Doctor of Philosophy in Education and Human Development, Science Education
School of Education & Human Development
Overview
Degree: PhD
Classroom Type: Online and on campus classes
Prepares candidates to explore, understand, and think critically about the nature of science and science education from a research-oriented perspective. The program prepares graduates to become equity-focused, knowledgeable leaders in science research and education.
Program Details
Interest Categories: Education & Counseling
Campus: CU Denver
The PhD in Education and Human Development, Science Education develops educators who foster experiential learning and exploration in all learners they encounter.
In this program students will:
- Obtain knowledge on science education and pedagogy.
- Combine core courses in science education and learning theory with extensive training in research methods.
The program's PhD students may elect to focus on environmental science education as a specialization within this concentration area. This is done through electives and discipline-specific research agendas.
Choose CU Denver's School of Education & Human Development
Students trust CU Denver to provide an education that will prepare them for excellence in their career as a faculty member or researcher. 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.
The PhD program can be completed part-time or full-time. The program's PhD students participate in teaching and research experiences throughout the program. Students will present, write, and publish with faculty to build their dossiers. This 75-credit-hour program begins each fall. It includes a foundation in social justice and equity; learning and epistemology, and extensive training in research methods. Students are prepared to access, create, and use research to improve learning institutions. You’ll culminate the program by designing and conducting a dissertation research study.
Why the Doctor of Philosophy in Education and Human Development, Science Education program at CU Denver?
Teaching and Research Experiences
In this program, you can participate in teaching and research experiences early and throughout the program.
Build Your Dossier
Leverage opportunities to present, write and publish with your faculty to build your dossier.
Conduct a Dissertation Study
As part of course requirements, you will learn how to design and conduct a dissertation study.
Recommended Completion Time:4 to 8 years
Required Credits for Completion:75
Admission Requirements
Application Deadlines
The following deadlines are firm, early submissions are encouraged.
Fall Semester: January 1
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)