Admission

Admission requirements and application process

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.

• First-time freshman admission requirements
• How to apply as a domestic first-time freshman
• How to apply as an international first-time freshman

Start your freshman application.

Learn more about our bachelor's degree programs

• Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
• Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration

Preferred application deadlines* for domestic applicants

By meeting the preferred deadlines, admitted students can meet scholarships application deadlines and have the best chance of securing seats in preferred courses.

• Fall: March 15
• Spring: October 15
• Summer: March 15

Final application deadlines* for domestic applicants

This is the last date that completed applications will be considered for admission.

• Fall: July 31
• Spring: December 31
• Summer: May 27

Preferred application deadlines* for international applicants

By meeting the preferred deadlines, admitted students can meet scholarships application deadlines and have the best chance of securing seats in preferred courses.

• Fall: March 15
• Spring: September 15
• Summer: January 15

Final application deadlines* for international applicants

This is the last date that completed applications will be considered for admission.

• Fall: May 15
• Spring: October 15
• Summer: March 15

*Application deadlines are subject to change.

Admission requirements and application process

Transfer applicants must meet the admission requirements set by the CU Denver Office of Admissions. 

• CU Denver admission requirements for transfer students

In addition to meeting the admission requirements for CU Denver, prospective transfer students must meet the admission requirements for the School of Public Affairs:

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.4 (students with a 2.0 or higher cumulative GPA will still be considered)

Students transferring from a Colorado Community College can view the statewide transfer articulation agreements.

Applications are accepted for the fall, spring and summer terms.

• How to apply as a domestic transfer student
• How to apply as an international transfer student

Start your transfer application.

Learn more about our bachelor's degree programs

• Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
• Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration

Preferred application deadlines* for domestic applicants

By meeting the preferred deadlines, admitted students can meet scholarships application deadlines and have the best chance of securing seats in preferred courses.

• Fall: March 15
• Spring: October 15
• Summer: March 15

Final application deadlines* for domestic applicants

This is the last date that completed applications will be considered for admission.

• Fall: July 31
• Spring: December 31
• Summer: May 27

Preferred application deadlines* for international applicants

By meeting the preferred deadlines, admitted students can meet scholarships application deadlines and have the best chance of securing seats in preferred courses.

• Fall: March 15
• Spring: September 15
• Summer: January 15

Final application deadlines* for international applicants

This is the last date that completed applications will be considered for admission.

• Fall: May 15
• Spring: October 15
• Summer: March 15

*Application deadlines are subject to change.

Admission requirements and application process

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.

Admission requirements

• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Standardized test scores (i.e., GRE, GMAT, LSAT) are no longer required for admission to the program; however, 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.

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.
• Three letters of recommendations from qualified references (i.e., professors, employers and/or others acquainted with your professional and/or academic work).
  
• Optional: standardized test scores (i.e., GRE, GMAT, LSAT). To submit GRE scores, please use the CU Denver institution code of 4875.
• A current resume highlighting professional accomplishments and community involvement
• A two- to four-page, double-spaced personal statement that showcases your strengths and provides an overview of your background, academic goals, and professional aspirations.
• Application fee of $50 for domestic applicants

Prospective students who wish to pursue dual degree programs, such as the Dual Master of Public Administration-Master of Criminal Justice, must meet the admission requirements for each program, submit the required application materials for each program and be admitted to each program.

Start your graduate application as a domestic applicant.

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.

Learn more about our program

• Master of Criminal Justice

Preferred application deadlines* for domestic applicants

By meeting the preferred deadlines, admitted students can meet scholarships application deadlines and have the best chance of securing seats in preferred courses.

• Fall: March 15
• Spring: October 15
• Summer: March 15

Final application deadlines* for domestic applicants

This is the last date that completed applications will be considered for admission.

• Fall: August 1 
• Spring: December 1
• Summer: May 1

Preferred application deadlines* for international applicants

By meeting the preferred deadlines, admitted students can meet scholarships application deadlines and have the best chance of securing seats in preferred courses.

• Fall: March 15
• Spring: September 15
• Summer: January 15

Final application deadlines* for international applicants

This is the last date that completed applications will be considered for admission.

• Fall: May 15
• Spring: October 15
• Summer: March 15

*Application deadlines are subject to change.

