CU Denver School of Public Affairs: Browse our Programs

Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS • Core courses prepare students for the evolving fields of criminology and criminal justice • Tailored to your interests through your electives, internship and optional tracks in law enforcement and victims and victim services • Designed for maximum flexibility for your busy schedule – online, face-to-face and hybrid classes • Taught by nationally renowned faculty and expert practitioners • Extensive network of alumni and partner organizations plus a dedicated career services specialist

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT 2020 BEST GRADUATE SCHOOLS RANKINGS

#1

BEST Public Affairs Programs In Colorado

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT 2020 BEST GRADUATE SCHOOLS RANKINGS

#25

BEST Public Affairs Programs

REQUIRED COURSES • Criminology and Criminal Justice: An Overview

+

• Criminological Theory • Research Methods

WAYS TO LEARN

• Statistics for Criminal Justice

In person, online, hybrid

• Corrections • Law Enforcement • Courts and Judicial Process • Introduction to Sociology • Plus 5 electives including a Criminal Justice internship

APPLICATION DEADLINE

AVAILABLE AREAS OF CONCENTRATION • Law Enforcement • Victims and Victim Services

FALL July 31

CAREERS BA in Criminal Justice graduates are leaders and change-makers, working in positions as varied as: • Crime Analyst • Intelligence Officer

SPRING December 31

• State Trooper • Police Officer • Criminal Investigator • Corrections Officer • Customs Agent • FBI Agent

SUMMER May 31

• Probation Officer • Lawyer • Substance Abuse Counselor • Victim Services Specialist Last updated in November 2019

For more information, publicaffairs.ucdenver.edu/bacj publicaffairs.ucdenver.edu/admission Or contact spa.admissions@ucdenver.edu | 303-315-2560

Bachelor of Arts in Public Service

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS • Core courses prepare students to manage and lead in government and nonprofit organizations • Tailored to your interests through your electives, internship and optional track in nonprofit management • Designed for maximum flexibility for your busy schedule – mostly online classes with a growing number of face-to-face options • Taught by nationally renowned faculty and expert practitioners • Extensive network of alumni and partner organizations plus a dedicated career services specialist

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT 2020 BEST GRADUATE SCHOOLS RANKINGS

#1

BEST Public Affairs Programs In Colorado

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT 2020 BEST GRADUATE SCHOOLS RANKINGS

#25

BEST Public Affairs Programs

REQUIRED COURSES • Introduction to Leadership and Public Service

+

• Management for Public Service • Financial Management for Public Service • Program Design, Evaluation and Decision-Making • Ethics in Public Service

WAYS TO LEARN

In person, online, hybrid

• Leading for the Public Good • Effective Communication for Public Service • Plus 8 electives including study abroad opportunities and a required Public Service internship

APPLICATION DEADLINE

AVAILABLE AREAS OF CONCENTRATION • Nonprofit Management FALL July 31

AVAILABLE CREDENTIAL • Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) designation through the nationally recognized Nonprofit Leadership Alliance

CAREERS

SPRING December 31

BA in Public Service graduates are leaders and change-makers, working in positions as varied as: • Nonprofit Program Coordinator

• City Manager

• Family Services Specialist

• Community Organizer

• Fundraising Assistant • Community Development Associate • Workforce Development Specialist • Volunteer Coordinator

• Data Analyst • Public Affairs Specialist

SUMMER May 31

• Human Resources Specialist • Communications and Outreach Specialist • Grants and Contracts Administrator Last updated in November 2019

For more information, publicaffairs.ucdenver.edu/baps publicaffairs.ucdenver.edu/admission Or contact spa.admissions@ucdenver.edu | 303-315-2560

Master of Criminal Justice

NO GRE REQUIRED

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT 2019 BEST GRADUATE SCHOOLS RANKINGS

• Core courses prepare students to take leadership roles in areas such as criminal justice administration, crime analysis, law enforcement and criminal justice reform

#19

• Tailored to your interests through your electives, internship, capstone and optional concentration

BEST Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs

• Designed for maximum flexibility for your busy schedule – evening, weekend intensive and online classes • Taught by nationally renowned faculty and expert practitioners

• Extensive network of alumni and partner organizations plus a dedicated career services specialist

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT 2020 BEST GRADUATE SCHOOLS RANKINGS

