Doctor of Education in Leadership for Educational Equity, Latin@ Learners and Communities
School of Education & Human Development
Overview
Degree: EdD
Classroom Type: Online and on campus classes
Equips leaders with the knowledge and resources to create and sustain high standards in antiracist, culturally, and linguistically diverse education. Graduates aim increase equity in schools and improve learning environments for Latinx learners. Graduates serve as leaders in schools, educational systems, colleges, community agencies, and organizations.
Program Details
Interest Categories: Education & Counseling
Campus: CU Denver
Promoting Latinx learners' achievement is a priority. This is coupled with a focus on equity, racism, and justice for Latinx learners and families. The program recognizes the need to increase the number of Latinx leaders who understand the complexities of multilingualism, culture, and identity. Students are equipped with antiracist and culturally sustaining tools to rectify systemic issues. This is accomplished through a critical race theory (CRT) lens and decolonized methodologies as an approach toward social justice and empathic, community-oriented learning. Schools and communities need leaders who are well-versed in transformational practices.
Graduates of this program serve as leaders across educational systems. PreK-12, higher education, government, community agencies, and other not-for-profit organizations are all represented.
Members of this EdD concentration will:
- Study and apply critical race theory to current, historical, and sociopolitical events
- Use decolonized methodologies to uncover the lived experiences of students and families. Then, determine themes, goals, and needs for school change and student achievement
- Explore school restructuring strategies for linguistic diversity, language education policy and politics, and issues of assessment and instruction for Latino/a students
- Focus on leadership, organizational change, and measurement
- Engage in data-informed decision making
- Apply leadership skills to create real-world solutions for change
- Culminate the program with a doctoral research project dissertation
Choose CU Denver's School of Education & Human Development
A doctoral degree from CU Denver prepares you for excellence in your career as a leader in Latinx schools and communities. The School of Education & Human Development (SEHD) is recognized for preparing leaders 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 54-credit program begins each summer.
The curriculum includes hybrid classes which combine both online and in-person or remote classes during alternating weeks.
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 attending seminars and the completion of a doctoral research project
The program exposes students to context-specific best practices, interdisciplinary connections, and applied research. This is done 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, Latinx Learners and Communities at CU Denver?
Flexible option for working professionals
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. Our faculty are experts in their field. Their research centers on local and global issues in education, which lends itself to the applied nature of our courses.
Dissertation-in-practice
EdD students culminate the program with a dissertation that addresses a problem of practice.
Commitment to diversity and social justice
CU Denver resides in the center of a thriving urban setting. The program's partnerships with schools and community organizations extend across state lines. The program works with leaders who engage Latinx students and families in meaningful ways. We celebrate the program's multi-linguistic faculty, who speak Spanish as well as other languages. The program aims to honor the linguistic and cultural wealth of our students, families, and stakeholders
Become a Leader for Success
The Latinx population requires a pipeline of teachers and school leaders who reflect the changing demographics and/or who understand and can build relationships with students and their families. We need leaders who are knowledgeable about and actively use research in their decision-making
Intensive Real-World Experiences Create Opportunities
This program focuses on leadership, organizational change and measurement, research, and evidence-informed decision-making. This is done with the goal of creating equity and excellence in schools, organizations, and communities. Students study CRT, school restructuring for linguistic diversity, language education policy, and research on issues affecting Latinx students. With their faculty mentors, students review current research and act to create real-world change.
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 or 5 Years
Required Credits for Completion:54
Admission Requirements
The EdD in Leadership for Educational Equity, Latin@ Learners and Communities concentration, is a three or five-year, hybrid cohort program designed for working professionals, and has 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. Specifically discuss your interest in and commitment to advancing the academic, language, and/or social opportunities of Latinx learners, organizations, and communities.
- A brief summary of your current professional role and responsibilities and if/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.