Public Service Leadership Minor

Why Choose This Minor

The Public Service Leadership Minor connects classroom learning to real-world impact.

It is an ideal complement to a wide range of majors — from political science and social sciences to business, STEM, and the arts and humanities — for students who want to make a difference in their communities and careers.

The minor combines leadership development with public sector knowledge and hands-on experiential learning, including community leadership experiences and internships. Whether you are drawn to local government, federal agencies, non-profit organizations, social impact work, or the private sector, this minor gives you the practical skills and values-driven foundation to lead with purpose.

MSU Denver’s location steps from the Colorado Capitol and a vibrant civic community means your learning extends well beyond the classroom.

Take classes on a vibrant and diverse downtown campus

Enjoy attending classes on a vibrant and diverse downtown campus that’s located only minutes from the Colorado Capitol Building, all while, benefitting from small classes and extensive interaction with faculty dedicated to your success. We not only offer traditional classroom meeting times, but you also have access to and the convenience of evening course options. We are a big university with a small college approach to education.

Get involved in activities that get you ahead

Participate in a range of special activities that enrich your academic experience and professional development. Participate in the Urban Leadership Program, housed in Student Activities, which provides both financial support and experiential learning to many of our minors or learn and work in the Golda Meir Center for Political Leadership, a nonpartisan educational project that gives international visibility to MSU Denver. Getting involved in co-curricular projects sponsored by the department—from movies in our media lounge to lectures by leading academics and practitioners from around the world—provides you with valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth. Engaging in these activities helps you deepen your understanding of political science while fostering connections with peers and experts in the field.

Jump start your Professional career with one-of-a-kind internships

Intern with various organizations that can serve as stepping stones to your future career. The Political Science program offers prolific internship and experiential learning opportunities that provide first-hand experiences with politics in action—all within walking distance. Interested in internships a little further? Apply for MSU Denver’s Presidential Federal Internship program in Washington, D.C. or for those interested in international politics, the opportunity to participate in the Model United Nations and extensive travel abroad and student exchange programs enrich already expansive on-campus coursework.

Watch the MSU Denver Presidential Federal Internship Program Video