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The Public Affairs and Administration Minor offered by the Department of Political Science at MSU Denver is designed to meet the needs for an undergraduate curriculum which develops the skills necessary for a career in public affairs. By recognizing the intersection between public management and policy, the demand for analytic skill sets and a knowledge base that can meet the flexible and evolving nature of public service, the minor offers students a range of courses that link theory and practice in the development and implementation of public policy in a wide range of public affairs contexts.

The courses are intended for students who plan a career in public policy and service in local, state or federal governments, policy-oriented non-governmental organizations, or those already employed in these sectors. This minor also provides a solid foundation for graduate studies in public affairs, public administration and public policy.

The Public Affairs and Administration minor also connects to real-world local and national politics. MSU Denver offers extensive internship and cooperative education opportunities that prepare you for careers in government, law, journalism, business or wherever you see yourself working to improve the status quo. And our classes are not limited to our borders, as you can enroll in faculty-led study-abroad courses as well.

Benefits of Earning Your Degree at MSU Denver

The minor provides an ideal complement to a variety of majors, from Political Science to those in STEM fields seeking to work in the public sector, art and humanities majors desiring to work in cultural non-profits, social science majors with an interest in applying their knowledge in the public sphere, and business majors who recognize the potential of social entrepreneurship and public-private partnerships.

The Public Affairs and Administration minor, based in the Department of Political Science, delivers all the academic content you expect from a minor while also bringing to the table everything that’s unique about MSU Denver’s people and Denver’s political community. Students here have the advantage of the following unique opportunities:

  • Enjoy attending classes on a vibrant and diverse downtown campus that’s located only minutes from the Colorado Capitol Building.
  • Benefit from small classes, extensive interaction with faculty dedicated to your success and the convenience of evening course options.
  • Participate in a variety of special activities, including prelaw advising and an educational summer program in Washington, D.C.
  • Learn and work in the Golda Meir Center for Political Leadership, a nonpartisan educational project that gives international visibility to MSU Denver.
  • Get involved in co-curricular projects sponsored by the department, such as the Model United Nations and a variety of events, from movies in our media lounge to lectures by leading academics and practitioners from around the world.
  • Intern with various organizations that can serve as stepping stones to employment and jumpstart your professional career in public service.

Program Accolades

The Department of Political Science offers the following unique opportunities:

  • Benefit from small classes, extensive interaction with faculty dedicated to your success and the convenience of evening course options.
  • Participate in a variety of special activities, including prelaw advising and an educational summer program in Washington, D.C.
  • Join MSU Denver student chapters of the National Political Science Honor Society and the Political Science Association.
  • Learn and work in the Golda Meir Center for Political Leadership, a nonpartisan educational project that gives international visibility to MSU Denver.
  • Get involved in co-curricular projects sponsored by the department, such as the Model Arab League and the Model United Nations.
  • Intern with various organizations that can serve as steppingstones to employment and jumpstart your professional career.

Contact the Department of Political Science

Email: [email protected]

Hours: M-F 8 a.m. – 5 p.m

Mailing Address:

MSU Denver Department of Political Science
Campus Box 43
P.O. Box 173362
Denver, CO. 80217-3362

Location:

Auraria Campus
King Center
Room – 498