Public Policy (MPP)

The master's in public policy (MPP) program teaches students to practice public policy in the real world through developing skills such as problem identification, analysis of solutions, writing, advocacy and persuasion. Our faculty members, who have practical policy experience, include a former three-term governor of Colorado, a former federal fraud prosecutor and senior manager for a federal regulatory agency and the chief budget officer for Colorado. Students will learn alongside renowned policy experts and policy makers both in traditional classroom settings and in intensive seminars. Featured speakers will come from top think tanks and policy-making bodies from Denver and beyond.

Students from all undergraduate programs and backgrounds are welcome, as there are no prerequisites for MPP courses. In the final year of their studies, students apply their skills to the real world by completing a capstone project analyzing a specific policy and potential solutions. Alumni hold positions locally, nationally and internationally, working for government, nonprofit organizations and private businesses, leveraging the network of one of the nation's leading schools for international studies. If you're ready to reward and challenge yourself, we invite you to join our exceptional body of students.

Why Choose Korbel

Global Perspectives, Local Solutions

The distinctive positioning of our MPP within one of the world's ranked professional schools of international affairs enables us to see how the local connects to the global, to learn from best practices around the world, and to imagine creative solutions.

Issues Focus

We prepare our students to tackle the great issues of our time—economic inequality, environmental sustainability, social justice, and more—and provide the flexibility to pursue the specific causes that speak to them. 

Learning by Doing

Do it yourself first. Experiential learning plays a key role in our MPP student experience, including our Policy Lab course, practicum opportunities, internships in Denver, DC, and around the world, and an intensive, faculty-advised capstone project.

Interdisciplinary

Policy problems have no disciplinary boundaries. Our faculty draws on the disciplines of economics, politics, sociology, policy analysis, international relations, law, ethics, and more to assess problems and suggest solutions.

Skills for a Lifetime

We are committed to providing students with professional competencies, decision-making, and leadership skills that will serve them throughout their careers— skills that are equally applicable in government and the private and non-profit sectors.

A World of Career Paths

The Korbel MPP opens a world of career possibilities with a 95% employment rate. Our graduates make a difference in Denver, DC, and around the world, in city, state, and national governments, international organizations, NGOs, and private businesses.