Doctor of Philosophy in Education and Human Development, Inclusive Early Childhood Education
School of Education & Human Development
Overview
Degree: PhD
Classroom Type: Online and on campus classes
The PhD in Inclusive Early Childhood Education concentration prepares candidates to be faculty members, researchers, and leaders. Graduates will be at the forefront of change in the areas of early childhood education, early childhood special education, and early childhood multicultural/multilingual education.
Application​ deadlines
December 16, 2024
Program Details
Interest Categories: Education & Counseling
Campus: CU Denver
This program prepares scholars to define problems and conduct research that informs curriculum and policies aimed at promoting child- and family-centered early childhood education. This is with a focus on educating children across races, ethnicities, abilities, and languages. To do so, coursework is grounded in theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches.
Students in this program will:
- Examine the theoretical literature that undergirds the study of child development, early childhood education, and early childhood special education.
- Deepen knowledge of theory and research in child- and family-centered approaches in inclusive early childhood education.
- Develop the skills to conduct rigorous research related to culturally sustaining practices that demonstrates a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Conduct applied and translational research that makes connections among research, practice and policy to help reduce inequities in opportunities and outcomes for young children.
- Create, evaluate and improve preservice teacher education programs in child development, early childhood education, and early childhood special education.
- Advocate for and lead change to assure all children's growth and development in a variety of early childhood settings serving young children from birth through age eight. (Students particularly interested in deepening their knowledge in leadership for equity and who primarily hold careers goals to advocate and lead change within organizations should consult our EdD program in Inclusive ECE).
Why the Doctor of Philosophy in Education and Human Development, Inclusive Early Childhood Education at CU Denver?
Teaching and Research Experiences
In this program, you can participate in teaching and research experiences early and throughout the program.
Build Your Dossier
Leverage opportunities to present, write and publish with your faculty to build your dossier.
Conduct a Dissertation Study
As part of course requirements, you will learn how to design and conduct a dissertation study.
Recommended Completion Time:4 to 6 years
Required Credits for Completion:75 Credits
Admission Requirements
The Inclusive Early Childhood Education PhD Concentration will be accepting two to three new students for the 2025-26 academic year who have specific research interests in the development and learning of dual language Latinx learners, the preparation of Latine early childhood educators, Latinx parents’ beliefs and practices about supporting their children’s learning, and/or home-school partnerships with Latinx families. Before applying, please contact Dr. Cristina Gillanders at cristina.gillanders@ucdenver.edu for more information about the program and to learn about competitive graduate student research assistantships available.
Application Dates
Application Opens: July 1, 2024
Application Deadline: December 16, 2024
Application Requirements
- Minimum requirements:
- Master's degree or equivalent
- 3.5 GPA in graduate-level course work recommended
- Recommendation Letters: three letters; two should come from faculty with whom an applicant has taken courses
- Official Transcripts from all institutions attended
- Resume/CV: Applicants must have and show evidence of relevant professional and/or academic experience.
- Written Statement: In 4-6 pages (double-spaced, Times New Roman 12-point font or larger), discuss professional/educational experiences that led you to seeking a PhD, your research interests and their relationships to problems you have identified in the field, and a potential advisor with which you would like to work.
- Writing Example: Examples include but are not limited to: Master's thesis or other course/seminar papers for prior coursework, and/or published materials such as articles, book chapters, and technical reports.
- Application Fee: $50.00
- Admissions Interview: Applicants who advance to the interview phase will be contacted to participate in an interview with concentration area faculty.
- International Applicants only: Proof of English Language Proficiency (International applicants should review the following information regarding English language proficiency)
For more information, email Cristina Gillanders.
Choose CU Denver’s School of Education & Human Development
You can trust CU Denver to provide an education that will prepare you for excellence in your career as a faculty member or researcher. The university and school are recognized for preparing leaders of distinction who value educational excellence and social justice. Additionally, CU Denver’s School of Education & Human Development is counted among U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Graduate Schools,” making us one of the top education schools in the country.
ECE Educator Scholarships
ECE Educator Scholarships, administered by the Colorado Department of Higher Education in collaboration with Colorado Department of Early Childhood, are designed for early childhood education students living in Colorado who are pursuing dedicated coursework, certificates and degrees up to a master’s degree. Awards vary dependent upon credit hours of enrollment and program. All eligible students receive some funding.