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.
Today’s security environment is increasingly complex — marked by global conflicts, emerging technologies, and climate-related destabilization. This program takes a broad view of security, addressing these and other threats, including ethnic and gender-directed violence.
You’ll develop expertise in conflict dynamics and explore the underlying causes of insecurity, including extreme nationalism and xenophobia, racism and misogyny, rising authoritarianism and democratic erosion, climate change, and pandemics. You’ll also build an understanding of the role of diplomacy, conflict resolution, peace-keeping, intelligence, and military capability in providing security.
Whether you plan to work in government, international organizations, or the private sector, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge to contribute to a more just and secure world.
Shape tomorrow from a vibrant academic community full of opportunities — in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Career Outcomes
Flexible Curriculum
Experiential Learning
Denver Lifestyle
93% of Korbel graduates are employed, continuing their education, or volunteering/engaging in service within 12 months of graduation.
Korbel Graduate Employment Data
You’ll find them working in governmental, private, and public organizations. They become intelligence analysts, cybersecurity analysts, risk management specialists, counterterrorism analysts, diplomatic security officers, and crisis management specialists.
Arrive with a plan, or let your curiosity guide you. Our flexible programs give you the freedom to explore new fields, change directions as your interests evolve, or hone in on a specialized track.
Start with 16 credits of required coursework, designed to ground you in your discipline.
Core courses
Skills courses
Use your remaining 32 credits to customize your specialization, pursue a certificate, or take courses abroad based on your interests and goals.
Certificates
Download our degree information sheet below for a comprehensive look at the full program requirements.
Hands-on experience is essential to your success. You’ll find an abundance of opportunities to develop your professional skills and explore career paths.
Build experience across city, state, and national government agencies, international organizations, global NGOs, and the private sector. With guidance from our career coaches, you’ll land positions that align with your skills and interests.
Join one of our simulations for a taste of on-the-ground realities in an interactive environment. From negotiating international conflicts to managing humanitarian crises, these engaging scenarios are a highlight for Korbel students.
Korbel students have the opportunity to study in vibrant cities like Rio de Janeiro, Geneva, Vienna, and Washington, D.C. These experiences offer rich firsthand experience and insights, all at no additional tuition cost.
At Korbel, research directly contributes to real-world impact. Many students engage in applied research at our Pardee Institute for International Futures, serving clients like the US government, the United Nations, and the Africa Union.
Balance your graduate work with an active outdoor lifestyle in the Mile-High City. Take advantage of a vibrant art, music, and food scene — while enjoying Colorado’s 300 days of sunshine each year.
ADP, 2024
WalletHub, December 2024
Rolling Stone, April 2023
WalletHub, April 2024
In their courses, both Dr. Ben and Steve gave me an understanding of intelligence and homeland security which guided me into my first job with the Colorado Information Analysis Center, and onto my new role with the DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency.
Current Role: Intelligence Analyst
The Korbel School gave me a strong academic foundation and hands-on experience to pursue a career in international security. Its exclusive partnerships opened doors to working with members of the U.S. Congress and helped me build a network that empowered me to launch my own initiatives, leading me to earn various internationally competitive awards.
Current Role: Policy Advisor, The Aspen Institute
A degree from Korbel opens all sorts of doors, especially in government. My current employment as a National Graduate Fellow assigned to the National Nuclear Security Agency was only possible because of my degree, and I've met plenty of Korbel Alumni working in national security. Korbel's focus on practical, hands-on education and a student body comprised of future public servants made it a great place to accelerate my career.
Lahra Ahearn
Graduate Enrollment Manager
Use this form to reach out to me directly! You can also find me at any one of our admissions events or on the road.
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