Meet the EdD & PhD Faculty
Doctoral Programs
We take pride in the quality of CU Denver School of Education & Human Development’s nationally ranked doctoral programs and the educational and professional experiences provided to our students. Our EdD, PhD and PsyD programs strive to provide coursework, individual supervision and mentorship to produce scholars, researchers, leaders and innovators of the highest quality: research-savvy, methodologically sophisticated, and prepared for a lifetime of contributions to their field of study. Explore the following exciting routes. Each path leads to different careers and supports different learning outcomes.
EdD & PhD Student Resources
Doctor of Education in Leadership for Educational Equity (EdD)
This program is designed for experienced educators and human service professionals who wish to be leaders of change in schools, agencies, and communities. It offers tools for leaders of school and organizational improvement, reform and educational equity and provides you the opportunity to apply evidence-based methods. Most of the students in our cohort-based program are working full time; therefore, any synchronous online sessions are offered late afternoon or early evening.
- Learn with your peers in a cohort-based year plan to graduation – coursework is completed in 2 or 3 years followed by the doctoral research project.
- All concentrations are fully online, with synchronous and asynchronous course work
- Engage with faculty and our district and community partners on identified problems of practice and policy
- Become data savvy for strategic planning and decision-making
- Culminate your program with a dissertation-in-practice
Doctor of Philosophy in Education and Human Development, Research and Evaluation Methods
School of Education & Human Development
Overview
Degree: PhD
Classroom Type: Online and on campus classes
We need researchers who understand societal problems firsthand AND have the tools to tackle them. Join CU Denver’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education and Human Development concentration in Research and Evaluation Methods to become exceptionally data savvy and immediately apply your learning to your field. Students gain expertise in methods and advanced analysis techniques while participating in research, evaluation, and teaching experiences.
Application deadlines
December 15, 2025
Program Details
Interest Categories: Education Human Development Psychology Social & Behavioral Sciences
Campus: CU Denver
The field of education needs experts in data use and research approaches to address critical problems in society. The PhD in Education and Human Development concentration in Research and Evaluation Methods prepares you to become exceptionally data savvy while collaborating with top faculty in the field.
The goal of this concentration is to prepare you to:
- Design and carry out meaningful, engaged research in education, human development, and social science fields.
- Become collaborative, mindful, culturally responsive researchers and evaluators. We take a strong social justice stance to our field.
- Learn advanced quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research techniques.
Why Research and Evaluation Methods at CU Denver?
Teaching and Research Experiences
You will participate in teaching and research experiences early and throughout the program.
Build Your Dossier
Leverage opportunities to present and publish with your faculty to build a strong resume alongside your coursework.
Conduct Research and Evaluation Studies
As part of the course requirements, you will learn how to design and conduct multiple research and evaluation studies including a dissertation study.
Networking & Collaboration
Gain access to faculty networks while building your own connections through multiple collaboration opportunities across the university and your field of interest.
Helpful Links & Documents
Sample Courses
- RSEM 7100 - Advanced Qualitative Methods 3 credits
- RSEM 7130 - Advanced Measurement: Item Response Theory 3 credits
- RSEM 7800 - Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) 3 credits
- RSEM 7400 - Culturally Responsive Research and Evaluation Methods 3 credits
Recommended Completion Time:4 to 5 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.
Doctor of Philosophy in Education and Human Development (PhD)
This full-time program is designed for those whose aspirations are to join an academic faculty at an institution of higher education for a career in higher education teaching and research. Become an expert in the field’s research literatures, contemporary policy/practice issues and research methodologies of your chosen concentration area while working in a close relationship with your faculty mentors. Earning a PhD in Education and Human Development will culminate in an original dissertation; your courses and experiences will prepare you to design and conduct a dissertation study.
- Participate in teaching and research experiences early and throughout your program
- Leverage opportunities to present, write and publish with your faculty to build your dossier
- Become involved with campus faculty governance
Applicants should contact lead faculty in the concentration area and communicate with possible advisors prior to completing their application process.
The PhD program in Education and Human Development welcomes students from other countries. Please note, however, that – with one exception - the PhD program is currently not designed to meet F-1 or J-1 visa requirements. The only concentration that may work for F-1 or J-1 students is the Family Science and Human Development (FSHD) concentration. Please contact the FSHD program for more details.
