Doctor of Education in Leadership for Educational Equity, Science Education
School of Education & Human Development
Overview
Degree: EdD
Classroom Type: Fully Online
Helps science professionals to gain the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to become leaders in the field of science education. Graduates are able to think critically about science teaching and the nature of science and make data-based arguments to advance equity in the field.
Application​ deadlines
December 15, 2025
Program Details
Interest Categories: Education & Counseling
Campus: CU Denver
The Doctor of Education (EdD), Science Education prepares students to become knowledgeable about the field of science education, think critically about the nature of science, and advocate for science education from a research-oriented and equity-based lens.
Research conducted by students includes dissertations-in-practice on topics such as science teaching, curriculum development, assessment, program evaluation, informal science education, and environmental science education.
Students in this concentration will:
- Participate in a program designed for leaders of school improvement, reform and educational equity
- Engage with award-winning faculty, national grant making organizations like the National Science Foundation, and our district-partners, on identified problems of practice and policy
- Become data savvy for strategic planning and decision-making
- Culminate the program with a doctoral research project dissertation.
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 leader who understands the value, complexities, and unique opportunities of science education. 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 & Human Development is counted among U.S. News & World Report's “Best Graduate Schools,” making the program one of the top education schools in the country.
Courses
The 54-credit program begins each summer.
The curriculum includes a combination of on-campus, hybrid, remote, and online courses each semester.
Every student must be available to attend on-campus courses each semester.
The curriculum includes the following elements:
- 12 hours in EdD core courses within equity, leadership and learning core areas (four 3-credit courses)
- Nine hours in the research core (three 3-credit courses)
- 12 hours in the concentration areas (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
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.
Why the Doctor of Education in Leadership for Educational Equity, Science Education program at CU Denver?
Flexible option for working professionals
Most of the students in the cohort-based program are working full-time; therefore, all courses are taught in the late afternoon, evening, or online. This 54-credit-hour plan of study may be completed in a three-year or five-year track through blended-learning courses that use online activities coupled with face-to-face sessions
Dissertation-in-practice
EdD students culminate the program with a dissertation-in-practice. During this final phase, students engage with faculty and district and community partners on identified problems of practice and policy. This includes opportunities to learn with the support of leaders of the Center for Practice Engaged Education Research (C-PEER) and developers of the Concerns-Based Adoption Model (CBAM) as students work with real data and engage in authentic inquiry. The program prepares students to problem-solve, innovate and improve learning outcomes for preschool to higher education environments
Commitment to diversity and social justice
CU Denver resides in the center of a thriving urban setting, creating a diverse university community. EdD students are prepared for the real world. This program partners with diverse, urban schools and community organizations. Many of the program’s faculty members speak Spanish. This knowledge and skills enhance student’s ability to serve culturally diverse and underrepresented individuals and families
Executive coaching
The program’s alumni receive executive coaching services for up to one year after graduation for a reasonable fee delivered by qualified faculty focused on students’ success after program completion.
Sample Courses
- EDFN 7410 - Power and Privilege: The Social Construction of Difference 3 credits
- EDUC 7100 - Leadership in Education 3 credits
- EDUC 7230 - Organizational Performance In Educational Contexts 3 credits
Recommended Completion Time:3 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, Science Education 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, 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 education@ucdenver.edu or call 303.315.6300.