We take pride in the quality of CU Denver School of Education & Human Development’s nationally ranked doctoral programs and the educational and professional experiences provided to our students. Our EdD, PhD and PsyD programs strive to provide coursework, individual supervision and mentorship to produce scholars, researchers, leaders and innovators of the highest quality: research-savvy, methodologically sophisticated, and prepared for a lifetime of contributions to their field of study. Explore the following exciting routes. Each path leads to different careers and supports different learning outcomes.

Doctor of Education in Leadership for Educational Equity (EdD)

This program is designed for experienced educators and human service professionals who wish to be leaders of change in schools, agencies and communities. It offers tools for leaders of school and organizational improvement, reform and educational equity and provides you the opportunity to apply evidence-based methods. Most of the students in our cohort-based program are working fulltime; therefore, the courses are taught in the late afternoon, evening or online. Our partnership with schools through our Center for Practice Engaged Educational Research (C-PEER) creates opportunities for our EdD students to work in teams with peers and faculty on district identified problems of practice.

  • Learn with your peers in a cohort-based 3 or 5 year plan to graduation – coursework is completed in 2 or 4 years followed by the doctoral research project
  • Several concentrations may be completed fully online – please see detailed descriptions for each area and sign up to attend an information session
  • Engage with faculty and our district and community partners on identified problems of practice and policy
  • Become data savvy for strategic planning and decision-making
  • Culminate your program with a dissertation-in-practice

Doctor of Education in Leadership for Educational Equity, Justice, Equity, and Diverse Identities (JEDI)

Degree Earned: EdD Classroom Type: Fully Online This EdD concentration focuses on education for justice, equity and diverse identities (e.g., Latine, Black, AANAPI, LGBTQIA+, and dis/ability) and allows students to pursue research of interest that is adjacent to or within one of the above areas. The concentration area is designed to equip educators with the knowledge and resources to see opportunities in the range of complex challenges facing the education system and ground their approach in transdisciplinary and critical frameworks to advocate for educational equity and transformative, liberatory education.

Doctor of Philosophy in Education and Human Development (PhD)

This full-time program is designed for those whose aspirations are to join an academic faculty at an institution of higher education for a career in higher education teaching and research. Become an expert in the field’s research literatures, contemporary policy/practice issues and research methodologies of your chosen concentration area while working in a close relationship with your faculty mentors. Earning a PhD in Education and Human Development will culminate in an original dissertation; your courses and experiences will prepare you to design and conduct a dissertation study.

  • Participate in teaching and research experiences early and throughout your program
  • Leverage opportunities to present, write and publish with your faculty to build your dossier
  • Become involved with campus faculty governance

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

Degree Earned: PhD Classroom Type: Online and on campus classes We need researchers who understand societal problems firsthand AND have the tools to tackle them. Join CU Denver’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education and Human Development concentration in Research and Evaluation Methods to become exceptionally data savvy and immediately apply your learning to your field. Students gain expertise in methods and advanced analysis techniques while participating in research, evaluation, and teaching experiences.

Doctor of Psychology, School Psychology (PsyD)

This School Psychology program, accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), is a top program in the United States. It is one of a few programs in the nation to offer an optional bilingual concentration. Practical experiences include supervised practicums, internships and research opportunities. The PsyD program has a 100% job placement rate.