MPP applicants come from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. No specific major is required. Quantitative readiness is helpful but not mandatory.

The MPP program equips students to analyze, design, and evaluate public policies at local, national, and international levels. The curriculum combines quantitative policy analysis, economics, research methods, and practical skills related to governance, program evaluation, and policy implementation.

Korbel’s MPP integrates domestic and international policy, allowing students to combine traditional public policy training with global affairs coursework. Students can also take interdisciplinary electives across the University of Denver.

Graduates work in government agencies, consulting firms, nonprofits, research organizations, legislative offices, and international organizations. Common roles include policy analyst, program evaluator, researcher, and government affairs specialist.

The MPP program is built around a core quantitative foundation —statistics, data and evaluation, policy analysis — paired with opportunities to develop qualitative research and strategic communication and policy writing skills. Students can tailor the level of quantitative rigor based on their career goals.

Students complete a rigorous core plus electives that allow for specialization. Popular elective clusters include environmental policy, global governance, national security policy, poverty and inequality, and international development. The program is designed to be completed in two years full-time.

All MPP students complete an applied policy memorandum, which is primarily student driven on a topic of their choice (ideally related to the student’s specialization). Students often work with a real client to produce a professional policy analysis or evaluation. Many projects involve partnerships with Colorado-based agencies, nonprofits, or international organizations.

Many MPP students obtain internships with government agencies, policy research institutes, advocacy organizations, or consulting firms. The Korbel Office of Career and Professional Development helps students secure placements in federal agencies, the Colorado State Capitol, local policy organizations, and international NGOs.

While the MPP is a domestic and international public policy degree, students may take electives across Korbel programs in areas such as international security, human rights, development, and global governance.

Yes, and Korbel provides career support tailored to public policy roles in various international contexts.

Professional experience strengthens an application but is not required. The program welcomes early-career applicants as well as mid-career professionals seeking advancement or career transition.

Applicants submit transcripts, a statement of purpose, résumé/CV, letters of recommendation, and optional GRE scores. International applicants must submit English-language proficiency scores. A writing sample is not required.