Admission requirements and application process

Prospective graduate students must meet the admission criteria set by the School of Public Affairs. The 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 only accepts applications for the fall term.

Admission requirements

• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. (Applicants with a minimum GPA of 3.0 will be considered.)
• Standardized test scores (i.e., GRE, GMAT, LSAT) are no longer required for admission to the program; however, test scores may strengthen your application (e.g., if your undergraduate GPA is less than 3.0). If submitting test scores with the application, they must be from within the last five years.

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.
• Three letters of recommendations 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 two- to four-page, double-spaced personal statement that showcases your strengths and provides an overview of your background, goals, academic and professional aspirations, and a commitment to public service. Explain why you are seeking an MPA at the University of Colorado Denver and how you hope to use your degree for the public good.
• Optional: standardized test scores (i.e., GRE, GMAT, LSAT). To submit GRE scores, please use the CU Denver institution code of 4875.
• Evidence of analytic writing competency. You can provide evidence of this competency in several ways:
  • If you have already earned a graduate degree (e.g., master's degree, JD), you have met the analytic writing competency.
  • If you submit test scores for the GRE, GMAT or LSAT and your analytical writing score is in the top 50th percentile, then you have met the competency.
  • If you do not hold a master’s degree and you do not submit GRE, GMAT or LSAT scores, then you must provide a writing sample. Your writing sample is an opportunity to highlight your writing ability and critical thinking skills. In the writing sample, you should critically analyze an issue and make a well-supported argument for a particular position or decision. Please limit the writing sample to approximately four to five double-spaced pages and use proper citations for all source material. You may use work that you have completed previously for school or work that meets these requirements, or you may select one of the following topics. The work must be solely authored by you:
    • Analyze a public policy issue of your choice
    • Analyze an issue facing a government or nonprofit organization
• Evidence of quantitative competency. You can provide evidence of this competency in a number of ways:
  • If you have already earned a graduate degree (e.g., master's degree, JD), you are likely to have met the quantitative competency, although depending on the curriculum, there may be instances where you would be required to take a math refresher.
  • If you have taken a college algebra or statistics course (or higher-level math course) as an undergraduate and earned a B or higher, you have met the quantitative competency.
  • If you submit test scores for the GRE or GMAT and your quantitative reasoning score is in the top 50th percentile, then you have met the competency.
  • If you are unable to demonstrate quantitative competency as part of your application, you may still be admitted, but you will be notified that you will need to demonstrate quantitative competency through an approved alternative route by the end of your first semester of graduate studies. We recommend completion of one of the following:
    • Passage of the CLEP College Algebra exam
    • Straighter Line college algebra or statistics class
    • Undergraduate-level course in algebra or statistics at a community college or university
• Application fee of $50 for domestic applicants

Start your graduate application as a domestic applicant.

Prospective students who wish to pursue dual degree programs, such as the Dual Master of Public Administration-Master of Criminal Justice, must meet the admission requirements for each program, submit the required application materials for each program and be admitted to each program.

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.

Learn more about our master's degree program

• Master of Public Administration

Preferred application deadlines* for domestic applicants

By meeting the preferred deadlines, admitted students can meet scholarships application deadlines and have the best chance of securing seats in preferred courses.

• Fall: March 15**
• Spring: October 15
• Summer: March 15

Final application deadlines* for domestic applicants

This is the last date that completed applications will be considered for admission.

• Fall: August 1**
• Spring: December 1
• Summer: May 1

**The Accelerated Master of Public Administration program accepts applications for the fall term only.

Preferred application deadlines* for international applicants

By meeting the preferred deadlines, admitted students can meet scholarships application deadlines and have the best chance of securing seats in preferred courses.

• Fall: March 15**
• Spring: September 15
• Summer: January 15

Final application deadlines* for international applicants

This is the last date that completed applications will be considered for admission.

• Fall: May 15**
• Spring: October 15
• Summer: March 15

*Application deadlines are subject to change.

**The Accelerated Master of Public Administration program accepts applications for the fall term only.

Admission requirements and application process

Prospective graduate students must meet the admission criteria set by the School of Public Affairs. The 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.

