Doctor of Philosophy in Education and Human Development, Research and Evaluation Methods

School of Education & Human Development

Overview

Degree: PhD

Classroom Type: Online and on campus classes

Prepares candidates to become exceptionally data savvy and directly apply their learnings starting with the first course. Graduates become educational researchers who understand problems firsthand and have the tools to tackle them.

Application​ deadlines

January 10*
*Extended deadline for Fall 2022 only

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Program Details

Interest Categories: Education & Counseling

Campus: CU Denver

What you'll learn

The field of education needs experts in data use and research approaches to address critical problems in education. Join University of Colorado Denver's doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education and Human Development concentration in research and evaluation methods to become exceptionally data savvy while collaborating with top faculty in the field.

The goal of this concentration is to prepare students to:

  • Design and carry out meaningful engaged research in the field of education and human development
  • Prepare to become collaborative, applied researchers who work with community, university, and school partners through problem-based pedagogy and hands-on learning
  • Learn advanced quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research techniques
  • Work as data literate faculty members, school district and organizational researchers, data analysts and assessment coordinators in educational, non-profit, and community organizations

Choose CU Denver's School of Education & Human Development

You can trust CU Denver to provide an education that will prepare you for excellence in your career as a faculty member, researcher, or leader in non-profit and community organizations. The university and school are recognized for preparing leaders of distinction who value educational excellence and social justice. Additionally, CU Denver's School of Education and Human Development is counted among U.S. News & World Report's “Best Graduate Schools,”. Graduates of our program are leaders in research and evaluation in multiple roles: in higher education, school districts, museums, and evaluation and educational research firms.

Courses

The goal of this concentration area is to prepare students to design and carry out significant applied research on individual and organizational change in the field of education and human development. Through problem-based pedagogy and hands-on learning, students will be prepared to be collaborative applied researchers who work with community, university and school partners. Course content includes mixed methods, advanced statistics, advanced qualitative data analysis, advanced measurement techniques, and practicum experiences. Graduates of the program are prepared to work as faculty members, school district and organizational researchers, data analysts and assessment coordinators in non-profit/community organizations, and more!

Program Courses

Course Catalog

Recommended Completion Time:4 to 5 years

Required Credits for Completion:75

Admission Requirements

Application Deadlines

The following deadlines are firm, early submissions are encouraged.

Fall Semester: January 10*
*Extended deadline for Fall 2022 only

The core course rotation begins every fall. We encourage students to review the concentration area choices on our website and contact one or more of the faculty associated with that concentration area for an appointment prior to submitting their application. This ensures the students have an opportunity to discuss their research area of interest, as well as introduce themselves to the faculty. Also, the financial support we provide our PhD students is often tied to federal and state funding decisions, so meeting with a faculty member will let you know if any funding opportunities will be available in the upcoming year.

As part of gaining admission to the PhD program, students are paired with a doctoral faculty advisor/mentor. The doctoral faculty may request a personal interview to complement the information provided in the application materials.

Application Requirements

  • Minimum requirements:
    • Master's degree or equivalent
    • 3.5 GPA in graduate-level course work recommended
  • 3 recommendation letters: two letters should come from faculty in a university program in which you were previously enrolled
  • Official Transcripts from all institutions attended
  • If applying for a license, a copy of your teaching license is required
  • Resume/CV: Applicants must have and show evidence of relevant professional and/or academic experience.
  • Written Statement: In 4-6 pages (double-spaced, Times New Roman 12 point font or larger), discuss research goals and a problem of practical or theoretical importance that could lead to a research study. Be sure to address how your research would fit within one of the concentration areas.
  • Recommended: Master's thesis and/or published materials — Examples of published materials include articles, book chapters, newsletters and technical reports.
  • Students applying to the Research, Assessment and Evaluation Concentration should submit a transcript that shows statistics proficiency. To demonstrate proficiency, please contact sandy.mondragon@ucdenver.edu.
  • $50.00 application fee
  • Admissions Interview: An interview may be required as part of the admissions process. If so, applicants will be contacted with more details.
  • International Applicants only: Proof of English Language Proficiency (International applicants should review the following information regarding English language proficiency)
For more information, email education@ucdenver.edu or call 303.315.6300.

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