#25

BEST Public Affairs Programs

NUMBER OF COURSES

12

+

(MINIMUM)

REQUIRED COURSES

WAYS TO LEARN

• Criminal Justice Systems, Policies and Practice

In person, online, hybrid

• Criminological Theory • Research Methods • Statistics for Criminal Justice

APPLICATION DEADLINE

• Law and Society • Capstone OR Thesis • Plus 6 electives, including a Criminal Justice internship

AVAILABLE AREA OF CONCENTRATION FALL August 1

• Crime Analyst • Disasters, Hazards and Emergency Management • Emergency Management and Homeland Security • Gender-Based Violence • Nonprofit Organizations (with option to pursue Certified Nonprofit Professional designation through nationally recognized Nonprofit Leadership Alliance)

SPRING December 1

CAREERS MCJ graduates are leaders and change-makers, working in positions as varied as: • Fish and Game Warden

• Public Defender

• Emergency Management Director

• Secret Service Agent

• Court Clerk

• Substance Abuse Counselor

• Coroner • FBI Agent

SUMMER May 1

• Social Worker • Witness Protection Plan Worker

• Crime Analyst Last updated in November 2019

For more information, publicaffairs.ucdenver.edu/mcj publicaffairs.ucdenver.edu/admission Or contact spa.admissions@ucdenver.edu | 303-315-2560

Traditional Master of Public Administration

NO GRE REQUIRED

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS • Core courses prepare students to manage and lead in government and nonprofit organizations • Tailored to your interests through your electives, internship, capstone and optional concentration • Designed for maximum flexibility for your busy schedule – evening, weekend intensive and online classes • Taught by nationally renowned faculty and expert practitioners • Extensive network of alumni and partner organizations plus a dedicated career services specialist

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT 2020 BEST GRADUATE SCHOOLS RANKINGS

#1

BEST Public Affairs Programs In Colorado

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT 2020 BEST GRADUATE SCHOOLS RANKINGS

#25

BEST Public Affairs Programs

NUMBER OF COURSES

12

+

(MINIMUM)

REQUIRED COURSES • Introduction to Public Administration and Public Service • Organizational Management and Behavior • Research and Analytic Methods • Economics and Public Finance OR Public Budgeting and Finance • The Policy Process and Democracy • Public Service Leadership and Ethics • Evidence-Based Decision-Making • Capstone OR Thesis • Plus electives

WAYS TO LEARN

In person, online, hybrid

APPLICATION DEADLINE

FALL August 1

AVAILABLE AREA OF CONCENTRATION • Disasters, Hazards and Emergency Management • Emergency Management and Homeland Security • Environmental Policy and Management • Gender-Based Violence • Local Government • Nonprofit Organizations (with option to pursue Certified Nonprofit Professional designation through nationally recognized Nonprofit Leadership Alliance)

SPRING December 1

CAREERS MPA graduates are leaders and change-makers, working in positions as varied as: • Nonprofit Executive Director

• State Legislator

• Emergency Management Director

• Charter School Leader

• City Manager

• Environmental Program Director

• Human Services Manager • Policy Analyst

SUMMER May 1

• Parks and Recreation Director • Volunteer Program Manager • Foundation Program Officer Last updated in November 2019

For more information, publicaffairs.ucdenver.edu/mpa publicaffairs.ucdenver.edu/admission Or contact spa.admissions@ucdenver.edu | 303-315-2560

Accelerated Master of Public Administration

COMPLETE THE MPA FULL-TIME IN 12 MONTHS! NO GRE REQUIRED!

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS • Core courses prepare students to manage and lead in government and nonprofit organizations • Opportunities to focus on individual interests through classroom assignments, internship, capstone course, tailored extracurricular activities and professional networking • Taught by nationally renowned faculty and expert practitioners • Build lifelong relationships with others in your cohort • Extensive network of alumni and partner organizations plus a dedicated career services specialist

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT 2020 BEST GRADUATE SCHOOLS RANKINGS

#1

BEST Public Affairs Programs In Colorado

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT 2020 BEST GRADUATE SCHOOLS RANKINGS

#25

BEST Public Affairs Programs

NUMBER OF COURSES

12

(MINIMUM)

REQUIRED COURSES

WAYS TO LEARN

• Introduction to Public Administration and Public Service

In person only

• Organizational Management and Behavior • Research and Analytic Methods • Economics and Public Finance • Public Budgeting and Finance • The Policy Process and Democracy

