Doctor of Education in Leadership for Educational Equity, Learning Design
School of Education & Human Development
Overview
Degree: EdD
Classroom Type: Fully Online
The Learning Design concentration engages doctoral students in the creation, implementation, and study of learning design, learner-centered design approaches, and design-justice practices across academic, corporate, and community settings. Doctoral coursework is grounded in literature about equity-oriented learning; principles of design justice and learner-centered design; the impact of learning design on individuals and communities; and design-based research methods. Students who pursue this concentration are guided to implement doctoral research that centers the role and value of lived experience and directly influences real-world problems of professional practice.
Application​ deadlines
December 15, 2025
Program Details
Interest Categories: Education & Counseling
Campus: CU Denver
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 Learning Design concentration launches a new cohort each summer. This 54-credit program is structured for students to complete coursework over approximately three years, followed by the Doctoral Research Project, culminating in degree completion within four years.
Delivered entirely online, the curriculum combines asynchronous and synchronous learning experiences, providing students with flexible, high-quality access—wherever a stable and reliable internet connection is available.
The program is designed to immerse students in context-specific best practices, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, and deepen engagement with applied research. All learning takes place within a practice-oriented environment that emphasizes the integration of theory and practice.
Sample Courses
- INTE 7100 - Designing Professional Learning 3 credits
- INTE 7110 - Learning Design, Mentoring, and Coaching 3 credits
- INTE 7140 - Transforming Learning Design: Integrating Design Justice Principles 3 credits
- INTE 7360 - Critical Digital Pedagogy 3 credits
Recommended Completion Time:4 years
Required Credits for Completion:54
Admission Requirements
Application Dates
Application Opens: July 1, 2025
Application Deadline: December 15, 2025
The EdD in Leadership for Educational Equity, Learning Design concentration, is a four-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 professional experiences specifically related to learning design, including your values related to leadership, equity, and design justice.
- A brief summary of your current professional role and responsibilities and how you use research and data to inform your work in learning design.
- Your purpose in pursuing the EdD and specifically the Learning Design concentration; intentions for applying the skills and knowledge gained from the EdD degree; and future career goals.
- Resume/CV
- Three 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, 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.