CU Denver School of Public Affairs Home Page
Source: https://publicaffairs.ucdenver.edu/home
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:16
CU Denver School of Public Affairs Home Page
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School of Public Affairs
Preparing leaders for government and nonprofits
Learn about our programs
Preparing leaders for government and nonprofits
Learn about our programs
Preparing leaders for government and nonprofits
Learn about our programs
Preparing leaders for government and nonprofits
Learn about our programs
Preparing leaders for government and nonprofits
Learn about our programs
Degree Programs in Criminal Justice
Defend the innocent, use big data, solve crimes
Our criminal justice programs prepare students for a changing workforce and continued learning. Some use their degree as a stepping stone to executive positions in law enforcement, crime analysis and human services, while others want to expand their knowledge of criminal justice before law school.
Browse our criminal justice programs
.
Degree Programs in Public Affairs
Put good policy ideas into practice
Our programs in public affairs, public administration and public service prepare leaders for the government and nonprofit sectors. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 25 percent of all jobs are in these sectors, and, the demand for public administrators continues to rise.
Browse our public affairs programs.
Certificate programs
Focus on your interests and passion
Our certificate programs provide a great opportunity to add to your skills and knowledge in your particular area of interest, whether you want to advance in your current job or transition into a new one. Credits earned in certificate programs can be applied toward our master’s degree programs.
Browse our certificate programs.
Professional & Leadership Development Programs
Strengthen your skills, grow your network
The School of Public Affairs is home to nationally renowned programs that provide training to current and future leaders. From public managers to education policy experts, our program participants have developed new skills, expanded their networks and recharged their careers.
Browse our leadership training programs.
Featured Events
Attend our events
We host a robust program of in-person, virtual, and hybrid events each year featuring distinguished practitioners, government and nonprofit leaders, media, and others. We hope you'll join us!
Join our events mailing list
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See all upcoming events
Featured News
SPA at the Midwest Political Science Association Conference
Apr 21, 2026
by
Laura McHugh
Students and faculty from the School of Public Affairs (SPA) will participate in the 83rd annual conference of the Midwest Political Science Association (MPSA), one of the largest and most influential political science conferences in the world. The conference takes place April 23-26, 2026, and brings together more than 4,000 scholars, researchers, and practitioners from across the United States and more than 65 countries.
Full story
Insights into Nonprofit Capacity and Need Across Colorado
Apr 16, 2026
by
Laura McHugh
Colorado nonprofits did not emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic into stability. Instead, many entered a prolonged period of adjustment marked by expiring relief funding, rising costs, and persistent workforce strain. A November 2025 report from the University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs captures this turning point and highlights why the conditions nonprofits faced in mid-2024 still shape the sector's outlook in 2026.
Full story
SPA Students Conduct Original Research on Gun Violence Policy, Share Findings at RaCAS
Apr 15, 2026
by
Laura McHugh
Eleven School of Public Affairs (SPA) students spent the past semester conducting original research on gun violence policy in the United States. Their projects examine issues ranging from victim services and policy implementation to state-level trends in firearm-related homicide and suicide. This spring, they will share their findings with the campus Research and Creative Activities Symposium (RaCAS) on April 24.
Full story
Faculty Research Spotlight: José “Pepe” Sánchez
Apr 13, 2026
by
Laura McHugh
Cities are often described as chaotic, fragmented, and overstretched. Yet every day, they continue to function, delivering services, supporting millions of residents, and adapting to constant change. According to José “Pepe” Sánchez, assistant professor at the University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs, this endurance is not accidental. It is the result of governance.
Full story
CU Denver Earns Top Colorado Rankings Across 9 Graduate Programs
Opens in a new window
Apr 8, 2026
The University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) boasts top statewide recognition in the U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Graduate Schools Rankings, with nine graduate programs ranked No. 1 in Colorado. An additional 14 programs placed among the top 75 nationally within their disciplines.
The strongest showing came from the School of Public Affairs, with six of the top-ranked Colorado programs.
Opens in a new window
Full story
Read all news
Lead. Solve. Change.
Public affairs topics are at the center of almost every national debate.
From education policy to affordable housing, criminal justice reform to energy independence, these issues affect our neighborhoods, our cities and our society as a whole. To move forward and find solutions, the country needs leaders and collaborators with in-depth knowledge and a long-term vision.
Determined to make a difference in your community?
