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!
Shape the future through public policy. This program prepares you for a meaningful career in government, international organizations, NGOs, or the private sector, addressing a wide range of policy issues.
You’ll master quantitative and qualitative methods to define policy problems and analyze potential solutions, gain expertise in the issues that matter to you, and develop practical skills to effect change. And because the program is embedded within a school of international affairs, you have the option of an international track to enrich your global perspective.
Whether you’re driven by a passion for creating economic opportunity or affordable housing at the state and local level, addressing budget or welfare issues at the national level, or confronting global challenges, you’ll find the tools and support needed to make a difference.
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 city, state, and national governments, international organizations, NGOs, and private businesses.
They become policy analysts, legislative advisors, public affairs specialists, government relations officers, and economic policy consultants.
Arrive with a plan, or let your curiosity guide you. Our flexible programs give you the freedom to choose a national or international path, change directions as your interests evolve, or hone in on a customized specialization.
Start with 12 credits of required coursework, designed to ground you in your discipline.
Core courses
Skills courses
Form a customized specialization (3 courses) then dig deeper into your studies through a Public Policy capstone project.
Use your remaining credits to focus on a national or international track, increase your skills, pursue a certificate, or engage in various experiential learning opportunities.
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
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.
My career goal is to lead in ESG and corporate responsibility strategy, helping businesses align their operations with social and environmental impact. The MPP program is equipping me with the analytical, negotiation, and policy design skills I need to drive that change—bridging the gap between business goals and public good.
MPP applicants come from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. No specific major is required. Quantitative readiness is helpful but not mandatory.
The MPP program equips students to analyze, design, and evaluate public policies at local, national, and international levels. The curriculum combines quantitative policy analysis, economics, research methods, and practical skills related to governance, program evaluation, and policy implementation.
Korbel’s MPP integrates domestic and international policy, allowing students to combine traditional public policy training with global affairs coursework. Students can also take interdisciplinary electives across the University of Denver.
Graduates work in government agencies, consulting firms, nonprofits, research organizations, legislative offices, and international organizations. Common roles include policy analyst, program evaluator, researcher, and government affairs specialist.
The MPP program is built around a core quantitative foundation —statistics, data and evaluation, policy analysis — paired with opportunities to develop qualitative research and strategic communication and policy writing skills. Students can tailor the level of quantitative rigor based on their career goals.
Students complete a rigorous core plus electives that allow for specialization. Popular elective clusters include environmental policy, global governance, national security policy, poverty and inequality, and international development. The program is designed to be completed in two years full-time.
All MPP students complete an applied policy memorandum, which is primarily student driven on a topic of their choice (ideally related to the student’s specialization). Students often work with a real client to produce a professional policy analysis or evaluation. Many projects involve partnerships with Colorado-based agencies, nonprofits, or international organizations.
Many MPP students obtain internships with government agencies, policy research institutes, advocacy organizations, or consulting firms. The Korbel Office of Career and Professional Development helps students secure placements in federal agencies, the Colorado State Capitol, local policy organizations, and international NGOs.
While the MPP is a domestic and international public policy degree, students may take electives across Korbel programs in areas such as international security, human rights, development, and global governance.
Yes, and Korbel provides career support tailored to public policy roles in various international contexts.
Professional experience strengthens an application but is not required. The program welcomes early-career applicants as well as mid-career professionals seeking advancement or career transition.
Applicants submit transcripts, a statement of purpose, résumé/CV, letters of recommendation, and optional GRE scores. International applicants must submit English-language proficiency scores. A writing sample is not required.
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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