GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — A partnership between Colorado Mesa University and the University of Denver’s Josef Korbel School of International Studies is empowering CMU political science students to apply undergraduate coursework toward a master’s degree, graduate early and access generous financial aid. Launched in 2025, the program is transforming student lives.
The collaboration, part of Korbel’s Pathways Program, offers CMU political science majors and minors a minimum 50% tuition scholarship and the opportunity to accelerate their graduate studies at DU. Students can transfer CMU credits, potentially completing their master’s faster.
Cher Hendricks, CMU’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, championed the partnership.
“Through this collaboration with the University of Denver, we’re giving students a head start on graduate education,” Hendricks said. “By grounding that experience in political science, we prepare them to become informed, engaged contributors to civic life.”
Hendricks also supported civic engagement efforts on campus, including the Dignity Index initiative, CMU’s Free Speech Committee, and the CMU Heterodox Academy Chapter, fostering open dialogue and student success. Beyond the campus boarders CMU also hosts one of the state’s longest standing US Capital Conferences where students interested in political science can visit the nation’s capital and put to work the skills they learn at CMU and through the DU partnership program.
Tim Casey, PhD, a Political Science Professor, has facilitated internships and real-world experiences for students for over two decades, from Colorado’s General Assembly to federal agencies.
“This partnership opens another avenue for students to deepen their engagement in politics and policy,” Casey said. “It’s a powerful step toward building civic leaders.”
The partnership embodies CMU’s mission to model a values-driven world, preparing graduates for careers in public policy, global affairs, and beyond. Following its successful 2025 launch, the program promises to empower more Mavericks.