The graduate concentration in Domestic Violence incorporates the coursework
of the Program on Domestic Violence (PDV). The only graduate program of its
kind in the country, PDV fulfills a nationally recognized need to develop
visionary and effective leaders dedicated to ending interpersonal violence
through innovation, collaboration, research and social change. It is
designed to address the needs of people in human service and criminal justice
organizations that serve and advocate for victims of abuse and those who wish
to enter the field, including new college graduates and professionals looking
for a career change. This program is distinctive in its design and exceptional
in its connection and commitment to the advocacy community.
The PDV applies an interdisciplinary approach to
education that provides students with the ability to:
- Lead and manage public, non-profit,
and community-based organizations focused on interpersonal violence;
- Engage diverse individuals, systems and
communities to address interpersonal;
- Analyze, synthesize and think critically
about the nature, scope and root causes of interpersonal violence; and
- Advocate for public policies and
practices that effectively address interpersonal violence.
The degree plan for this
concentration within the Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree requires
a total of 36 credit hours of study that includes six MPA core courses, four
PDV courses, an elective, and a capstone. The domestic violence courses
combine online learning with a total of five, week-long intensive courses in
Denver over two years.
Students interested in obtaining a concentration in
Domestic Violence within a Master of Public Administration (MPA) or Master of
Criminal Justice (MCJ) program must apply and enroll in the MPA or MCJ program
within the School of Public Affairs (SPA) and must adhere to all master degree
program requirements. Students are admitted first to the degree program, and
then to the PDV. As part of the application process, applicants interview with
the program director to discuss the unique nature of the concentration’s
content, cohort structure, and scheduling.
The PDV also offers a Graduate
Certificate in Domestic Violence Studies and Certificate in Interpersonal
Violence and Health Care for individuals not interested in a degree program.