University of Denver, Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs
Master of Arts in International Studies
Denver, USA
MA
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
16 Oct 2025*
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2026
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* International submission deadline: September 8th, 2025 and final submission deadline: December 9th, 2025
Key Summary
Ranked 12th globally for earning a master’s degree in international relations, Korbel’s MA in International Studies offers the most flexible and self-directed curriculum, empowering you to make a significant impact. Whether you’re committed to tackling inequalities, safeguarding the environment, or resolving conflicts, this program equips you with the tools to address the world’s most pressing challenges.
Explore a wide array of topics ranging from quantitative methods and environmental protection to policy making and global health. As you delve deeper, you’ll combine a broad understanding of international relations with specialized courses, tailoring your studies to your unique interests and ambitions.
Shape your experience
Arrive with a plan, or let your curiosity guide you. Our flexible programs give you the freedom to explore new fields, change directions as your interests evolve, or hone in on a specialized track.
Build a strong foundation
Start with 16 credits of required coursework, designed to ground you in your discipline.
Core courses
- INTS 4091 - Great Issues in International Relations
- Any regionally-focused course
- INTS 4320 - International Monetary Relations
- Two of the following:
- INTS 4301 – Intro to Political Theory
- INTS 4324 - International Political Economy
- INTS 4370 – The Global Economy: Conflict, Crisis, and Cooperation
- INTS 4372 – Great Books in Political Economy
- INTS 4501 - Comparative Politics in the 21st Century
- INTS 4715 – Debates about Democracy
- INTS 4822 – Contemporary Political Theory
- INTS 4900 - International Politics
- INTS 4936 – International Law and Human Rights
- INTS 4301 – Intro to Political Theory
- INTS 4324 - International Political Economy
- INTS 4370 – The Global Economy: Conflict, Crisis, and Cooperation
- INTS 4372 – Great Books in Political Economy
- INTS 4501 - Comparative Politics in the 21st Century
- INTS 4715 – Debates about Democracy
- INTS 4822 – Contemporary Political Theory
- INTS 4900 - International Politics
- INTS 4936 – International Law and Human Rights
Tailor your degree
Use your 44 elective credits to add specializations, pursue certificates, or take courses abroad based on your interests and goals.
Certificates
- Global Environmental Change & Adaptation
- Global Health Affairs
- Global Justice
- Homeland Security
- Humanitarian Assistance
- Public Diplomacy
- Public Policy
- Religion & International Affairs
- Strategic Intelligence
The Korbel School, a proud member of the APSIA group, is ranked #12 in the world for International Relations master’s programs by Foreign Policy Magazine as of 2024!
Korbel is also proud to be recognized as an R1 institution, a prestigious designation reserved for top-tier research universities in the U.S. This classification highlights our commitment to cutting-edge research, innovation, and academic excellence, offering students opportunities to engage in groundbreaking work across a variety of fields.
Build a lifelong network
Korbel brings together bright minds with big visions for the future. Connect, collaborate, and grow with a diverse community dedicated to the common good.
Engage with leaders shaping our world
Recent speakers include mayors and governors, former secretaries of state, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, prominent journalists, leaders in corporate social responsibility and impact investing, human rights activists, and feminist peace scholars.
Thrive in a dynamic student community
You’ll make friends for a lifetime with peers who bring an incredible range of experiences to the table. Join one of our many student-led groups to collaborate with people from around the world who share your passion for making a difference.
Be part of an active alumni network
Our 7,000+ alumni span the globe and are passionate about opening doors for Korbel graduates. You’ll find them in government roles at all levels, international organizations, NGOs, consulting firms, startups, and major corporations.
Student Quote + Image
90% of Korbel graduate students receive merit aid
Students are eligible for need based aid
Prepare to go far
93% of Korbel graduates are employed, continuing their education, or volunteering/engaging in service within 12 months of graduation.
International Studies graduates are in demand
You’ll find them working in governments, international organizations, NGOs, and the private sector. They take on diverse roles as policy analysts, international business consultants, global health professionals, intelligence analysts, human rights advocates, and more.
Where recent alumni make an impact
- National Democratic Institute
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Institute of International Education
- US Department of State
- USAID
- United Nations
- US Bank
- Indigenous Journalists Association
Anthony Navarrete (MA 16’)
MA International Studies
Special Assistant to the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs at the U.S. Department of State
Get outside the classroom
Hands-on experience is essential to your success. You’ll find an abundance of opportunities to develop your professional skills and explore career paths.
Apply your knowledge with internships
Build experience across city, state, and national government agencies, international organizations, global NGOs, and the private sector. With guidance from our career coaches, you’ll land positions that align with your skills and interests.
Immerse yourself in simulation exercises
Join one of our simulations for a taste of on-the-ground realities in an interactive environment. From negotiating international conflicts to managing humanitarian crises, these engaging scenarios are a highlight for Korbel students.
Study away to expand your perspective
Korbel students have the opportunity to study in vibrant cities like Rio de Janeiro, Geneva, Vienna, and Washington, D.C. These experiences offer rich firsthand experience and insights, all at no additional tuition cost.
Dive into research that makes a difference
At Korbel, research directly contributes to real-world impact. Many students engage in applied research at our Pardee Institute for International Futures, serving clients like the US government, the United Nations, and the Africa Union.
Enjoy the Denver difference
Balance your graduate work with an active outdoor lifestyle in the Mile-High City. Take advantage of a vibrant art, music, and food scene — while enjoying Colorado’s 300 days of sunshine each year.
Top 3 “Best U.S. Destinations”
Travel Pulse, January 2022
#1 “Most Climate Resilient Cities”
Architectural Digest, July 2023
#1 “Hottest Music Venues in the Country” —
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
Rolling Stone, April 2023
#7 “Top U.S. Cities for Active Lifestyles”
WalletHub, April 2024
“You should attend Korbel because it offers the academic rigor of a top international affairs school with the personalized approach of a much smaller university outside of the DC atmosphere. Your professors and the career center staff truly want to see you succeed and will do everything within their power to help you.”
Matthew Barrett
MA in International Studies, 2023
International Affairs Specialist at United States Department of the Navy