Doctor of Philosophy in Education and Human Development, Science Education

PhD

Prepares candidates to explore, understand, and think critically about the nature of science and science education from a largely research-oriented perspective. The program prepares graduates to become equity-focused, highly knowledgeable leaders in science research and education, fostering experiential learning and exploration in all learners.

The Program at a Glance

School: School of Education & Human Development Campus: CU Denver Classroom: Online and on campus classes Recommended completion time: 4 to 8 years Credits required for completion: 75 Minimum education level: Master's degree or equivalent Application deadline: December 1

The Details

What you'll learn

University of Colorado Denver's Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education and Human Development concentration in science education prepares you to explore, understand and think critically about the nature of science and science education from a largely research-oriented perspective. This program prepares you to become an equity-focused, highly knowledgeable leader in the field of science research and education, allowing you foster experiential learning and exploration in all the learners you encounter.

In this program students will:

  • Obtain knowledge on science education and pedagogy.
  • Combine core courses in science education and learn theory with extensive training in research methods.

Our PhD students may elect to focus on environmental science education as an area of specialization within this concentration area through electives and discipline- specific research agendas.

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 a faculty member or researcher. 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 75-credit program begins each fall.

Program Curriculum

Admissions Requirements

Application Deadlines

The following deadlines are firm, early submissions are encouraged.

Fall Semester: December 1

The core course rotation begins every fall. We encourage students to review the concentration area choices on our website and contact one or more of the faculty associated with that concentration area for an appointment prior to submitting their application. This ensures the students have an opportunity to discuss their research area of interest, as well as introduce themselves to the faculty. Also, the financial support we provide our PhD students is often tied to federal and state funding decisions, so meeting with a faculty member will let you know if any funding opportunities will be available in the upcoming year.

As part of gaining admission to the PhD program, students are paired with a doctoral faculty advisor/mentor. The doctoral faculty may request a personal interview to complement the information provided in the application materials.

Application Requirements

  • Minimum requirements:
    • Master's degree or equivalent
    • 3.5 GPA in graduate-level course work recommended
  • 3 recommendation letters: two letters should come from faculty in a university program in which you were previously enrolled
  • Official Transcripts from all institutions attended
  • If applying for a license, a copy of your teaching license is required
  • Resume/CV: Applicants must have and show evidence of relevant professional and/or academic experience.
  • Written Statement: In 4-6 pages (double-spaced, Times New Roman 12 point font or larger), discuss research goals and a problem of practical or theoretical importance that could lead to a research study. Be sure to address how your research would fit within one of the concentration areas.
  • Recommended: Master's thesis and/or published materials — Examples of published materials include articles, book chapters, newsletters and technical reports.
  • Students applying to the Research, Assessment and Evaluation Concentration should submit a transcript that shows statistics proficiency. To demonstrate proficiency, please contact Sandra.snyder-mondragon@ucdenver.edu.
  • $50.00 application fee
  • Admissions Interview: An interview may be required as part of the admissions process. If so, applicants will be contacted with more details.
  • International Applicants only: Proof of English Language Proficiency (International applicants should review the following information regarding English language proficiency)
For more information, email education@ucdenver.edu or call 303.315.6300.

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