Welcome!
The School of Public Affairs aims to lead the field of public service, solve pressing social problems and change the world for the better by conducting cutting-edge research and preparing the next generation of public and nonprofit leaders.
The University of Colorado Denver's School of Public Affairs MPA degree will give you the credentials, skills and education to make your resume stand out. Whether you are beginning your career, switching from the private sector or seeking to advance your current public service career, the MPA will give you an edge in an increasingly competitive job market.
Why This Public Administration Program?
The UC Denver School of Public Affairs is the only accredited school of public affairs offering graduate programs in Colorado and is ranked in the top 12% of programs nationwide by US News and World Report. This level of quality, coupled with the flexibility you have to mix online and on campus courses allows you to pursue an excellent education while balancing your school, work and personal responsibilities.
This UC Denver MPA degree is multidisciplinary and designed to prepare you for leadership, management and/or policy careers in the:
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Nonprofit sector
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Government agencies at the local, state and federal levels
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Public service-minded businesses
Program Requirements
The MPA requires a minimum of 36 semester credit hours of graduate course work.
- All students complete six core (required) courses, five elective courses, and a capstone.
- All students complete either a client based capstone project (that allows you to apply the skills from the MPA program to a real life organization) or you may choose to complete a two-semester thesis option.
- Students pursuing the MPA entirely online may complete the general MPA, as well as concentrations in:
- Nonprofit management
- Homeland defense
Students who can take elective courses on campus may additionally select concentrations in:
- Environmental policy
- Domestic violence
- Local government
- Emergency management
- If you do not have work experience in the public or nonprofit sectors, you must complete a 3 credit internship (giving you 39 total credit hours).
Take the Next Step
If you would like more information about these programs, simply take the next step and begin a dialog with a School of Public Affairs representative. If you're ready to get started, you can also begin the application process right here.