By: Assistant Professor Kaitlyn Sims, Degree Director for the Public Policy BA

Some students start their undergraduate career knowing that law school is their next step after college. Others discover a passion for law, justice, and safety along the way. Fortunately for us, DU is home to one of only two American Bar Association-accredited law schools in the state of Colorado—the Sturm College of Law!

No matter your path to law school, a Korbel undergraduate degree can be the springboard leading you a fulfilling legal career.

Public Policy: A Smart Path to Law School

Law is about interpreting rules—and public policy designs those rules. A Public Policy major teaches you how governments make decisions, evaluate evidence, and shape laws that affect society, giving future law students a deeper understanding of how the legal system actually works.

By majoring in public policy, pre-law students build a foundation for understanding how the law fits into and shapes governance at all levels. Students can take classes on crime, social policy, race and inequality, housing, and urban development—all areas where the law determines how social programs and human rights work.

Public policy majors also take applied skills classes where students work directly with real-world, local legal actors, such as the US State Department. Many classes also bring in guest lecturers, such as local attorneys,to give students a hands-on look at how their skills will translate to their future careers.

These skills can also open up career paths for lawyers outside of the classroom. Law is policy and vice versa—and being well-versed in both sets you up for work in the legislature, advocacy, and lobbying.

DU It ALL: AT DU and Double Major

At DU, students can combine Public Policy with other majors to broaden their perspective and strengthen their preparation for law school.

For example, pre-law students could double major in Public Policy alongside:

• Criminology: For students interested in a career in the criminal-legal system as prosecutors, defenders, and judges.
• International Studies: For students interested in human rights law and international diplomacy.
• Philosophy or Political Science: For students who want to understand the theoretical roots of our judicial system and how they impact the law today.
• Socio-Legal Studies: For students who want to pair interdisciplinary study of the philosophy and sociology of law with the use of the law in public policy.
• Spanish Language: For students interested in immigration law.
• Sustainability or Environmental Science: For students interested in water law, conservation, and environmental litigation.

Or any of DU’s other undergraduate degree programs! All DU students complete a major plus at least one minor or a second major, making it easy to customize an academic path that aligns with their interests and post-grad plans.

Pre-law students at DU can take advantage of our unique location in the Colorado state capitol for everything from internships to dropping in to congressional hearings.

Accelerated options

If you’re confident in your path to law school, consider Sturm’s 6-year Bachelor/JD program. This combined program means finishing undergrad requirements in 3 years before starting your law degree, getting you out a year ahead of the standard timeline. To apply for the dual degree program, apply directly to Sturm after being accepted to DU for undergrad.

The Sturm College of Law is also a top-ranked program for graduates in public interest law. Public interest lawyers represent the interests of individuals and groups on issues such as civil rights, environmental protections, education, and social justice, all in pursuit of the public good. A public policy BA offers a strong foundation for students interested in advancing justice in public interest law.

Learn more

Key takeaways

• Public Policy is a strong pre-law major.
  You’ll learn how laws are created, implemented, and evaluated by preparing future lawyers with a deeper understanding of the legal system.
• You will develop the analytical skills law schools value most.
  Public Policy students develop the skills to evaluate evidence, analyze complex problems, and communicate solutions clearly.
• Public Policy pairs easily with other majors.
  At DU, students often double major in fields like Criminology, International Studies, Philosophy, Sustainability, or languages to specialize in areas of law they care about.
• Denver offers real-world legal experience.
  With the Colorado State Capitol, courts, and major law firms nearby, DU students have access to internships, policy work, and legislative experience during college.
• You can accelerate your path to law school.
  DU’s 6-year BA/JD option allows motivated students to complete undergraduate study and law school faster than the traditional path.
• Public Policy prepares you for impact beyond the courtroom.
  Understanding policy helps future lawyers shape legislation, influence institutions, and solve complex societal challenges.
• Interested in learning more?

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By: Sama Abdulameer, BA International Studies, ‘28

At seventeen, it can be a little difficult to decide where you will be spending the next four years of your life, let alone your entire career path. I grew up around Aurora, Colorado, and went to a small charter high school. College was advertised as an “I made it” moment, a reflection of your hard work and success. I romanticized the idea of a big state school or a prestigious East Coast university far away from home. For me, I was trying to fit into a pre-determined mold of what the “college experience” should be rather than finding my own path. In reality, I came to learn that the “dream” I was sold didn’t necessarily align with my priorities.

