There's still time to apply! Accepting applications for Fall 2026 with scholarship support available. Apply now!
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There's still time to apply! Accepting applications for Fall 2026 with scholarship support available. Apply now!
Play your part in meeting today’s most pressing economic challenges. This program focuses on the interaction between economics and politics to provide a critical perspective on international trade, finance, and economic development policy.
Through a multi-disciplinary curriculum that’s accessible regardless of your economics background, you’ll gain a deep understanding of the causes of economic inequality, the impacts of trade policy, the drivers of economic development, and the operation of the global financial system. You’ll also build valuable skills in both qualitative and quantitative analysis.
Whether you’re considering policymaking in government or international organizations, advancing corporate social responsibility, or advocating for economic justice, you’ll be equipped to hit the ground running.
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
97% 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 state and national governments, central banks, finance ministries, international organizations, NGOs, think tanks, and the private sector. They become researchers, international policy analysts, economic policy consultants, risk and international project analysts, international project managers, and supply chain managers.
Arrive with a plan, or let your curiosity guide you. Our flexible programs offer the freedom to explore new fields, shift directions as your interests evolve, or focus 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
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
Attending Korbel equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to be ambitious in pursuing a fulfilling career and a better tomorrow. I had the space to explore my particular intersections of interest and access to faculty that challenged and refined my understanding of global issues. Through my time at Korbel, I came to understand where the world had been as it pertained to my area of study, where key issues currently stood, and how I could contribute to moving my field forward.
Current Role: Labor Risk Assessment Research Analyst, Verite
The flexibility of the Korbel graduate degree program allowed me to take electives well outside the core subject area of my degree. Doing so not only expanded my world view, but also provided me with a set of professional skills that have allowed me to successfully shift between a number of different career fields.
Current Role: Program Analyst, Partner Nation Future Demand
The journey through graduate school isn't just about acquiring knowledge, it's about discovering your true potential and the impact you can make in the world. The experiences and challenges along the way will shape you, and the degree you earn becomes a tool to turn your passion into action. Remember, the shot you don't take is the one you miss, so don't be afraid to aim high and pursue the opportunities that come your way!
Current Employer: U.S. Department of Commerce-International Trade Administration
The GEA program is designed for students with a strong interest in international economics and global markets. A background in economics, international studies, political science, or related fields is helpful but not required. Applicants without prior economics coursework are encouraged to demonstrate quantitative readiness through professional experience, academic work, or optional GRE scores.
The program includes training in economic analysis, policy evaluation, and data interpretation. Students can tailor their experience to be more quantitative or more policy-oriented depending on their goals. Coursework includes skills-focused areas like statistics, econometrics, and applied economic analysis.
GEA is policy-focused and globally oriented. It offers rigorous economic training without the heavy mathematical modeling of a traditional economics degree and without the business administration focus of an MBA. Students learn to analyze global markets, trade, finance, and economic development within political and institutional contexts.
Graduates work in economic policy analysis, global markets research, development finance, economic consulting, international organizations, and government agencies. Many pursue roles with think tanks, multilateral institutions, or private-sector firms involved in international trade or risk analysis. View the degree information sheet for a more detailed career look.
No, this degree program is open to all backgrounds and experience levels, though relevant experience, particularly in economics, finance, public policy, or global affairs, strengthens an application. Early-career professionals and career changers are welcomed.
GEA integrates economics with international relations, allowing students to examine global financial systems, trade policy, development dynamics, and geopolitical risk in a single degree. The curriculum offers exceptional flexibility to combine economic coursework with regional or thematic classes across Korbel or take courses abroad based on your interests and goals.
Students can choose to complete an optional thesis or substantial research paper. Faculty advisors guide students in selecting the best option based on career goals. Students can speak with an Admissions staff member to learn more.
Tailor your program to pursue a certificate in any of the following:
Absolutely. Many GEA students take graduate courses at the Daniels College of Business. Students can enroll in up to 12 credits. Additionally, DU offers a flexible dual degree program that allows students to earn an MS in Finance along with the GEA degree.
Yes, internships are required for the GEA program. Students regularly intern with economic consulting firms, international NGOs, government agencies, and think tanks. Many also participate in the Korbel in DC program for a policy-focused semester in Washington, D.C.
The Korbel Office of Career and Professional Development provides career advising, résumé reviews, employer networking events, and interview preparation. Many students find and secure internships or part-time work through the Pioneer Careers Online portal, available to all student
International students are welcome and receive support with CPT/OPT processes, career advising tailored to international hiring pathways, and resources for navigating professional environments.
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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