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Global Economic Affairs and Development

Master's Degrees

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Understand the forces that shape economies and drive development

Global markets, technological change, and a warming planet are transforming economies, while too many communities still lack access to good jobs, health care, and economic security. This program brings both challenges together, examining how economic, political, social, environmental, and historical forces shape the wealth of nations and the wellbeing of the people within them. 

You'll build a strong foundation in international trade, global finance, and economic development, along with the tools to design and evaluate programs that improve lives on the ground. Tailor your studies to the issues that drive you, from data and analytics to international business to global health, and gain practical skills in quantitative and policy analysis, project management, and monitoring and evaluation. 

Whether you aim to shape economic policy, analyze global markets and risk, lead development programs around the world, or advance sustainability in the private sector, you'll be equipped to help build a global economy that works for more people. 

Program information

Program length

60 credits

Degree awarded

MA in Global Economic Affairs and Development

Course delivery

On campus

Term length

10 week quarter

Admission & merit aid priority deadline

Priority: October 15, 2026, followed by rolling admissions

Program information

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Choose your track

This degree offers two distinct tracks, allowing you to focus your studies where your interests and goals align. The Global Economic Affairs track examines how the global economy functions, spanning international trade, monetary relations, and the quantitative skills to analyze markets and evaluate policy. The Development track explores the economics and politics of economic growth and opportunity, developing the research skills to address complex, real-world challenges. Both tracks share a common foundation, so you can build broad expertise before committing to a specialized path.
Global Economic Affairs
7
Development
2

Core Courses (Required)

INTS 4091

4 credits

Great Issues in International Affairs

INTS 4310

4 credits

Foundations of International Trade

INTS 4320

4 credits

International Monetary Relations

Core Courses (Pick One)

INTS 4324

4 credits

International Political Economy

INTS 4370

4 credits

The Global Economy

INTS 4372

4 credits

Great Books in Political Economy

INTS 4397

4 credits

Environment, Economy, and Development

INTS 4521

4 credits

Postcolonial Thought and Decolonizing Development

INTS 4532

4 credits

The Global Financial System: Frontier Issues

Skills Courses

INTS 4057

4 credits

Statistics

INTS 4303

4 credits

Econometrics for Decision Making

A total of 4 more credits (in the form of one 4-credit or two 2-credit skills courses) of INTS or PPOL skills coursework.

Core Courses (Required)

INTS 4091

4 credits

Great Issues in International Affairs

INTS 4468

4 credits

Politics of Development

INTS 4350

4 credits

Economics of Development

Core Courses (Pick One)

INTS 4370

4 credits

The Global Economy

INTS 4372

4 credits

Great Books in Political Economy

INTS 4397

4 credits

Environment, Economy, and Development

INTS 4521

4 credits

Postcolonial Thought and Decolonizing Development

Skills Courses

INTS 4057

Statistics

A total of 8 more credits (in the form of 4-credit or 2-credit skills courses) of INTS or PPOL skills coursework.

Certificates

Global Business & Corporate Social Responsibility

Through a unique collaboration between the Daniels College of Business and the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs, this certificate equips you with the insights and skills needed to understand the complexities of global business environments – and master corporate strategies that prioritize ethical practices and inclusivity.

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Global Environmental Change & Adaptation

This certificate equips you with innovative solutions to tackle the pressing challenges of climate change, population growth, and resource demands. You’ll explore sustainability and environmental management from multiple angles — and gain a deeper understanding of how to create just and sustainable outcomes for future generations.

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Homeland Security

Receive specialized homeland security training that equips you with the skills to prevent and cope with terrorism. This certificate is one of the first and most comprehensive efforts to address this critical need.

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Humanitarian Assistance

This certificate equips you with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for impactful humanitarian work. You’ll learn to partner with affected communities, respond to diverse needs, and lay the groundwork for sustainable and inclusive development.

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Public Diplomacy

Through a unique collaboration between the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs and the Department of Media, Film, and Journalism Studies, this certificate equips you with skills to enhance your global impact. You’ll acquire a sophisticated understanding of global media and communication processes and the ways in which they are employed by individuals, groups, organizations and governments to advance their strategic interests.