As Colorado’s top school for public affairs, public administration and criminal justice, CU Denver School of Public Affairs is a great place to start.
NEW:
U.S. News & World Report
2025-2026 Best Graduate Schools rankings
#1 -
Best Public Affairs Program
in Colorado
(#20 in USA)
#1
-
Environmental Policy & Management
in Colorado
(#9 in USA)
#1
-
Nonprofit Management
in Colorado
(#18 in USA)
#1
-
Public Finance & Budgeting
in Colorado
(#7 in USA)
#1
-
Public Management & Leadership
in Colorado
(#19 in USA)
#2
-
Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs
in Colorado
(#21 in USA)
Request Program Information
Undergraduate Programs
Graduate Programs
Learn more about our Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration programs.
Request information
Learn more about our Master of Criminal Justice, Master of Public Administration, Master of Public Policy, Doctor of Philosophy in Public Affairs, and graduate certificate programs.
Request information
View our upcoming courses
Application Deadlines
Fall
Spring
Summer
Bachelor's programs:
Visit the Office of Admissions website
.
Master's programs: August 1*
Doctoral program: February 1*
Certificate programs: August 1
*Fall admission only for Accelerated MPA and PhD in Public Affairs.
View admission requirements and application instructions
Bachelor's programs:
Visit the Office of Admissions website
.
Master's programs: December 15*
Certificate programs: December 15
*Fall admission only for Accelerated MPA and PhD in Public Affairs.
View admission requirements and application instructions
Bachelor's programs:
Visit the Office of Admissions website
Master's programs: May 1*
Certificate programs: June 7
*Fall admission only for Accelerated MPA and PhD in Public Affairs.
View admission requirements and application instructions
School of Public Affairs
CU Denver
Lawrence Street Center
1380 Lawrence Street
500
Denver,
CO
80204
303-315-2228
Facebook
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YouTube
LinkedIn
Prospective and Admitted Students
Admission
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Next Steps After Admission
Current Students
Academic Advising
Courses and Registration
Internship, Capstone, Thesis and Dissertation Information
Completing Your Program
Student Success Resources
Student Associations and Honor Societies
Faculty and Staff
Resources
Policies and Forms
Alumni and Friends
Alumni
CMS Login
Webmail
UCD Access
Canvas
Search
Opens in a new window
Opens document in a new window
Skip to content
School of Public Affairs
Preparing leaders for government and nonprofits
Learn about our programs
Preparing leaders for government and nonprofits
Learn about our programs
Preparing leaders for government and nonprofits
Learn about our programs
Preparing leaders for government and nonprofits
Learn about our programs
Preparing leaders for government and nonprofits
Learn about our programs
Degree Programs in Criminal Justice
Defend the innocent, use big data, solve crimes
Our criminal justice programs prepare students for a changing workforce and continued learning. Some use their degree as a stepping stone to executive positions in law enforcement, crime analysis and human services, while others want to expand their knowledge of criminal justice before law school.
Browse our criminal justice programs
.
Degree Programs in Public Affairs
Put good policy ideas into practice
Our programs in public affairs, public administration and public service prepare leaders for the government and nonprofit sectors. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 25 percent of all jobs are in these sectors, and, the demand for public administrators continues to rise.
Browse our public affairs programs.
Certificate programs
Focus on your interests and passion
Our certificate programs provide a great opportunity to add to your skills and knowledge in your particular area of interest, whether you want to advance in your current job or transition into a new one. Credits earned in certificate programs can be applied toward our master’s degree programs.
Browse our certificate programs.
Professional & Leadership Development Programs
Strengthen your skills, grow your network
The School of Public Affairs is home to nationally renowned programs that provide training to current and future leaders. From public managers to education policy experts, our program participants have developed new skills, expanded their networks and recharged their careers.
Browse our leadership training programs.
Featured Events
Attend our events
We host a robust program of in-person, virtual, and hybrid events each year featuring distinguished practitioners, government and nonprofit leaders, media, and others. We hope you'll join us!
Join our events mailing list
Loading items....
See all upcoming events
Featured News
SPA at the Midwest Political Science Association Conference
Apr 21, 2026
by
Laura McHugh
Students and faculty from the School of Public Affairs (SPA) will participate in the 83rd annual conference of the Midwest Political Science Association (MPSA), one of the largest and most influential political science conferences in the world. The conference takes place April 23-26, 2026, and brings together more than 4,000 scholars, researchers, and practitioners from across the United States and more than 65 countries.
