Research and impact

When it comes to doing public policy and criminal justice research, it helps to be located at one of the country’s top research universities — within a progressive swing state and a diverse metro area. At CU Denver School of Public Affairs, our faculty conduct research​ on crucial issues that affect the whole nation, such as education reform, fracking, legalized marijuana, urban sustainability and water policy.

See faculty bios for more on their research areas.

Research centers of the School of Public Affairs Institute

The School of Public Affairs Institute serves as an intersection between the knowledge and experience of the school and our community partners. It supports our faculty and students in reaching outside the classroom to make real impacts on communities and helps infuse community expertise into the academic setting. The Institute is the hub for the research centers, leadership development programs and community events. Learn more about our research centers, listed below.