COST

• Public Service Leadership and Ethics

Tuition $25,000 plus fees

• Evidence-Based Decision-Making • Capstone • Plus electives applicable to multiple career paths

CAREERS MPA graduates are leaders and change-makers, working in positions as varied as: • Nonprofit Executive Director • Emergency Management Director • City Manager

APPLICATION DEADLINE Aug 1

PREFERRED DEADLINE March 15

• Human Services Manager • Policy Analyst • State Legislator • Charter School Leader • Parks and Recreation Director • Environmental Program Director • Volunteer Program Manager • Foundation Program Officer Last updated in November 2019

For more information, publicaffairs.ucdenver.edu/ampa publicaffairs.ucdenver.edu/admission Or contact spa.admissions@ucdenver.edu | 303-315-2560

Executive Master of Public Administration

COMPLETE THE PROGRAM IN 24 MONTHS! NO GRE REQUIRED!

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS • Core courses prepare students to enhance their management and leadership skills in government and nonprofit organizations • Unique program design allows you to learn from other senior executives in three shared intensive classes while tailoring rest of program to your schedule • Professional experience counts for two courses, leaving 10 courses to complete (as opposed to 12 in the traditional MPA program) • Tailored to your interests through electives and capstone • Designed for maximum flexibility for your busy schedule – evening, weekend intensive and online classes • Taught by nationally renowned faculty and expert practitioners • Extensive network of alumni and partner organizations plus a dedicated career services specialist

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT 2020 BEST GRADUATE SCHOOLS RANKINGS

#1

BEST Public Affairs Programs In Colorado

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT 2020 BEST GRADUATE SCHOOLS RANKINGS

#25

BEST Public Affairs Programs

NUMBER OF COURSES

10

+

(MINIMUM)

REQUIRED COURSES • Introduction to Public Administration and Public Service (intensive cohort-based class; requires four-day face-to-face component) • Organizational Management & Behavior (intensive cohort-based class; requires four-day face-to-face component) • Rocky Mountain Leadership Program (weeklong face-to-face leadership course in the Rocky Mountains)

WAYS TO LEARN

In person, online, hybrid

APPLICATION DEADLINE

• 3 additional core classes and 3 additional electives, which may be taken in face-to-face or online formats • Capstone OR Thesis FALL August 1

AVAILABLE AREAS OF CONCENTRATION • Disasters, Hazards and Emergency Management • Emergency Management and Homeland Security • Environmental Policy and Management • Gender-Based Violence • Local Government • Nonprofit Organizations (with option to pursue Certified Nonprofit Professional designation through nationally recognized Nonprofit Leadership Alliance)

SPRING December 1

CAREERS Executive MPA graduates seek promotions in their current organizations or career changes into positions as varied as:

• Nonprofit Executive Director • Emergency Management

• Foundation Program Officer • Grants and Special Projects

• Outreach and Public

Director

• City Manager • Chief Information Officer • Parks and Recreation Director • Environmental Program

Director

SUMMER May 1

Director

Engagement Director

• City Council President • Performance Management Analyst

Last updated in November 2019

For more information, publicaffairs.ucdenver.edu/exec-mpa publicaffairs.ucdenver.edu/admission Or contact spa.admissions@ucdenver.edu | 303-315-2560

Which MPA is right for me?

The University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs offers three Master of Public Administration (MPA) program options, and your choice will depend on a combination of flexibility and desired time to degree. Learn more at publicaffairs.ucdenver.edu/mpa

Traditional MPA Designed for:

the part- or full-time working professional

Total credits:

36-39

Degree format:

online, on campus or both

Time to degree: typically 30 months Start terms:

fall, spring and summer

Accelerated MPA Designed for:

the full-time student

Total credits:

36-39

Degree format:

on campus only, cohort model

Time to degree: 12 months Start term:

Accelerated MPA tuition is the same for Colorado and non-Colorado residents!

fall

Executive MPA Designed for:

the mid- to-senior-level professional with 7+ years of relevant professional experience

Total credits:

30

Degree format:

online, on campus or both

(Two courses require a mandatory on-campus intensive experience, and one course requires a week-long intensive experience in the Rocky Mountains.)

