UCCS College of Public Service
Departments
Criminal Justice
The Department of Criminal Justice within the College of Public Service offers bachelor and master-level degree programs and certificates.
Public Administration
The Department of Public Administration within the College of Public Service offers master-level degree programs and certificates.
Social Work
The Department of Social Work offers bachelor and master-level degree programs, both accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
Purposeful Learning for Public Impact
At UCCS, learning is purposeful—and in the College of Public Service, it is driven by a commitment to improving communities and strengthening public institutions. As part of the University of Colorado Colorado Springs’ role as the public research university serving Southern Colorado, the College of Public Service prepares students to lead with integrity, compassion, and practical expertise.
Students in the College of Public Service are taught, supported, and inspired by dedicated faculty and staff who know them well and who bring real-world experience into the classroom. Through mentorship, collaboration, and community engagement, students develop the knowledge and confidence to address complex challenges facing governments, nonprofits, and social service organizations.
Anchored in the Pikes Peak Region
The work of the College of Public Service is grounded in the communities of the Pikes Peak region and Southern Colorado. Our partnerships with local governments, nonprofit organizations, law enforcement agencies, and social service providers ensure that students learn in settings where public service meets real-world need.
These partnerships help shape programs across the college’s academic departments:
- Criminal Justice
- Public Administration
- Social Work
Together, these disciplines prepare graduates to improve public systems, strengthen communities, and advance equity and opportunity in the region and beyond.
Experiential Learning That Extends Beyond the Classroom
Education in the College of Public Service extends far beyond lectures and coursework. Students participate in experiential learning experiences in the community that connect theory with practice through:
- Research and policy analysis
- Community partnerships and service learning
- Internships and field placements
- Professional engagement with public agencies
These opportunities allow students to think critically, collaborate across disciplines, and develop innovative solutions to the complex social and policy challenges facing communities today. This work also contributes to public service organizations, including many in Colorado Springs.
Preparing Leaders for a Changing World
The College of Public Service is dedicated to preparing graduates who will lead with purpose in a rapidly changing world. Through rigorous academic training, hands-on experience, and strong community partnerships, students gain the adaptability and innovative mindset needed to serve the public good in 2026 and beyond.
Guided by the college’s mission to improve the quality of life for people and their communities through research, engagement, and public service innovation, CPS graduates leave UCCS ready to strengthen institutions, support vulnerable populations, and create lasting positive change.
Study Abroad Programs
The College of Public Service provides exciting study-abroad opportunities for students. These programs enable students to broaden their perspectives and enhance their academic experience. The College offers study abroad programs in the following locations:
- London, England
- East Africa
- Poland
Our Values in Action
Rooted in the Pikes Peak region, the College of Public Service collaborates with local governments, nonprofit organizations, and community agencies to address real challenges and create meaningful opportunities for student learning and community impact.
Students move beyond the classroom through internships, research, field placements, and community engagement. These experiences connect academic knowledge with practical problem-solving and prepare graduates for careers in public service.
Our programs prepare students to lead with integrity, compassion, and expertise in fields such as criminal justice, social work, and public administration. Graduates leave UCCS ready to strengthen communities and improve the systems that serve them.
Top 10 Military Friendly School
UCCS earned its tenth straight Gold Military Friendly® designation in the 2025 rankings and reached an all-time best #2 nationally among large public institutions. We were also named a Top-10 Military Spouse Friendly® school, highlighting our deep commitment to supporting service members, spouses, and families. These honors place UCCS among the top performers of 1,800+ evaluated institutions, recognized for excellence in academic policies, admissions, financial aid, student support, and career outcomes.