Full story
Insights into Nonprofit Capacity and Need Across Colorado
Apr 16, 2026
by
Laura McHugh
Colorado nonprofits did not emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic into stability. Instead, many entered a prolonged period of adjustment marked by expiring relief funding, rising costs, and persistent workforce strain. A November 2025 report from the University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs captures this turning point and highlights why the conditions nonprofits faced in mid-2024 still shape the sector's outlook in 2026.
Full story
SPA Students Conduct Original Research on Gun Violence Policy, Share Findings at RaCAS
Apr 15, 2026
by
Laura McHugh
Eleven School of Public Affairs (SPA) students spent the past semester conducting original research on gun violence policy in the United States. Their projects examine issues ranging from victim services and policy implementation to state-level trends in firearm-related homicide and suicide. This spring, they will share their findings with the campus Research and Creative Activities Symposium (RaCAS) on April 24.
Full story
Faculty Research Spotlight: José “Pepe” Sánchez
Apr 13, 2026
by
Laura McHugh
Cities are often described as chaotic, fragmented, and overstretched. Yet every day, they continue to function, delivering services, supporting millions of residents, and adapting to constant change. According to José “Pepe” Sánchez, assistant professor at the University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs, this endurance is not accidental. It is the result of governance.
Full story
CU Denver Earns Top Colorado Rankings Across 9 Graduate Programs
Opens in a new window
Apr 8, 2026
The University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) boasts top statewide recognition in the U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Graduate Schools Rankings, with nine graduate programs ranked No. 1 in Colorado. An additional 14 programs placed among the top 75 nationally within their disciplines.
The strongest showing came from the School of Public Affairs, with six of the top-ranked Colorado programs.
Opens in a new window
Full story
Read all news
Lead. Solve. Change.
Public affairs topics are at the center of almost every national debate.
From education policy to affordable housing, criminal justice reform to energy independence, these issues affect our neighborhoods, our cities and our society as a whole. To move forward and find solutions, the country needs leaders and collaborators with in-depth knowledge and a long-term vision.
Determined to make a difference in your community?
As Colorado’s top school for public affairs, public administration and criminal justice, CU Denver School of Public Affairs is a great place to start.
NEW:
U.S. News & World Report
2025-2026 Best Graduate Schools rankings
#1 -
Best Public Affairs Program
in Colorado
(#20 in USA)
#1
-
Environmental Policy & Management
in Colorado
(#9 in USA)
#1
-
Nonprofit Management
in Colorado
(#18 in USA)
#1
-
Public Finance & Budgeting
in Colorado
(#7 in USA)
#1
-
Public Management & Leadership
in Colorado
(#19 in USA)
#2
-
Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs
in Colorado
(#21 in USA)
Request Program Information
Undergraduate Programs
Graduate Programs
Learn more about our Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration programs.
Request information
Learn more about our Master of Criminal Justice, Master of Public Administration, Master of Public Policy, Doctor of Philosophy in Public Affairs, and graduate certificate programs.
Request information
View our upcoming courses
Application Deadlines
Fall
Spring
Summer
Bachelor's programs:
Visit the Office of Admissions website
.
Master's programs: August 1*
Doctoral program: February 1*
Certificate programs: August 1
*Fall admission only for Accelerated MPA and PhD in Public Affairs.
View admission requirements and application instructions
Bachelor's programs:
Visit the Office of Admissions website
.
Master's programs: December 15*
Certificate programs: December 15
*Fall admission only for Accelerated MPA and PhD in Public Affairs.
View admission requirements and application instructions
Bachelor's programs:
Visit the Office of Admissions website
Master's programs: May 1*
Certificate programs: June 7
*Fall admission only for Accelerated MPA and PhD in Public Affairs.
View admission requirements and application instructions
School of Public Affairs
CU Denver
Lawrence Street Center
1380 Lawrence Street
500
Denver,
CO
80204
303-315-2228
YouTube
Prospective and Admitted Students
Admission
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Next Steps After Admission
Current Students
Academic Advising
Courses and Registration
Internship, Capstone, Thesis and Dissertation Information
Completing Your Program
Student Success Resources
Student Associations and Honor Societies
Faculty and Staff
Resources
Policies and Forms
Alumni and Friends
Alumni
CMS Login
Webmail
UCD Access
Canvas
Search
Opens in a new window
Opens document in a new window