Master's Degree

Housed within the CU Denver Political Science Department, the Center for New Directions offers an applied Master's Degree in Political Science for those seeking to lead and make an impact in local communities. New Directions provides real-world education in two closely related sectors that inform one another: 

New Directions is considered an off-campus program where courses are delivered mostly through an intensive, in-person format over three weekends spaced several weeks apart to accommodate working professionals. Some hybrid components and evening on-line courses are also offered. Courses are taught primarily by expert practitioners.  

This applied MA program balances a foundational curriculum that develops students' skills and abilities with cutting-edge courses on emerging trends in local government, non-profit management, local social movements, labor union organizing, public policy and more. All of our courses develop students' political acumen, enabling them to be effective leaders and preparing them to advance equity in their communities. Through optional internships or independent studies and a required final project, students have the flexibility to develop expertise in their chosen area of focus.   

A New Directions MA can be pursued alongside a two-year, paid Best and Brightest Fellowship working in one of Colorado’s small or rural local governments, through a partnership with the Department of Local Affairs and local jurisdictions. Students must separately apply and be accepted to both New Directions and as a Best and Brightest fellow. Fellowship applications occur early in each calendar year, with the local government fellowship beginning in the summer and graduate coursework beginning no later than the fall (currently enrolled students may also apply).     

These degree requirements are subject to periodic revision by the academic department, and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences reserves the right to make exceptions and substitutions as judged necessary in individual cases. Therefore, the College strongly urges students to consult regularly with their New Directions faculty advisor to confirm the best plans of study before finalizing them. 

Graduate Certificates 

The Center for New Directions also offers two graduate certificates for students enrolled in New Directions or other CU Denver graduate programs or pursued as stand-alone non-degree certificates. Certificates require 12 credits (4 courses). For more details, please see the links below: 

Graduate Education Policies and Procedures apply to this program