Admission requirements

• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. (Applicants with a minimum GPA of 3.0 will be considered.)
• Standardized test scores (i.e., GRE, GMAT, LSAT) are no longer required for admission to the program; however, test scores may strengthen your application (e.g., if your undergraduate GPA is less than 3.0). If submitting test scores with the application, they must be from within the last five years.

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.
• Three letters of recommendations 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 two- to four-page, double-spaced personal statement that showcases your strengths and provides an overview of your background, goals, academic and professional aspirations, and a commitment to public service. Explain why you are seeking an MPP at the University of Colorado Denver and how you hope to use your degree for the public good.
• Optional: standardized test scores (i.e., GRE, GMAT, LSAT). To submit GRE scores, please use the CU Denver institution code of 4875.
• Evidence of analytic writing competency. You can provide evidence of this competency in several ways:
  • If you have already earned a graduate degree (e.g., master's degree, JD), you have met the analytic writing competency.
  • If you submit test scores for the GRE, GMAT or LSAT and your analytical writing score is in the top 50th percentile, then you have met the competency.
  • If you do not hold a master’s degree and you do not submit GRE, GMAT or LSAT scores, then you must provide a writing sample. Your writing sample is an opportunity to highlight your writing ability and critical thinking skills. In the writing sample, you should critically analyze an issue and make a well-supported argument for a particular position or decision. Please limit the writing sample to approximately four to five double-spaced pages and use proper citations for all source material. You may use work that you have completed previously for school or work that meets these requirements, or you may select one of the following topics. The work must be solely authored by you:
    • Analyze a public policy issue of your choice
    • Analyze an issue facing a government or nonprofit organization
• Evidence of quantitative competency. You can provide evidence of this competency in a number of ways:
  • If you have already earned a graduate degree (e.g., master's degree, JD), you are likely to have met the quantitative competency, although depending on the curriculum, there may be instances where you would be required to take a math refresher.
  • If you have taken a college algebra or statistics course (or higher-level math course) as an undergraduate and earned a B or higher, you have met the quantitative competency.
  • If you submit test scores for the GRE or GMAT and your quantitative reasoning score is in the top 50th percentile, then you have met the competency.
  • If you are unable to demonstrate quantitative competency as part of your application, you may still be admitted, but you will be notified that you will need to demonstrate quantitative competency through an approved alternative route by the end of your first semester of graduate studies. We recommend completion of one of the following:
    • Passage of the CLEP College Algebra exam
    • Straighter Line college algebra or statistics class
    • Undergraduate-level course in algebra or statistics at a community college or university
• Application fee of $50 for domestic applicants

Start your graduate application as a domestic applicant.

Prospective students who wish to pursue dual degree programs, such as the Dual Master of Public Policy-Master of Criminal Justice, must meet the admission requirements for each program, submit the required application materials for each program and be admitted to each program.

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.

Learn more about our master's degree program

• Master of Public Policy

Preferred application deadlines* for domestic applicants

By meeting the preferred deadlines, admitted students can meet scholarships application deadlines and have the best chance of securing seats in preferred courses.

• Fall: March 15
• Spring: October 15
• Summer: March 15

Final application deadlines* for domestic applicants

This is the last date that completed applications will be considered for admission.

• Fall: August 1
• Spring: December 1
• Summer: May 1

Preferred application deadlines* for international applicants

By meeting the preferred deadlines, admitted students can meet scholarships application deadlines and have the best chance of securing seats in preferred courses.

• Fall: March 15
• Spring: September 15
• Summer: January 15

Final application deadlines* for international applicants

This is the last date that completed applications will be considered for admission.

• Fall: May 15
• Spring: October 15
• Summer: March 15

*Application deadlines are subject to change.

Admissions requirements

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.

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:

• GPA of 3.0 or above in master's-level course work
• GRE scores (no more than five years old) that are, at a minimum, above the 50th percentile ranking in both the quantitative and verbal sections.

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.

Applications for admission to the doctoral degree program are accepted for the fall term only.

• 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.
  
  For institutions not set up to do this, please have sealed, official transcripts sent to:
  
  University of Colorado Denver
  School of Public Affairs
  Attn:  Admissions
  CB 142, PO Box 173364
  Denver, CO 80217-3364

• 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 students

In addition, students may also submit samples of research reports or publications.