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Public Policy

This certificate grounds you in the essentials of policy analysis and the policymaking process. The curriculum blends political, ethical, and equity-based approaches to public policy, preparing you to create effective solutions at all levels of governance.

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Religion & International Affairs

Through a unique collaboration between the Department of Religious Studies and the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs, this certificate explores both contemporary case studies and theoretical insights to help you navigate the complex relationship between religions and international politics in the modern world.

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Strategic Intelligence

Dive deep into the full spectrum of intelligence processes, from collecting data to creating actionable intelligence reports. Through hands-on practical exercises, you'll master the art of producing professional-grade intelligence assessments and learn to navigate the complex ethical and strategic dilemmas that define contemporary intelligence work.

Strategic Intelligence

Elective Courses

TRAN 4100

4 Credits

Fundamentals of Supply Chain Management

Build a curriculum that maps to the policy challenges you care about — core analytical training, then electives and concentrations to deepen your focus.

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TRAN 4110

4 Credits

Fundamentals of Supply Chain Planning

Build a curriculum that maps to the policy challenges you care about — core analytical training, then electives and concentrations to deepen your focus.

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TRAN 4120

4 Credits

Fundamentals of Supply Chain Execution

Build a curriculum that maps to the policy challenges you care about — core analytical training, then electives and concentrations to deepen your focus.

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TRAN 4130

4 Credits

Structured Problem Solving in Supply Chain Management

Build a curriculum that maps to the policy challenges you care about — core analytical training, then electives and concentrations to deepen your focus.

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TRAN 4140

4 Credits

Supply Chain Technology and Systems

Build a curriculum that maps to the policy challenges you care about — core analytical training, then electives and concentrations to deepen your focus.

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TRAN 4150

4 Credits

Supply Chain Cost Management

Build a curriculum that maps to the policy challenges you care about — core analytical training, then electives and concentrations to deepen your focus.

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TRAN 4160

4 Credits

Analytic Methods for Supply Chain Management

Build a curriculum that maps to the policy challenges you care about — core analytical training, then electives and concentrations to deepen your focus.

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TRAN 4170

4 Credits

Industrial Engineering and Operations Management

Build a curriculum that maps to the policy challenges you care about — core analytical training, then electives and concentrations to deepen your focus.

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TRAN 4180

4 Credits

Sustainability and Supply Chain Management

Build a curriculum that maps to the policy challenges you care about — core analytical training, then electives and concentrations to deepen your focus.

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TRAN 4190

4 Credits

Import/Export Supply Chain Management

Build a curriculum that maps to the policy challenges you care about — core analytical training, then electives and concentrations to deepen your focus.

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TRAN 4901

4 Credits

Capstone Project

Build a curriculum that maps to the policy challenges you care about — core analytical training, then electives and concentrations to deepen your focus.

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TRAN 4902

4 Credits

Capstone Seminar

Build a curriculum that maps to the policy challenges you care about — core analytical training, then electives and concentrations to deepen your focus.

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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 places like our Pardee Institute for International Futures, serving clients like the US government, the United Nations, and the African Union.

Experiential Learning

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

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Where recent alumni make an impact

See All Career Outcomes

The practical, real-world skills I learned in the MPP program helped prepare me for my current role by being able to critically analyze existing policies, understand all possible implications, and come up with creative ideas that then inform conversations with state and school district leaders to drive more meaningful outcomes for all students.
Annika Turnquist, Master of Public Policy, 2023

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.

Global Economic Affairs and Development FAQs

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.

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:

  • Global Business and Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Global Environmental Change & Adaptation
  • Homeland Security
  • Humanitarian Assistance
  • Public Diplomacy
  • Public Policy
  • Religion & International Affairs
  • Strategic Intelligence

Yes, internships are required for the GEAD 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 students

International students are welcome and receive support with CPT/OPT processes, career advising tailored to international hiring pathways, and resources for navigating professional environments.

Military & Veteran Pathways

A program built with service members in mind.

Yellow Ribbon participation, dedicated veteran advising, and credit pathways from military service into the MPP.

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