University of Denver - Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs

About this program

You can see far from here.

At the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs, ranked #12 in the world for international affairs programs by Foreign Policy magazine, students prepare to tackle the defining challenges of our time. Based in Denver, Korbel offers a top-ranked, interdisciplinary education that blends academic excellence with real-world impact. Our globally engaged faculty, boundary-pushing research, and inclusive, public-minded approach empower students to lead with purpose. Backed by a worldwide alumni network driving change across sectors and regions, Korbel equips graduates with the tools to make a difference—locally and globally.

• Year partnership began: 2003
• Fellowships awarded per year (average): 30

Application requirements

University of Denver requires the following materials to be considered for admission:

• A scanned copy of your transcripts from every college or university you have attended.
• A resume including work experience, research, and or/volunteer work.
• A personal statement where the student must discuss an international issue they wish to address in their career and how the Korbel School will help them prepare to do so.
• Two letters of recommendation – If a student is less than five years out from their undergraduate degree, we recommend utilizing one professional, and one academic recommender.
• GRE scores are optional.

Official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), C1 Advanced or Duolingo English Test are required of all graduate applicants, regardless of citizenship status, whose native language is not English or who have been educated in countries where English is not the native language. You can read more about test score requirements here.

Admissions process

• Eligible RPCVs are automatically reviewed for the fellowship when they apply.
• Applicants will select the “Returning Peace Corp Volunteer” option in the application when asked about partnerships or additional funding.
• Ready to apply? You can start here!

Degrees awarded

• MA in Global Economic Affairs
• MA in Global Environmental Sustainability
• MA in International Development
• MA in International Human Rights
• MA in International Security
• MA in International Studies
• Master of Public Policy

Benefits and opportunities

Net cost is equal to tuition/fees minus fellowship value. For some universities, the fellowship value includes non-tuition/fee benefits such as health insurance or housing. See cost savings details for more.

Estimated annual cost of living: $23,000

Cost savings details

All admitted Coverdell students will receive a minimum $12,000 tuition coverage annually and are considered for all available additional scholarships.

Application fee waiver

For additional questions regarding scholarships, please contact us at [email protected].

Internship

Coverdell Fellows complete a 75+ hour practicum with an organization that supports an underserved U.S. community. Fellows work with the Korbel Office of Career and Professional Development to explore options and identify organizations that would be a good fit for their professional aspirations.

Previous Fellows have worked at organizations such as the Denver African Community Center, the Red Cross, the International Rescue Committee, the Blue Bench, Habitat for Humanity, and The Gathering Place.

Other opportunities

• Expand your learning beyond the classroom by studying abroad
• Individualized internship and career advising
• Join a lifelong community of leaders
• Engage in research at one of our seven centers at Korbel

Visit us on campus anytime

Jobs for alumni

Korbel boasts a 93% job placement rate for graduates of the MA and MPP programs, and recent Coverdell Fellows secured the following positions upon graduation:

• Fellow - Fulbright Scholar Program
• Grants Specialist - Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
• Global Accounts Associate - Velocity Global, LLC
• Program Manager - Abundant Water
• Research Specialist – U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
• Innovation and Technical Assistance Manager – U.S. Department of Energy
• Projects Coordinator - One Earth Future Foundation
• Networks Manager – Moonshot
• Global Health Fellow - Partners in Health
• Research and Intelligence Analyst – Northern Command
• Head of Operations – Anduril Labs
• Director of Operations - Watson Institute
• Associate Business Analyst - Sierra Nevada Corporation
• Special Assistant - Wittenberg Weiner Consulting, LLC

Read more about what our Korbel alumni are up to here!

Nontraditional options

• Certificate in Global Business and Corporate Social Responsibility
• Certificate in Global Environmental Change and Adaptation
• Certificate in Global Justice
• Certificate in Homeland Security
• Certificate in Humanitarian Assistance
• Certificate in Public Diplomacy
• Certificate in Public Policy
• Certificate in Religion and International Affairs
• Certificate in Strategic Intelligence
• Dual Master of Arts in International Development, International Human Rights, International Studies, or Public Policy and Master of Social Work
• Dual Master of Public Policy and Juris Doctorate
• Joint Master of Arts in International and Intercultural Communication