I came into DU with little prior knowledge of Korbel or its programs; all I knew was that I was interested in International Affairs and in pursuing a legal career. After touring, my family and I had dinner at Tatsu Izakaya on University, one of our favorite sushi spots in Denver. After picturing what my daily life would look like at DU and discussing my goals and options, it seemed like DU was the top choice. However, I was still hesitant to commit. In comparison to all my friends, it felt like the safe option to commit to a college only 10 minutes from my high school.

At the time, I was interning at the Capitol and spent a significant amount of my time with the legislative aides. The majority of them were a bit older and had already completed undergrad, so I thought I might benefit from their advice. I remember a distinct conversation with an aide who had graduated from Korbel. She seemed to understand my concerns and shared that she had a similar thought process. She shared that if she were in my position again, she would still choose Korbel. One of my close friends, Aya, who was studying at Korbel, also shared her positive experiences, which was enough of a push for me. So, on May 1st 2024, I submitted my signed commitment to DU.

During the fall quarter of freshman year, I remember receiving an email from Professor George DeMartino inviting me to his office hours. This came as a surprise to me because I remember being told that college professors won’t bother learning your name, let alone actually take the time to reach out to you. This ended up being a pivotal conversation. I shared how I was feeling lost, and how it felt like everyone was able to articulate their understanding of the material much better than I could. He shared such a valuable piece of advice that I’ve held onto: the classroom isn’t about performing; you’re either learning or you’re performing, and you have to let go of the notion that your responses have to be perfect to participate, because you learn by practicing articulating your thoughts and participating in discussions. He shared that everyone was in the same boat, whether I could see it or not, and that he had full faith in my capabilities. That ended up being one of my favorite classes and the reason why I chose to specialize in Global Economic Affairs.

College has been far different than the version I had imagined in my junior year of high school. However, in hindsight, I can’t really imagine it any other way. During difficult times at college, Korbel has always been a safe space. Korbel has pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow into the person I am today. Every time I register for an international studies course, I’m confident that the professor will be the best of the best. Without the care and consideration of the faculty at Korbel, I certainly wouldn’t have had the same opportunities or learning experiences. I guess it turns out that the “safe” option was actually the option that pushed me the most.

This reflection was written by current Korbel graduate student, Erin Mitchell (Master of Public Policy, 2026).

On October 7, 2025, I had the distinct honor of attending the Axios Denver Newsmakers event, hosted by Korbel’s own Scrivner Institute of Public Policy, and sponsored by The Denver Foundation. The event featured an engaging and insightful question-and-answer session with Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, focused on the proposed Vibrant Denver Bond, a five-part, $950 million general bond question that will appear on the November 4, 2025, ballot. Beyond listening to the discussion, I also had the incredible opportunity to speak directly with Mayor Johnston, gaining firsthand insight into how local leaders approach complex policy challenges.

The event began with an overview of the proposed bond, setting the stage for an in-depth conversation about how public financing can shape the city’s future, which provided a rare opportunity to hear directly from the mayor about one of the most significant public financing proposals in Denver’s recent history. The Vibrant Denver Bond is designed to fund critical capital improvement projects across the city, addressing infrastructure, housing, and community development needs. Mayor Johnston emphasized that the bond’s five components, affordable housing, transportation and mobility, parks and recreation, public facilities, and economic development, represent strategic investments in Denver’s long-term vitality and inclusivity.

During the conversation, Johnston highlighted the city’s urgent need to expand affordable housing and improve public spaces to maintain Denver’s quality of life as the population continues to grow. He explained that the bond would not increase property tax rates but would instead reauthorize expiring debt, allowing the city to reinvest in essential infrastructure without overburdening taxpayers. This approach, he argued, reflects responsible fiscal management while ensuring the benefits of growth are broadly shared.

Following the bond discussion, the audience was given the opportunity to ask questions, which touched on issues such as homelessness, climate resilience, and economic equity. Mayor Johnston spoke candidly about balancing Denver’s rapid development with sustainability and social responsibility. He stressed the importance of public engagement and voter participation, noting that every Denver resident has a stake in shaping the city’s future.

This event truly reflected the civic spirit of collaboration between local government, academic institutions, and philanthropic organizations. Axios Denver’s format, focused, conversational, and journalistic, allowed thoughtful dialogue rather than scripted speeches. This approach ultimately led myself and several other graduate students having the unique opportunity to speak one-on-one with Mayor Johnston about the upcoming ballot issues and other pressing policy issues affecting Denver and the state of Colorado.

