of official transcripts is required from all higher education institutions attended. The preferred method to submit official transcripts is through a secured, electronic delivery system. If your degree-bearing
institution has the ability to send official transcripts electronically, please have them sent to spa.admissions@ucdenver.edu. |
Three letters of recommendations from qualified references (i.e., professors, employers and/or others acquainted with your professional and/or academic work. |
GRE scores (no more than five years old); To submit GRE scores, please use the CU Denver institution code of 4875. |
A current resume or curriculum vita. |
A well articulated statement of purpose demonstrating an understanding of the research orientation of the degree and a strong motivation and determination to successfully complete the program. |
Application fee of $50 for domestic applicants |
In addition, students may also submit samples of research reports or publications. |
APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR DOMESTIC APPLICANTS |
Application Deadline*
*Application deadline is subject to change. |
Start your domestic admission application |
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS |
In addition to meeting the application requirements for domestic students outlined above, international applicants must follow the additional application steps outlined by the International Admissions Office and
submit official transcripts with their admission applications. |
APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS |
Application Deadline*
*Application deadline is subject to change. |
Start your international admission application |
A non-degree student is a student who registers for courses, but who is not enrolled in an official degree program at CU Denver. Non-degree students may be interested in taking classes to fulfill prerequisites, to complete a graduate certificate program, or for their own enrichment.
Any student who has already earned a bachelor's degree or higher must complete the application for a graduate non-degree student, even if only taking undergraduate-level classes. Graduate non-degree applications are accepted for the fall, spring, and summer terms.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS |
A Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university is required. Applicants with a minimum GPA of 3.0 have met the requirements for admission as a non-degree students. Applicants with GPAs lower than 3.0 will be considered on a per-case basis. |
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR DOMESTIC APPLICANTS |
One set of transcripts is required from all higher education institutions attended. Unofficial transcripts may be submitted with the admission application. Students who are admitted and enrolled in the program will be required to subsequently submit official transcripts and will receive instructions on how and when to do so. |
A current, chronological resume |
Application fee of $50 for domestic applicants |
A NOTE FOR CURRENTLY ENROLLED MASTER'S STUDENTS APPLYING FOR A GRADUATE CERTIFICATE |
If you are a current University of Colorado Denver student in a different school/college graduate degree program looking to complete a School of Public Affairs graduate certificate, please complete the following form instead of the CU
Denver graduate non-degree admission application: https://application.admissions.ucdenver.edu/register/SPACertApp |
APPLICATION DEADLINES FOR DOMESTIC APPLICANTS |
Application Deadlines* This is the last date that completed applications will be considered for admission.
*Application deadlines are subject to change. |
Start your non-degree admission application |
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS & APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS |
| International applicants must meet the same admission criteria as domestic applicants. Additional documentation is required of international applicants to verify English language proficiency. |
ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY |
| The School of Public Affairs requires international applicants to submit English Language Proficiency scores to complete your application: |
TOEFL iBT | IELTS ACADEMIC | PTE ACADEMIC | |
| Overall score | 80 | 6.5 | 58 |
| Reading | 20 | 6.0 | 42 |
| Listening | 20 | 6.0 | 42 |
| Speaking | 20 | 6.0 | 42 |
| Writing | 19 | 5.5 | 42 |
DUOLINGO ENGLISH TEST | |
| Overall score | 110 |
| Literacy | 85 |
| Conversation | 85 |
| Comprehension | 85 |
| Production | 85 |
INTERNATIONAL TRANSCRIPT EVALUATION |
An International Credential Evaluation Report is required for any applicant who attended one or more academic institution(s) located outside the United States. All international credentials from academic institution(s) located outside the United States will need to be verified for authenticity and evaluated by CU Denver or an external evaluation provider (ECE or WES). Starting February 1, 2024, applicants for Fall 2024 term will have the option of choosing:
Please follow the link below and carefully read through each of the options: https://www.ucdenver.edu/international-admissions/apply-for-admission/graduate |
UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSION |
| Applications for undergraduate admission are accepted for the fall, spring, and summer terms. |
How to apply as an international applicant |
Start your admission application |
GRADUATE ADMISSION |
| Applications for graduate admission are accepted for the fall, spring, and summer terms, with the exception of the Accelerated MPA and the PhD in Public Affairs programs, which admit students for the fall term only. |
How to apply as an international applicant |
Start your admission application |
APPLICATION DEADLINES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS |
Preferred Deadlines*: By meeting the preferred deadlines, admitted students have the best chance of securing seats in their preferred courses.
*Application deadlines are subject to change. |
Final Deadlines*: These are the last dates that applications will be considered for admission.
*Application deadlines are subject to change. |
QUESTIONS? |
| If you have any questions about our programs, the admission requirements, or the application process, please contact spa.admissions@ucdenver.edu or 303-315-2228. |
The School of Public Affairs offers the opportunity for qualifying international students from certain Eastern European and Asian countries to pursue a full-time Master of Public Administration or Master of Public Policy at the Colorado resident tuition
rate. Over the course of this two-year program, students will save approximately $25,000.
Qualifying countries: People’s Republic of China and Commonwealth of Independent States (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russian, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan).
Questions: Contact spa.admissions@ucdenver.edu or 303-315-2228.
Qualifying countries: People’s Republic of China and Commonwealth of Independent States (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russian, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan).
Questions: Contact spa.admissions@ucdenver.edu or 303-315-2228.
Request Information:
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