Application Process
Following are the simple steps to apply for graduate study in Public Policy at the University of Denver. If you have any questions about the process, please contact the Office of Graduate Studies.

1. Apply Online / Application Deadlines
Applications for graduate study in Public Policy at the University of Denver must be submitted online. All online materials must be submitted, and all supplemental materials must be postmarked, by the program's stated deadline: Fall Quarter Financial Aid Deadline: February 15; Fall Quarter: July 15; Winter Quarter: November 15.

A $65 non-refundable application fee is required for an application to be processed.

2. Transcripts
Applicants are required to submit an official transcript from each post-secondary institution attended, or are presently attending, where two quarter hours (or one semester hour) or more were completed. Proof of a bachelor's, and if applicable, a master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university is required.  Applicants must also account for any study undertaken outside the United States. If study abroad course work with grades and course titles do not appear on a transcript, those records must be obtained as well.  All transcripts must be official and received in the Office of Graduate Studies in a sealed envelope. University of Denver students and alumni do not need to provide DU transcripts as these will be requested by the Office of Graduate Studies.

Transcripts issued in a language other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation. Students who have earned a degree outside the U.S. must also submit proof of graduation, typically through a degree certificate or diploma. If you have been educated outside the U.S., we encourage you to contact the Office of Graduate Studies for assistance regarding transcript-related materials. DU's in-house foreign credential evaluation may take up to four weeks. This evaluation must be complete by the program's stated deadline. Applicants with education credentials from outside of the U.S. are encouraged to apply early.

3. Test Scores
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required. Scores must be received directly from the appropriate testing agency by the program's stated deadline. The institution code for the University of Denver is 4842. Non-native English speakers are required to provide scores from either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Please note: this requirement is independent of citizenship status.

The minimum TOEFL score accepted by the Public Policy program at DU is 88 (iBT) or 570 (paper-based). The minimum IELTS score accepted is 6.5. Non-native English speakers who hold a post-secondary degree from an institution where English is the only language of instruction and examination or who hold a regionally accredited baccalaureate degree from a U.S. institution are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement. There are no exemptions for graduate teaching assistants. 

Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) must demonstrate fluency in spoken English by scoring a 26 on the TOEFL speaking section or 8.0 on the IELTS speaking section. Please visit the International Applicant website  for a list of TOEFL/IELTS requirements.

4. Personal Statement
A personal statement of professional objectives is required. The personal statement should be two to three pages, preferably double-spaced, and should address these three areas. 

• What led you to your interest in pursuing this degree? Do you have a particular policy topic that interests you?
•  What are your professional and career goals?  Ten years from now, what type of work do you hope to be doing in the field of public policy?
•  How would a degree from the Institute for Public Policy Studies at the University of Denver help you achieve your professional goals?

5. Recommendation Letters
Three letters of recommendation are required. Letters of recommendation should be written by professors if you are a recent college graduate. If you have been out of school for some time, you may have the letters written by supervisors or others who can speak to your academic potential. These letters should be solicited and uploaded by recommenders through the online application system. Letters must be received by the program's stated deadline.

6. Interview
An interview may be required. Academic program staff will contact eligible applicants to schedule. Interviews are not scheduled through the Office of Graduate Studies.

7. Financial Support
After application files are complete and after applicants have been interviewed, each prospective student will be carefully considered for need-based and merit-based funds. The Institute for Public Policy Studies awards the scholarships listed below.

Gov. Richard D. Lamm Scholarships

Gov. Richard D. Lamm Scholarships are awarded on a merit-basis to applicants who demonstrate a passionate interest in current public policy problems and offer unique solutions. Students may be awarded Lamm Scholarships of up to $10,000. The Lamm Scholarship Fund was created by, Institute for Public Policy Studies co-director and former three-term Colorado Governor, Richard D. Lamm. No additional application is required.

Dean's Scholarships

Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Dean Anne McCall has made the Dean's Scholarships possible. Dean's Scholarships are merit-based and generally awarded for $2,500 - $7,500. All applicants who meet the February 15 deadline are considered.

Graduate Research Assistantship Tuition Waivers & Stipends

The Institute for Public Policy Studies employs 2-4 MPP students to work with faculty on research projects. Assistantship awards include tuition waivers credited directly to a student's tuition bill and stipends in the form of a salary. Assistantship awards range from $7,500 to $15,000. All applicants who meet the February 15 deadline and make note in their application packet (e.g., cover letter and resume) that they wish to be interviewed for this type of award will be considered.

To be considered for federal financial aid, domestic applicants should apply early and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the priority deadline: February 15. Information about financial aid can be found on the Office of Financial Aid website. International students are not eligible for federal financial aid.

8. Application Status
We encourage you to be actively engaged in the admission process. You can check your application status online at webCentral.

Mailing Address
Mail official transcripts and any supplemental admission materials not submitted with the online application to:

University of Denver
Office of Graduate Studies
Mary Reed Building, Room 5
2199 S. University Blvd.
Denver, CO 80208-4802

International Applicants
For complete international applicant information, please visit the Office of Graduate Studies' International Student Application Information. International applicants are strongly encouraged to have their applications complete at least eight weeks prior to the program's application deadline.