Mayor Johnston spoke openly and enthusiastically with us about everything from our future career goals to local development projects, including plans for the new Mile High Stadium and its role in Denver’s economic and recreational growth.

As a Public Policy student, I spend much of my time studying elected officials, their policies, and their impact on society, but I never expected to speak face-to-face with one. Korbel made that possible by facilitating these conversations with the mayor. His friendly, down-to-earth demeanor quickly put our group at ease, and as we stood on the Sie Complex balcony chatting as equals, it struck me that elected officials are, at their core, people like us. That moment brought to life what our work in public policy is all about: creating meaningful connections and striving, regardless of affiliation, to make our communities stronger and more equitable.

For me, attending the Axios Denver News Makers event was both informative and inspiring. It underscored the importance of civic participation and policy literacy, reminding attendees that democracy functions best when communities are informed and engaged. As Denver prepares for the upcoming vote, the discussion served as a timely reminder that the city’s growth and vibrancy depend on the collective choices of its residents. For me, as a student, it was a rare chance to witness these principles in action and to see firsthand how public policy shapes real communities, and it was a reminder that our studies are not just theoretical but are preparing us to actively contribute to the future of the city and the world around us.

Written by: Zoe Lopez, BA in Public Policy, Class of 2028

Growing up, my mom worked for State Representative Mike Villareal. At the time, I did not know what this meant, but as an adult, I realize how much her work then has influenced my life now. I learned how to ride my bike on the Capitol grounds. I remember coloring on official state letterhead while waiting for my mom to wrap up her days in the office during the legislative session. We still hang all 10 of our state capitol ornaments on our Christmas tree every year, one to represent every year she worked for the state. These little moments, as insignificant as they seemed at the time, planted the seeds for my interest in a career in public policy.

Growing up not only understanding our legislative processes, but getting to witness them firsthand at such a young age has been a pivotal privilege in my experiences thus far in the policy world because I was quickly able to shift from utilizing this knowledge as a teenager to participate in advocacy days at the capitol, to getting to plan and host lobby days to help students at the university level do the exact same thing.

I was very lucky that in high school I had a very clear idea of what I wanted to study in college. Unfortunately, it remains a pretty niche area of study for undergraduate students, which narrowed my options for college. My high school counselor introduced me to the University of Denver right before the application deadline, thinking it would be worth my while to just apply and see what happened. I will admit, I did not know anything about the school and had never considered it an option.

After having the opportunity to tour the campus, meet with a few members of the staff and faculty, and talk with a few students, I quickly realized that I would be calling Korbel home for the next four years. Unlike so many other programs I looked into where I felt like I was settling for a major, coming to Korbel made me feel like I had endless opportunities ahead of me.

Each and every course I have taken at Korbel in my nearly two years here has challenged my thinking, sharpened my policy analysis skills, and better prepared me for entering the field post-grad. My classmates are thoughtful and inquisitive, making group discussions inside and outside of class thought-provoking and challenging at times. The Korbel speaker series events allow us as students to engage with experts across a multitude of fields to learn more about real-life applications of the theory and skills we are developing through our coursework. The diverse interests of students also enhances the quality of our experience. In my last class with Dr. Simms, we had students who were active at so many levels of the policymaking and implementation process, from interns at the state capitol to interns with non-profit and mutual aid organizations doing field work to students working as research assistants in housing equity.

I think my affection for my experience thus far in Korbel is evident, but it is all rooted in the overwhelmingly positive experiences I have had. I truly cannot imagine choosing anywhere else to complete my Bachelor's in Public Policy because the diversity of experiences that Korbel has provided me is invaluable and highly unique to our program.

Whether you are a high school senior still exploring your options for college or a current DU student still trying to figure out what you want to do, Korbel could be the place for you too.

Written by: Assistant Professor Kaitlyn Sims, Degree Director for the Public Policy BA

Many undergraduate students find themselves deciding between a degree in Public Policy and a degree in Political Science. At first glance, these programs sound similar. Both explore how societies make decisions, how governments function, and how people work to shape the world around them.

But the two majors offer different skill sets, approaches to problem solving, and pathways into future careers. Here’s a breakdown of what each degree focuses on, what kinds of thinkers students become, and what kind of careers they build.

