Doctor of Education in Leadership for Educational Equity, Designing for Professional Learning

School of Education & Human Development

Overview

Degree: EdD

Classroom Type: Online and on campus classes

Designed for those who are passionate about supporting the learning and professional development needs of K - 12 district-level teacher trainers, post-secondary educators, and workplace trainers using online and technology-based pedagogies.

Application​ deadlines


January 1, 2024


Program Details

Interest Categories: Education & Counseling

Campus: CU Denver

Graduates of this program assume leadership positions in adult learning, instructional design, and change leadership.

Students in this concentration will: 

  • Apply principles of adult learning, instructional design and change leadership to professional and workplace learning 
  • Employ a variety of methods including mentoring, coaching, site-based learning communities, e-learning resources, and workshops to support professional growth and accountability 
  • Engage with faculty, worksites, and districts to address problems of practice and policy 
  • Become data savvy for strategic planning and decision-making 
  • Design and use media as a means of communication and professional development 
  • Culminate the program with a doctoral research project dissertation. 

Choose CU Denver's School of Education & Human Development 

This program prepares students for excellence in their career as an executive leader of an educational organization. CU Denver's School of Education & Human Development (SEHD) is recognized for preparing leaders of distinction 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 a combination of on-campus, hybrid, remote, and online courses. 

Every student must be available to attend on-campus courses each semester, each year of the program. 

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 

The program strives to expose 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, Designing for Professional Learning program at CU Denver?

 

Flexible option for working professionals

Most of the students in our 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 our 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 – 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. Our EdD students are prepared for the real world. This program partners with diverse, urban schools and community organizations. Many of our faculty members speak Spanish. This knowledge and skills enhance our student's ability to serve culturally diverse and underrepresented individuals and families.

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
Course Catalog

Recommended Completion Time:3 or 5 Years

Required Credits for Completion:54

Admission Requirements


The EdD in Leadership for Educational Equity, Designing for Professional Learning 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.

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