MA Programs in Political Science

Our master’s programs’ offer a diverse range of courses and methodologies that prepare graduates for careers as teachers, community organizers, professors, attorneys, and public servants in government, non-profit and community work. We emphasize both rigorous political scholarship as well as engaged civic activism among our students and faculty. Our graduate students benefit from studying at Colorado's leading urban university, and from our program's active partnerships with community-based organizations and government agencies.

Standard Masters Program

Focused on development of academic research and teaching skills, preparing students for careers from academia to international settings.

Classes during the work week, online and in person
Teaching assistantship opportunities
Mentored research with faculty
International studies expertise

New Directions Program

For students or working professionals seeking to lead and make an impact in local government or community-based organizations.

Weekend intensive and online courses
Taught by experienced practitioners
Practical, professional-development curriculum
Local government fellowship opportunities
New student scholarships

We offer a master of arts (MA) degree in political science with an emphasis on building academic and practical skills in key areas of the discipline. Research and teaching in the department center on the major fields of American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory and public policy. We also offer more specialized training in human rights, legal studies, gender politics, race and ethnic politics, European studies, indigenous politics, and urban politics.

What's next?

Our graduates go on to Ph.D. programs across the country and secure positions as government officials, community-based organization leaders, private sector business professionals, legislative analysts, UN affiliates, lobbyists, teachers, media analysts and political consultants.

To apply for the 4+1 Program, please submit:

If you are in your Junior Year and have a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA:

Complete Intent to BA/MA Form
Meet with B assem Hassan and B etcy Jose
Complete graduate level courses during remaining semesters of undergraduate study. (Note: These classes count BOTH towards satisfying the requirements of the BA major and the Master's degree in Political Science.)
4+1 students must apply to the CU Denver Graduate School during their senior year of undergraduate studies.

Please note: Declaring intent to pursue this program does not guarantee admission to the CU Denver Graduate School.

The Public, Non-Profit & Community Graduate Leadership Certificate - The Leadership Certificate is a valuable academic credential that reflects the participant's scholarly achievement in the areas of politics and public policy. Equally important, the Leadership Certificate Program offers participants the opportunity to develop the political skills and acumen necessary for leading effectively within his/her own organization, community, or jurisdiction. The Academic Certificate Program consists of five courses representing 15 semester hours of credit. With departmental approval, up to 12 credits can be transferred from the certificate program into a full graduate degree program. To set up an appointment or speak with a departmental advisor to pursue this option, please email R obin.Kniech@ucdenver.edu.
The Labor Leadership Certificate - Offered through our New Directions program, the Labor Leadership Certificate is a five-course certificate that is now available totally online. Coursework possibilities include classes such as: Collective Bargaining and Employment Law, Union Leadership, Worker's Rights, Labor History and Politics, Labor, Unions and the global economy, and more! Available at the BA or MA level.

The cost of tuition for the MA in Political Science is different for in-state and out-of-state students. See the link for the current table of rates.

Department Scholarships

Each year, the Political Science Department awards a variety of scholarships ranging from $500-$1500. The scholarship cycle runs each October.

University Scholarships

Each year, CU Denver students are awarded over $30 million in scholarships from institutional, local, state, and national sources. Learn more, and apply here.

Student Employment Opportunities

Student work opportunities are available via Handshake to offset the cost of enrollment.

Teaching Assistantships

The Political Science Department has multiple quarter-time Teaching Assistantships available for the Spring 2025 semester. Duties of a Teaching Assistant include leading discussion sections, grading, and advising students. The compensation is $3,981.00 per semester. The job involves about 6 hours per week and should not be attempted by those holding full-time employment. Applicants must have a 3.5 GPA or better and be a regular graduate student enrolled during the entire term of their appointment.

Guidelines of the CU Denver Political Science Department are as follows:

While graduate students in related programs (e.g., MH/MSS) are eligible to apply, first consideration will be given to graduate students in the Political Science Program. When the department receives more applications than positions available, preference may also be granted to more advanced graduate students.
Unless otherwise indicated in writing, assistantships are for one semester. Good performance in the current semester may lead to reappointment in the following semester, however, priority may be given to students who have not previously served in order to provide teaching experience for all PSCI graduate students who wish to serve as Teaching Assistants.
The CU Denver Political Science Department is committed to high quality teaching and research, equal opportunity, and affirmative action.

If you are interested, complete the form below by November 1, 2024. Please direct your questions to Tony.Robinson@ucdenver.edu.

Teaching Assistantship Application

To apply for the PSCI MA, please submit:

Online graduate school application
Statement of Purpose
Resume
Two letters of recommendation (academic and/or professional)
Writing sample (10 pages, double spaced, 1 paper or combination of papers that demonstrate your ability)

Application Deadlines

Fall

Domestic Applications: August 1
International Applications: Priority is March 15, and  Final is May 15

Spring

Domestic Application: January 1
International Applications: Priority is September 15, and Final is October 15

Summer

Domestic Applications: May 15
International Applications: Priority is January 15, and  Final is March 15

Learning Goals & Objectives for Graduates

In their classes, and continuing at successively higher levels across their departmental studies, Political Science students will consistently improve their:

1. Theory and Methodology:

Graduate students will demonstrate understanding of the major theories and methodological approaches used to explain political outcomes within the discipline of political science.

2. Critical Thinking:

Graduate students will demonstrate an ability to evaluate, compare, and synthesize different theoretical and methodological approaches used in explaining political outcomes in their chosen sub-discipline of political science. Graduate students in final stages of their graduate studies will demonstrate an ability to select or design an appropriate theoretical or methodological approach to develop original knowledge about a significant political question in their area of scholarly specialization.

3. Research:

Graduate students will successfully conduct and communicate original research and/or theoretical exploration that investigates political phenomena in their area of concentration, using appropriate theoretical and methodological approaches.

PSCI 5245 - Gender, Development and Globalization

Section E01: Professor Karen Sugar, Online

Graduate News

New Directions Director: Robin Kniech

Betcy Jose Presents in Mozambique

Public Service Career Fair

Two women leaning on a window reading a book

Student Research Symposium!

"Refugees Welcome" graffitied in pink spray paint on a cement wall

Denver Council Panel on Refugees & Asylum Seekers

Tools

Resources

Schools and Colleges

Campus Affiliates

The Plaza Building will remain closed through Jan. 20, 2025.

Learn More

MA Programs in Political Science

Standard Masters Program

New Directions Program