Doctor of Education in Leadership for Educational Equity, STEM Education
School of Education & Human Development
Overview
Degree: EdD
Classroom Type: Fully Online
The Doctor of Education (EdD) in Leadership for Educational Equity with a concentration in STEM Education prepares educators and leaders to advance equity and innovation in STEM learning. Graduates learn to critically examine STEM through research, pedagogy, and leadership, ensuring students from all backgrounds access high-quality experiences in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Application​ deadlines
December 15, 2025
Program Details
Interest Categories: Education & Counseling
Campus: CU Denver
Students in this program are passionate about advancing STEM education and leading systemic change to improve P-20 learning environments. They engage deeply with issues of equity, research-based best practices, and data-driven decision-making to foster inclusive and effective STEM instruction.
As a member of the next STEM Education EdD cohort, you will:
- Engage with award-winning faculty, national grant-making organizations like the National Science Foundation, and the program's district partners on identified problems of practice and policy.
- Work extensively with educators and other stakeholders to transform teaching and learning in STEM education.
- Address issues of equity and reimagine learning environments to broaden participation in STEM disciplines.
- Utilize data to design and evaluate professional development interventions.
- Explore diverse data sources for strategic planning and decision-making.
- Culminate the program with a doctoral research project dissertation.
Why Choose CU Denver's School of Education & Human Development?
CU Denver is recognized for preparing leaders who value educational excellence and social justice. The School of Education & Human Development is ranked among U.S. News & World Report's "Best Graduate Schools," making it one of the top education schools in the country. Graduates emerge as influential leaders in STEM education, equipped with the skills to drive meaningful change in educational institutions and communities.
Program Structure & Courses
The 54-credit program begins each summer. Although this is primarily an asynchronous online program, there will be valuable opportunities and expectations for synchronous engagement. The curriculum includes:
- 12 hours in EdD core courses (four 3-credit courses in equity, leadership, and learning core areas)
- Nine hours in the research core (three 3-credit courses)
- 12 hours in the STEM Ed concentration (four 3-credit courses)
- Six hours of elective courses (two 3-credit courses)
- 15 hours of seminars and the completion of a doctoral research project
Courses expose students to interdisciplinary connections and applied research, emphasizing the translation of theory into practice. The EdD program is structured as a four-year track.
Flexible Learning for Working Professionals
Most students in this cohort-based program are full-time professionals. The online format provides a flexible and accessible pathway to earning the EdD degree.
International Students
International students are welcome to join the program. Since the coursework is online, there is no support for students to study in the US.
Dissertation-in-Practice
EdD students culminate the program with a dissertation-in-practice, engaging with faculty and district and community partners to address real-world problems of practice and policy. Students work with authentic data to drive innovation and improvement in STEM education, benefiting from collaborative research and applied experiences that connect theory to practice.
Commitment to Diversity and Social Justice
Located in the heart of a thriving urban setting, CU Denver fosters a diverse university community. The program partners with urban schools and community organizations, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to serve culturally diverse and underrepresented learners. Many faculty members bring multilingual and cross-cultural expertise, further enhancing students' ability to lead in diverse educational settings.
Executive Coaching for Graduates
CU Denver provides executive coaching services for up to one year post-graduation, offering personalized support for career advancement and professional growth.
This interdisciplinary STEM Education concentration prepares graduates to be transformational leaders who drive positive change in math and science education. Whether advocating for equitable STEM learning, engaging in applied research, or designing innovative pedagogies, CU Denver's EdD program empowers educators to shape the future of STEM education.
Sample Courses
- STME 7010 - Community Engaged STEM Education Leadership
- STME 7020 - Power of Data
- STME 7030 - Decolonizing STEM Education
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, STEM Education 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 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, 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 will contact applicants to schedule individual interviews.
Register for an application support session
For more information, email [email protected] or call 303.315.6300.