M.A. in Political Science

The University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) welcomes international students and has specific entry requirements for postgraduate programs. 

1. Academic Requirements: For admission to postgraduate programs at CU Denver, international students are typically required to have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent. This corresponds to approximately 75% and above.

2. English Language Proficiency: The accepted English language proficiency tests and their minimum score requirements are as follows:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): A minimum overall score of 6.5 is generally required, with no individual band (listening, reading, writing, speaking) score falling below 6.0.
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): A minimum score of 80 on the Internet-based test (iBT) is typically required.
• PTE (Pearson Test of English): A minimum score of 60 is usually required.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): A minimum score of 110 is generally required.

The University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) recognizes the importance of providing financial assistance to international students and offers various scholarships to support their education. 

1. International Freshman Scholarships: CU Denver offers scholarships specifically for international freshmen students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements. These scholarships are merit-based and awarded based on the students' high school GPA, standardized test scores, and other criteria. The university provides partial tuition scholarships, which can significantly reduce the overall cost of attending CU Denver.

2. International Merit Scholarships: CU Denver provides merit-based scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership potential, extracurricular involvement, and other criteria. The amounts awarded can vary and are renewable for up to four years for undergraduate students and up to two years for graduate students, depending on the specific scholarship.

3. International First-Year Student Scholarships: CU Denver offers scholarships to international first-year students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements and leadership potential. These scholarships are renewable for up to four years and provide partial tuition coverage. The university considers factors such as high school GPA, standardized test scores, and other criteria when awarding these scholarships.

4. College/School-Specific Scholarships: Many of CU Denver's colleges and schools offer scholarships specific to their respective academic disciplines. These scholarships are available to international students pursuing undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as business, engineering, health sciences, arts and media, and more. Eligibility criteria and award amounts vary depending on the specific scholarship and college/school.

5. Global Excellence Scholarship: The Global Excellence Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship offered by CU Denver to a limited number of international undergraduate and graduate students. It is a highly competitive scholarship that recognizes exceptional academic achievements, leadership skills, and a commitment to global engagement. The scholarship provides significant financial support to recipients.

6. Other External Scholarships: In addition to CU Denver's scholarships, international students can explore external scholarships and funding opportunities. Various organizations, foundations, and governments offer scholarships specifically for international students studying in the United States. The university's Office of International Affairs provides resources and guidance to help students explore and apply for these external scholarships.

It is important to note that scholarship availability, criteria, and award amounts may vary each year.

Graduates of the M.A. in Political Science program at the University of Colorado Denver have diverse career opportunities in government, non-profit organizations, research institutions, advocacy groups, or academia.  

1. Government and Public Service: Graduates can pursue careers in government agencies at the local, state, or federal level. They may work as policy analysts, legislative aides, political consultants, or public administrators. They can also seek elected or appointed positions in public office.

2. Non-profit and Advocacy Organizations: Graduates can work in non-profit organizations, think tanks, or advocacy groups, focusing on specific policy areas such as human rights, environmental issues, social justice, or public health. They may engage in policy research, advocacy, community organizing, or program management.

3. Research and Policy Analysis: Graduates can find employment in research institutions, consulting firms, or policy think tanks. They may conduct research, analyze political trends, evaluate public policies, or contribute to the development of evidence-based policy recommendations.

4. International Organizations: Graduates can pursue careers in international organizations such as the United Nations, World Bank, or non-governmental organizations (NGOs). They may work on global issues, international development, diplomacy, conflict resolution, or human rights.

5. Academia and Education: Graduates can continue their academic journey by pursuing a Ph.D. in Political Science or related fields. They can work as researchers, professors, or educators in universities, colleges, or research institutions, contributing to the advancement of political science knowledge.

6. Law and Legal Careers: Graduates with a background in political science can pursue legal careers. They may choose to attend law school and become attorneys specializing in areas such as constitutional law, international law, or public policy law.

7. Media and Journalism: Graduates can work in media organizations, journalism, or public relations, analyzing political events, writing political commentary, or reporting on political issues. They may work as political journalists, editors, or media analysts.

8. Public Opinion Research and Polling: Graduates can work in market research firms or polling organizations, conducting public opinion surveys, analyzing data, and providing insights into public attitudes, political preferences, or electoral trends.

The M.A. in Political Science program at the University of Colorado Denver equips students with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities needed to navigate the complex world of politics. Through a combination of rigorous coursework, research opportunities, and practical experiences, graduates are prepared for diverse career paths in public service, policy analysis, advocacy, research, education, and more.