Whether you imagine yourself crafting legislation, improving communities, analyzing data or shaping change at the local, national, or global level, both degree programs can set you up for success in your future career. Understanding the difference between Public Policy and Political Science will help you choose the best academic path to achieve your goals in life and in your college experience.

In A Nutshell

What Is Public Policy?
The Public Policy BA (PPOL) focuses on how to effect change in the world. Students explore how to create, evaluate, and implement solutions to real-world problems. Even more, students will learn how to identify urgent challenges, analyze data, evaluate policy options, and understand economic and ethical tradeoffs. Core coursework often includes topics such as policymaking, economics, ethics, and data analysis. The DU PPOL degree also builds in hands-on skills courses, where students partner with local leaders to improve Denver.

What Is Political Science?
Political Science centers on how politics and government systems are structured, with a strong emphasis on political theory, political thought, and the philosophical foundations of governance. Students investigate comparative politics, law and society, political ideologies, and how political institutions shape civic life. Political Science majors develop exceptional writing, analytical reasoning, and theoretical thinking skills.

What’s the difference between Public Policy and Political Science?
Both major degree programs give students the skills for successful careers in law, government, research, education, political strategy, and public service. Choosing between Public Policy and Political Science often comes down to how each major shapes your approach to understanding and improving society.

Public Policy develops applied problem solvers who learn to analyze data, evaluate program impact, weigh economic and ethical tradeoffs, and craft actionable solutions.

Political Science, by contrast, builds strong theoretical thinkers who study how governments operate, how political systems compare across countries, and how ideas and institutions influence political behavior.

Public Policy vs. Political Science: Career Paths Compared
Both majors lead to competitive careers in government, nonprofits, advocacy, legislative offices, law, and graduate programs, but the roles students pursue often reflect their training.

Public Policy prepares students to work across a wide spectrum of governance, including state and local government, international organizations, and community-based initiatives, while Political Science focuses more on political systems, civic behavior, and the structure of institutions that shape public life.

Political Science graduates tend to gravitate toward writing-intensive analysis, political advising, and legal pathways. Public Policy graduates frequently move into roles involving quantitative evaluation, economic and cost-benefit analysis, program design, and policy implementation.

DU It ALL AT DU

At the University of Denver, students can explore these fields through the Public Policy (PPOL) major in the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs or the Political Science major in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.

DU students can complete a major plus at least one minor or a second major, making it easy to customize an academic path that aligns with their interests.

Strong combinations with Public Policy at DU include:

Are you interested in?	Complementary majors/minors to PPOL
Area or cultural studies	Asian Studies; Black Studies (minor); Critical Race and Ethnic Studies; International Studies; Languages, Literature, and Cultures; Middle East Studies (minor); Spanish
Cities and urban studies	Real Estate & the Built Environment; Urban studies (minor)
Crime and the law	Criminology; Socio-Legal studies; Sociology
Environment	Environmental Studies; Sustainability
Health	Culture, Health, and Society (minor); Mental Health and Wellness (minor)
Leadership and Governance	Community Engagement for the Public Good; Entrepreneurship (minor); Leadership studies (minor); Political Science
Science policy	Biology; Biochemistry; Chemistry; Computer Science; Engineering; Environmental Chemistry; Integrated Sciences; Physics
Social issues	Anthropology; Economics; Gender and Women’s Studies; History; Sociology

At DU, students can tailor their degrees to match their interests and build a powerful, interdisciplinary foundation for their future.

Why Public Policy at Korbel?
Studying Public Policy at Korbel gives students a nationally recognized, hands-on education that prepares them to create real change. DU combines academic rigor with the personal attention of a small school.

Faculty invests deeply in each student, ensuring students gain applied experience, internships, and opportunities that larger institutions often can’t match.

With a curriculum grounded in economics, ethics, data analysis, and real-world policymaking, plus strong connections across Denver’s policy landscape, Korbel equips students with the practical skills and experiences needed to launch a meaningful career in public service, advocacy, or community leadership.

Key Takeaways

• Public Policy focuses on identifying real-world problems and developing analytical, ethical, and data-driven solutions.
• Political Science focuses on theory, philosophy, and the structure of political systems.
• Both majors prepare students for impactful careers across government, nonprofits, advocacy, the private sector, and graduate or law school.
• Many students choose to study both to gain a powerful mix of theoretical and applied skills.

Interested in learning more?

Fill out this form, and we will reach out ASAP.