Doctor of Philosophy in Education and Human Development, Research and Evaluation Methods
School of Education & Human Development
Overview
Degree: PhD
Classroom Type: Online and on campus classes
We need researchers who understand societal problems firsthand AND have the tools to tackle them. Join CU Denver’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education and Human Development concentration in Research and Evaluation Methods to become exceptionally data savvy and immediately apply your learning to your field. Students gain expertise in methods and advanced analysis techniques while participating in research, evaluation, and teaching experiences.
Application deadlines
December 15, 2025
Program Details
Interest Categories: Education Human Development Psychology Social & Behavioral Sciences
Campus: CU Denver
The field of education needs experts in data use and research approaches to address critical problems in society. The PhD in Education and Human Development concentration in Research and Evaluation Methods prepares you to become exceptionally data savvy while collaborating with top faculty in the field.
The goal of this concentration is to prepare you to:
- Design and carry out meaningful, engaged research in education, human development, and social science fields.
- Become collaborative, mindful, culturally responsive researchers and evaluators. We take a strong social justice stance to our field.
- Learn advanced quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research techniques.
Why Research and Evaluation Methods at CU Denver?
Teaching and Research Experiences
You will participate in teaching and research experiences early and throughout the program.
Build Your Dossier
Leverage opportunities to present and publish with your faculty to build a strong resume alongside your coursework.
Conduct Research and Evaluation Studies
As part of the course requirements, you will learn how to design and conduct multiple research and evaluation studies including a dissertation study.
Networking & Collaboration
Gain access to faculty networks while building your own connections through multiple collaboration opportunities across the university and your field of interest.
Helpful Links & Documents
Sample Courses
- RSEM 7100 - Advanced Qualitative Methods 3 credits
- RSEM 7130 - Advanced Measurement: Item Response Theory 3 credits
- RSEM 7800 - Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) 3 credits
- RSEM 7400 - Culturally Responsive Research and Evaluation Methods 3 credits
Recommended Completion Time:4 to 5 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.
Doctor of Psychology, School Psychology (PsyD)
This School Psychology program, accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), is a top program in the United States. It is one of a few programs in the nation to offer an optional bilingual concentration. Practical experiences include supervised practicums, internships and research opportunities. The PsyD program has a 100% job placement rate.
Doctor of Philosophy in Education and Human Development, Research and Evaluation Methods
School of Education & Human Development
Overview
Degree: PhD
Classroom Type: Online and on campus classes
We need researchers who understand societal problems firsthand AND have the tools to tackle them. Join CU Denver’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education and Human Development concentration in Research and Evaluation Methods to become exceptionally data savvy and immediately apply your learning to your field. Students gain expertise in methods and advanced analysis techniques while participating in research, evaluation, and teaching experiences.
Application deadlines
December 15, 2025
Program Details
Interest Categories: Education Human Development Psychology Social & Behavioral Sciences
Campus: CU Denver
The field of education needs experts in data use and research approaches to address critical problems in society. The PhD in Education and Human Development concentration in Research and Evaluation Methods prepares you to become exceptionally data savvy while collaborating with top faculty in the field.
The goal of this concentration is to prepare you to:
- Design and carry out meaningful, engaged research in education, human development, and social science fields.
- Become collaborative, mindful, culturally responsive researchers and evaluators. We take a strong social justice stance to our field.
- Learn advanced quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research techniques.
Why Research and Evaluation Methods at CU Denver?
Teaching and Research Experiences
You will participate in teaching and research experiences early and throughout the program.
Build Your Dossier
Leverage opportunities to present and publish with your faculty to build a strong resume alongside your coursework.
Conduct Research and Evaluation Studies
As part of the course requirements, you will learn how to design and conduct multiple research and evaluation studies including a dissertation study.
Networking & Collaboration
Gain access to faculty networks while building your own connections through multiple collaboration opportunities across the university and your field of interest.
Helpful Links & Documents
Sample Courses
- RSEM 7100 - Advanced Qualitative Methods 3 credits
- RSEM 7130 - Advanced Measurement: Item Response Theory 3 credits
- RSEM 7800 - Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) 3 credits
- RSEM 7400 - Culturally Responsive Research and Evaluation Methods 3 credits
Recommended Completion Time:4 to 5 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.