Master's Degree

Housed within the CU Denver Political Science Department, the Center for New Directions offers you an applied Master's Degree in Political Science that will enable you to grow your career and impact in local communities. New Directions specializes in delivering real-world knowledge and skills at the intersection of government, non-profits and community. 

New Directions is a continuing and professional education program for those who work full-time and other non-traditional students. Courses are primarily taught in an intensive, in-person format over three weekends spaced several weeks apart. Occasional hybrid components or weekday evening remote courses are offered. You will learn primarily from expert practitioners who serve as lecturers, as well as from your fellow students in this vibrant in-person program with representation from across diverse sectors.  

This applied MA program balances a foundational curriculum that develops your 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 courses are contextualized to deepen your understanding of political systems, preparing you to be an effective leader and advance equity in your community. Through optional internships, independent studies or a final Master's project, you have the flexibility to develop expertise in your chosen area of focus. A course-work only path to completion is also available that does not require a Master's paper. 

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: 

CLAS Graduate Education Policies and Procedures apply to this program.