Doctor of Philosophy in Education and Human Development, Critical Studies in Education
School of Education & Human Development
Overview
Degree: PhD
Classroom Type: Online and on campus classes
The PhD in Education and Human Development brings together award-winning faculty and doctoral students who ground their approach and research in transdisciplinary and critical frameworks and advocate for educational equity and transformative, liberatory education.
Application deadlines
Application opens:
July 1, 2026
Application deadline:
November 15, 2026
Program Details
Interest Categories: Education & Counseling
Campus: CU Denver
What Students Learn
Students of this program see education research and teaching through a transdisciplinary and critical lens. The program itself is framed around race, gender, class, disability, sexuality, language, and culture. Curriculum centers on social justice and promotes ideas of educational equity, transformative education, and educational activism in nontraditional ways.
Students in this concentration will explore how society and schooling, including its structures, policies, and practices are dialectical sites of oppression and liberation. Students delve into the idea of educators as intellectual activists, facilitating liberation. The concentration promotes an activist approach. This includes the opportunity to engage in a monthly faculty and student meeting. Through this meeting, students and faculty collaborate on research, publications, conference presentations, and theory building.
The faculty in this concentration area approach education in critical ways. This ensures the future of a more transformational, liberating, and humanizing educational system and society.
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 faculty member or researcher. The program prepares leaders who value educational excellence and social justice. Additionally, the School of Education and Human Development is counted among U.S. News & World Report's “Best Graduate Schools,” making CU Denver one of the top education schools in the country.
Courses
The 75-credit program begins each fall.
Program Courses
Course CatalogRecommended Completion Time:4 to 8 years
Required Credits for Completion:75
Admission Requirements
Application Opens: July 1, 2026
Application Deadline: Novemeber 15, 2026
Minimum Requirements:
- Master's degree or equivalent
- 3.5 GPA in graduate-level coursework (recommended)
- Three recommendation letters (two from university faculty)
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Teaching license (if applying for licensure)
- Current resume/CV demonstrating relevant professional and academic experience
- Written statement (2-4 pages) addressing educational background, research goals, and career alignment with the program
- Master's thesis and/or published materials (recommended)
- $50 application fee
- Admissions interview (may be required)
- Proof of English language proficiency (international applicants)
Additional Information
Pre-Application Consultation: We require potential applicants to meet with a faculty advisor in a specified concentration area, who conducts research in an applicant’s area of interest, prior to submitting an application. This ensures applicants have an opportunity to discuss their research areas of interest, as well as an opportunity to introduce themselves to faculty and learn about faculty research areas. Additionally, you will be asked to write the faculty member’s name in the application. The program lead for Critical Studies in Education can be reached at Sofia.chaparro@ucdenver.edu.
International Applicants only: Proof of English Language Proficiency (International applicants should review the following information regarding English language proficiency). This program does not meet the visa requirements for students planning to use either a F-1 or J-1 visa. For more questions regarding visa requirements please contact intladmissions@ucdenver.edu.
For more information, email education@ucdenver.edu or call 303.315.6300.