Announcement: CU Denver is Celebrating 50 Years
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Explore CU Denver Programs
Use the search tool below to discover degree and certificate programs offered by CU Denver. If you are unable to find a program that is right for you, please contact Admissions or a school or college for more information.
Program Overview
The dual-degree provides you with the opportunity to take the core of both programs, while choosing electives that simultaneously count toward both programs and that suit your career and personal goals. The net result is a more comprehensive and effective education in less time.
The fields of public administration and economics are inextricably linked. Economists provide much of the theory and analytic foundation that administrators use to evaluate and implement policy. Given that the capitol of Colorado is in Denver, there is great need for administrators that fully understand methods of program evaluation and that have the theoretical background needed to forecast how individuals and institutions will respond to new proposals. Similarly, good theory and practice must consider how the proposals will be implemented and results interpreted. Both administrators and economists need to be engaged in constructive dialog for either to be fully effective.
General requirements
Review CU Denver's Graduate Academic Policies.
Program requirements
- The dual degree program requires 48 credit hours of graduate coursework.
- A maximum of 6 transfer credit hours may be applied to the degree requirements.
- Students at the University are expected to maintain progress in their degree program, as defined by being in "good academic standing." Good academic standing requires minimally a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on all University of Colorado course work.
Required courses
Students must complete the 11 required courses below, for a total of 33 credit hours. All course descriptions can be found in the Graduate Academic Catalog.
- PUAD 5001 - Introduction to Public Administration and Public Service (3 credit hours)
- PUAD 5002 - Organizational Management and Behavior (3 credit hours)
- PUAD 5003 - Research and Analytic Methods (3 credits) -OR- PUAD 5004 - Economics and Public Finance (3 credit hours) -OR- PUAD 5503 - Public Budgeting and Finance (3 credit hours)
- PUAD 5005 - The Policy Process and Democracy (3 credit hours)
- PUAD 5006 - Public Service Leadership and Ethics (3 credit hours)
- PUAD 5008 - Evidence-Based Decision-Making (3 credit hours)
- ECON 5073 - Microeconomic Theory (3 credit hours)
- ECON 5083 - Macroeconomic Theory (3 credit hours)
- ECON 5803 - Mathematical Economics (3 credit hours)
- ECON 5813 - Econometrics I (3 credit hours)
- ECON 5823 - Econometrics II (3 credit hours)
- PUAD 5361 - Capstone Seminar -OR- ECON 6073 - Research Seminar (3 credit hours)
Elective courses
In addition to the required courses, students must complete 12 credit hours of elective courses.
If students choose PUAD 5361, then they are required to take 6 credit hours of economics electives and 6 credit hours of graduate electives (5000-level or higher) from the School of Public Affairs.
If students choose ECON 6073, then they are required to take 3 credit hours of economics electives and 9 credit hours of graduate electives (5000-level or higher) from the School of Public Affairs.
Elective courses must be approved by the program directors.
All course descriptions can be found in the Graduate Academic Catalog.
Program Description
The fields of public administration and economics are inextricably linked. Economists provide much of the theory and analytic foundation that administrators use to evaluate and implement policy. Given that the capitol of Colorado is in Denver, there is great need for administrators that fully understand methods of program evaluation and that have the theoretical background needed to forecast how individuals and institutions will respond to new proposals. Similarly, good theory and practice must consider how the proposals will be implemented and results interpreted. Both administrators and economists need to be engaged in constructive dialog for either to be fully effective.
General requirements
Review CU Denver's Graduate Academic Policies.
Program requirements
- The dual degree program requires 48 credit hours of graduate coursework.
- A maximum of 6 transfer credit hours may be applied to the degree requirements.
- Students at the University are expected to maintain progress in their degree program, as defined by being in "good academic standing." Good academic standing requires minimally a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on all University of Colorado course work.
Required courses
Students must complete the 11 required courses below, for a total of 33 credit hours. All course descriptions can be found in the Graduate Academic Catalog.
- PUAD 5001 - Introduction to Public Administration and Public Service (3 credit hours)
- PUAD 5002 - Organizational Management and Behavior (3 credit hours)
- PUAD 5003 - Research and Analytic Methods (3 credits) -OR- PUAD 5004 - Economics and Public Finance (3 credit hours) -OR- PUAD 5503 - Public Budgeting and Finance (3 credit hours)
- PUAD 5005 - The Policy Process and Democracy (3 credit hours)
- PUAD 5006 - Public Service Leadership and Ethics (3 credit hours)
- PUAD 5008 - Evidence-Based Decision-Making (3 credit hours)
- ECON 5073 - Microeconomic Theory (3 credit hours)
- ECON 5083 - Macroeconomic Theory (3 credit hours)
- ECON 5803 - Mathematical Economics (3 credit hours)
- ECON 5813 - Econometrics I (3 credit hours)
- ECON 5823 - Econometrics II (3 credit hours)
- PUAD 5361 - Capstone Seminar -OR- ECON 6073 - Research Seminar (3 credit hours)
Elective courses
In addition to the required courses, students must complete 12 credit hours of elective courses.
If students choose PUAD 5361, then they are required to take 6 credit hours of economics electives and 6 credit hours of graduate electives (5000-level or higher) from the School of Public Affairs.
If students choose ECON 6073, then they are required to take 3 credit hours of economics electives and 9 credit hours of graduate electives (5000-level or higher) from the School of Public Affairs.
Elective courses must be approved by the program directors.
All course descriptions can be found in the Graduate Academic Catalog.
CU Denver graduates earn more, build community, and make connections. Take the first step toward your future and join an inclusive community of learners while gaining the skills of tomorrow, today.