Doctor of Education in Leadership for Educational Equity, Executive Leadership

School of Education & Human Development

Overview

Degree: EdD License

Classroom Type: Online and on campus classes

Offers a unique opportunity for current and aspiring leaders in districts, schools, and other educational organizations to study with nationally and internationally known scholars and practitioners. Coursework focuses on knowledge and skills around managing talent and finances, building strategic partnerships, leading innovation and change, and planning for future-ready schools and organizations.

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Program Details

Interest Categories: Education & Counseling

Campus: CU Denver

What you'll learn

Have you ever pictured yourself leading a school, a district, a nonprofit or a community organization? The University of Colorado Denver's Doctor of Education (EdD) concentration in executive leadership will prepare those interested in innovation to develop the fundamental skills to inspire and lead.

Students in this concentration will:

  • Learn to manage personnel, understand budgets, financial concepts and strategic planning processes
  • Understand evaluation and accountability systems and lead professional development
  • Develop and implement policy
  • Build community relations within and outside the organization
  • Engage with faculty, worksites, and districts to address problems of practice and policy
  • Become data savvy for strategic planning and decision-making
  • Culminate the program with a dissertation-in-practice

There are two options within the executive leadership concentration that may include a path to licensure: 1.) Leadership for Educational Organizations program with an option for administrative licensure from the Colorado Department of Education or 2.) Principal licensure program with an option for principal licensure from the Colorado Department of Education. Students do not need to pursue licensure to take this EdD concentration; it is optional.

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 an executive leader of an educational organization. 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,” making us one of the top education schools in the country.

Courses

The 54-credit program begins each summer.

The curriculum includes the following: 18 hours in EdD core courses within equity, leadership, and learning core areas;

Nine hours in the research core (three three-credit courses);

  • 12 hours in Concentration Areas (four three-credit courses); and
  • 15 hours in seminars and the completion of a culminating Doctoral Research Project.

All courses and experiences strive to expose students to context-specific best practices, interdisciplinary connections, and applied research 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.

Sample Courses

  • EDFN 7410 - Power and Privilege: The Social Construction of Difference3 credits
  • EDUC 7100 - Leadership in Education3 credits
  • EDUC 7230 - Organizational Performance In Educational Contexts3 credits
Course Catalog

Recommended Completion Time:3 or 5 Years

Required Credits for Completion:54

Admission Requirements

The EdD in Leadership for Educational Equity, executive leadership concentration, is a three or five-year program, designed for working professionals, with the following application requirements:

  • Master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
  • Written Statement of Purpose that includes the following information:
    • A brief summary of your educational and leadership experiences, including your values related to leadership and equity.
    • A brief summary of your current professional role and responsibilities and how you use research and data to inform planning and decision making.
    • Your purpose in pursuing the EdD, intensions for applying the skills and knowledge gained from the EdD degree, and future career goals.
  • Resume/CV
  • Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can best speak to your leadership, professional accomplishments, academic skills, and career goals.
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
  • After the initial review of application materials, at their discretion faculty may contact applicants to schedule individual interviews.

Register for an application support session

For more information, email education@ucdenver.edu or call 303.315.6300.

Application​ deadlines

December 1

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