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 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.
Start your freshman application.
Learn more about our bachelor's degree programs
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.
Final application deadlines* for domestic applicants
This is the last date that completed applications will be considered for admission.
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.
Final application deadlines* for international applicants
This is the last date that completed applications will be considered for admission.
*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.
In addition to meeting the admission requirements for CU Denver, prospective transfer students must meet the admission requirements for the School of Public Affairs:
Students transferring from a Colorado Community College can view the statewide transfer articulation agreements.
Applications are accepted for the fall, spring and summer terms.
Start your transfer application.
Learn more about our bachelor's degree programs
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.
Final application deadlines* for domestic applicants
This is the last date that completed applications will be considered for admission.
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.
Final application deadlines* for international applicants
This is the last date that completed applications will be considered for admission.
*Application deadlines are subject to change.
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. (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, 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. |
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 two- to four-page, double-spaced personal statement that showcases your strengths and provides an overview of your background, goals, academic and professional aspirations. |
Optional: standardized test scores (i.e., GRE, GMAT, LSAT). To submit GRE scores, please use the CU Denver institution code of 4875. |
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
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.
Final application deadlines* for domestic applicants
This is the last date that completed applications will be considered for admission.
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.
Final application deadlines* for international applicants
This is the last date that completed applications will be considered for admission.
*Application deadlines are subject to change.
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. |
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 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 one of these three ways:
|
Evidence of quantitative competency. You can provide evidence of this competency in one of these three ways:
|
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.
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
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.
Final application deadlines* for domestic applicants
This is the last date that completed applications will be considered for admission.
**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.
Final application deadlines* for international applicants
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.
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. |
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 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 one of these three ways:
|
Evidence of quantitative competency. You can provide evidence of this competency in one of these three ways:
|
Application fee of $50 for domestic applicants |
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 master's degree program
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.
Final application deadlines* for domestic applicants
This is the last date that completed applications will be considered for admission.
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.
Final application deadlines* for international applicants
This is the last date that completed applications will be considered for admission.
*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:
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.
Application requirements for domestic applicants
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
Application deadline* for domestic applicants
Application deadline* for international applicants
*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:
Start your non-degree admission application.*
*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
Learn more about our certificate programs
Application deadlines* for domestic applicants
*Application deadlines are subject to change.
International applicants must meet the same admission criteria as domestic applicants. Additional documentation is required of international applicants to verify 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 |
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
Applications for undergraduate admission are accepted for the fall, spring and summer terms.
Start your undergraduate admission application.
Learn about our bachelor's degree programs
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.
Start your graduate admission application
Learn about our master's and doctoral degree programs
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.
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.
Application deadline* for international applicants for doctoral program
This is the last date that completed applications will be considered for admission.
*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.
CU Denver
Lawrence Street Center
1380 Lawrence Street
500
Denver, CO 80204
303-315-2228