Start your graduate applications a domestic applicant.

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.

Start your graduate application as an international applicant.

Learn more about our doctoral program

• Doctor of Philosophy in Public Affairs

Application deadline* for domestic applicants

• Fall: February 1**
  

Application deadline* for international applicants

• Fall: January 15**

*Application deadlines are subject to change.

**The PhD in Public Affairs program accepts applications for the fall term only.

Admission requirements and application process

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 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.

To apply for admission to a certificate program (i.e., as a non-degree applicant), the following materials are required:

• A current, chronological resume
• Application fee: $50 for domestic applicants/$75 for international applicants
• One set of official transcripts is required from the higher education institution that awarded the bachelor's degree.
  

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.

For institutions not set up to do this, please have sealed, official transcripts sent to:

University of Colorado Denver
School of Public Affairs
Attn: Admissions
CB 142, PO Box 173364
Denver, CO 80217-3364

Start your non-degree admission application.

Learn more about our certificate programs

• Undergraduate Certificate in Law Enforcement
• Undergraduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management
• Undergraduate Certificate in Victims and Victim Services
• Graduate Certificate in Crime Analysis
• Graduate Certificate in Disasters, Hazards and Emergency Management
• Graduate Certificate in Education Policy
• Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management and Homeland Security
• Graduate Certificate in Environmental Policy and Management
• Graduate Certificate in Gender-Based Violence
• Graduate Certificate in Local Government
• Graduate Certificate in Managing for Social Equity
• Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management
• Graduate Certificate in Public Management
• Graduate Certificate in Public Policy Analysis

Application deadlines* for domestic applicants

• Fall: August 15
• Spring: January 7
• Summer: June 1

*Application deadlines are subject to change.

Admissions requirements and application process

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

International Admissions requires that graduate program applicants with international transcripts (to include complete or incomplete university degrees, non-degree coursework, and study abroad) provide a Course-by-Course Credential Evaluation report from Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) or World Education Services (WES) to complete your application. You will send your transcripts to ECE or WES, who will send their evaluation report to CU Denver. You will need to follow ECE or WES documentation requirements. Please check with each organization for applicable charges and fees.

After you submit your application, we will send you an email with a link to the specific landing page where you can order your report for CU Denver’s use.

If the cost of the report is prohibitive, you can request a fee waiver through the ECE Aid program. If you have questions about the ECE evaluation, please contact International Admissions at intldocuments@ucdenver.edu or read our FAQs.

If you have questions about any documents you will need to provide, please contact International Admissions. 

Undergraduate admission

Applications for undergraduate admission are accepted for the fall, spring and summer terms.

• How to apply for undergraduate admission as an international student

Start your undergraduate admission application.

Learn about our bachelor's degree programs

• Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
• Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration

Graduate admission

Applications for graduate admission are accepted for the fall, spring and summer terms, with the exception of the Accelerated Master of Public Administration and Doctor of Philosophy in Public Affairs programs, which only admit students for the fall term.

• How to apply for graduate admission as an international student

Start your graduate admission application

Learn about our master's and doctoral degree programs

• Master of Criminal Justice
• Master of Public Administration
• Master of Public Policy
• Doctor of Philosophy in Public Affairs

Application deadlines

Preferred application deadlines* for international applicants for bachelor's and master's degree programs

By meeting the preferred deadlines, admitted students can meet scholarships application deadlines and have the best chance of securing seats in preferred courses.

• Fall: March 15
• Spring: September 15
• Summer: January 15

Final application deadlines* for international applicants for bachelor's and master's degree programs

This is the last date that completed applications will be considered for admission.

• Fall: May 15
• Spring: October 15
• Summer: March 15

Application deadline* for international applicants for doctoral program

This is the last date that completed applications will be considered for admission.

• Fall: January 15

*Application deadlines are subject to change.

Note: The Accelerated Master of Public Administration program and the PhD in Public Affairs program are cohort-based and only admit students for the fall semester.

Questions?

If you have any questions about our programs, the admission requirements and the application process, please contact Scott Steinbrecher at 303-315-2755 or scott.steinbrecher@ucdenver.edu.

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 state 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 Scott Steinbrecher, scott.steinbrecher@ucdenver.edu