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


December 15, 2025

Program Details

Interest Categories: Education & Counseling

Campus: CU Denver

The Critical Studies in Education PhD Concentration will be accepting students for the 2026-27 academic year who have specific research interests in issues related to culture, and literacy and language development with a specific focus on bilingual learners in K-12 schools.

 


 

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.
 
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.

Helpful Links & Documents


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Program Courses

Course Catalog

Recommended Completion Time:4 to 8 years

Required Credits for Completion:75

Admission Requirements


Application Opens: August 1, 2025
Application Deadline: December 15, 2025

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)

Pre-Application Consultation: We encourage prospective students to contact faculty in mathematics education for consultation prior to applying. This ensures alignment between student interests and faculty expertise while providing information about potential funding opportunities.

This interdisciplinary Mathematics Education specialization prepares graduates to be transformational scholars who drive positive change in mathematics education. Whether conducting groundbreaking research, preparing future teachers, or developing innovative pedagogies, CU Denver's PhD program empowers educators to shape the future of mathematics learning for all students.

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