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Academic ProgramsAbout This Program
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.
Why Choose This Minor
The Public Affairs and Administration minor connects to real-world local and national politics.
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.
MSU Denver also 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.
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Declare your Minor
Our programs offer exciting, hands-on, and career relevant courses that set you up for success. Don't delay, declare today.
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Get Rowdy Ready
Follow the semester-by-semester steps outlined in the CLAS Student Success Roadmap to ensure your success at MSU Denver.
Take me to the CLAS Student Success RoadmapBenefits of Studying at MSU Denver
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.
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.
This video features students who participated in the MSU Denver Institute for Public Service Presidential Internship Program (1:59, Closed Captions)
Featured Faculty
Robert Preuhs, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Robert Preuhs’ research focuses on issues of representation and democracy through the lens of racial and ethnic politics, state and national political institutions and public policy. His publications have appeared in leading peer-reviewed journals such as The American Journal of Political Science, The Journal of Politics and Political Research Quarterly. He and fellow professors Norman Provizer and Andy Thangasamy recently authored the piece, “Contesting Colorado: The Politics of Change in the Centennial State” in the book, “Presidential Swing States: Why Only Ten Matter” (Rowman and Littlefield, 2015).
Sheila Rucki, Ph.D., Professor
Sheila Rucki teaches in the sub-fields of political theory and international relations/international political economy. She works with her students to develop research and analysis skills and to learn to understand the world through the lens of critical political theory. Her research has been published in New Political Science and she has contributed chapters to At the Interface / Probing the Boundaries from Brill Publishing. She is also an Erasmus + Faculty Exchange fellow.
Why Choose MSU Denver
Hispanic Serving Institution
MSU Denver has 36.7% Hispanic/Latinx students which the highest number of Hispanic/Latinx students among institutions of higher education in the state of Colorado.
Learn more about MSU Denver's Designation
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
MSU Denver is dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion and has been named one of the Top Colleges for Diversity by Insight Into Diversity for 10 consecutive years.
Learn more about DEI at MSU Denver
Transfer Student Leader
50% of MSU Denver students are transfers. As the top transfer destination for Coloradans, our students make an immediate impact on our workforce and community.
Learn more about MSU Denver's ExcellenceContact the Department of Political Science
Auraria Campus Location
King Center, Room – 498
Mailing Address
MSU Denver, Department of Political Science
Campus Box 43
P.O. Box 173362
Denver, CO. 80217-3362