Time to degree: typically 24 months Start terms:

fall, spring and summer

Costs of Completing a Master of Public Administration The cost of completing an MPA is comprised of tuition, fees, textbooks and other course materials, and in some circumstances, travel, lodging and meals. The total cost may be different for each student and will depend on a number of factors, like state residency, time to degree, format of classes (e.g., in person, hybrid, fully online) and more.

The figures below should only be used as estimates. Please contact spa.admissions@ucdenver.edu or 303-315-2560 for assistance in estimating your potential costs. A current list of tuition rates and fees* can be found on the Bursar’s Office website at ucdenver.edu/bursar. *Tuition rates and fees subject to change.

Traditional MPA

12 courses** / 36 credits

**Additional 3-credit internship may be required.

Assumptions:

All classes taken on campus within 30 months (8 terms), including summers. Based on 2019-20 tuition rates & fees.

Accelerated MPA

12 courses** / 36 credits **Additional 3-credit internship may be required.

Assumptions:

All classes must be taken on campus within 12 months (3 terms), including summer.

Based on 2019-20 tuition rates & fees.

Executive MPA

10 courses / 30 credits Assumptions:

All classes taken on campus and hybrid within 24 months (6 terms), including summers.

Fully online program is not available. Based on 2019-20 tution rates & fees.

RESIDENTS OF COLORADO, ALASKA, ARIZONA, HAWAII, IDAHO, MONTANA, NEVADA, NEW MEXICO, NORTH DAKOTA, OREGON, SOUTH DAKOTA, U.S. PACIFIC TERRITORIES, UTAH, WASHINGTON & WYOMING

RESIDENTS FROM ALL OTHER U.S. STATES AND FOREIGN COUNTRIES

(36 credit hours x resident tuition rate***)

(36 credit hours x non-resident tuition rate***)

(36 credit hours x School of Public Affairs & CU Denver fees per credit hour)

(36 credit hours x School of Public Affairs & CU Denver fees per credit hour)

(8 terms x School of Public Affairs & CU Denver per term fees)

(8 terms x School of Public Affairs & CU Denver per term fees)

= Approximately $24,681

= Approximately $50,925

($26,343 if 3-credit internship is required)

($54,775 if 3-credit internship is required)

***Fully-online students are assessed 120% of resident tuition rate and most fees are waived.

***Fully-online students are assessed 120% of resident tuition rate and most fees are waived.

(Flat tuition of approx. $25,000)

(Flat tuition of approx. $25,000)

(36 credit hours x School of Public Affairs & CU Denver fees per credit hour)

(36 credit hours x School of Public Affairs & CU Denver fees per credit hour)

(3 terms x School of Public Affairs & CU Denver per term fees)

(3 terms x School of Public Affairs & CU Denver per term fees)

= Approximately $27,846

= Approximately $27,846

+ +

+ +

+

+ +

($27,930 if 3-credit internship is required)

($27,930 if 3-credit internship is required)

(21 credit hours x resident tuition rate)

(21 credit hours x non-resident tuition rate)

+

+

(2 extended studies course x approx. $3,750 per extended studies course)

+

(2 extended studies course x approx. $3,750 per extended studies course)

+

(Rocky Mountain Leadership Program approx. $4,150 + lodging)

(Rocky Mountain Leadership Program approx. $4,150 + lodging)

+

+

(30 credit hours x School of Public Affairs & CU Denver fees per credit hour)

+

Last updated in August 2019

+

(30 credit hours x School of Public Affairs & CU Denver fees per credit hour)

+

(6 terms x School of Public Affairs & CU Denver per term fees)

(6 terms x School of Public Affairs & CU Denver per term fees)

= Approximately $27,113

= Approximately $42,422

Doctor of Philosophy in Public Affairs

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS • Rigorous and comprehensive training in theory, concepts and research skills used in the scholarship of public administration, management and policy • Preparation for careers in academia or leadership roles in organizations addressing public sector challenges • Small classes taught by nationally renowned faculty who are active scholars in their fields • Individualized faculty mentoring tailored to your academic and professional interests • Convivial and supportive atmosphere dedicated to your success • Appropriate for both full-time and part-time students

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT 2020 BEST GRADUATE SCHOOLS RANKINGS

#1

BEST Public Affairs Programs In Colorado

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT 2020 BEST GRADUATE SCHOOLS RANKINGS

#25

BEST Public Affairs Programs

REQUIRED COURSES • Historical and Comparative Foundations of Public Administration

• Seminar in Public Management • Seminar in Public Policy • Seminar in Economic and Institutional Foundations of Public Affairs

• Seminar on the Conduct of Empirical Inquiry • Quantitative Methods I • Quantitative Methods II • Qualitative Methods • Plus 2 elective courses

+ WAYS TO LEARN

In person, online, hybrid Core courses must be completed in person.

