Korbel ranked 12th best place in the world to earn a master’s degree in international relations.
Korbel ranked 20th in the world for the best undergraduate degree in international studies.
Korbel ranked 12th best place in the world to earn a master’s degree in international relations.
Korbel ranked 20th in the world for the best undergraduate degree in international studies.
Since 1964, the Korbel School has prepared global leaders to advance democracy, security, human rights, and international engagement. Founded by Josef Korbel—diplomat, scholar, and mentor to U.S. Secretaries of State Madeleine Albright and Condoleezza Rice—the school continues to empower the next generation of changemakers.
Join us as we honor a legacy of impact and look toward the future.
As we celebrate 60 years, we honor the vision of Josef Korbel and the countless students, faculty, and alumni who have turned his ideals into meaningful action around the world.
1964
The Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS) opens during a time of immense global upheaval, reflecting the life of its founder, Josef Korbel. A Czechoslovak diplomat, Korbel served as ambassador and advisor to a government-in-exile during World War II. Amid these achievements, he endured profound personal tragedy, losing his parents in the Holocaust and fleeing his homeland with his wife, Anna, as communism took hold. Rebuilding his life in the U.S., Korbel joined the University of Denver and established “GSIS,” now called the Korbel School, in 1964.
1970's
1980's
In 1988, the school founded the Center for China-U.S. Cooperation, which continues to edit the Journal of Contemporary China, one of the leading academic publications on China. During this decade, Korbel’s excellence was further recognized through its designation as a National Resource Center in International Affairs by the U.S. Department of Education, a distinction that brought funding and prestige throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
1990's
In 1996, the Korbel School became the official sponsor of the International Career Advancement Program (ICAP), a premier mid-career professional development and leadership initiative. Committed to fostering diverse and inclusive representation in senior leadership across government, nonprofits, and the private sector, ICAP supports professionals regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or national origin. Since its founding, the program has cultivated a network of over 900 ICAP Fellows, many of whom have risen to influential leadership positions, furthering the program’s mission of equity and excellence in public service.
2000's
In 2008, the school was renamed the Josef Korbel School of International Studies to honor Dr. Josef Korbel, solidifying his legacy in global affairs education.
2010's
In 2010 and 2016, the school significantly expanded its facilities with the addition of the Sié Chéou-Kang Center and Sie International Relations Complex. New degree programs in Public Policy and Global Environmental Sustainability were also introduced, demonstrating the school's dedication to tackling urgent challenges, from policy innovation to climate resilience.
2025
In 2025, the Josef Korbel School of International Studies remains a leader in global affairs, ranked among the top schools for international relations. Under Dean Mayer's leadership, Korbel is innovating academics, building global partnerships, investing impactful research, and engaging a vibrant community of students dedicated to shaping a more just and secure world.
Join us in celebrating 60 years of excellence by contributing $60—or an amount that’s meaningful to you—to the Korbel Scholarship Fund. Your gift will directly support deserving students, empowering them to pursue their academic dreams and carry students forward over the next 60 years.
Review our admissions checklist to ensure you have all the required documents. Once you’re ready, you can start your application. We look forward to learning more about you.
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