How a Master’s in Applied Political Science Can Empower You to Lead in Your Community

When Francisco Chica was looking for a master of political science program, he needed one that would allow him to continue working full-time while still prioritizing in-person connections with his peers. Originally from Colombia, he hoped to enroll in a program that would enable him to learn about the local history and social dynamics at play in Denver, specifically.

He found everything he was looking for and more in CU Denver’s master’s in applied political science. The degree offers a one-of-a-kind curriculum through the Center for New Directions in Politics and Public Policy in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The program is deeply rooted in hands-on, local community engagement. It puts political science into practice for change makers who want to work at the intersection of local government, nonprofits, and community organizing.

CU Denver New Directions is Practical and Accessible

A master’s degree from New Directions is designed to support established professionals and emerging leaders in growing their impact, whether that’s through their career or their involvement in their community. “Our students are those who want to come together and have thriving in-person conversations and learn across those sectors of nonprofit and government from practitioners who are doing these jobs today, which gives them really applicable skills,” said Robin Kniech, director of the Center for New Directions in Politics and Public Policy.

The program is highly accessible. New Directions offers a coursework-only pathway for students who prefer not to do a major written capstone paper, and each course is delivered over three weekends a couple weeks apart. Students can take one, two, or three courses each term based on their own individualized pace. The format is intended to allow students to stay committed to their jobs and other responsibilities, while still getting a high-quality, in-person education. “It is a huge opportunity to create connections and to learn about other folks that are already in the field and that can help you find your path, as well,” Chica said.

Instruction that Makes a Difference

Most instructors in the New Directions master’s program are working professionals in local government, nonprofits, and grassroots organizing. This gives students valuable networking opportunities. It also helps to ensure the curriculum is centered around highly practical skill-building and nuanced understanding of the local political context, all with a deep commitment to understanding how race, class, gender, and more shape local challenges and policy.

For Chica, who expects to graduate in the summer of 2027, the valuable networking opportunities and highly applicable skills taught in the program have already paid off. After taking his first course in community organizing, he’s already gotten a job in the field as a community organizer with Together Colorado. “I am able to apply everything that I learned in the program at the same time that I can work for my immigrant community,” Chica said.

Because of the unique format of CU Denver New Directions courses, he can continue progressing toward his degree while growing his career. After all, he’s only in the classroom on weekends—and he values that time.

What a CU Denver New Directions Weekend Intensive is Like

CU Denver New Directions weekend intensive courses typically run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Classes meet in Denver at varying locations. Some include site visits and tours, but they all use a variety of activities throughout the day to keep students engaged. “Our professors do an amazing job,” Chica said.

From discussions to guest speakers, in-class projects, and simulations, students participate in various ways throughout the day. “For example, we have these exercises where we pretend that we are city council members or that we are having political discussions about housing,” Chica said. He loves that he gets to take what he’s learning and apply it with his peers. Thanks to instructors who work in the field and the many guest speakers they bring to class, students often get highly practical feedback from the people doing the jobs they hope to one day have themselves. “That definitely makes everything easier and more enjoyable,” Chica said.

Support to Be Yourself and Find Your Path

One of Chica’s favorite aspects of the program is its high level of diversity. Coming to a new place to build a home is a vulnerable thing to do, but Chica has found a sense of belonging and community at CU Denver. “Everyone feels really welcome,” Chica said. “Our program is a place where we can find so many stories, so many backgrounds, and that is so rich.”

Not only are the students’ identities and lived experiences diverse, but their work experiences also span a variety of backgrounds and careers. This promotes cross-sector learning in class and enriches everyone’s understanding of the complex political issues at play in Denver and beyond.

Students practice the kind of collaboration and partnership-building that is sought by local governments and nonprofit or labor organizations, which sets them up for success in their chosen fields. “You’re going to be writing memos to city councils, you are going to be doing a nonprofit development plan, you’re going to be creating a budget for a local government,” Kniech said. “You’re going to do these things that have these real-world applications.”

Chica knew getting that highly practical, hands-on training would set him up to flourish in a meaningful career in his new home. “I felt that it would open the door for more opportunities to get to know Denver and Colorado as a whole,” Chica said. “It’s been really beautiful.”