Program Details

Graduates of this program assume leadership roles in institutions of higher education; corporate, government, and community organizations; and P-12 education settings. The learning objectives of the program are:

Embracing Equity-Oriented Learning Design

• Develop a deep understanding of the literature and theories related to equity-oriented learning design.
• Analyze and critique various models and approaches to learning design through the lens of equity and inclusivity.

Applying Principles of Design Justice and Learner-Centered Design

• Apply principles of design justice to create learning opportunities that are just, inclusive, and equitable.
• Employ learner-centered design methodologies to tailor learning experiences that meet the diverse needs of individuals and communities.

Assessing the Impact of Learning Design

• Evaluate the effects of different learning designs on individuals, communities, and organizations.
• Investigate how well-designed learning can address and solve real-world problems within various settings, including academic, corporate, and community contexts.

Conducting Design-Based Research

• Utilize design-based research methods to study and improve learning practices.
• Implement research projects that involve designing, evaluating, and refining learning models and approaches in real-world environments.
• Translate research findings into actionable strategies to enhance learning.

Choose CU Denver's School of Education & Human Development

This program prepares students for excellence in their career as an executive leader of an educational organization. CU Denver's School of Education & Human Development (SEHD) is recognized for preparing leaders of distinction who value educational excellence and social justice. Additionally, SEHD is counted among U.S. News & World Report's “Best Graduate Schools,” making us one of the top education schools in the country.

Courses

The 54-credit program begins each summer.

The curriculum is completely online, including a combination of asynchronous and synchronous courses that may be completed from anywhere in the world where there is robust and reliable Internet access.

The curriculum includes the following elements:

• 12 hours in EdD core courses within equity, leadership, and learning core areas (four 3-credit courses)
• Nine hours in the research core (three 3-credit courses)
• 12 hours in the concentration areas (four 3-credit courses)
• Six hours of elective courses (two 3-credit courses)
• 15 hours of seminars and the completion of a doctoral research project

The program strives to expose students to context-specific best practices, interdisciplinary connections, and applied research. This is done in an environment that stresses the application of theory to practice. The EdD program has been designed to enable students to complete program requirements in three or five years.