UPON COMPLETION OF COURSEWORK • Pass preliminary examination

APPLICATION DEADLINE

• Present and defend a dissertation proposal • Complete dissertation research • Successfully defend a dissertation that makes a substantial contribution to the literature and theory of public management, public and policy, nonprofit studies, or criminology

CAREERS • Tenure-Track, Research and Teaching Faculty Member

FALL February 1

• University and Community College President • Federal and State Agency Director and Program Head • Public Policy Analyst • Leadership Development Expert • Private Consultant • Nonprofit Executive Director

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES For excellent candidates, the School of Public Affairs will fund doctoral research assistantships each year based on financial availability. Students selected will receive a full-tuition waiver as well as a stipend for the academic year. Nearly all of our full-time doctoral students are funded their entire time at the School of Public Affairs as researchers or teachers, providing them with valuable hands-on preparation for future research and teaching careers. Other opportunities for funding may be available based on interests and background.

Last updated in November 2019

For more information, publicaffairs.ucdenver.edu/phd publicaffairs.ucdenver.edu/admission Or contact spa.admissions@ucdenver.edu | 303-315-2560

Graduate Certificate Programs

The University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs offers seven graduate certificate programs. For information on admission as a non-degree seeking student in a graduate certificate program, visit publicaffairs.ucdenver.edu/admission

Crime Analyst Certificate Designed for those who are passionate about combating the problems faced by society through analyzing data and other intelligence related to prison reform, counterterrorism, crime trends and crime prevention. publicaffairs.ucdenver.edu/crime-analyst-cert Disasters, Hazards & Emergency Management Certificate Designed for students who work or will work in the field of natural and man-made hazards, community resilience and emergency management. publicaffairs.ucdenver.edu/dhem-cert Emergency Management & Homeland Security Certificate Program focus is on the all-hazards emergency management model, encompassing natural hazards, technological hazards and terrorism. publicaffairs.ucdenver.edu/emhs-cert Environmental Policy & Management Certificate Provides an understanding of how our natural environment is governed and affected by relationships between legislatures, administrative agencies, courts, government, nonprofit and private sectors, and the public. publicaffairs.ucdenver.edu/epm-cert Gender-Based Violence Certificate Provides an interdisciplinary perspective on crime, the formulation of laws and codes, and the criminal legal system and its intersection with gender and violence. publicaffairs.ucdenver.edu/gbv-cert Local Government Certificate Prepares students to become well-versed in government management and policy making, as well as the forces that shape the agendas of the public sector, including those of municipalities, counties, regional authorities and councils of government. publicaffairs.ucdenver.edu/local-gov-cert Nonprofit Organizations Certificate Students gain insight into the interdependence between the nonprofit, public and for-profit sectors, and learn to assess community needs, navigate the realm of public policy, and strategically and effectively manage organizations that ultimately benefit society. publicaffairs.ucdenver.edu/nonprofit-orgs-cert

Course work completed for graduate certificates counts toward fulfilling master’s degree programs in the School of Public Affairs. For more information, call 303-315-2560 or email spa.admissions@ucdenver.edu.

School of Public Affairs Funding Opportunities

The University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs strives to remove financial barriers to attaining a higher education by awarding scholarships and assistantships valued at more than $500,000 each year.

Scholarships are awarded according to such factors as merit, class standing, financial need and extracurricular involvement. Admitted students who wish to apply for School of Public Affairs scholarships may do so through ScholarLYNX at https://ucdenver.academicworks.com Scholarship application deadline: March 31 Graduate assistantships include graduate, research or teaching assistant roles. Graduate assistants serve student services and outreach teams, while research and teaching assistants serve faculty. Admitted graduate students who wish to apply for School of Public Affairs assistantships may do so through Handshake at https://ucdenver.joinhandshake.com/login or faculty referral.

To learn about additional funding opportunities, visit: publicaffairs.ucdenver.edu/funding-opportunities