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International Studies

Master's Degrees

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Customize a degree around your interests and career goals

Drive global change through a program that aligns with your passions.

Whether you’re committed to tackling inequalities, safeguarding the environment, or resolving conflicts, our most flexible and self-directed curriculum empowers you to make a significant impact.

Explore a wide array of topics ranging from quantitative methods and environmental protection to policy making and global health. As you delve deeper, you’ll combine a broad understanding of international relations with specialized courses, tailoring your studies to your unique interests and ambitions.

Program information

Program length

2 years, 60 credits

Degree awarded

Master in International Studies

Course delivery

On campus

Admission & merit aid priority deadline

Priority: January 15, 2025 Followed by rolling admissions

Term length

10 week quarter

Your future starts here

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

Prepare to go far

93% of Korbel graduates are employed, continuing their education, or volunteering/engaging in service within 12 months of graduation.

Korbel Graduate Employment Data

International Studies graduates are in demand

You’ll find them working in governments, international organizations, NGOs, and the private sector. They take on diverse roles as policy analysts, international business consultants, global health professionals, intelligence analysts, human rights advocates, and more.


Where recent alumni make an impact

Shape your experience

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.

Build a strong foundation

Start with 16 credits of required coursework, designed to ground you in your discipline.

Core courses

  • INTS 4091 - Great Issues in International Affairs
  • Any regionally-focused course
  • Two of the following:
    • INTS 4301 - Intro to Political Theory
    • INTS 4324 - International Political Economy
    • INTS 4370 - The Global Economy
    • INTS 4372 - Great Books in Political Economy
    • INTS 4501 - Comparative Politics in the 21st Century
    • INTS 4715 - Debates about Democracy
    • INTS 4822 - Contemporary Political Theory
    • INTS 4900 - International Politics
    • INTS 4936 - International Law and Human Rights
    • INTS 4958 - Nationalism + Internationalism in Global Governance

Skills courses

  • A total of 12 credits (in the form of 4-credit or 2-credit skills courses) of INTS or PPOL skills coursework

Tailor your degree

Use your remaining 32 credits to customize your specialization, pursue a certificate, or take courses abroad based on your interests and goals.

Certificates

  • Global Environmental Change & Adaptation
  • Global Health Affairs
  • Global Justice
  • Homeland Security
  • Humanitarian Assistance
  • Public Diplomacy
  • Public Policy
  • Religion & International Affairs
  • Strategic Intelligence

Download our degree information sheet below for a comprehensive look at the full program requirements.

Program Details

Get outside the classroom

Hands-on experience is essential to your success. You’ll find an abundance of opportunities to develop your professional skills and explore career paths.

Apply your knowledge with internships

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.

Immerse yourself in simulation exercises

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.

Study away to expand your perspective

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.

Dive into research that makes a difference

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.

Learn More

Enjoy the Denver difference

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.

“Hottest U.S. labor market”

ADP, 2024

#13 Most Fun Cities in America

WalletHub, December 2024

#1 “Hottest Music Venues in the Country” — Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater

Rolling Stone, April 2023

#7 “Top U.S. Cities for Active Lifestyles”

WalletHub, April 2024

Faculty you’ll work with

Our faculty are leading economists, political scientists, and sociologists who work on international trade, finance, and economic development. They have extensive real-world experience as practitioners and advisors to the United Nations, the World Bank, the World Trade Organization, national and state governments, and the private sector.
View all faculty

Contact Us 

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.

Join Me 

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