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 Bassem Hassan and Betcy 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.
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The Public, Non-Profit & Community Graduate Leadership Certificate - This certificate is a valuable academic credential that reflects the participant's scholarly achievement in courses related to local government, public policy, public administration, local politics and/or community leadership. You can earn this certificate while pursuing your degree in any major or discipline if it is approved by your home program. Or you can earn a stand-alone certificate without a degree. Either way, the courses you take will develop your knowledge, skills and political acumen to lead more effectively within your organization, jurisdiction, or community. A certificate is a great way to explore graduate school before you're sure if you want to commit. If you later decide to apply for a full master's, all 12 of your certificate credits may be transferrable toward a full Political Science MA or an applied MA through the Center for New Directions in Politics and Policy. (An undergraduate certificate is also available). Courses for this certificate may be offered through the New Directions weekend-intensive, in-person format or the standard Political Science department's in-person or remote classes. Check out the website, speak with your advisor if you're already enrolled, or contact NewDirections@ucdenver.edu to learn more.
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The Labor Leadership Certificate - A Certificate in Labor Leadership will develop your academic and professional skills to support worker-oriented public, non-profit or academic research or policy development, a career in a labor union or related worker-oriented organization, or to build skills for workplace organizers. For those planning a career in management, the program will build a stronger foundation for labor-management collaboration in organized public or private-sector workplaces. A certificate is a great way to explore graduate school before you're sure if you want to commit. If you later decide to apply for a full master's, all 12 of your certificate credits may be transferrable toward a full Political Science MA or an applied MA through the Center for New Directions in Politics and Policy. (An undergraduate certificate is also available). Courses may be offered through the New Directions weekend-intensive, in-person format or the standard Political Science department's in-person or remote classes. Check out the website, speak with your advisor if you're already enrolled, or contact NewDirections@ucdenver.edu to learn more.
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:
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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.
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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:
PSCI 5245 - Gender, Development and Globalization
Section E01: Professor Karen Sugar, Online