We proudly offer a variety of top-ranked, flexible graduate programs that prepare you for positions in all levels of the government, non-profit, business and academic sectors. Work closely with our faculty as you develop a set of skills and a knowledge base that, coupled together, empower you to effect positive change in the world around you.
Opportunities for research and practical experience allow you to start making your impact as you complete your studies. Our students are encouraged to collaborate with faculty and staff to maximize their educational experience.
Korbel is committed to fostering an equitable and inclusive learning environment. We value the diversity of backgrounds, ideas, and individuals that enrich our community. In continuing a long history of a holistic review process, the Korbel School now has a test optional admission process. Applicants no longer need to submit GRE scores to be considered for admission and merit-based aid.
Our research efforts explore a wide range of topics in media, culture and the environment to take a holistic and humanitarian approach to policy and supporting the common good. Graduate students who come to Korbel have the opportunity to participate in research with faculty.
We also maintain a dozen research centers and institutes that specialize in geographical regions, international security and peacebuilding.
90%
More than 90% of students are employed within 12 months of graduation
30
Students come from over 30 countries
18:1
18:1 student-faculty ratio
Tuition & Fees
For the 2019-20 academic year, tuition is $1,426 per credit, but most students at Korbel are charged a flat rate of $17,112 per term.
Estimated costs are expected to decrease beginning in the 2020-21 academic year. Additional information will be available in late fall.
The Office of Graduate Enrollment's dedicated staff is here to support you in your graduate education search. We invite you to join us in vibrant Denver, Colorado, for an information session and class observation. We also offer weekly virtual information sessions and attend events across the global.
Information Session
We offer weekly information sessions throughout the year. Learn about the Korbel School’s graduate and certificate programs, active research projects, and get your questions answered by our dedicated staff.
You don't have to live in Colorado to learn more about the Korbel School. We offer virtual sessions for prospective students and admitted students throughout the year.
Learn about life at Korbel from a current graduate student or discuss career outcomes with one of our alumni. After submitting your application for admission complete the request form below.
Gianni Di Cioccio has big plans for the communities he loves, not to mention lofty expectations of himself. He plans to bring a personal touch to New York politics.
Julia Macdonald spearheads DU’s contribution to a multi-university study on autonomous systems (like self-driving cars or self-piloted aircraft) and their use in a military context.
With the exception of transcripts, all application materials, including the email addresses of your referees, should be submitted through the online application. Referees will be contacted for recommendation letters as soon as you click “submit.”
Please send official transcripts to the following address:
Office Of Graduate Education
Mary Reed Building Room 5
2199 S. University Blvd.
Denver, CO 80208
For questions about receipt of application materials, please contact the Office Of Graduate Education:
Phone: 303-871-2706
Fax: 303-871-4942
Email: [email protected]
Online:www.du.edu/admission-aid/graduate
In order for a transcript to be considered official, it must arrive in an envelope sealed and stamped with the registrar/school's official stamp. International transcripts must contain the official seal(s) of the school and be sent from the institution's records or registrar's office in the original language of instruction. Non-English transcripts must be submitted with notarized or certified translations.
The University of Denver requires an official transcript from all institutions from which more than a half credit was earned, including summer community college programs and study abroad schools/organizations.
In 500 – 750 words, discuss an international or a policy issue you wish to address in your career and how the Korbel School will prepare you to do so. Please include what unique experiences, skills, and/or perspectives you will bring to the distinctive learning environment at Korbel.
Generally speaking, we can only waive the application fee under special circumstances (e.g. for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and for Pickering, Rangel, and Payne Fellows). Please contact [email protected] for more information.
Students at the Korbel School are diverse. They come from a wide variety of educational and personal backgrounds and have varying amounts international experience.
The admissions committee looks for candidates whose intellectual curiosity is supported by a strong academic record, relevant work experience, excellent letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose that shows a clear understanding of how the Korbel School will help them reach their career goals.
Unless you wish to complete dual degrees (e.g. an MA and an MPP), you only need to apply to one of our master's programs. You may switch to any other Korbel master's degree after admission.
If your application is completed on or before the priority deadline, you will be notified of an admissions decision in late February. Applications received after the priority deadline will be processed on a rolling and space-available basis.
The PhD program is highly selective and our fall class is comprised of approximately 4 PhD candidates. The reason for this is:
We want to ensure that our faculty expertise can support the applicants’ specific field research area and professional aspirations.
All admitted PhD applicants receive full funding and a stipend.
Most applicants to the PhD program have an MA in a related discipline. If they do not have an MA, they must have significant work and research experience. Competitive applicants have a solid idea of what their research interests are, while admitted students have demonstrated a strong fit with both the program and a potential faculty mentor.
The PhD program requires approximately 3 years of coursework, the successful completion of comprehensive exams, and defense of a dissertation. Candidates have up to 7 years to complete these requirements; however, most candidates complete the degree in 4-5 years.
We accept both the Common App and our own Pioneer App. The Common App is a universal application that can be sent to many schools, while the Pioneer App is only used by the University of Denver.
Go to the graduate admission application to submit your information. For information on admission requirements, visit the graduate academic programs page and locate your program of interest.
